"Lucan-sama, you looked so impressive during the ceremony earlier!"
With the ceremony over, Lucan returned to his room, and Maris naturally followed him, praising him excitedly. They were alone in the room, as the Archpriest and other priests were still busy with post-ceremony duties, allowing the two to rest.
"As expected of Lucan-sama! For light to fall like snow... even the goddess blesses your sainthood!" Mairs smiled with hands clasped together.
"I think... I'm really blessed," Lucan said. He already knew it was Maris's doing, but why expose her?
"Absolutely right, you're blessed, and everyone looked at you with respect... ah, it was truly wonderful. I'm so happy. I'm so proud!"
"...Haah."
Seeing Maris's genuine joy, Lucan did feel a bit happy. However, being a Holy Priest was not as wonderful as it seed.
Now as a Holy Priest, he had to maintain a fitting attitude and behavior that Holy Priests should have.
People's perceptions are often fickle. A bully who shows courage in a movie can be seen as a good person despite past actions. A celebrity with a clean image who commits a minor mistake can be condemned as a terrible person by the public and dia. The better the first impression, the more significant the image decline from minor missteps.
However, Lucan didn't have to worry about this, as he was really good at acting when it ca to such matters. After all, he was able to be goot father and brother figure to Maris, without her realising that he was only using her to get himself high position in the world, but it's also true he want best for her.
"Lucan-sama, is sothing wrong?"
Maris peered into Lucan's face as he was deep in thought. He smiled gently and shook his head slowly.
"No, it's nothing."
At that mont, a knock interrupted their alone ti.
"Co in," Lucan said.
"Excuse , Priest Lucan."
"Oh... Bishop Lyria."
The visitor was Lyria Nightshade, the bishop from the Solaria Sanctum. With narrow eyes and a gentle smile, she bowed politely.
"Oh, pardon ... I should call you Holy Priest Lucan now."
"Call whatever you like. So... what brings you here?"
In the ga, Lyria was the villain trying to take Maris away. Moreover, the most troubling part was that Lyria was Kingdom Class, and also the first Kingdom Class villain that appeared. She shouldn't appear at this ti in the story but later, but with how much things had changed, she appeared earlier.
"It's nothing significant. I just ca to greet you since I didn't have the chance before the ceremony."
"I see. I apologize for not greeting you properly."
"No, no... we may have future connections. I look forward to it."
With a friendly smile, Lyria extended her hand. Lucan responded with a gentle smile and a handshake.
"If you ever have the opportunity, please visit the Solaria Sanctum. I would be happy to show you around."
She turned her friendly smile towards Maris as well.
"Please co along with Saint Maris. We will welco you with open arms."
"Yes, if the opportunity arises."
"If I'm with Lucan-sama."
"Well then, I'll take my leave..."
After bowing again, Lyria exited the room. As the door closed, Lucan furrowed his brows slightly.
"Maris, please avoid being alone with that woman."
"Okay."
---
I see, that guy is not as simple as I thought... either he is powerful, has the saint's blessings, or even possesses so sort of artifact.
Having finished her greeting to Lucan, Lyria clicked her tongue in frustration.
Lyria had tried to use brainwashing magic on Lucan but failed.
Lyria ca here to attend the ceremony, but her main aim was Saint Maris. She wanted to take Maris to Solaria Sanctum but didn't get the chance to speak with Maris alone, and when she got the chance to speak, the Archpriest was with her.
So her next option was Lucan. She intended to control Lucan, and then she could control Maris, but she failed.
The blessing that Saint Maris possesses is beyond expectations. By any ans necessary, she must co to my temple.
To be honest, Lyria is selfish—selfish to the extre. She would do anything that benefited her and her alone.
Getting a saint at Solaria Sanctum would make her the master of Solaria Sanctum, and with the help of the temple, she could research the way of immortality.
Brainwashing him and bringing him back is difficult... then perhaps taking him by force. Though it may damage my reputation, we could put him in the underground cell... no, the 'special room,' and preach the teachings of God. He will eventually comply. But I should also consider that he might have strength.
I need to plan thoroughly and count every possible outco and find a way out if I fail.
"Oh... are you heading back, Bishop Lyria?"
As Lyria muttered to herself while walking, she was addressed. The voice ca from Archpriest Kerum.
"Ah, Archpriest. Are the post-ceremony tasks taken care of?"
"Yes, I left them to my subordinates."
"Well, well... I was just on my way to greet you. For today, I will be returning to my country."
Lyria bowed her head politely. It wasn't a lie. She intended to return officially but act covertly behind the scenes.
"Please convey my regards to everyone. Now, if you'll excuse ..."
"...Allow to give you so advice."
As Lyria was about to leave, Kerum lowered his voice a bit.
"It would be best not to ddle with Saint Maris or Priest Lucan."
Lyria felt the blood drain from her face. The air around her seed to grow colder, as if the very essence of fear was seeping into her bones. She tried to speak, but her voice faltered, betraying the fear she so desperately tried to conceal.
"Archpriest, I think you misunderstood—"
"Misunderstood?" Kerum interrupted, his voice now carrying an edge of nace. "Let make this perfectly clear, Lyria. If you so much as think of ddling with them, you have to deal with ."
A sharp, invisible pressure seed to bear down on Lyria, as if the very air had turned against her. She struggled to breathe, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Kerum turned and walked away, the echo of his footsteps fading into the shadows. Lyria remained frozen, her mind reeling from the encounter. It was only when the Archpriest was completely out of sight that the crushing weight lifted from her chest, allowing her to gasp for breath.
She collapsed to her knees, her entire body shaking, cold sweat dripping onto the stone floor. Her thoughts raced as she tried to regain control over her own body, her mind, her resolve. But the terror that gripped her heart was undeniable.
So… it's true… this man is beyond Kingdom Class.
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