Chapter 105

"What would a Narf Prince want with you?" Ceres asked, her voice laced with curiosity as she looked at Delphine.

They were inside one of the larger expedition tents, gathered with the high-ranking officials of the camp.

Yet, despite the warm lighting and the presence of others, Delphine was still trembling.

"Thank you, Mara," she murmured, accepting the cup of water handed to her.

Around the tent, the other officials were being served coffee before quietly excusing themselves, leaving only the key figures behind.

Delphine took a deep breath.

"I don't know, Your Highness," she admitted, voice unsteady. "He just appeared out of nowhere, asked if I was the Saintess, and then… he tried to drag me into the water."

A heavy silence settled over the tent.

Ceres's expression turned unreadable.

"Legion, call Sir Cecilion, Sir Robin, and Sir Renee for me," she ordered.

Legion nodded and stepped out immediately to carry out her command.

From across the table, High Court Magician Celion shifted slightly.

"Your Highness… my brother is just a newly appointed knight," Celion said cautiously. There was hesitation in his tone.

Ceres tilted her head. "And?"

Celion exhaled.

"We know they took it upon themselves to guard Saintess Delphine." His voice was careful. "But it wasn't their fault that they weren't with her earlier."

Ceres's gaze did not waver.

"So?"

Her voice was sharp, and Celion swallowed hard.

After experiencing her Silver Tongue ability firsthand, he knew better than to push further.

The tent flap opened once more, and Legion returned with Cecilion, Robin, and Renee.

The three noble knights stepped inside, their shoulders stiff with tension.

None of them could meet Delphine's gaze.

Guilt hung heavy in their eyes.

They had already heard what happened...how Delphine had been attacked while they weren't by her side.

Cecilion was the first to speak.

"You called for us, Your Highness."

They had been away earlier, scouting the surrounding area under the Duke's orders.

Even though the Frozen Sea was no longer frozen, this was still a land where monsters had lurked for centuries.

The Duke could not take any risks… especially when the Empress had remained inside her canopy for days.

Ceres's gaze flickered toward them.

"I heard you have taken it upon yourselves to guard Delphine."

"Yes, Your Highness," the three knights responded in unison.

Cecilion stepped forward slightly.

"And we will accept any punishment for failing to protect her."

But Ceres merely shook her head.

"I do not blame you."

They looked surprised.

"And neither should you blame yourselves."

Ceres's gaze drifted to Delphine, who stiffened under her scrutiny.

"Knowing Delphine, I am sure she told you not to protect her… because she is a commoner, and you are nobles."

The knights' eyes widened in shock.

It was exactly what had happened.

And yet the Empress had known.

Ceres smirked slightly.

"If you have not sworn an oath to serve someone yet, how about doing so for her?"

A sharp gasp escaped Delphine's lips.

"Your Highness!"

Her voice rose, but the moment she realized it, she quickly covered her mouth with her hands.

Duke Aurelian's eyes narrowed, clearly displeased by her outburst toward the Empress. 

She turned toward Cecilion, Robin, and Renee, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I am just a commoner! How can noble knights serve me? They will be mocked!"

But Ceres didn't even glance at her.

She was watching the knights instead.

Waiting.

Testing them.

Cecilion was the first to step forward.

He placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly.

"I would be honored, Your Highness," he said with a wide, sincere smile.

Robin and Renee exchanged glances… before stepping forward as well.

"Me too," they both said.

Ceres's smirk widened in satisfaction.

Then, she turned toward the three Holy Knight Commanders.

"There is a female Holy Knight named Arwen, correct?"

Sir Deon frowned slightly at the mention of the name.

"Yes, Your Highness. But… she is the weakest among the Holy Knights."

There was doubt in his voice.

"I do not believe she will be of much use to Saintess Delphine."

But Ceres only smiled.

"That's fine."

Then, she turned to Seiryu.

"Find her and bring her here. Tell her that I wish for her to be Delphine's Holy Knight protector."

