Chapter 6
“Sister!” Sister, I miss you…
The thought of her family brought fresh tears to her eyes. She turned away, trying to hide them. A handkerchief appeared before her. The knight offered it without meeting her gaze, his eyes fixed on some distant point. He seems like a good person.
“Thank you,” Jia murmured, taking the handkerchief and wiping her tears. She even blew her nose into it.
Arriving at the Trinuada Temple, Jia stepped down from the carriage with the knight’s assistance. Several priests in robes milled about, their garments varying in color. Most were black, but a few wore navy or brown. It seemed even the clergy had a hierarchy.
Jia glanced around, pausing before the temple. It was immense and so white it appeared snow-covered. Atop the pointed spire perched wings, the symbol of the goddess Erun.
Fear gripped her, despite having lived in Erendia for three years. Every unfamiliar sight tightened her chest and quickened her pulse. “Yoon Jia is crying again~.” She clasped her hands, recalling her sister’s teasing tone, and reassured herself. It’s okay.
The knight glanced at her expectantly. Jia blinked, then, realizing what he wanted, fumbled for the token in her pocket.
The guard’s eyes widened as he examined the token. He stepped aside, opening the way. The temple doors swung open.
The interior was as vast as the exterior. Jia nervously surveyed her surroundings. The knight remained silent, simply escorting her. Finally, she spoke. “Why… are we at the temple…?”
“His Majesty wishes to confirm something.”
Confirm what? Jia wondered, but simply nodded, staying close to the knight. Surrounded by strangers, she had no one else to rely on.
They walked down a long corridor, arriving at the Palladium, the headquarters of the holy knights. Jia’s eyes widened at the sight of the shimmering, translucent glass walls. It was a different kind of splendor than the palace.
Their footsteps echoed in the silence. The Palladium was also vast, requiring a long walk. Finally, they reached a guest room within the building. A man sat waiting. Their eyes met. He had the same golden hair and green eyes as the knight. He wore silver armor, and as he rose, a greatsword, its scabbard nearly half his height, clattered against his side.
“Gasp…” The sight of the sword sent a jolt of fear through Jia. She pressed herself against the wall, the memory of the blade at her throat still vivid. Her reaction startled both the knight and the man.
“Ah.” The man seemed to understand. He tossed the massive sword aside, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.
Jia’s breathing gradually slowed as she regained her composure. As soon as she could, she apologized. “I-I’m sorry… I was just startled…”
“No, it’s alright. The sword is rather… imposing.” The man’s tone was somewhat stiff. He reminded her of the knight. She glanced between the two men.
“My name is Ethan Straduvan. I am Tristan’s younger brother,” the man said, gesturing to the knight.
Brothers, Jia thought, nodding and lowering her gaze. “I’m… Jia.”
“…Yes, I know.” The curt reply dripped with undisguised displeasure. Jia blinked, flustered. Tristan sighed. “His Majesty has requested we confirm whether or not you possess divine power.”
Ethan’s expression soured at Tristan’s words. His displeasure intensified. “…Have you ever witnessed divine power?” Ethan asked, his tone perfunctory. Jia hesitated, then shook her head.
“Divine power is a grace bestowed by the god Erun. Few in this vast empire possess it. Unless you are of high nobility, you are unlikely to have encountered it.” Ethan emphasized the phrase “high nobility,” making it clear he doubted she had ever seen it.
“…No.” Since she hadn’t, his sarcasm didn’t sting. A wave of fear washed over Jia. Could she possibly possess such power? She couldn’t say for sure. Fear gnawed at her. What if they killed her if she was useless? She had to prove herself somehow…
“Extend your hands, palms facing upwards. Think of the god Erun.”
Trembling, Jia stretched out her hands, palms open, as instructed.
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