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Though I found his behavior puzzling, I gave a light nod.
“Hmm? Ah… of course.”
Roo was the first Prophet and possessed the power of the oracle to see the future. It is said that those born with the power of the oracle can discern the future through the jewel of prophecy, but unfortunately, that jewel had been lost long ago.
“Back when the Order of the Oracle existed… the jewel of prophecy served to distinguish a true Prophet from a false one. If rain fell upon the Papal Palace the day after one touched the jewel, they were recognized as a possessor of the oracle's power.”
“That sounds like a remarkably simple method.”
“However, as Your Highness knows, as the Order of the Oracle's greed for power grew excessive, the lineage of all Prophets eventually came to an end. The severe drought that persisted for decades further accelerated the downfall of the Order.”
“…….”
“Because of that, the jewel of prophecy came to be called the ‘blessing and curse of the Order of the Oracle.’ I had completely forgotten about it… but seeing Emma suddenly brought the story to mind. I felt the jewel she wore was of a similar color.”
He seemed to be referring to the aquamarine attached to Emma's cape.
The jewel of prophecy.
“I'm glad you remembered before leaving. That was a great help. Thank you for telling me.”
Igor smiled warmly and let go of my hand.
The Statue of Roo visits the Ohala Empire every seventeen years.
The Statue of Roo was exhibited in Shaharansk early this spring, and seventeen years ago, it was exhibited in Makhachkala. And seventeen years ago was….
‘The year I was born, destined to die.’
What a truly interesting coincidence.
There is no greater driving force than anxiety.
That was likely why the entire path from the front of the holy hall, where the prayer service presided over by the Pope of Makhachkala was held, to the central plaza was crowded with countless believers from across the continent.
Most of the believers were those who had taken up positions on the ground the previous day or two before, waiting diligently. An anxious person is not slow, but fast. Much like how I decided on my marriage issue—something I had agonized over for dozens of days—overnight.
Yes, I am anxious.
The origin of this anxiety began the moment I encountered Vasily after arriving at the holy hall.
[I heard Valentin is giving each of us a public prophecy.]
[Again? What kind of prophecy?]
[He wouldn't breathe a word about the content. As always, it won't be a threat to the Imperial Family. Don't let it bother you too much.]
Don't let it bother me? As if that's possible.
‘What on earth is Valentin thinking?’
I now know the source of the future he sees. Valentin has repeated deaths, and through those deaths, he has looked into countless possible futures.
Is that why?
I felt a bit slighted that Valentin, who had never given a single hint regarding prophecies, remained silent. I thought we were as close as family. The proposal, and today as well….
‘…Was it just my imagination?’
No, no. Let's not get gloomy for no reason. There must be a good reason why he didn't say anything. Of course! Absolutely.
“Your Highness, just in case, please stay right by my side. The self-defense knife I brought today is sharp enough to slice through skin with the slightest touch. I will make sure to protect Your Highness, so please do not worry.”
To my eyes, Emma looked like the one who was more worried while saying that.
However, contrary to Emma's concerns, the atmosphere of the central plaza was nothing short of a festival, even amidst the heavy security. In particular, when Vasily and Tatyana stepped out of their carriage, the cheers of the believers were so boisterous they evoked a triumphal procession.
“I thought my ears were going to fall off.”
Emma chuckled and whispered to me.
“The two of them have such high popularity because they engage in public activities so frequently. Moreover, admission for believers to the public prayer service had traditionally been in the order of Imperial family members first, then nobles… but this year, they are entering freely without a specific order, so the believers feel a deeper sense of intimacy.”
Flashes went off here and there.
There had never been a day when the distance between the high nobility of the Ohala Empire and the citizens felt as close as today. Yes, there was a perfectly good reason why today's attire had become a prideful battle among the noble ladies.
When Emma and I passed by, it was also exceptionally nois… y? I'm not sure.
Around that time, my mind was dizzy from comparing the faces of the believers lined up everywhere with the hundred portraits. Perhaps because it was a matter directly linked to human life (and my own freedom), rather than a sport or a game, the surrounding gazes and voices were drowned out simply by my concentration.
“Are you looking for someone?”
“Ah, it's just that I've never seen this many people before.”
I wished all hundred portraits were useless.
But reality is always different from one's wishes; I spent as much time agonizing over whether I could actually report the people I identified as suspected rebels as I did identifying them.
By the time a deep concern reflected in Emma's eyes, I stopped hesitating and informed the guards of everyone—without a single exception. Was this truly the right judgment? Wouldn't innocent people end up being investigated? A sudden worry flared up, but with the mindset that anything is better than an accident occurring, I scanned the believers until my eyes felt like they were popping out.
“Haa.”
I… burned myself out completely….
“Your Highness… are you truly alright? This may sound rude, but you seem exceptionally anxious today.”
Quick-witted and kind Emma. Yes, I am anxious.
“My stomach feels a bit off. But I'm fine now; I'll feel better once I sit down and rest.”
I reassured Emma and took a deep breath. I have to snap out of it. Just because I've sat in my assigned seat doesn't mean it's over.
Today's prayer takes place in front of the holy hall building. This is to spread the Pope's teachings to all the believers gathered in the plaza.
As I took my seat in the guided chair, the podium came into view in front of me.
The podium consisted of two levels.
My father and mother sat in the seats of honor on the upper level, while the Pope of gabrielism sat in the center of the lower level, flanked by eight cardinals. To the right in front of the Pope, the <Diary of Roo> was displayed, and the Statue of Roo was exhibited beside the podium for all to see.
Among them, the only one who could be described as young was Valentin, sitting to the left of the Pope. Perhaps because of that, Valentin's handsome features shone even more brightly amidst the hunched elderly men. Enough to capture the collective gaze of the noble ladies.
“Seeing him like this, Count Valentin feels like a stranger. To think I almost formed a connection with someone truly… devout and great like the Count. I can't believe it.”
Emma's voice, as she murmured, was dreamy, as if soaked in a fantasy.
However, I could not indulge in memories of the past like she did. It was because Valentin's gaze, fixed upon me, felt incredibly piercing.
“Hmm. The Count has been looking this way for a while now. He wouldn't be… looking at me. I wonder if he is worried about Your Highness?”
“…….”
“My goodness. Since you two have such a close relationship, almost like siblings, he must be worried about Your Highness, who suddenly expressed a desire to attend… but… he's staring so blatantly….”
Emma, I know exactly what you want to say. Even I can see that this looks perfectly poised to arouse people's suspicion.
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