4.1 His Loving Uncle

"Miss, how about this dress?" Milea asked Russelia enthusiastically.

Russelia turned to look at the dress Milea had chosen. Duvan had lent her a personal maid—Milea—to serve Russelia temporarily. Seeing that the dress was her favorite blue, Russelia nodded. She was quite pleased with the pattern and lace on the collar. The light and somewhat thin material shouldn't clash with her activity today. Especially with the sun that burns brightly today, Russelia definitely didn't want to feel the sweat pouring down her body.

However, she sighed inwardly. She remembered that this dress hadn't been among the five she'd bought the first time after leaving the palace two days earlier. At that time, Russelia had insisted on buying only five. But now she had to thank him again. Since childhood, Delonix—her mother—had always taught her that she had to repay or at least thank others for their kindness.

After meeting with King Theo that day, Duvan took Russelia to his residence outside the palace. Although Duvan had been neglected during his time in the palace, he received some attention from King Theo after receiving a blessing and a prophecy at the age of 15. Traditionally, princes who had reached adulthood were allowed to have residences outside the palace. However, this rule was sometimes not properly adhered to, especially if the prince was particularly favored by the king. 

At that time, Duvan insisted on leaving the palace as soon as possible. Even to the point of choosing an abandoned mansion rather than making a new one. He wanted to escape Empress Aera's influence. He didn't bring many servants with him. Duvan only brought four loyal servants, the ones that had been with him for a long time and were Consort Ruella's people. After that, he recruited new people. Aside from his nanny, Consort Ruella's old butler, Iasthor, and Milea, he had about 15 servants.

Besides buying her a dress, Duvan also took her on a tour of the capital. He introduced her to some of the city's famous spots, such as popular clothing stores, restaurants and dessert shops with delicious food, and other important places. Russelia even asked where a famous bookstore was located. Russelia intended to visit it if she had time later. Of course, not now, since Russelia was currently illiterate.

Russelia understood the local language. But she was still hesitant about whether she could automatically understand the writing. Indeed, during the trip, she could only guess at the meaning of the signs in the shops she visited. Russelia shyly asked Duvan about it along the way. Fortunately, he didn't look down on her and explained the name of the shop. Duvan even joked that he would tell his uncle to teach Russelia later.

Meanwhile, Duvan planned to take her to the temple today. It seemed Duvan had contacted the Pope beforehand. Russelia hurried to change. She couldn't keep Duvan waiting. When Milea offered to style her hair, Russelia simply pointed to a simple ribbon clip that matched her dress. At first, she wanted to just let her hair down as usual. But she quickly remembered that she was meeting Duvan's uncle today. So she should at least dress appropriately.

"Miss, this dress suits your fair skin tone! The ribbon also matches your black hair. You look so beautiful today!" Milea praised sincerely. She stared at Russelia in amazement, which made her embarrassed. Milea's actions were as if she were gazing at her own exquisite work.

Looking at her appearance in the mirror, Russelia nodded. Russelia headed to the dining room, accompanied by Milea. As expected, Duvan had already sat down at the dining table. However, he hadn't touched his food. It was obvious he was waiting for Russelia.

As usual, Russelia bowed slightly.

"Greetings to Your Highness, the prince. May the gods always bless you."

Duvan nodded. He chuckled slightly. "You're still so polite with me."

"I'm just following your manner of speaking, aren't I?" Um, Russelia wasn't used to speaking stiffly except in front of her father's family. But everyone here spoke formally. What could she do? She might as well follow suit.

Duvan's brows furrowed slightly, but then he smiled again. "Forget it. Please sit, Miss."

Duvan invited Russelia to sit beside him. A servant immediately pulled out a chair for Russelia to sit in. Russelia thanked the servant briefly. 

"I've already informed Uncle. Uncle has confirmed it with me. So after breakfast, we can go straight to the main temple," Duvan said, sipping his coffee.

