Chapter 56: Leo undergoes an exciting trial (1)

The shrine maidens gathered from various countries, assembling in the grand cathedral to perform the ritual of praise, celebrating both the spirits of light and the land of Elrand—the Ceremony of Praise began at dusk on the second day of the Contract Festival.

Once used as the royal palace of Elrand, the magnificent cathedral housed maidens from various nations, adorned in vibrant laurels, standing side by side. The sight of women draped in colorful fabrics, arranged in geometric patterns within the circular cathedral adorned with intricate tiles, was a spectacle in itself, almost artistic.

Some meticulously combed their hair with oil and carefully tied it up, while others adorned the corners of their eyes with crushed mineral pigments. Perhaps due to the consciousness of representing their respective countries, their attire was uniformly beautiful. (At least on the surface.)

Seated in a raised position in the cathedral as the representative of the hosting country, Safita looked down at the maidens with an expressionless face, pondering such thoughts. Adhering to the rules, excessive ornamental decorations seemed to be avoided, yet the fragrance emanating from the perfumes worn by the maidens made the supposedly sacred cathedral suffocatingly fragrant.

The thickly applied white makeup was a manifestation of vanity. Intended as a display of their homeland’s appeal, the feather and fur ornaments worn by some maidens were a source of impurity. (Above all, the expressions of the attendants standing behind the maidens.)

Safita glanced briefly at the officials clad in beige robes standing behind the maidens, wearing a cold expression. According to the rules of the Contract Festival, maidens were not allowed to bring attendants from their homeland. It was supposed to be a trial to live independently, but for princesses accustomed to being pampered by many, such a lifestyle was simply unacceptable.

It seemed that the princesses, accustomed to being served by attendants, failed to realize the potential for establishing a closer relationship with the Elrand people, which would make it easier to receive blessings from the spirits.

Of course, there was no obligation to point it out from our side. Seven years is a long time. Even if the previous generation of maidens regretted and passed on their thoughts, to transmit and train the next generation, both will and memory would fade over such a period.

That’s why, every time, Elrand would be confronted with these women who indulged in vanity and arrogance, as if watching a poorly performed entertainment show.

(In this Contract Festival, just how many of them will the spirits smile upon?)

Blessings were promised in the form of a smile from the spirits. Only the maiden who performed a stunning hymn that touched the hearts would be graced with a smile from the luminous spirits.

And on the morning of the final day of the Contract Festival, the luminous spirits would bestow pure light blessings upon the maiden’s homeland.

It was likely due to the waning faith in the spirits that the number of countries receiving blessings had gradually decreased over the past century. In the past, if a country failed to receive blessings, an envoy from that country would come and prostrate before the Elrand king for months, begging for the mercy of the spirits. However, such scenes have diminished recently.

After the previous Contract Festival, where a nation was destroyed, it was unlikely to witness such scenes again in the future. In the maidens’ gazes, along with the desire for blessings, there were also emotions of contempt and scorn towards the fallen nation.

While concealing the indescribable frustration and irritation behind his shrewd demeanor, Safita observed the maidens. Suddenly, she narrowed her gray-blue eyes.

There were no maidens from Weitz.

That girl, who seemed like a living embodiment of the luminous spirits, had not yet arrived at the cathedral.

(…I wonder if she won’t make it in time.)

Calculating the distance from the slums, Safita inwardly nodded to herself. Whether she had tired from walking, cried along the way, collapsed under the unfamiliar sunlight for too long, or felt ashamed of her dirtied appearance and secluded herself in her room—the reason didn’t matter.

Failing to appear before the spirits would be considered negligence as a maiden and an insult to the spirits.

However—Safita was shocked to find himself somewhat expecting that the girl, who had caused the situation herself, would stand there with a nonchalant expression.

What a contradiction.

Ridiculous, he shook his head. Such frivolous thoughts were neither appropriate nor permissible in this situation.

At the center of the cathedral, where the luminous spirits were to manifest, there was a throne crafted from beautiful stones, and beside it, a veiled luminous orb was placed. Being a treasure within treasures, it was kept hidden from the public eye, even during the ritual, to prevent other nations’ maidens from realizing its tainted state.

