Chapter 56: Leo undergoes an exciting trial (2)

The young girl stood up gracefully, drawing the attention of the shrine maidens who had just finished their duties and were relaxing. As her small feet delicately maneuvered the hem of her robe, the air was filled with a refreshing mandala scent.

“From the east of the land of the spirits’ origin, Elrand, and the Weitz Empire, I have arrived from the Marquis of Hakenberg’s house. My name is Leonora. I humbly offer my heartfelt congratulations to the high and beautiful manifestation of the supreme light.”

With elegant poise, she smoothly executed a perfect curtsy and introduced herself in fluent Elrand language, impressing everyone with her proficiency and eloquence. The surrounding crowd was momentarily stunned by her delicate voice, elegant appearance, and impeccable command of the Elrand language.

Oblivious to the effect she had on the audience, the girl continued her tribute to the spirits with a sincere expression. Once she had conveyed her appreciation for the appearance of the spirits, she seamlessly transitioned to praising the land of Elrand.

“The land I witnessed was filled with lively towns and honest citizens,” she said.

The sudden change in the direction of her speech left Khaje and Surya clenching their fists involuntarily. They both shared a silent plea,“Please, don’t let her speak ill of Elrand. Don’t let her words lead to conflict.”

As Khaje tightened his lips, trying to hold back his prayers, the girl spoke unexpectedly.

“The town was bustling with energy, and its people were kind-hearted,” she continued.

The words that flowed from her lips astonished Khaje and Surya. The girl, with her large violet eyes sparkling, continued to speak enthusiastically.

“The places I visited may not have been the wealthiest, but they exuded a brilliant sense of blessing everywhere.”

“The homes were crowded yet carefully maintained to avoid encroaching on one another. The people wore old clothes but kept their skin clean; there were no children with diseased faces like those often seen in the slums of Weitz.”

“Everyone worked diligently. Both women and children completed their tasks as independently as men. Meat such as beef and pork was prepared meticulously, with careful bloodletting and precise handling of internal organs. There was a sense of deep gratitude and respect for every living being.”

“Waste was sorted meticulously, and methods were employed to control odors. Everyone maintained cleanliness, hard work, and devoutness.”

Hearing her words, Kaje and Surya were moved deeply. This was a stark contrast to their upbringing in “foul, unrefined” slums where they were never considered worthy of human pride or culture.

Yet this girl praised every aspect of the town that Khaje and Surya had overlooked as ordinary. It was a first for them to hear someone speak so highly of their world.

“The fabric of this vibrant robe was woven by the women of that town. The mandarin’s scented skin was dried by the elders of that town. Upon experiencing these things, I wished for Weitz’s people to learn more about this land.”

Tears welled up in Khaje’s eyes. He was overwhelmed with emotion.

The choice they made earlier had been the right one. This girl was not someone to be harmed over a mere three silver coins.

With her radiant appearance, pure heart, and loving purple eyes, the girl seemed to bring salvation to anyone she looked at. To Khaje and Surya, it felt as though the girl embodied the spirit of light itself.

As the sacred hall fell into an unexpected, serene silence, Leonora continued to speak with great enthusiasm, brimming with excitement.

(What an incredible business opportunity! I’m so grateful!)

There was no deceit in her words. However, the girl’s perspective was not rooted in sympathy for the poor. Instead, she viewed everything through a business lens.

You have some fantastic opportunities here! Lively people, friendly atmosphere, and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners. The local specialties include a variety of textiles and plants.

Leonora’s vision was to transform Elrand’s lower districts into a tourist attraction for Weitz’s residents. Organizing craft workshops, hand-made experiences, and barbecuing fresh meats were just some of the plans she had in mind.

The diligent and clean-minded locals would be a great asset in her endeavors. Transforming mandarin skin into scented oils or potpourri as a local specialty was also on her agenda.

