Chapter 25
The Emperor still craved Jia, and she, in turn, sought to wound him. He remained devoted to his own pleasure, heedless of her feelings. A mere slave, Jia couldn’t voice her discontent or protest. She could only accept her fate.
But…
“You don’t want to kill me, do you?”
The fragile peace shattered with the Emperor’s words. Jia nervously plucked at her hair, trying to dispel her anxiety.
A faint holy power. To ignite it, she needed the help of Sir Ethan, a paladin. Asking for his assistance felt burdensome, but she couldn’t think of any other way. After much deliberation, Jia spoke to Ethan, who stood outside her door.
“Sir Ethan, I… I wish to receive instruction on holy power.”
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
Ethan stared intently at Jia for a moment, then glanced at Tristan before entering the room. Jia stood awkwardly in the center, watching him.
“What troubles you, Your Highness?”
“…Well, when it first manifested, it bloomed brightly, but now…it’s so small.”
Jia summoned her holy power in her palm. His eyes narrowed at the faintly glowing light. Julia, standing behind him, gasped.
“Your Highness, you can wield holy power!”
“…It’s nothing, really. It’s so small.”
“Not at all. Possessing holy power is proof of Erun’s blessing. You are a rare talent in the Empire.”
The praise warmed Jia’s cheeks, and she felt a blush rise. She recalled Ethan’s previous words of admiration and felt a strange sense of pride, as if she were someone of great importance.
However, looking at the ember, barely the size of an ant’s speck, her newfound pride fizzled away.
“Have you been consistently manifesting your holy power since then?”
“…Yes, but I haven’t been able to create a flame as large as that day.”
Jia felt frustrated by her inability to understand why. She had hoped Ethan would have an answer, but his expression was grim.
“I have seen instances where holy power grows stronger, but never weaker. Even in texts, it’s described as extremely rare.”
His words were a blow. Jia bit her lip, letting out a soft sigh.
“Perhaps we could try harmonizing our holy power?”
“Harmonizing?”
Ethan demonstrated, summoning his own holy power. Unlike Jia’s white light, his glowed green. He placed his hand over hers, and their powers mingled, merging into a soft, leaf-green flame.
“To witness this so closely, something I’ve only seen from afar in the temple…it’s an honor.”
Julia was overcome with emotion. Jia, stunned, stared at the light flickering in her palm.
A faint smile touched her lips. The pride she had lost returned.
For the first time since arriving here, she felt useful. She wasn’t completely worthless. Perhaps she was…worth something after all.
“Speaking with Archbishop Sadnia about your holy power would be beneficial. He is one of the most powerful wielders of holy power in Erendia.”
Archbishop Sadnia. Even the title sounded important. Jia doubted someone of such high standing would agree to meet her, but the token in her pocket gave her a strange sense of confidence.
“…Do you think I could meet him?”
“You possess the token, but in the Archbishop’s case, it would be best to obtain His Majesty’s permission first.”
“Ah, yes…”
The thought of asking the Emperor made her tremble. Jia nodded and lowered her hand, extinguishing the flame. She stared out the window at the sunlight before opening the book she had been reading.
…She needed to learn about this place. She couldn’t remain ignorant forever.
After the history of Eustanville, she read the founding myth. Rodrigo Balbersa, tasked by the God Erun, overthrew a corrupt dynasty and, bestowed with the holy sword Lewandal, founded Eustanville.
Lewandal. The name of the sword she had held and thrust yesterday.
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