Pity Saintess

All the nobles returned to the palace to celebrate, their laughter and chatter filling the halls. Everything felt like a blur—too fast, too surreal. I, the girl once pitied and shunned, was now Empress. And I still couldn't quite believe it.

Every time I glance at the man beside me.. my husband.. I can't help but wonder about the woman who came before me. How did the late Empress die?

I couldn't help but worry... What comes after this celebration? Will I be cast aside.. or worse, murdered.. just as the people of my empire always believed I would be?

"You're lost in thought again. Don't overthink, people are coming our way," Lucan Morgant said. His voice was as cold as ice, and even his words sent a chill down my spine. 

I lifted my chin and saw a group of nobles approaching us.

"Glory to the Morgant Empire. We pay our respects to His Imperial Majesty and Her Imperial Majesty," they said, bowing deeply before us.

"Ah, House Vrile, if I'm not mistaken?" Lucan said coolly, his gaze sharp yet composed.

"I am honored that His Majesty remembers a house as humble as ours," the noble replied with a respectful smile. "We've long awaited the arrival of Her Majesty. It has been many years since a Saintess graced our Empire. We sincerely hope you will protect our lands… and stand faithfully at His Majesty's side for all the days to come." They all smiled warmly, their eyes soft with genuine respect. I could feel the sincerity in their words, no hidden malice, no veiled contempt. Just honest welcome. For the first time, I felt… accepted. A small smile tugged at my lips, unforced and real. It was unfamiliar, but comforting.

"Your Imperial Majesty, how do you find the Morgant Empire thus far?" they asked, turning their attention to me.

"I… I like it so far," I replied hesitantly, "though I haven't had much time to explore yet, so I can't say for sure."

"My wife, Amelia, is hosting a tea party next week, Your Highness. It would be an honor to have you attend. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet everyone in the empire." The man in front of us said. 

"Yes… I'll think about it," I said, offering a small smile. It was the first time I'd ever been invited to a tea party. Back then, only Estelle had received such invitations.

"Well then, we won't take up any more of your precious time, Your Highness. We shall return to our place," the man said, bowing slightly before walking away.

"That was Duke Vrile, a loyal subordinate. I think it would be wise for you to attend the tea party, Empress. It's a good opportunity to win the people over," Lucan said. I simply nodded, silently thinking, I'll attend.. if you don't murder me tonight…

"I'll get you something to drink. Stay right here," Lucan said before stepping away from my side. 

I was gonna tell him that he doesn't need to.. How can someone like me order an Emperor of this empire?

I noticed many eyes fixed on me. I wasn't used to such attention—it made me feel uneasy.

I stepped outside, unable to bear the weight of everyone's gaze. A few noblewomen approached me.

"Glory to the Sun of the Empire! Your Majesty, I am from the House of Elistia. We were just talking about how beautiful you are!" one of them said warmly.

"Thank you," I replied with a smile.

Now I understood—everyone wanted to befriend me not because they truly liked me, but because of the power my title held.

"Why, if it isn't my twin sister, Luna!" A sharp, familiar voice cut through the murmurs. All the noblewomen around me turned their heads. Estelle stepped out from the crowd, her eyes fixed on me like a predator sizing up her prey.

Why are they here... no, why are they here? Father... Mother... and Estelle...

"I know what you're thinking, sister! We couldn't possibly miss your wedding, right? You're precious to us!" Estelle said, stepping closer. But her words were hollow—too fake to believe, especially when I knew the truth behind her cold hatred.

She pulled me into a tight hug.

"Oh my, they must have such a strong bond. Her Majesty's sister is so sweet," one whispered.

"The sister must feel lonely without her twin…" another murmured.

I could hear the crowd's admiration washing over Estelle. She truly knew how to capture hearts—no wonder they were all so taken by her.

"You'll be a corpse by morning, my dear twin sister," Estelle whispered coldly as she released me from the hug. She pulled back, her lips curling into a cruel smirk.

"How'd you get here so fast..?" i asked her.

"Oh, I hold such powerful divine power, sister. I can create portals—temple to temple—all across the continent," Estelle said, her voice sweet but laced with arrogance.

She wasn't lying. Estelle had always been powerful—admired, praised, and feared for it. I was just the forgotten twin, the shadow behind her golden light.

"Anyway, ladies," she continued, turning to the noblewomen with a smile that masked her venom, "do you mind giving me and my sister a moment alone?"

The noblewomen, charmed by her poise and unaware of the tension between us, simply smiled and curtsied. "Of course, Your Grace," one of them said, and they all politely took their leave.

As soon as they were gone, Estelle's smile remained—but her eyes sharpened.

"Are you here to harass me again?" I asked, my voice low, trembling slightly despite my effort to stay composed. I met her gaze, refusing to look away this time. "Just so you know… it's already working."

Estelle chuckled softly, the kind of laugh that didn't reach her eyes. "Oh dear sister, harass you? Why would I do that on your special day?" she cooed, her tone laced with mock concern.

She leaned in closer, her breath brushing against my ear.

"I hope you can endure it," she whispered, her voice dripping with malice as her smirk widened. "We'll be staying here for a week."

