19- A simple solution - Part 1

The conversation that was happening seemed to be pointing toward Auriel as the main character. But Auriel did not feel like the decider.

Instead, she felt like a chess piece between these individuals aiming for the throne, and it left her feeling a little vexed because of it.

'I am a goddess and a benevolent one at that. I cannot let myself get angry or distracted and cause a scene. Yes, I need to calm down and think about everything rationally.'

Auriel was able to calm herself down before she took her seat. But she could immediately tell that she was not the only one trying to hold back a temper.

While her struggle was mental, Evelyn Greengrass had a more physical reaction to being challenged. Her long nails were biting into her battle-hardened palm, leaving marks behind.

"Tsk, as if we need any trial to point fingers at you, Shelly Munero. Your record speaks for itself. Weren't you charged with almost ten felonies to date? It's not a stellar record for someone like you."

Auriel held back a gasp as she heard Evelyn Greengrass make a verbal comeback. The princess did seem to have a sharp tongue on her.

The words made Shelly Munero visibly annoyed, but she was able to swipe her annoyance under the rug the very next second and counter.

"Oh, as if you are someone who can say that to me, Princess. Aren't you facing criminal charges because of your temper and tendency to destroy things as well? I heard that you caused massive damages just a few weeks ago."

Now that was a blow, and the smug look on the princess's face faded to a murderous one.

"O Divine One, maybe it is time for you to interfere? I am afraid that this situation is slowly getting more and more out of hand for us."

Carol spoke in a monotonous tone, but Auriel could hear a small sliver of concern in her voice.

And she did want to help, but Auriel did not see a great opportunity to join in and cut the bickering pair off. But if she did not do anything… then her standing as a goddess…

'Ugh, why is this all so complicated? What should I do now? Should I risk my safety and interfere after all…'

While Auriel was trying to make a decision, Priestess Lilith decided to interfere on her behalf. She clapped her hands, and the loud noise made the two fighting ladies turn toward her with annoyed expressions.

"Excuse me, ladies. But I think you are forgetting just where you are fighting. You are showing your worst side to Goddess Auriel, and that cannot be allowed. So, how about we settle it the official way?"

Priestess Lilith asked, and the bickering pair paused to consider it. Both did not seem to want to get involved with the official way, and it made Auriel wonder just how bad it was.

Seeing her curious expression, Carol decided to tell her what was going on.

"The official way is a formal duel between two sides. It can be one-on-one or even family-versus-family. It can often get violent, so we usually avoid it."

Carol explained in a low voice to try and tell Auriel what was going on. And suddenly, the reluctance made a lot of sense on the pair's faces.

No one wanted to drag others into their dirty fight.

'But wait! Isn't this what Princess Evelyn would want? She looked ready for the fight. I wonder why she looks so reluctant right now.'

The expression on the princess's face was complicated. On one hand, she looked relieved and ready to fight, but on the other, she also looked ready to hold back. Seeing her this conflicted was something Auriel had never seen before, and it almost looked cute.

Before anyone could make another comment, Priestess Lilith chipped in once more to confirm the situation.

"So, what do you both say? Are you interested in settling this situation using your fists? Ah, don't worry about your injuries or dying. The temple will set up a barrier that will prevent life-threatening injuries. So you likely won't die."

Lilith looked the happiest suggesting this solution, and there was joy on her face.

This time, the one who spoke up first was Lady Shelly Munero. Her face had gone white with fear, and her body trembled with shock. But her mouth spoke the words she wanted to.

"E-Excuse me, but won't this be too violent for Goddess Auriel's taste? Surely we should try to be civil—"

"It's fine. A fight is how we usually resolve problems with other gods, so I am used to it. If this is the fastest and safest way to resolve this situation, then I don't mind bearing witness to this fight."

Auriel did not give Shelly Munero time to finish her words, and Shelly paled even more. She looked ready to faint after she heard all that.

But the reaction Auriel was more interested to see was Princess Evelyn's. Her face almost lit up with determination, and she looked relieved and resolute at the same time.

Her confident smile made her almost shine, and Auriel had to put her hand over her eyes to save herself from the threat of the glowing princess. But even then, it felt impossible to turn her head and look away from the confident princess.

Just as Auriel was about to head toward Princess Evelyn, a delicate hand covered her eyes and pulled her head back.

"Now then, since we all have come to a conclusion, how about we all leave now? The Divine One needs to have her rest, and I am afraid that we are disturbing her too much with our constant chatter."

Priestess Lilith's voice sounded close, and her breath tickled Auriel's ear. It made her insides shiver and itch with an unknown emotion, and Auriel's stomach wobbled with sensations she would rather not name.

The pair in front of Auriel did not seem to know what to say either, so they kept quiet. But finally, Princess Evelyn spoke up.

"I agree to this condition. Lady Shelly Munero, I officially challenge you to a battle. The winner shall be declared the rightful participant of the succession war, and the one who loses will have to admit that they made the mistake. Do we have a deal?"

The princess made her condition clear, and Auriel managed to pry Lilith's hand off her face just enough to see Lady Shelly's face.

It looked pale and lifeless. She was reluctant to fight Princess Evelyn, and for good reason. But once she noticed that Goddess Auriel was looking at her, she felt like she had no choice.

"Of course, Princess. We have a deal on our hands. Since I am sure that I am in the right, I am confident that the gods will be with me."

Lady Shelly Munero wasted no time in showing off before she made her way out. But all this time, she kept stealing glances at Auriel, hoping that the goddess would stop her or say something to her.

But Auriel did not even acknowledge Shelly, causing the woman to feel ridiculed as she left.

"Well, that could have gone worse. I guess the temple needs to make preparations to hold this fight tomorrow. Princess, can we get the authority to use the old city—"

Priestess Lilith asked with a smile on her face, but Princess Evelyn did not smile. Instead, she looked alert, and her eyes fixed on the priestess as if the priestess were a devil.

"Your mask of sweetness does not convince me, you devil! You might be able to fool others, but I can see through your deception and tell that you are doing all this to increase the temple's authority. But you won't be able to get away with it forever."

The princess declared before she drew her sword and left the hallway.

Priestess Lilith finally let Auriel go and placed a hand on her cheek in a worried manner.

Sigh

"Looks like the princess misunderstood me and my intentions. All I want to do is help her out… but alas. Maybe it will be better for me to stay back and not do anything."

The priestess lamented, but none of her words matched her real emotions. Auriel could tell that the priestess had not been triggered by what the princess said.

If anything, she looked more amused than anything.

"Priestess Lilith, you don't have time to play around. Please, head back to the sanctuary and conduct the prayer. I will escort the Divine One back for you."

Carol quickly inserted herself between Auriel and Priestess Lilith. Auriel felt thankful to have the young goth there to help because she was beginning to feel a little creeped out by the priestess and her forever-happy mood.

"Oh, you are right! Would you look at the time! Goddess, I hope I did not cause you any trouble. Now, I shall head in."

With those last words, Priestess Lilith finally left.

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