They didn't have to wait long before Holy Knight Arwen entered the tent.

She was petite in stature, with striking red hair and irises, and her nervousness was palpable.

Even among the Holy Order, there was bullying… especially from noble-born Holy Knights.

If you were a commoner and happened to be the weakest among them, you naturally became their target.

And when a weak person found someone even weaker, they would throw them to the wolves just to survive.

Such was the harsh reality of Arwen's life.

Yet, compared to most commoners, she still considered herself lucky… being accepted into the Holy Order meant at least one thing, she would be fed.

So when the Holy Beast Seiryu approached her earlier and informed her that the Empress herself had chosen her as Saintess Delphine's protector, she had been too stunned to respond.

And yet… without hesitation, she agreed.

To be appointed as a Saintess's protector was one of the highest honors a Holy Knight could receive… second only to becoming a Holy Knight Commander.

And while the Holy Church had yet to learn of Saintess Delphine's existence…

It was only a matter of time before the entire world discovered not only her identity but also her connection to the Celestial Knight… a legendary figure only ever mentioned in ancient texts.

Arwen had already noticed the jealous glares of some noble Holy Knights earlier...

Especially after Delphine unfroze the Frozen Sea, an unprecedented feat.

They had wanted to be her protector the moment they witnessed her power.

And now, the Empress had chosen Arwen instead.

Arwen stood stiffly, unable to meet the Empress's gaze.

"You called for me, Your Highness," she said, her voice steady but lacking confidence.

Ceres's piercing gaze settled on her.

"Seiryu has already told you why I called for you, correct?"

Arwen nodded.

"You are the weakest among the Holy Order," Ceres stated bluntly.

Arwen flinched… she already knew this, but hearing it from the Empress herself still made her stomach twist.

But then… Ceres continued.

"But I did not choose you because you are strong. I chose you because you will be useful. Because of one of your abilities… one that will serve Delphine greatly."

Arwen swallowed hard.

Only one ability came to mind.

An ability no one else knew about.

Not because it wouldn't work if it was discovered...

But because it was her secret weapon for surviving the relentless bullying of the other knights.

She clenched her fists.

"Will you still take the position?" Ceres asked.

"Even knowing that you were chosen only because of your ability?"

Ceres's voice was calm but unwavering.

"And that if someone else… even a person who isn't a knight… had your ability instead, they would have been chosen over you?"

Arwen didn't hesitate.

"I will take it, Your Highness."

Ceres studied her for a moment before speaking again.

"You will take it knowing that your life may be put in danger in exchange for Delphine's safety?"

For the first time in her life, Arwen felt something she had never felt before.

A purpose.

She had always existed to survive… nothing more, nothing less.

But now, the Empress was giving her a reason to fight.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Ceres's lips curled into a slight smirk.

"Show me," she said.

Then, her gaze shifted to Delphine.

Arwen understood immediately what she meant.

She let out a slow breath, then stepped forward.

Before everyone's watchful eyes, she transformed. 

Her body shifted, her features warping...

Until she became a perfect replica of Delphine.

From the soft curve of her face to the rich brown of her hair, down to her delicate frame and exact height...

Everything was identical.

The only difference?

She still wore her Holy Knight uniform.

A heavy silence descended upon the tent.

This ability…

In the wrong hands, it could be dangerous.

And yet, none of them had been aware that a member of their own order possessed such a power.

If she had wanted, she could have imitated the Emperor, the High Priest, or any figure of high rank.

She could have caused chaos.

"So," Ceres spoke, studying Arwen carefully, "you cannot change your clothes?"

"No, Your Highness," Arwen answered.

Her voice, Delphine's voice, sent a shiver through the room.

"I can only change my physical form."

"And how long can you maintain this illusion?" Ceres asked.

"As long as I do not use another ability," Arwen replied. "Up to two days."

"You can change back now," Ceres instructed.

Immediately, Arwen returned to her true form, her original features settling back into place.

