Chapter 26
There was no clear explanation as to why Erun had chosen Rodrigo. It was written as mere coincidence. Some unofficial histories claimed they were lovers, but a note added that this wasn’t considered official record.
And now, Jia finally understood the identity of the man kneeling beside Erun. He was Serun, the God’s right hand. But he wasn’t a god. He was a Celestial.
Those who accumulated merit on earth and were reborn in the heavens were called Celestials. Serun faithfully served and protected Erun by her side.
Everything was different from Earth. Gods, and everything else… Earth had gods too, but religions were diverse, and the gods people believed in varied. However, in Erendia, they worshipped only Erun. Erun’s influence was absolute, and it was said she occasionally manifested in human form on earth when needed.
Lost in her reading, Jia realized twilight had fallen. She finished the last page and stood. Before leaving the room, she summoned her holy power. Thanks to the harmonization, the flame was slightly larger.
“It’s time to go.”
“…Yes.”
Tristan spoke. Jia walked towards the Emperor’s bedchamber with lighter steps than before. The heavy doors opened, revealing the Emperor already seated on his bed. He smiled languidly.
“Jia.”
The mere sound of her name sent a jolt through her chest. The spoken word disintegrated in the air like grains of sand.
The door clicked shut. Soft moonlight illuminated her. She looked at the gleaming sword on the bed and walked towards him.
“Do you wish to meet the Archbishop?”
The Emperor spoke first. Jia’s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. Tristan and Sir Ethan were brothers and members of the Stratuban family. It wasn’t strange that he’d already heard.
“I… I need to strengthen my holy power…to be of more…use to Your Majesty.”
A sharp, mocking smile spread across the Emperor’s lips. Jia bit her lip and looked down.
“There’s a condition.”
A condition? Jia lifted her head to meet his gaze.
“Let’s make a wager.”
She ran her tongue over her dry lips. She had expected something absurd, but his next words made her tremble.
“Let’s see who cries out first.”
What…?
“I’m not accustomed to pain. Even the smallest amount brings me pleasure.”
His gaze pressured her to respond. After a moment, Jia answered.
“Y-Yes, Your Majesty……”
“If you please me, you win.”
She now noticed there were two swords on the bed. One was Lewandal, the other a dull, worn blade.
“I will strike you with the dull blade. You will stab, cut, and tear at me with the holy sword, with the intent to kill.”
The holy sword was incredibly sharp, yet she had to strain to pierce his skin. The outcome was obvious. Trembling, Jia knelt.
“Y-Your Majesty… I-I’m sorry. If I have done something wrong……”
“Enough with the useless words. You must entertain me.”
The Emperor lifted the dull blade to her throat. Jia cried out and recoiled.
“Hngh!”
“Now, it’s your turn.”
He placed the holy sword in her hand and even guided it towards his chest.
“Go on.”
Don’t anger him. If you do, he’ll make you kill again. He’ll make you kill someone right in front of you. He’ll punish you, no matter what it takes.
His narrowed eyes gleamed with amusement and excitement, a stark contrast to Jia’s terror. She trembled, then took a deep breath and thrust the sword into his chest.
With a thud, the blade sank in. It hadn’t penetrated even a third of the way, but compared to yesterday, when only the tip had entered, it was a significant improvement. Jia, ignoring the blood splattered on her face, looked at the Emperor with wide, hopeful eyes. He smiled in satisfaction. But he made no sound.
“Now, it’s my turn.”
The Emperor nudged the dull blade against Jia’s throat. She whimpered, clasping her hands together.
May our family be healthy and happy. Let us pray.
She recalled the prayer she shared with her family before meals. Healthy, happy, free from pain…
The dull blade pierced her skin. Jia bit down hard on her lip to stifle any sound, the teeth breaking the soft flesh and drawing blood.
You can be happy. It’s okay. I’m okay…
Jia prayed endlessly, tears silently tracing paths down her cheeks. He continued to smile down at her.
Finally, the blade withdrew. Jia gasped, releasing the death grip on her hands.
It’s okay. It’s okay. I can endure this. I survived that hellish slavery…
“Now, let’s try here.”
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