Chapter 28

– Isn't that a portrait? Portrait of the Grand Duke!

– It's amazing how beautifully the portrait is drawn.

– I do not know who the artist is, but I want him to draw my portrait as well.

When the Duke saw Esther's drawing, he could not restrain his admiration, but he admired not only the girl's drawing skill, but also the Divine energy that emanated from her drawings.

The reaction of the aristocrats was different, but mostly contained admiration.

– Who do you think painted it? Duke Dehsin asked in a deep voice, tilting his head to the side.

– Who could draw the Grand Duke? Oh, I think it's probably Levan…

– Last time there was an exhibition of Luben's works, maybe it's him?

The names of famous artists sounded. When the nobles started calling out the names of these artists, Duke Dehsin's smile grew wider.

Darwin looked more cheerful than ever. His pride soared above the heavens.

– Your Highness, whose painting is this? I've never seen such a portrait, it's a new style! Where did you find it? – Pohiba, known as an art collector, couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer, and he approached Duke Dehsin. His eyes glittered like those of an animal prowling for food.

Darwin, expecting just such a reaction, laughed proudly. From the moment the portrait appeared before the nobles, he couldn't wait to show off as soon as possible:

– My daughter drew it.

Silence instantly descended on the hall.

The air has become so ringing, as if a strong typhoon has recently passed here.

The shocked aristocrats stared at Duke Dehsin with all their eyes and whispered to each other.

– Does Grand Duke Dehsin have a daughter?

– No. This is the first I've heard of it.

Everyone knew that Duke Dehsin did not remarry after the death of his wife. The twin sons were the only children born to the former Duchess.

Instantly there was an assumption that the daughter was a hidden child.

That's just Darwin instantly stopped all useless sounds:

– I adopted her a few days ago.

This was the first time an aristocrat had officially announced his adoption.

The official adoption into the Grand Duke's family was not a simple adoption. It was a serious event, because such a child could also become the heir to the throne in the future.

– Adopted a child?

– I've heard that the Grand Duke hates children…

The news that the Grand Duke, who mercilessly killed on the battlefield, adopted someone else's child stunned the aristocrats.

– Where did she suddenly come from?

– Is it important?

– No.

No one could object or complain to Grand Duke Dehsin.

The aristocrats instantly closed their mouths and averted their gazes so as not to meet Duke Dehsin's icy eyes.

– In the near future I plan to hold an official party in honor of this.

– Ha-ha, I will definitely come, so please don't forget to invite me.

– Oh, congratulations!

The words came out of the aristocrats' lips easily and quickly.

The news that Grand Duke Dehsin had adopted a child spread throughout the Empire in a few days.

Darwin's goal – to announce the existence of Esther – was fulfilled.

Darwin left the nobles to talk, and he went out on the balcony to get some air.

– There is no moon.

There was no moon in the sky.

It was a day when the Goddess did not look at the earth, and on this day it was impossible to find even one star in the sky. For some reason, this darkness seemed to Darwin like Esther. When he first met the girl's blank gaze, his heart trembled.

– I didn't know you could have such an expression on your face, – Benjamin crept up to the thoughtful Darwin. He saw the Duke coming out onto the balcony and followed him.

Darwin, who saw his friend's face, was happy for the first time today:

– Benjamin? When did you come in?

– Recently. I was a little late, because of a broken carriage wheel.

Benjamin was the only person at this meeting whom Darwin treated well. He was the man who, without fear, went to war and to whom he could entrust his back.

– Have you seen the painting?

– Yes. I am genuinely surprised. You didn't tell me anything. Please come to me for advice.

– It was a sudden decision, so there was no time to discuss it.

– I will listen to you carefully next time.

– Yes, let's postpone this conversation for later.

This place, with a large number of people present, was not suitable for conversations. The men decided to meet elsewhere and, with a smile, shook hands.

However, Benjamin suddenly asked Duke Dehsin nervously:

– Your Highness. Can I ask you a serious favor?

Benjamin was a strong and loyal man, one of those who was not interested in power.

He had always treated Duke Dehsin with respect and refused to accept rewards.

Darwin looked closely at Benjamin's face and nodded:

– Which one?

– The portrait you presented earlier. The divine power contained within it seems to be quite strong.

Benjamin, who was currently in charge of managing the local temples, recognized the Divine Power contained in the drawing faster than anyone else.

Duke Dehsin was surprised to hear this, but agreed, because Esther was a candidate for the Saints.

