Chapter 492: Silent Night, Holy Night (4)
Chapter 492: Silent Night, Holy Night (4)
“A leader must know how to dominate the vision of others.”
These were the words Cien had heard one night during a private audience with the Emperor.
She had been summoned to discuss the rapidly shifting political landscape. For a princess who had just returned from the Academy, the statement felt abrupt and unexpected.
The recent incident at the Mountain Court had caused a massive upheaval in the Holy Kingdom’s power structure. This was synonymous with an impending shift in the balance of the entire continent.
The Heavenly God, who had remained silent for so long, had finally sent down his beloved daughter.
Believers of the Heavenly God were spread across the continent. Even outside the Holy Kingdom, devotees claiming to be children of the Heavenly God were everywhere, their numbers beyond counting.
How would they perceive the events at the Mountain Court?
There was no need to even wonder. The reputation of the Saintess, the central figure of the miracle, was reaching new heights every day, and the streets echoed with hymns praising the Heavenly God.
Public support is one of a ruler's most vital assets.
The Empire could not afford to ignore the Saintess. Nor could they ignore the young knight who stood as a central pillar of the story alongside her.
Ian Percus.
He was now a man receiving accolades such as 'The Star that Clears the Darkness.' His exploits at the Mountain Court had left a deep impression on the minds of the masses.
After all, isn't that how love stories usually go?
It was a theme far more relatable to the common folk than 'servants of the Evil God' or 'conspiracies of the Dark Cult.' Not to mention, he had even managed to wound the Saint, who had held the title of the Holy Kingdom’s strongest for centuries.
The continent’s eyes were now fixed on the man’s next move.
This was the reason the Princess had been summoned to the Imperial Palace.
Cien was not only a member of the Imperial Household but also a comrade of Ian’s who was acquainted with the Saintess. It was only natural to seek her opinion on the series of events.
It was then.
Just as the girl’s heart was swelling with pride for the man she adored, the Emperor offered a sudden piece of advice.
“Cien, do you know? Humans depend heavily on their eyes… No one can be free from their own field of vision. Not you, not I… not even the superhumans who have reached the level of Master.”
“Yes, yes. I am aware, but…”
The Princess had to steal glances at the Emperor, unable to grasp his true intent.
The Emperor wore his usual expression.
His eyes looked somewhat weary and exhausted, and a faint shadow lay over his face, where wrinkles were beginning to set.
Only his blue pupils gazed at Cien with a dim affection.
“The Holy Night Festival is not far off, it seems.”
“...?”
Cien tilted her head again.
Regardless, the Emperor continued in a low voice.
“The Holy Night Festival commemorates the descent of the Heavenly God. It is said that a man and a woman who dance together as a pair can receive the Heavenly God’s blessing… Now that the existence of the Heavenly God has been proven, this year’s festival will garner more attention than ever before.”
The Emperor’s hand came to rest heavily on Cien’s head.
Cien looked up at her father with eyes full of disbelief.
“I would like you to be Sir Ian’s partner.”
At that brief wish, the girl’s light gray eyes went blank.
But only for a moment. Soon, Cien began to tremble, her face filled with sheer terror.
“I—I—how could someone like me possibly...!”
“Why not?”
With a faint, fleeting smile, the Emperor stroked the girl’s hair.
Following his touch, the girl’s face repeatedly crumpled and smoothed.
“You are the Dragon’s Daughter… Take this opportunity to show the people.”
The Emperor’s eyes, carrying a hollow smile, turned toward the empty air.
What those unfocused eyes were reflecting was a riddle that even Cien, with her Dragon’s Eye, could not solve.
“That just as the Heavenly God has a beloved daughter, I, too, have a daughter I love.”
That was why.
After returning to the Academy, the Princess began to intervene more proactively. It wasn't just because of the Emperor’s instructions.
I can’t fall behind any longer.
Anxiety gripped the Princess’s heart like a fever. As the Emperor said, the Holy Night Festival was the only opportunity to create even a small crack in everyone’s perception.
It wasn't just the Saintess.
I am by Sir Ian’s side as well.
To prove that fact, the Princess did not hesitate to return to being a sinister schemer.
Fortunately, luck was on her side.
The Saintess, her most powerful rival, was preoccupied with rooting out the remnants of the Dark Cult.
Elsie, the next most likely candidate, had been out of contact for a long time, and the other women showed no significant movement. It was a golden opportunity.
How foolish.
After she acted innocent a few times, they seemed to view the Princess as nothing more than a cute pet. Well, she didn't mind being a pet as long as she could be with Ian.
Just as a cold smirk began to form on the Princess’s lips...
