Priest Alexander

Vivian stood in awe, taking in the sheer grandeur of the temple before her. Majestic yet simple, it was an architectural masterpiece, worthy of housing the gods of the Leuhtaz empire.

The towering columns, intricate carvings, and the divine energy that seemed to pulse through the air only reinforced its sacredness. No matter how many times the original host of this body had visited over the years, whether for prayer, imperial functions, or temple-organized ceremonies, there was still something breathtaking about the sight.

The original Vivian had been a devoted worshiper of the gods of this world, her faith unwavering and sincere. Like other members of the imperial family and influential aristocrats, she had her own private sector within the church, a privilege granted only to those of great status. She had never once missed a service, often coming to the temple whenever possible, seeking peace and guidance from the gods she held dear.

Moreover, she had actively worked alongside the temple to organize charities for the less privileged citizens of the empire. Her benevolence and unwavering support for the temple had earned her the love and admiration of the people.

But all of that had been destroyed the moment the female protagonist entered the picture.

Vivian clenched her fists at the thought. In the original novel, the female protagonist had twisted the perception of the original host, turning the people against her. A woman once adored had been reduced to nothing more than a villainess in the eyes of the empire. She had been labeled a pretender, accused of hypocrisy and cruelty, wronged in a way so severe that even Vivian, as a mere reader, had felt the injustice.

She had pitied the original Vivian then, but now, having transmigrated into her body and gained access to her memories, she felt that sorrow even more deeply. The original host had been nothing but kind, genuinely kind. She hadn't been some scheming noblewoman manipulating the masses; she had truly wished to help others. Every action she had taken had come from the bottom of her heart. And yet, all of it had been trampled upon.

A surge of resentment welled up in Vivian's chest, and without realizing it, she turned a sharp glare toward Leonard.

Leonard, standing beside her, stiffened slightly at the unexpected hostility directed his way. Just moments ago, they had been speaking amicably, so why was she suddenly looking at him as though he were her greatest enemy? He was about to question her when he recalled the nature of their visit. They were here to dissolve their marriage. Perhaps she was simply feeling emotional about it.

He exhaled quietly, then leaned in, his voice gentle as he whispered, "I'm sorry." Before she could react, he pressed a soft kiss against her cheek.

Vivian's entire body tensed, her face instantly turning red. The sudden, unexpected display of affection caught her completely off guard. Around them, the onlookers shifted uncomfortably, some quickly averting their gazes.

How shameless! Vivian thought, her mind spinning. They were here for a divorce, yet Leonard was acting as if they were newlyweds sharing a sweet moment.

Leonard, however, remained unfazed, a small, almost amused smile tugging at his lips as he observed her reaction.

With Alaric and Anna following closely behind them, the couple stepped into the temple's sacred halls. The air inside was thick with the scent of burning incense, the soft glow of candles casting ethereal shadows across the high walls. It was then that Vivian's eyes landed on a particular figure among the group standing ahead of them.

Her breath hitched slightly in recognition.

Priest Alexander.

One of the male leads.

Vivian instantly recalled his role in the novel. He was the next in line to become the pope of the temple, a man revered for his holiness and unwavering devotion. But what truly set him apart, aside from his powerful presence, was his appearance.

He was stunning. Ethereal. The embodiment of a saint untouched by the sins of the world, even though he is the opposite.

His long silver hair flowed elegantly down his back, shimmering under the temple lights like strands of moonlight. His piercing sea-blue eyes held a calm, almost otherworldly serenity, like the vast depths of an untouched ocean. His entire aura was one of purity, devotion, and quiet strength.

If Leonard resembled a Greek god, his presence exuding raw power, charm, and an air of unattainability, then Alexander was his divine counterpart. He was not the kind of beauty that dazzled through seduction but rather one that inspired reverence. He was the type of man people would hesitate to touch, as though doing so would taint his holiness.

Vivian couldn't help but let out a small sigh. Why did the author make all the male leads so ridiculously perfect?

Each of them possessed an almost supernatural charm, their beauty practically unparalleled. Vivian used to think the female protagonist had certainly been lucky to have such men surrounding her. It felt almost felt unfair. Had the author made them this flawless just to emphasize the heroine's appeal?

Still, despite Alexander's almost divine presence, Vivian found herself drawn more to Leonard.

Among all the male leads, Leonard was the only one who hadn't actively engaged in romantic escapades. Though he had treated his wife poorly in the novel, he had never once truly betrayed her. There had been rumors, whispers of him and the female protagonist, but they had remained just that: rumors. Compared to the other male leads, who indulged in passion without restraint, Leonard had remained remarkably loyal in his own way.

Not that it matters, Vivian thought, shaking off the sentiment. It's not like I plan to marry any of them. I just want to enjoy myself, and their promiscuity only makes it easier to get them in my bed.

A small smirk curled at the edge of her lips.

Leonard, who had been quietly observing her, immediately caught the shift in her expression. His jaw tightened as he followed her gaze, straight to Alexander.

A surge of irritation flared within him. His grip on Vivian's hand tightened ever so slightly, pulling her attention back to him.

"My lady," he murmured, his voice a mixture of teasing and warning, "why are you looking at another man so intently when I'm right here? Or… is my beauty no longer enough to satisfy you?"

Before she could respond, he leaned in and bit her ear gently, his lips brushing against her skin in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. It was a playful yet possessive act, one meant to remind her exactly who she was standing beside.

Vivian's face burned even hotter, her heart pounding in her chest.

Damn him.

Damn him and his shameless ways.