– I mean that… I want her to draw Noah, – Benjamin said after a long hesitation, and then pressed his lips tightly.

Darwin was ready to fulfill any request of his friend, however, when Benjamin mentioned this name, he shuddered and lowered his voice:

– Do you still care about Noah?

– I can't not be with him. Even if everyone turns away, I intend to serve him to the very end, – Benjamin's voice, like the wind, was low and lonely. There was a lot of emotion in that voice.

Darwin was slightly embarrassed and excitedly straightened his bangs:

– What is his condition lately?

– He can't open his eyes. The priest said there wasn't much left.

– …

– Therefore, I would like to get his portrait as soon as possible. I think that if it is a portrait filled with Divine power, then it will contain much more than can be seen with a simple glance, – Benjamin seemed to hesitate, so he bowed his head and began to convince Darwin. – I understand that this is a very difficult request. But... one single time? I won't tell anyone about this. I'll provide better security... just once.

– Ha… – Darwin took a deep breath.

'I don't want to force Esther to do anything dangerous, but this is the first time Benjamin has asked me for something, and I can't say no.'

– First, I'll talk to my daughter.

– Thank you.

On the balcony, covered with darkness, two men looked at each other seriously.

*****

Rabien came to Saint Cespia's room every day, at the same time.

And today she brought the obligatory medicine, but the Saint, for some reason, was sitting on the bed. Seeing this, Rabien froze at the door.

'How is this possible?

The dose is not enough to die, but she should not have the strength to rise.

I wonder what happened,' – Rabien hid her true thoughts and, making a cute face, entered the room:

– Saint! You look very good today. Did you finally get enough sleep?

– Yes. The goddess came to me in a dream, – Cespia's eyes were very bright. This bright energy resembled the eyes of a Saint when she was at the peak of her power.

Seeing this, Rabien went to the edge of the bed and sat down:

– Wow, really? Why did the Goddess appear? – beautifully bending her legs, Rabien prettily flashed her ruby-red eyes.

A smile appeared on Saint Cespia's face as she looked at that cute little face:

– Since I am not in very good shape, I got a revelation about the next Saint.

– ...The Next Saint? – Rabien opened her mouth, feeling her heart pounding fast.

The girl's anticipation was growing, and her blood was circulating faster through her body. Rabien's cheeks turned red because she sincerely believed that she would become the next Saint.

– What did you see?

– It's... it's too early to tell it.

– I won't tell anyone. Please tell me. Eh?

Saint Cespia could not ignore Rabien's requests. Moreover, she thought she knew Rabien by her position in the temple and the daily care of the sick.

– Then only you should know about it, understand?

– Of course! You know I don't tell anyone anything.

Eventually, Cespia closed her eyes, remembering the dream she had that night.

Even though her body was weak, Cespia was still a Saint, so when she recalled the will of the Goddess, her eyes lit up:

– The only star floating in the black sky and light brown hair that embraces the whole world…

– Light brown? – Rabien's sharp voice broke Saint Cespia's concentration.

From this, the Saint woke up and shook her head, which was sick:

– No, are you saying that I just said light brown? No. I think I was wrong.

– Yes. You made a mistake. Rabien's awkward tone and expression were such that anyone could tell she was lying, but she immediately changed that expression to a bright smile. – Saint Cespia, isn't it time for you to take your medicine?

– Thank you.

After Cespia drank the «medicine», she immediately fell asleep, and all because it was a poison with a strong soporific effect.

The hands of Rabien, who was looking at the Saint, were trembling:

– Nonsense. You couldn't see the light brown color because it's not my hair color. You were drugged, so you were talking nonsense.

Rabien pretended that everything was fine, but a worry began to grow in her mind that perhaps she might not be the next Saint.

The girl left the room, leaving the sleeping Saint earlier than usual.

Rabien looked calm from the outside, but emotions were boiling inside her.

'Who has light brown hair?'

Despite the fact that it was an unusual color, quite a lot of people from the temple came to Rabien's mind.

Having never guessed who Saint Cespia was talking about, Rabien decided to go into the main building. The girl was worried, so she wanted to check the list of candidates in the management office.

Seeing a man on the opposite side of the corridor shaking hands with another, Rabien smiled broadly.

It was a smile overflowing with sincere joy, as if the girl had found what she had been looking for for a long time. Lifting the hem of her dress, Rabien quickly ran to the man.