The treasure of Elrand, corroded by magic.

Gazing at it once again, Safita tightened his resolve.

The highest-ranked luminous spirit, with its noble spirit and compassionate heart, seldom blamed humans for trivial matters. Even if the vessel was tainted and the power of light diminished, as long as Elrand, the guardian, was not in clear danger, it wouldn’t even show anger.

But that’s why the people of Elrand revered and served her even more.

(However, if a Weitz maiden has damaged the vessel of the spirits, then in place of the luminous spirits, we must impose punishment…)

As Safita tightened his fist resting on his knee, the moment he did so—

A ripple swept through the air in the cathedral.

Well, strictly speaking, it wasn’t a simultaneous uproar but rather spread like a wave from a certain point. And that point—right at the entrance of the cathedral—was exactly where the girl Safita had envisioned had just entered.

(…!)

Casually turning her gaze and catching sight of the girl, Safiita’s eyes widened.

Her presence was striking.

Against the backdrop of the sun emitting its strongest light before setting, the girl’s face, gazing directly at them with determination, was like a miracle in itself.

Her translucent white skin, now lightly touched with blush, resembled a ripe peach harboring dewdrops.

Though her eyes were a clear purple, the slight touch of crimson at the corners enhanced her enchanting allure.

Adorning her carefully tied black hair were white mandara flowers.

Wrapped in an immaculate white robe, seemingly just woven, with vibrant laurels in hand as if freshly plucked.

Moreover, with each step she took, a refreshing citrus scent, not perfume, wafted through the air.

(How…!)

Even among the shrine maidens, there were murmurs of admiration.

Pristine yet enchanting, her appearance drew attention despite its simplicity, like a miracle in human form.

Accompanied by attendants with gentle smiles on both sides, the scene resembled nothing short of the luminous spirits themselves with their apostles.

Everyone was rendered speechless, watching as the girl advanced.

(Oh no…)

Meanwhile, Leo, disguised as a mere miser behind the miraculous beauty, could only shrug at the unceasing stares directed at him.

(Look at that, isn’t being punctual a universal business etiquette across all continents? I told them to hurry!)

Internally grumbling at Khaje and Surya—apparently, for some reason, those two, who seemed to have suddenly gained motivation in the slums, had been teasing him both physically and verbally throughout the journey.

When the three of them boarded the basket carried by the Jagged boys, Leo was genuinely surprised by the tenacity of the basket as well as the one’s carrying it. 

After being pulled out of the basket by the crowd, he was hastily washed with fresh water and cleaned up. Then they proceeded to use mandarin skin and oil from a plant locally called karu as a substitute to perfume and hair oil. Despite his attempts to wiggle free, they applied make up and tied up his hair.

As soon as they were finished with all of that, a fresh new robe and Laren were provided and then the group ran to the cathedral. 

Leo felt disheartened at being late because of all this. He would have preferred showing up as is, if it meant arriving five minutes early, after all that was his moto. 

This obsession with beauty would lead them to hell one day for sure. 

As he glanced through the gap in the door, Leo could see everyone already was present.

“Should we use any other entrance to join in  inconspicuously…?”

His request was blatantly ignored as Khaje and Surya threw open the doors at the same time.

As a result, Leo found himself in a constant state of being scrutinized as if he were a latecomer in the class.

(This is embarrassing… I’m being thoroughly watched…)

This was what it meant to be under piercing gazes.

While Khaje and Surya walked alongside him, seemingly unperturbed, even smiling—their skills of nonchalance were commendable—Leo could only maintain a poker face at best.

To onlookers, it seemed like a scene of a girl walking straight ahead while being proudly escorted by attendants, but Leo was oblivious to that.

Moving as directed, they eventually reached Safita directly.

Meeting his gaze as she looked down at them, Leo offered a hesitant smile to mask the awkwardness. Safita momentarily widened his blue-gray eyes, then casually averted his gaze.

“――Then, let us proceed with the Ceremony of Praise from now on.”

It seems Leo was truly waiting for, and as soon as he arrived, Safita stood up smoothly and announced in a cool voice. He seems to be serving as the master of ceremonies, whether because of his former prince status or as one of the great sages.

