31: Not dealing with the aftermath - Part 1

Auriel was locked up in her room, and that made her feel depressed.

Well, she was not actually locked up in her room. She was free to roam around as she pleased and do whatever she wanted to… in theory.

But the way people looked at her and the disappointed expression she received from Priestess Lilith made Auriel not want to move around. She decided to just sit in one place and wait for the priestess to come to her.

It felt nice for the first couple of hours, but after that, it started to get boring, and by the end of the day, Auriel felt stiff.

"O Divine One, please tell us if you want anything. We are here to serve you to the best of our abilities," the caretakers offered.

Having realized that Auriel wanted something, they tried to help. However, because of their busy lifestyle, which required the other priestesses to always be on the move, they hardly ever felt bored themselves. Since they rarely experienced such emotions, it was hard for them to recognize the boredom written plainly on the Goddess's face.

"It's fine. I'll tell you if you can help me with something… actually, I am a little curious about something. What do you think about Duchess Amara? What kind of person is she?"

Auriel had no particular interest in any candidate, but the reason she asked this question was simple—she had spent a little time with the other two and could kind of guess their personalities.

But as for Duchess Amara, Auriel had only had a small encounter, which told her little except for the Duchess's fondness for touch. Her intention behind asking this question was simple: Auriel was curious. However, she did not realize her interest could be taken the wrong way, considering she was the chief authority in choosing the next empress.

"You want to know more about Duchess Amara? Hmm, well, we can tell you as much as we know—"

"Hey, maybe we shouldn't. This is sensitive information!"

"But the Divine One asked for it. Do you want to lie to her… or worse, deny her the information she seeks?"

"Well, no! But—"

The priestesses seemed to be having a small scuffle about whether to share what they knew about Duchess Amara. In the end, their desire to assist Auriel won out.

One of the priestesses continued, not minding that they were about to gossip about one of the empire's duchesses.

"Anyway, Goddess Auriel. Since you asked about Duchess Amara, please allow me to tell you about her. Duchess Amara is—"

"Oh my! I didn't realize that our dear goddess was curious about this humble servant of hers! What an honor it is. Goddess Auriel, if there is anything you would like to know about me, I would rather have you ask me directly than listen to these gossips. I promise you, I would never lie to you."

Before anyone could respond, Duchess Amara entered Auriel's room.

Her sudden entry startled not only the other priestesses but also Auriel. The priestesses glanced at one another nervously.

"D-Duchess Amara, we were not informed that you would be visiting today. I'm afraid you cannot have an audience with the Divine One without prior notice. Please, head back before we are forced to take action."

The highest-ranking priestess stepped forward, her voice firm. However, the Duchess seemed uninterested in leaving. The look of boredom she gave the head priestess spoke volumes.

"Ah, I see. So you want me to head back and get an appointment, huh? I don't want to! Goddess Auriel, I want to spend more time with you. Won't you allow it?"

Duchess Amara's voice was carefree, but to Auriel, it sounded more like a threat than a request. The other priestesses recognized the tone as well and began to protest.

"My lady, I don't care who you are, but this is no way to behave in the sacred temple, especially in front of someone like our Divine One. If you don't stop now, then we will be—"

"It's fine. Can all of you leave me and the Duchess alone? I have something to discuss with her… alone."

Auriel felt a sudden need to intervene. The Duchess was smiling, her expression unbothered, but there was something about her aura that made Auriel uneasy.

The priestesses hesitated, clearly unsettled by the idea of leaving Auriel alone with Duchess Amara. Their concerned eyes focused on Auriel as if she were incapable of handling herself.

Cough.

Auriel made a subtle noise to prompt them to leave, but either the priestesses were too oblivious to notice, or they were unwilling to follow her orders.

It felt insulting, and Auriel's patience wore thin.

"I already gave you a warning. If you continue to test me like this, I will have no choice but to report you all to Priestess Lilith. Perhaps I should head there right now and—"

"P-Please wait, Goddess! We apologize for the delay in following your orders. W-We will leave now. Everyone, leave the Divine One alone."

The highest-ranking priestess quickly backed down and led the others out. Once they were gone, Auriel was left alone with the Duchess.

Auriel kept her face neutral, masking the humiliation she felt. It wasn't her fault this happened, but it sure felt like it was.

'Those foolish humans! Just because I gave them a little freedom, they think they can trample over me like this. If not for my desire to keep peace, I would have shown them my real power—'

Auriel's thoughts were interrupted as she felt the sofa sink on either side of her. She blinked, startled by the sudden proximity of Duchess Amara, who was now leaning close to her, her face mere inches away.

"What do you think you are doing"

Auriel asked, feeling nervous. The sudden proximity felt too much for Auriel, but she could not bring herself to look away.

She felt sure that she would be kissed by the Duchess, but instead, the Duchess pulled her body back to sit in front of Auriel.

Duchess Amara's lips curved into a soft smile as she leaned just a little closer to Auriel, her eyes shimmering with amusement and an underlying intensity.

"Goddess Auriel, forgive me for saying this, but the people serving you are far too rude. It pains me to see how they disrespect your divinity. You deserve better—people who will truly honor and adore you as you deserve."

Auriel maintained her composure, though she could feel the weight of Amara's gaze pressing on her. The Duchess's voice was honeyed, almost hypnotic, as if she were weaving a web around the goddess.

"If you allow me, I can make things easier for you. "I could personally see to it that only those who are loyal, obedient, and devoted to you remain in your service. All you need to do is ask, my dear goddess" 

Duchess Amara continued, her tone smooth

Auriel hesitated, her instincts prickling with unease. The offer sounded tempting on the surface, but she could sense there was more to it. Duchess Amara's demeanor, while charming, carried a subtle edge of manipulation.

"That's very kind of you, Duchess. but I assure you, the current arrangements are sufficient. My priestesses may falter, but their devotion to the temple and their duty is genuine. I cannot ask for more." 

Auriel replied, her voice calm but firm.

Duchess Amara's smile faltered for the briefest moment before she quickly masked it with an exaggerated sigh. She leaned back slightly, her expression shifting to one of disappointment and frustration.

"Ah, how unfortunate! I only wish to see you surrounded by those who truly appreciate your greatness. But if you're content with mediocrity, who am I to argue?" 

She murmured, her fingers idly toying with the fabric of her sleeve. 

Her words were laced with subtle venom, but Auriel refused to rise to the bait. She folded her hands in her lap, her posture as serene as ever, though her eyes held a quiet resolve.

"I value your concern, Duchess Amara. But my decisions are my own. I trust my servants to grow and learn from their mistakes, as humans often do. Thank you for your offer, but it is not necessary." 

Auriel said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The Duchess let out a soft hum, her eyes narrowing slightly. The lightness in her tone was gone, replaced with something darker.

"I see. Well, I suppose I must respect your decision, even if I find it… disappointing." 

She said, her voice now quieter but sharper. 

There was an edge of bitterness in her words, but Amara stood gracefully, brushing invisible dust from her gown.

"Still, should you ever change your mind, you need only summon me. I would never deny you, Goddess. Keep that in mind." 

She added, her gaze locking onto Auriel's. This was an offer for assassination and for a moment, Auriel felt tempted to reach out and take it. But she decided not to until the very next second.'

Auriel did not have the mental capacity to deal with the aftermath of such a decision.