As Leonora made plans in her mind, the surroundings seemed to grow brighter. She glanced at the spirits with curiosity.

Her serene smile blossomed, her flawless face lighting up. 

“The spirit of light smiled upon her!”

“The spirits have promised blessings to the Weitz shrine maiden!”

A stir spread among the shrine maidens and priests. Although the maidens from over thirty countries had completed their tributes, this was the first time the spirit had shown such a warm smile.

And even though Safita hadn’t yet translated Leonora’s words into ancient Elrand language, the spirit understood and responded directly.

(Does the spirit want to bless this maiden based solely on her demeanor?)

Safita watched the scene in disbelief, his mind racing.

The spirit usually only communicated through the ancient Elrand language. Though the spirit could convey its thoughts to humans through emotions, humans were required to address the spirit in the ancient tongue as a sign of respect.

For the spirit to understand and acknowledge Leonora’s intentions without her using ancient Elrand language meant that the spirit was exceptionally fond of her. In other words, Leonora had gained the spirit’s favor to an extraordinary extent.

(How is this possible?)

Safita was in a state of confusion.He had crafted a scenario where the Weitz shrine maiden, worn out from the trials, would arrive disheveled and express dissatisfaction with Elrand during her tribute.

Safita had hoped to exploit Leonora’s rumored pride to incite anger, showing her only the poorest districts to provoke frustration. However, Leonora arrived elegantly, with the same composed demeanor she displayed the previous night, speaking fluent Elrand and delivering an inspiring tribute.

Leonora’s words even caused cracks in Safita’s rigid mindset, offering him new insights. She had thought of the poor districts as mere gathering places for the lower classes, believing that Elrand’s culture was concentrated in places like the grand cathedral.

But the diligent and devout nature of Elrand’s citizens was evident in the poorest districts. The spirit’s blessings extended throughout the land, even to the farthest reaches.

This realization brought a profound change to the servants who had grown up in the slums. Seeing their reaction, Safita realized they would never be swayed by money again. He felt a burning sense of shame.

Not only was his plan to make Leonora criticize Elrand or the spirits impossible, but it was also wrong to use such a pure-hearted person as a pretext for war.

As Safita battled his inner turmoil, he overheard the voice of his companion, Alir Ad, who seemed almost impressed.

“It seems even I am being swayed by the girl’s charm,” Alir Ad murmured.

“With her resemblance to the spirit of light, her graceful words, I wonder if she truly is a devout follower of the spirits. We may be sinning by planning to use her to justify war. She seems only interested in gaining the spirits’ favor by flattering the poor.”

Alir Ad thoughtfully stroked his beard.

“Furthermore, the spirit itself has blessed this maiden. Should we consider pardoning Weitz?”

Safita replied firmly, “No.”

He heard Alir Ad’s words and realized his own wavering thoughts, deciding to rid himself of such weakness.

“This is not a matter of whether the spirits approve. This is about the pride of our Elrand.”

His voice was low and resolute as he affirmed his conviction.

Elrand’s honor was at stake, and as a descendant of Elrand’s ruling bloodline, he had a responsibility to protect that honor. He would not back down.

Despite everything, the girl’s pleasant words nearly led him astray, causing him to abandon his duty once again. 

Perhaps this was how she had skillfully charmed those around her to achieve her current position. He couldn’t allow himself to be deceived. 

His tendency to be easily swayed by emotions, despite his seemingly cool demeanor, was his greatest flaw. Safita tightened his expression and turned to face the girl.

Through questioning, he hoped to uncover any grievances and find a thread to punish Weitz. 

“Do you swear there is no falsehood in your words, maiden of Weitz?” Safita questioned.

“No, there is none,” the girl replied.

“Do you truly believe you can sense the breath of the spirits even in the entrails of livestock and among the poor who struggle to survive?”

“Yes, I am fortunate to have witnessed it firsthand.”