In contrast to him standing up, the shrine maidens and court ladies all knelt down in unison.

In the ritual of praise, the priests of Elrand first offer prayers and manifest the spirits of light.

Then, one by one, the priestesses from each country step forward, introducing themselves and offering praise, waiting for the response of the spirits of light.

“O sublime and noble guardian of the promised land, who rules over the continent with light. We offer our loyal kisses to your abundant black hair, and may we be granted eternal joy before your eyes of compassion. Cast light upon the path of ignorance, and fill the homes of mortals with your warm radiance—”

Starting with Safita’s voice, the nine priests wearing headgear bowed deeply and chanted prayers.

It’s ancient Elrandic.

It’s not just the archaic language; it has a unique rhythm in intonation and pronunciation, seeming to lure the listener into the world of spirits with its enchanting, song-like flow.

(Well, more like the world of dreams, actually.)

The voices, with their certain rhythmic pattern, oscillating between high and low pitches like a pendulum, seemed to effortlessly induce drowsiness in the listeners.

Glancing sideways, there are already several shrine maidens rowing boats.

Well, it’s understandable to feel sleepy, walking around in the heat, endlessly listening to ancient Elrandic, not understanding a thing.

But surprisingly, Leo, who would seem to be the first to fall asleep, didn’t feel sleepy at all.

Because—

(This prayer seems to be praising the spirit of light, or rather, the spirit of gold!)

The content of this prayer seemed to be dedicated to the spirit of gold, whom Leo worshiped. To Leo, whether clearing away ignorance or warming homes and hearths, it was all the work of the spirit of gold.

(Heh, I’m glad I studied ancient Elrandic hard after the incident with the Water Lord.)

If one could understand the content, this seemingly endless prayer praising the spirits would sound like continuously complimenting someone you like, appreciating their various qualities.

Rather, feeling an overwhelming desire to join in, Leo poured all his concentration into listening earnestly to the prayer.

It was those around him who were impressed, especially the shrine maidens from other countries of his age and the court ladies behind them. Comparing the sincere attitude of the girl with their own drowsy eyes, they felt ashamed.

And also, the girl’s beauty.

Wrapped in sacred garments, quietly kneeling, she looked just like a painting.

The shrine maidens planned to report this girl to the king and their families as soon as they returned home.

And then, at that moment.

—Crackling…

As sunset approached, the dimly lit cathedral began to fill with light as bright as midday.

It was the manifestation of the spirit of light.

Tied up high on her head, her rich flowing hair still exudes warmth with its glossy black.

Her perfectly symmetrical face, with its godly golden eyes, was something humans couldn’t possess.

Her gently tied lips exudes kindness, and as she lifted her chin, there was an unassailable dignity about her.

Truly, she was a beautiful and dignified figure befitting the supreme spirit.

Ah, sighs leaked out from somewhere.

For many princesses without magical or spiritual power, even this scene, where light suddenly overflowed like daylight, was a miracle that greatly moved their hearts.

What captured their attention even more was the striking resemblance between the kneeling shrine maiden of Weitz and the spirit of light on the throne, standing right beside her.

Though their eye colors were different, their black hair, beautiful faces, and dignified postures were alike.

Their confrontation was like looking into a mirror.

Or perhaps, the girl gazing at the spirit with a start seemed like a younger sister reuniting with her sister torn between heaven and earth.

But.

(Uwaaaahhh!?)

The girl playing the role of the younger sister, unfortunately, was just a vulgar miser who let out an untactful exclamation of astonishment.

(Life… spirit of light! Amazing! Her eyes are golden! Amazing! She’s like the spirit of gold!)

Leo was moved.

He thought he wouldn’t be too surprised since he had already seen Karnelion, but indeed, as befitting the supreme spirit among supreme spirits, the spirit of light had a vivid holiness that even shook Leo’s unworthy soul.

Or rather, the appearance of the spirit of light was remarkably similar to the “spirit of gold” Leo had imagined, and in that sense, Leo had been trembling with excitement since earlier.

