Chapter 98: Crisis Approaching
The Clock Tower Cathedral, at the heart of the capital.
The second day of the Imperial Festival, the offering to the gods, was held here, presided over by the Imperial clergy. The twelve bishops and the archbishop were the main figures of today’s ceremony.
Leticia, after escorting Bai to the cathedral, had left, leaving her and Ara alone.
Bai hadn’t asked where she was going; Leticia had never pried into her affairs.
Bai, with Ara in tow, entered the cathedral.
She wore a simple white hat, her crimson hair tied back in a large braid, her attire unassuming, blending in with the crowd.
The onlookers didn’t recognize her as “Commander Bai” from the parade, only seeing two noble children.
The Crown Guards, however, recognized her, but she silenced them with a look before they could salute, not wanting to cause a scene.
“Where is the Princess?” she asked softly.
“On the second floor, Commander,” the guard whispered back. “She asked that you go up immediately upon your arrival. The Legendary Knights are likely there as well.”
“Understood.”
Bai nodded, then, leading Ara, slipped through the crowd and up a secluded staircase to the second floor.
Unlike the solemn, almost theatrical atmosphere of the cathedral below, the second floor was arranged like a typical noble’s drawing room.
A grand hall, adorned with luxurious furnishings. Lilia sat at a round table in the center, sipping coffee gracefully.
Her maid, Erlya, however, was nowhere to be seen.
“Ah, Little Sister Bai, you’re here,” Lilia smiled, putting down her coffee. “Come, sit. And you too, Little Sister Ara.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Bai said, taking a seat beside Lilia with Ara.
Seeing Bai so close to Lilia, Ara immediately scooted her chair closer, hugging Bai’s arm, her eyelids drooping sleepily.
Lilia chuckled. “Little Sister Ara is so cute…”
“Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness,” Bai replied, her tone as formal as ever. “Is Miss Erlya busy today?”
“Erlra is arranging some things for the ceremony,” Lilia said, her gaze shifting from Ara to Bai, a smile on her face. “I had to practically beg her to let me have some time alone. I didn’t expect you to arrive so quickly.”
“My apologies for intruding.”
Even her apology was stiff and formal. Lilia couldn’t help but laugh.
“It’s just a little joke. You’re so serious, Little Sister Bai. Just like a stuffy knight from the Crown Guard.”
“It has nothing to do with my position… never mind,” Bai said, not wanting to argue. “Where are the Legendary Knights? The guard said they were here.”
“They were, but they left a short while ago. They went to greet the other Legendary Knights who have just arrived,” Lilia said, her expression turning serious. “Oh, and the Archbishop.”
“The Archbishop…” Bai nodded thoughtfully.
Archbishop Alonso, although not a Legendary Knight, was a formidable warrior, comparable to a Legendary Knight without their Authority.
—Except for Leticia, who was powerful even without her Authority, and Kruse, who was only about as strong as an Eighth-Order Grand Knight without his.
Bai had met him before. He was more a warrior than a priest, his demeanor rough and boisterous.
He seemed to hold the title in name only, his understanding of theology far less than that of his subordinates.
Although the North Empire was a theocracy, the clergy served the royal family, and the Archbishop had to be a high-ranking official.
Alonso had been pushed into the position, much to his chagrin.
If not for that, he would have likely become one of the nine Legendary Knights.
So, he rarely stayed in the capital, often sneaking off to the front lines, a transgression the Empire overlooked.
From Lilia’s words, it seemed he had gone to the front again… though there was no war, the front lines were still heavily garrisoned.
“Where are they now?” Bai asked.
“Now?” Lilia thought for a moment, glancing at Bai, her voice slightly evasive. “They should be… back soon?”
“Alright. I’ll wait,” Bai nodded, then fell silent, sitting as still as a porcelain doll.
Lilia, in fact, had her own agenda. She knew where the Legendary Knights were; it wasn’t far.
But she wanted to spend more time with Bai.
Bai, her mind elsewhere, didn’t notice.
Their quiet moment was interrupted by Erlya’s return, carrying a stack of scrolls.
“Your Highness, these are the protocols for the ceremony… if it’s too much, we can simplify it.”
Lilia, having been thrust into this role at the last minute, was unfamiliar with the details and had to cram.
“It’s not much. I can get through it quickly,” she said, taking the scrolls and studying them intently.
There was still some time before the ceremony began, enough for the intelligent princess to learn her part.
Only then did Erlya notice the two small figures sitting quietly beside her.
“My apologies, Miss Bai. I didn’t see you,” she said, saluting.
“It’s fine. Continue with your work. Don’t mind me,” Bai replied.
She wasn’t here for the ceremony, only to go through the motions.
Her real purpose was to meet with the nine Legendary Knights. A difficult battle lay ahead.
…
Meanwhile, in a dark, hidden corner of the capital, a low whisper echoed.
“It’s almost… time…”