Despite the solemnity of Safita’s questioning, Leo was inwardly puzzled. Why did he need to answer the same question repeatedly, even though he had already expressed his admiration?

(“Did my praise sound insincere?”) Leo wondered. But it didn’t seem like that was the issue.

The line of questioning seemed relentless, as if the priestesses and mages could not believe there was nothing wrong with his experiences in Elrand, given how strict they were. 

“Well, um… it’s not that I have any complaints…”

This was the kind of nuanced response that might be needed if Elrand were to develop its tourism industry. Searching for any critiques that wouldn’t damage his hosts’ morale, Leo scanned the surroundings.

(“But the food was good, the room comfortable, the people kind, and the prince absent, giving me freedom… The potential for profit is everywhere, so what more could I ask for?”) 

In truth, Leo had no complaints at all. But as he considered the potential for profit, an idea struck him, and he spoke without thinking.

“Oh! If I had to say one thing, it would be that the hair color of the spirit seated over there would be even more stunning if it were golden.”

Yes, since the light spirit resembled the golden spirit he had imagined, he thought it would have been even better if her hair had been luxurious gold.

For Leo, it was a casual, honest observation, but the reaction of those around him was different.

“How dare you…!”

A murmur rippled through the room, and all eyes turned to Leo with expressions of disgust.

Lacking a strong sense of religious faith, Leo was unaware of the taboo he had broken. In Elrand, questioning or doubting a spirit, an absolute being, was the gravest offense.

(“Oh no! I shouldn’t have said that!”) 

Seeing the horrified faces of Khaje and Surya, Leo realized his mistake, but it was too late. The mages and priestesses of Elrand glared at him with disapproval, while priestesses from other countries also cast disapproving glances.

(“Oh no, I’ve failed the priestess mission!”) 

Leo paled, imagining how he would explain himself to the Marquis and Marchioness, but just then, it happened.

A delicate, tinkling laugh filled the room.

A breathtaking sound, like delicate goldwork ringing, echoed through the temple. The gentle laughter grew into a loud, joyous sound that shook the sanctuary.

Everyone was stunned.

The light spirit, who had maintained a calm and composed expression while seated on the radiant throne, had doubled over, her hands covering her face as she laughed.

“—The light spirit… is beyond smiling…?!”

“Amazing! How amusing!”

The light spirit’s laughter interrupted the astonished mages and priestesses. Her laughter subsided, and she lifted her head, shaking her black hair with a graceful hand.

With her perfect golden eyes fixed on Leo and a lingering smile on her lips, she spoke.

“Yes, I agree with you.”

The room fell silent, with everyone gasping at the spirit’s surprising declaration. 

The highest spirit, the absolute being, had just expressed agreement with a statement that seemed to question her appearance!

“—What are you saying, light spirit?!”

Alir Ad was the first to recover from the shock, raising his voice. The other mages followed suit, kneeling and praying for forgiveness, fearing the light spirit might be upset by the comments.

However, the elegant lady seated on the throne halted their prayers.

“That is enough. You do not need to offer such desperate prayers. I am not upset. Did I not say it was amusing?”

Then, she turned back to Leo.

“I have taken a liking to you, maiden of Weitz.”

“What—uh, um, really…?”

Leo was about to exclaim “Are you serious?” but caught himself.

The light spirit stood gracefully and raised her hand.

“The blessings of thirty-two priestesses have been accepted. Let there be light in the land. May those who seek it receive more radiant blessings.”

These are the words spoken by the spirit at the end of the ceremony.

Having decided where to bestow her blessings, she appeared ready to leave.

“Light spirit…!”

“Your earlier comments…!”

“May a new morning and light fill the world when these eyes open again.”

Despite the desperate pleas of the mages, the spirit confidently proclaimed these words.

“Darkness, come to me. Protect the world for a while.”

She closed her eyes, and with that, she vanished.

The people left behind in the now darkened sanctuary could only stare at the empty throne in shock.