Chapter 147: The Second Oracle
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 147: The Second Oracle
*
The news of the 5th Knight Order and me defeating the Kraken in the East became a sensation throughout the Empire.
Moreover, with the nationwide festivals and balls approaching, trade was more active than usual, causing the rumors to spread far beyond our borders.
Having unintentionally become the star of the Moon of Abundance Ball—which doubled as my birthday banquet—I found myself under even greater scrutiny.
I had gone from being the "half-blood princess" to the "pitiful princess," and now, I was being treated as a hero.
"On behalf of the Kingdom of Colt, I offer my deepest gratitude to Your Highness."
Donovan Mook, a member of the Colt royalty, bowed and expressed his thanks.
Fortunately, he had arrived in the Empire before the Kraken appeared, but the merchant ships following behind him had not been so lucky. One ship had barely escaped after becoming the Kraken’s target, and they had been agonizing over what to do next.
Since the Empire had so magnificently eliminated the threat, he seemed profoundly grateful.
Of course, since the Kraken appeared in Imperial waters, it was only natural for us to handle it.
However, sea monsters like the Kraken didn't appear often. This particular Kraken was massive enough to swallow a ship whole. Most sea monsters stayed far away from humans, as the deep ocean already provided plenty of prey.
That was why even seasoned sailors had been left utterly helpless against it. Other nations that lacked the military power of the Empire had no choice but to wait until a Kraken grew bored and left the area.
"It happened within the Empire's jurisdiction, so it was only right that we dealt with it," I replied.
"Even so, thanks to you, we avoided a great loss. This is merely a small token of appreciation to celebrate Your Highness’s birth, so please, do not feel burdened."
Donovan spoke politely as he presented a mountain of gifts. Most were likely goods he had brought to sell in the Empire. Since they were items that would have been lost to the Kraken or sold for a pittance if they had missed the peak season, I didn't refuse further and gave him a bright smile.
"And if I may be so bold, might I request a dance, Your Highness?"
"Oh, well..."
I instinctively glanced at Nathaniel beside me.
The ball had been underway for some time. I had already entered the hall escorted by Nathaniel and shared the first dance with him. However, among those coming to greet me, the men around my age—like Donovan—all seemed to hope they would be my next partner.
Nathaniel remained expressionless as always, but I knew his inner state was anything but calm. That was why I kept checking his reaction.
"Come to think of it, the Princess is nearly of age."
"Her debut into society was delayed because she was asleep, but her coming-of-age ceremony is just around the corner."
"Normally, it wouldn't be strange for her to have a fiancé by now..."
"Well, she’ll certainly have no shortage of suitors now."
Not far away, noblewomen were gossiping incessantly. The subject of their conversation was, for the most part, me. I barely managed to swallow a sigh.
Just as I, having contracted with a demon, could hear every bit of their chatter, Nathaniel surely heard them too.
"Your Highness?"
"Ah."
When I didn't respond, Donovan called out to me, looking puzzled. I snapped out of it and looked at him.
"Ah, my apologies. I’m feeling a bit fatigued, so I don't think I'll be dancing for the time being."
"I see. I understand."
Donovan looked terribly disappointed, but fortunately, he withdrew politely. My lips trembled as I maintained my smile.
Just how much longer do I have to keep greeting people? There was still a long line of people waiting behind him. The sight made me feel faint.
"Your Highness, it would be best if you took a rest."
"She's right, Your Highness. You haven't even had a chance to eat yet."
Nathaniel and Marianne spoke up, concerned. I nodded quickly and made my escape with the two of them.
"Phew, I thought I was going to die."
"I'm just glad you weren't hurt, Dia."
While Nathaniel went to fetch some food, Marianne and I stayed behind, whispering to each other.
Marianne had been away from the capital when the Kraken appeared. During the Moon of Abundance Festival, even the Saintess had so much work that she had to travel across the country. That was why Nathaniel had been able to join the Kraken subjugation in her stead.
"I should have gone with you."
"If you had, you probably would've suffered from terrible seasickness."
"How would you know that?"
I bickered playfully with Marianne. I just didn't want her to feel guilty about it.
"And I was fine. It was Nathaniel who got hurt."
"Hmm, he looks perfectly fine to me."
"That's because he was treated."
"Mmm, I see."
Marianne gave him a suspicious look as she ate some party food. Nathaniel looked so unbothered that it was hard to believe he had been injured at all.
It seemed Marianne had become more suspicious than before. Surely Nathaniel didn't get hurt on purpose? There would be no point in doing something like that.
I chuckled and shook my head. My mother had put a lot of effort into this ball, and the food was exceptionally delicious.
"But Dia, are you really not going to get engaged?"
"What?"
Marianne’s sudden question nearly made me choke. As I coughed painfully, Nathaniel naturally handed me a glass of water.
"Cough, cough. What? Engaged?"
"Yeah. It's about time for members of the Imperial family to start thinking about it."
"Hmm."
Even if I was technically royalty, my situation was different. Not a single drop of Imperial blood actually ran through my veins.
However, as my popularity soared after defeating the Kraken, it seemed people were becoming curious about who I would marry. Seeing even Marianne ask made that clear.
"Actually, I’d prefer it if you didn't get married at all, Dia."
"Sister..."
"But I know that's not possible."
Surprisingly, Marianne had already declared her intention to remain single because she was the Saintess. Clerics here could marry if they wished, and the same applied to the Saintess. That was how the Empress Dowager had been able to become an Imperial Consort despite being a Saintess.
But whether it was because she was disgusted by what happened to her late parents, or because she was truly dedicated to her path as a cleric, Marianne had committed to a life of non-marriage before I even woke up.
If it weren't for Nathaniel, I probably wouldn't have thought about marrying anyone either.
Naturally, my gaze drifted toward Nathaniel again. Whenever people—or those close to me—wondered about my future fiancé, I couldn't help but look at him.
"Sister, actually, I..."
I decided I should tell Marianne the truth, even if I didn't tell anyone else.
Whether it was during the Kraken fight, or with my mother and Dantalion, I had been failing miserably at hiding my relationship with Nathaniel. Marianne was less observant than most, but I figured it was better for her to hear it from me than to find out from someone else.
But just as I opened my mouth to speak to her—
"An oracle has been handed down, Your Majesty!"
"...!"
Priests came rushing into the ballroom, shouting at the top of their lungs.
For a moment, a memory flashed through my mind—the time the Empress Dowager had fabricated an oracle to appoint the young Marianne as the Saintess.
Of course, the current Marianne was a more magnificent Saintess than anyone, but there was much about the Temple's oracles that couldn't be trusted. Perhaps that was why I frowned at the sight of the excited priests.
"An oracle?"
Dantalion also seemed to be remembering that time, as his voice was laced with displeasure. I looked at Marianne beside me.
I asked her with my eyes what was going on, but she seemed just as clueless. She wore a bewildered expression.
An oracle that even the Saintess doesn't know about? How does that make sense?
Just as I was about to step forward, a priest spoke again.
"The future of the Temple shall be with the Star of the Empire!"
"...What?"
"This clearly signifies the marriage between Lord Nathaniel, the successor to His Holiness, and Her Highness the Princess!"
"...!"
The ballroom erupted in a murmur at the priest's bold declaration.
This time, I looked at Nathaniel instead of Marianne. I was certain he had something to do with this.
"Nathaniel, you..."
"It's alright."
"What?"
"No one will be able to interfere with us now."
"Ha..."
It was definitely Nathaniel's doing. I stared at him with my mouth agape as he gave me a gentle smile.