NOVEL NEXT Chapter 356 Rumors spreading
It wasn't only the kings and nobles who had taken an interest in Elizabeth.
On the evening before the coronation, the grand banquet hall of Crassus was filling with nobles and envoys from every corner of the continent. Flames danced atop tall candlesticks, casting golden shadows under the glow of magnificent chandeliers. Beautiful melodies filled the air, blending with the rich aroma of wine. Magical lights shimmered from every direction, but the true star of the ball was none other than Elizabeth.
Princess Astrid and Michael had deliberately put her in the spotlight—but of course, none of it would have mattered if Elizabeth herself lacked charm. It was her own allure that made such efforts effective.
She walked with elegance through the hall, becoming the center of attention. Her deep violet gown highlighted her fair skin, and the pearl necklace around her neck added a touch of noble refinement. Beneath her long lashes, her deep blue eyes glimmered like the ocean's depths—mysterious and captivating. Her composed yet enchanting smile captured hearts in an instant.
Every time she joined a conversation, all ears turned toward her. She spoke with depth about ancient languages and history, displayed sharp political insight and wit, and carried herself with an effortless nobility. There was nothing lacking in her.
Even Emperor Oswald of the Pamir Empire was stealing glances at her. His gaze was heavy with appraisal, desire, and an instinctual hunger.
Draped in a crimson-black cloak and sipping wine, Oswald struck up a conversation with Elizabeth. The more they spoke, the more he wanted her.
If I could take this woman as my empress, I would surely win the civil war, he thought.
He had gathered many beautiful women over the years—wives from the five great tribes for political alliances, countless concubines chosen for their looks—but none of them could compare to Elizabeth. She was more than beautiful. She was wise, cultured, and politically astute.
Oswald swallowed hard. If Elizabeth became his empress, not only would she bring power, but just having someone so exquisite beside him would be bliss itself.
After a graceful conclusion to their conversation, Elizabeth turned and walked away, leaving even her retreat dripping with grace. That regal aloofness only made him desire her more.
Oswald drained his wine and quietly instructed his closest aide.
"Investigate the Lady. Learn what she likes and dislikes, who she trusts most, and where her weaknesses lie. Report everything to me. I must make her my empress—no matter what."
His aide briefly tensed, but quickly dropped to one knee in obedience. Had it been for mere amusement, he would have risked his life to object. But if it was for the empress… that changed everything.
Queen Dowager Guinevere also watched Elizabeth with gleaming eyes. Her gaze shifted to her young son, Prince Alphonso, still barely out of childhood.
He may be young, but what does age matter? It would be an honor if the daughter of a lowly baron married my Alphonso.
Chancellor Guinness glanced nervously at the queen's face, silently begging his younger sister not to make another blunder.
Siegmund scoffed as he observed the scene, but his hand gripped his wine glass tightly without him realizing it.
How dare they…
Had he no interest, it would be one thing—but to have others try to snatch away the woman who had caught his eye? Unthinkable.
Behind him, his personal guard flinched internally. He recognized that look all too well.
He too had once been stricken by love's fever, and that was exactly what he saw now.
The iron-blooded ruler of Celeste, the cold and ruthless emperor who had known only conquest and domination—he had fallen in love. Truly.
A man who had lived intoxicated by his own power had finally been overtaken… by love.
Meanwhile, strange rumors about the Radiant Sun Church were spreading across the continent.
In the heart of a city's marketplace, whispers echoed along narrow alleyways lined with street vendors. Though it was broad daylight, an oddly oppressive atmosphere clung to the streets, and the faces of the people were twisted with fear and anger.
"Did you hear? They say the Pope of the Radiant Sun Church consorts with demons at night," one man murmured.
His friend jumped, nervously glancing around.
"Shh! Talking like that could get you burned at the stake!"
But it was already too late. Those nearby who had been eavesdropping began to inch closer, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"I heard that too," someone else chimed in. "They say he pretends to pray but secretly summons something in the dead of night. Even the priests aren't allowed to attend."
"That's not all," another added. "A merchant said he heard strange sounds near the papal palace one dawn. Not a human voice, not an animal's cry… something eerie, like it came straight from the depths of hell."
A vendor, eavesdropping while tending his stall, gave a bitter chuckle and joined in.
"Yet people still believe that church is holy."
Another man clenched his teeth.
"Holy, my foot. They raise 'holy wars' to justify squeezing donations from everyone, even taxing poor farmers in the name of God—and now they're dealing with demons?"
Ordinary townsfolk who normally haggled over scraps of bread or cuts of meat were now huddled in small groups, whispering the rumors they had heard and the strange things they had experienced.
Worry and wariness clouded the faces of those in the crowd.
"Did you hear? All those miracles—they say they were staged," one man whispered.
A woman beside him gasped and struck his arm in alarm.
"Shh! What if someone hears you? You could be burned alive by the Holy Knights!"
But the man didn't back down. In fact, he raised his voice with growing anger.
"Ha! Holy Knights? What part of them is holy? Do you even remember the last time the Light supposedly manifested? I still do. When I was young, there was a kind, quiet old woman in our village. She delivered babies, treated the sick—and she never asked for a coin. One day, a so-called Holy Knight passed by and claimed a dark cloud hung over her house. He accused her of witchcraft and burned her alive."
His voice rose.
"Then he cleaned out her entire house—even the last piece of gold—and dragged off the youngest goat! If you ask me, that knight was the real demon. You think I'm the only one who's seen something like that?"