My heart sank.

A whole week… under the same roof as Estelle.A whole week of walking on thin ice, watching my back, pretending everything is fine.

I straightened my shoulders and met her smug expression with a calm one of my own.

"Then I hope you can endure seeing me sit on the throne you wanted so badly."

"Don't be so full of yourself, Luna," Estelle sneered, tilting her head mockingly. "It's just day one.

"And who is this?" Lucan approached us, holding two glasses of wine. He handed me one.

Estelle immediately turned, her expression shifting into one of false charm.

"Oh! Your Majesty," she said sweetly, offering a curtsy so graceful it looked rehearsed. "I'm Estelle, Luna's twin sister. It's such an honor to finally meet you." 

Lucan's expression remained unchanged... calm, cold, and unwavering. Not even a flicker of interest passed through his eyes. Where others would've been drawn in by Estelle's beauty and charm, he stood unaffected, as though her presence meant nothing.

Estelle's confident smile faltered ever so slightly. She was used to winning people over with a single glance, a sweet tone. But Lucan wasn't like the nobles back home—he wasn't playing her game.

He didn't wait for a response. Instead, he gently placed a hand on the small of my back, guiding me away from her.

"Come, Empress. The celebration is far from over."

And just like that, he turned his back on Estelle—leaving her standing alone, stripped of the spotlight she tried so desperately to steal.

I glanced over my shoulder. Estelle, still standing in place, her smile now completely gone. Her jaw was clenched, eyes narrowed.

She was pissed off.

"Are you tired? Should we call it a day?" Lucan asked, his tone steady and calm. I shifted my His expression remained unreadable—cold, as always—but there was something softer in his voice. A subtle gentleness that didn't match his icy exterior.

"I'm not sure... people might not like it if we leave first."

Lucan handed me the wine and looked out over the crowd, his eyes scanning the ball room

"Let them talk," he said flatly. "You're the Empress now. You don't have to please anyone but yourself… and me, perhaps."

His words weren't playful, but they weren't threatening either. Just... matter-of-fact. That was somehow even more unsettling.

"If that's what you think, then I suppose we can call it a day." i said and smiled gently. 

"Alright," he replied.

Just as we were about to leave, a group of nobles approached Lucan, engaging him in a conversation about the recent changes within the empire.

"Luna, you can head out first," Lucan said, his tone calm and composed.I gave a small nod and quietly made my way out of the hall, leaving the murmurs and laughter of the nobles behind me.

___________________________________________

I walked through the dimly lit corridors, the soft echo of my footsteps the only sound accompanying me. Shadows stretched across the walls, and a cold draft brushed against my skin.

There was no one in sight. Just me, wandering these unfamiliar halls.

Where the hell is my chamber…? I thought, glancing left and right, every turn looking the same. The palace was enormous, and I still hadn't memorized the route.

A flicker of unease crept up my spine.

"Your Highness!"

The voice startled me. I quickly turned around—my heart skipping a beat—only to see Laxus running toward me, his footsteps quick but controlled, as always.

Even in a hurry, he carried himself with that same unshakable composure.

"Laxus… you scared me," I said, my hand resting over my chest to calm my pulse.

"I'm sorry," he said as he slowed to a walk. "You mustn't walk alone. As the new Empress, you're more likely to be targeted by assassins. Let me escort you. Where are you headed?" he asked. 

"You're right.. I'm not sure actually, i wanted to go back to my chambers but im still unfamiliar with these halls"

"I understand, Your Highness," Laxus said gently, offering a kind smile. "Don't worry, I'll walk you back to your chambers. And I'll make sure you remember the way, so you won't have to feel lost again."

He stepped closer, his tone soft and protective, ready to guide me through the quiet halls.

Feeling a small comfort in his presence. As we walked side by side through the dimly lit corridors, Laxus spoke softly, "This palace can be confusing at first, but you'll get used to it soon enough. And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."

His words felt genuine, and for the first time since arriving here, I allowed myself to relax a little.

After a few turns and passing several ornate doors, we reached a grand wooden door with delicate carvings.

"This is your chamber, Your Highness," Laxus said. Standing in front of the door. 

"Thank you sir Laxus. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble at all, Your Highness. It's my honor to help. Rest well tonight—you'll need your strength for tomorrow."

With that, he bowed slightly and stepped back into the shadows of the corridor, leaving me alone in the quiet warmth of my chamber.

I closed the door softly behind him, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and hope settle in my chest.

Even on a day that seemed so good—getting married, meeting new faces—everything could end tonight. Will I get murdered tonight? Maybe that's why Father and Mother came… to witness my death.

I lay down in bed, still dressed in my wedding gown, eyes fixed on the towering ceiling above.

I was ready to accept my fate, no matter what. Still, I felt a quiet gratitude—if these were truly my last moments, at least I had slept on a soft bed, worn a beautiful gown, and met new faces.

I stood up and changed into my nightdress, carefully removing the delicate accessories. Settling into bed, I waited quietly for Lucan to arrive—after all, he had said we'd be sharing a bed tonight.