(Amazing! Beautiful! The best! Totally my type!! Ah, if only her hair were golden too!)

Leo was starting to think that it was okay to call this spirit the spirit of gold.

Contrary to the fervent gaze he cast, his thoughts were unbelievably skeptical.

Enraptured, he stared as if his soul had been taken away. Eventually, Safita, who had finished her prayer, wished for the manifestation and knelt down.

“—May mercy be upon the continent.”

This signaled the beginning of the praises by the priestesses of each country.

It was the turn of the girl who had gone unnoticed until then—meaning she was from the smallest country.

She hesitantly raised her face and hastily walked forward to the throne, her movements awkward. Then, she introduced herself in clumsy Elrandic.

And thus began praising the land of the spirits.

“The land of the spirits, um, the third daughter of the Sharukas Kingdom, Rita, um, here. The land of the spirits, Elrand, um, the sunlight is beautiful… um, the white, stone buildings are… um.”

Perhaps “um” was a word in her country’s language that meant “um,” or something like that. Leo calmly analyzed in his excited mind.

Despite stumbling and producing a large amount of “um,” Miss Rita managed to finish her praise, her face reddening as she bowed her head to the ground.

Then, a lady-in-waiting provided some clarifications, and Safita translated them into ancient Elrandic, conveying them to the spirit of light.

Apparently, since demanding everyone to speak ancient Elrandic was unreasonable, this interpreting work was necessary. Complicated.

Then Safita asked if there were any lies in the speech, and Rita answered, finally finishing her praise.

Though the spirit maintained a gentle expression, she didn’t smile.

As Rita stepped back, one by one, the priestesses of homage stepped forward, each offering praise.

By the time the priestesses from ten countries and regions finished their praises, Leo had learned the word “um” in ten languages.

Apparently, these girls hadn’t traveled far like Leo, but had just extended their legs to the major tourist spots near the cathedral.

Even the descriptions of the praises, such as “the sunlight is dazzling” or “the white and mosaic buildings are magnificent,” were superficial, indicating that they didn’t gain much from the experience.

Well, it’s tough to come up with impressions after just taking a quick trip to well-known tourist spots around the cathedral, especially if you’re bombarded with “um” in ancient Elrandic.

(Ah… Great Sage is really trying to anger the spirits with this girl.)

Meanwhile, Khaje and the others, initially proud of the attention the girl garnered, began to fret as they realized that Safita’s arrangements were undoubtedly cornering the girl.

Unlike the designated location for the girl, the destinations of the priestesses from other countries were all picturesque tourist spots that Elrand boasted of.

One place had a splendid contrast between the open sky and the earth, while another had a majestic cathedral built over a hundred years.

Even the meals served day and night were top-notch.

Just describing them would naturally praise Elrand.

However— the girl was sent to the slums.

She didn’t seem to feel bad about it, but no matter how you spun it, it was difficult to praise.

Kaje himself couldn’t imagine how to describe his hometown to praise Elrand.

(Ah, damn it…! We weren’t supposed to touch upon what happened there!)

On the way, they thought that if this beautifully dressed girl could offer praise in perfect Elrandic, it would be refreshing.

So they corrected her Elrandic.

But upon reflection, no matter how euphemistically they described the incident in the filthy slums, there was no way it could praise Elrand.

In that case, they should have just let the girl speak her weird Elrandic while pretending to supplement her words and forcibly change the meaning of her sentences.

(Ah, damn it…! Damn!)

Earlier, they had been too excited about freeing the girl from the unpleasant trials of pilgrimage.

By protecting her from the strong sunlight and polishing her to shine brightly enough for the other priestesses to envy, they thought they had bounced back against the request to “break her spirit.”

But that wasn’t the case.

By showing the slums to the spirit as the land she spoke of, Khaje and the others had already fulfilled their request splendidly.

(Oh please, don’t mention what happened there…)

For example, the sky being blue, or the sun being big.

That’s enough for describing Elrand.

If they did that, then they could craft elegant phrases to satisfy the spirit’s desires.

“Now, finally. Praise from the priestesses of the Weitz Empire.”

Before they knew it, it was the girl’s turn.