Then, after a pause, she turned to Ceres, her brows furrowing.

"Your Highness… how did you know I had this ability?" Arwen asked. "I have never told anyone."

The same question was on everyone's mind.

Has the Empress always been this knowledgeable?

Ceres smirked.

"Think of it as a result of having Seiryu by my side," she said smoothly.

Seiryu's expression darkened.

Everyone immediately understood.

It wasn't Seiryu who had told her.

But Arwen didn't press further.

Ceres then turned to Cecilion, Robin, Renee, and Arwen.

"To be Delphine's protectors, your House will no longer matter," she declared.

"You will not recognize any ruler, any kin, any friend… your sole duty will be her safety.

"And if her safety is ever threatened by one of your own, then whether you like it or not..."

Her gaze sharpened.

"You will stand against them."

A tense pause filled the tent.

"Do you accept?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

The four knights answered in unison, without hesitation. 

"You will not take a Knight's Oath."

Ceres's words stunned the room.

Even Duke Aurelian raised an eyebrow.

"But, Your Highness..." Cecilion started, confused.

"One flaw of the Knight's Oath," Ceres continued, "is that you cannot disobey your master's command."

She smirked.

"And knowing Delphine, she would definitely relieve you of your oath before the day ends."

Delphine's eyes widened, her face flushing.

Because...

That was exactly what she had planned to do.

Ceres had seen through her so easily.

The Empress then turned back to the four knights.

"I will be the only one who can relieve you of your duty," she clarified."

"But that does not mean I can order you around."

"Your loyalty belongs to her."

"So if the day comes when you no longer wish to serve as her protectors, you only need to tell me...and I will release you from your duty."

"No questions asked."

"But remember..." Ceres's eyes darkened.

"If you abandon this duty, there will be no turning back."

"I will never grant it to you again."

The four knights nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of her words. 

Ceres then turned to Delphine.

"Do not worry," she said.

"They will not have to stay beside you at all times to do their job."

Delphine exhaled in relief.

"Except for Arwen," Ceres added, turning to the female knight.

"I will take you as a personal maid."

"That way, you can stay by Delphine's side at all times without suspicion."

"From now on, you will wear the same garments like hers."

Arwen nodded without hesitation.

Ceres smiled.

Then, with a graceful movement, she stood from her chair.

"Now… kneel, knights."

Without hesitation, the four knelt before her.

Ceres walked to a small side table, taking four wooden cups and handing one to each of them.

Confused but obedient, they accepted them.

Then...

She took Delphine's cup of water and poured into each of their cup.

As she did, she chanted:

"By this water, pure and bright,

I grant you vision, second sight.

Where she walks, your soul will know,

Where she calls, your path will show.

In danger deep, when shadows rise,

You'll see her need through distant eyes.

No wall nor chain shall hold you tight,

With a single step, you'll find her light.

Your blade shall strike, swift and true,

A shield unyielding, forged anew.

Saintess' Knights, your vow is made,

Stand as her sword, her shield, her aid!"

She gestured for them to drink.

The knights lifted the cups to their lips...

And the moment the water touched their tongues...

They were engulfed in a radiant light.

Then they heard it. The voice of the world, informing them of their new abilities.

The knights' eyes widened in disbelief.

The Empress had granted them abilities...

Abilities that only Celestials were capable of bestowing. 

Just as the light faded, Ceres exhaled.

"Now that we have settled Delphine's protection," she said, "I believe it's time we dealt with our new arrivals." 

As if on cue...

A commotion erupted outside.

A noble knight rushed inside the tent, looking at Aurelian.

"Your Majesty!" the knight said urgently.

"There are people who have emerged from the sea.

"They demand to speak to the one in charge..."

His throat bobbed.

"...and the Saintess."

Aurelian's gaze slid to Ceres.

She met his eyes, her lips curling slightly.

She had been expecting this.

"Lead them here," Aurelian commanded.

The knight bowed and hurried away.