Chapter 69
“So, what else could it be if not the curse from God?”
“If anyone hears you say that, what do you think will happen?”
“Well, what Rodrina said isn’t entirely wrong. Honestly, if it weren’t for the Crown Prince being born, she might never have become the deposed Empress.”
“True. If it weren’t for the Crown Prince, the noble families wouldn’t have been so wary of the new nobility.”
“But they say the Crown Prince didn’t shed a single tear even when the deposed Empress was dragged away.”
“He’s certainly not an ordinary person…”
Andron, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, stroked his chin.
Cyrone Edward, the second prince beloved by all the empire. The boy was growing into a dazzlingly beautiful young man. No matter how rumors twisted, no one in the empire could deny that fact.
His golden hair shone like bundles of sunlight, his piercing eyes revealed whenever the wind blew, his lips a shade of crimson as if blood had settled there, always accompanied by a calm smile at the corners.
Though nothing about him had changed, the beloved prince the people once adored was nowhere to be found. The gathered crowd whispered different things with every passing hour.
Some said the prince was a creation that had drawn God’s jealousy, cursed with a terrible fate.
“The rumors about His Majesty’s serious illness started after last year’s Crown Prince’s birthday, didn’t they?”
“So, will today’s holy water be granted by the Crown Prince? Among the nobles, someone has to receive the holy water given by the imperial family.”
“With rumors of God’s curse circulating, who would dare step forward to receive it?”
Coincidentally, today was the annual, most important prayer ceremony. The chill wind swirling around the temple at the season’s end was quite eerie.
“Oh dear, I’ve been waiting for this day all year!”
Rodrina, dressed splendidly for the occasion, grumbled in irritation.
The reason today’s prayer was so important was because it was the day when both the Pope and the imperial family bestowed their blessings directly. While the Pope’s holy water symbolized coexistence and compassion, the Emperor’s blessing represented wealth and glory, so everyone eagerly sought to receive the imperial holy water.
“Right? Why talk about such spooky things right before the prayer?”
But this year, the atmosphere was definitely different. The gathered crowd felt an inexplicable chill. Rodrina, who had been grumbling, suddenly covered her lips quietly.
“…Hmm.”
The chamberlain’s dry cough echoed softly throughout the temple, and the restless murmurs died down instantly.
“We greet Your Holiness.”
The chamberlain bowed deeply first, and the people gathered lowered their shoulders or knelt. The Pope, dressed in pure white and gold, stepped onto the neatly arranged dais, followed by the cardinals.
“We greet Your Highness.”
After quite some time, Cyrone finally appeared. He was dressed entirely in white, embodying purity itself.
His pure white vestments enveloped his entire body, shining so brightly it seemed to steal the light itself. The sight was so sacred that even those who whispered curses hesitated to speak.
“Sometimes it’s almost terrifying.”
Rodrina murmured quietly, staring blankly at the dais, unable to shake off the uneasy feeling superstitions brought. It was understandable. This boy had such a dazzling and enchanting face, yet no expression at all.
“…Indeed.”
Andron muttered softly. As the Pope made the sign of the cross, a hush fell over the temple. After finishing his prayers, the Pope carefully adjusted his long, flowing robes, preparing to bestow the holy water.
“The person to receive the Pope’s holy water, please rise.”
The cardinal overseeing the ceremony spoke gently. Though the Pope’s holy water symbolized sacrifice and compassion and was not widely sought after, a few of those kneeling rose from their seats.
“Now, it is His Highness’ turn to bless with the holy water.”
As the Pope’s ritual concluded, the cardinal naturally approached Cyrone. The atmosphere inside the temple shifted instantly.
Those kneeling lowered their heads further, their shoulders trembling involuntarily.
“The person to receive His Highness’ holy water, please rise.”
The cardinal’s voice echoed hollowly through the temple. Compared to the earlier commotion when receiving the Pope’s holy water, this silence was intense. Almost embarrassingly so.
The crowd busied themselves glancing around, rolling their eyes at one another. The cardinal, who had overseen this ceremony for many years, seemed uncomfortable and cleared his throat awkwardly.
“……”
The silence pierced Cyrone like an arrow, yet his youthful face remained as expressionless as ever.
Those bowing exchanged harsh looks among themselves. It felt like a sin against the imperial family. Still, none wished to be the one.
Though curses were often dismissed as chaotic superstition, no one wanted to bear such a mark.
“The person to receive His Highness’ holy water, please rise…”
The cardinal raised his voice again, but the cold silence showed no signs of breaking. The faces of the chamberlains and attendants grew paler and paler.
“……”
Leaning quietly in his golden throne, Cyrone gazed down upon them. He gently shook the brass cup in his hand. His distorted reflection shimmered across its transparent surface.
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