“Um, Your Highness...?”
The Princess’s first prey spoke in a distressed voice.
When Cien turned her bewildered, light gray gaze toward her, Emma—who was a mere commoner—had to plead with an even more troubled expression.
It was the proper etiquette a subject should show a ruler.
“Y-You can stop now...”
“No!”
However, the Princess simply shook her head firmly, as if a commoner’s plea wasn't even worth considering.
“You’re very tired. You’ll have to work hard for a while longer...”
In the end, Emma had no choice but to drop her head, her face flushing deep red.
The Princess’s slender hands were firmly kneading Emma’s neck and shoulders.
To an onlooker, it was a scene where being sentenced to death for blasphemy wouldn't have been strange. Whether she knew this or not, the Princess simply maintained a lovely smile.
“I’ll be in your care from now on, okay? Senior Emma... Ehehe.”
And so, after much persuasion, Emma decided to support the Princess.
It was the moment the Princess’s first conspiracy achieved success.
*
Senior Elsie’s residence wasn't far.
Mages usually had their own workshops. Among the upperclassmen of the Magic Department, there were even those who didn't bother applying for dorms.
They spent most of their lives in their workshops anyway.
A workshop was a place for research, eating, sleeping, and even training.
The place I arrived at was no different.
Befitting Senior Elsie, who was considered one of the brightest talents in the Magic Department, the workshop was a spacious and comfortable area. Even before entering, I could guess its scale from beyond the door.
There were only two rooms on the entire floor.
I stood outside for a moment, admiring the sight, before carefully knocking on the door.
There was no response for a while.
When I knocked again, a voice full of irritation leaked out.
“...I’m busy!”
It was a rejection more firm than I had imagined.
However, since I had expected this, I knocked once more.
I heard the sound of footsteps approaching, sharp with annoyance.
Just as I was thinking I should reveal my identity...
Thud! The door was thrown open violently.
Beyond it stood a girl with her left hand pressed to her forehead. Her unkempt brown hair and the vivid fatigue on her face revealed her condition.
She hadn't slept properly for a long time.
Even in her unkempt state, she was impeccably lovely. To me, it was actually a refreshing sight, but that was strictly my own perspective.
Senior Elsie, who had been irritably rubbing her temples, slowly turned her eyes toward me.
“Which bastard keeps—”
And then, silence.
The moment our eyes met, Senior Elsie froze in place. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to greet her.
The greeting I managed to squeeze out was just a few words.
“It’s been a while...”
Slam! The door was shut violently.
Immediately after, I heard the girl let out a scream filled with shame.
“Agh! Agh! Aaaaaagh!”
Was my visit too sudden?
I decided to wait patiently in front of the door that refused to open. Judging by the clattering sounds coming from inside, it seemed Senior Elsie was making a desperate effort of her own.
Only after several minutes had passed did the door open again.
The Senior Elsie who reappeared looked completely different from moments ago. Not only was she wearing her signature pointed hat, but her clothes were neatly arranged, and she had applied light makeup.
She had even managed to wash her face in that short time.
While I was dazed by Senior Elsie’s transformation, she wore a bright smile.
“Have you arrived, Master?”
“Well, I...”
I wanted to say something, but Senior Elsie’s smile was exerting a silent pressure on me.
Don't say a word.
The encounter just now never happened.
In the end, I decided to tactfully accept Senior Elsie’s hospitality.
“It’s been a long time, Senior Elsie.”
“Well, I’ve been busy with this and that...”
Even as she led me into the workshop, Senior Elsie couldn't meet my eyes properly.
It seemed the fact that she had suddenly cut off contact and vanished was weighing on her mind.
I, on the other hand, didn't mind at all.
I couldn't even begin to fathom how Senior Elsie felt after losing her uncle. Naturally, she would have wanted to shut herself away in a room to soothe her heart.
If anything, I felt sorry for not being able to comfort her until now.
Especially since we were practically at the stage of getting engaged.
It was then that a hesitating Senior Elsie threw out a question.
“S-So, why did you come?”
My eyes drifted toward her. She was still avoiding my gaze, pressing down on the brim of her hat to hide her face. She was scuffing the floorboards with the tip of her foot.
“You came because you have something to say, right? I’m sorry, but I’m really busy lately...”
“The Holy Night Festival.”
At those sudden words, Senior Elsie’s movements stopped.
Her blue eyes, resembling blue sapphires, turned blankly toward me.
“Would you like to dance with me?”
This was the only comfort I could offer.
Senior Elsie’s lips parted and closed.
And then, silence.
Finally, my gaze and Senior Elsie’s met in a straight line.