Yes, the same coffee as on Earth. After a few days in this world, Russelia realized that the food here wasn't much different from Earth's. Curious, Russelia asked Duvan where the coffee came from. Duvan kindly explained in detail. Russelia became somewhat familiar with the food here. Humans here eat the same meat food as on Earth and occasionally eat monster meat that has been confirmed safe to eat. Monster meat possesses magical powers that can enhance human physical fitness. Just like on Earth, Isthania has rice, corn, and potatoes. The difference is that their quality is improved due to the magical technology's help, and sometimes they have a different name than what she meagerly knows on earth.

"Ah, if I may ask, Prince, what kind of person is your uncle?"

"Hmm, in my opinion, my uncle is a friendly but he could also be a firm and strict elder. Oh, but at least he doesn't often have a sour face like my grandfather. While my teacher has a different persona. He's a mischievous one who likes to joke around, even though he's the same age as my Royal Father."

Hearing this, Russelia could imagine a little. Even though she had read a bit about him in The Exiled Wolf Prince, Russelia still asked further. "Gloomy face? Your grandfather?"

Duvan nodded. His eyes were slightly hazy for a while. He quickly chewed the bread in his mouth. "Yes, Grandpa always seems angry. Maybe… because of my mother. Grandpa was too devastated by her death. But he couldn't do anything."

Russelia was stunned for a moment. She looked closely at Duvan's expression and realized she had misspoken. "Then what about your teacher?"

"Teacher? Ah, yes, I haven't explained. Teacher is my mother's childhood friend. He was also previously the temple's foster child. He taught me how to use mana and invited me to fight in the arena. I was sneaking out of the palace at the time. I was probably a little younger than you are now. I had never left the palace before. I met him when I wanted to watch a fight in the arena. I got a ticket from my butler at the time. That's when I met Teacher, and Teacher taught me afterward."

Russelia chuckled as she sliced the meat on her plate. "The prince also sneaked out of the palace?"

"Oh, I climbed the wall that time."

"Hahahaha... a prince climbing a wall? You weren't afraid of falling?"

"No, the butler helped me then."

Russelia smiled at the thought. She also loved playing back on Earth. "Oh, I used to play with my father too. I hope the Pope likes me."

"Hmm... don't worry about that. Uncle will definitely accept you. More precisely, he'll be happy to have a new student. Lately, Uncle has been complaining a lot about the lack of people willing to help with charity events or religious festivals," Duvan said with a soft laugh.

...

The journey to the temple was quite short. It wasn't far from the royal palace. Russelia's perception of the temple was that of a sacred, white-walled building, as commonly depicted on Earth. Well, Russelia wasn't wrong. The temple in Isthania resembled a large hall with a statue of a god in the center and several smaller supporting buildings surrounding it. Russelia could see many people praying surrounding the statue in the center. Duvan said that the seven temples were arranged in a circle like a giant wheel, with the Sighar temple at the center, complete with gardens and supporting paths leading from each temple to the main temple.

As mentioned, there were seven temples and one main temple. Zois, Fora, Phal, Epohi, Yustia, Zamos, and Athos were the names of the gods known in Isthania, with Sighar as the main deity. These seven gods symbolized the wheel of life, time, fertility, seasons, justice, marriage, and purity.

Russelia herself was never taught religion by her parents. She always felt alone watching her friends celebrate their own religious holidays. Sometimes she would follow when asked, and sometimes she would just stay home during holidays. But she believed that a world must have its creator. Delonix only smiled when Russelia asked.

"You'll understand in time."

That's what her mother said. Russelia didn't understand. Even now, she still wonders why her mother answered her that way. Even when she arrived at the Sighar temple, Russelia only remembered the fatigue in her legs. Only when she looked at the Sighar statue did she become slightly stunned. Not because Russelia suddenly had a spark of faith, but because something else was racing through her mind. Were the gods here truly "gods"? If they did have power, would her prayers be heard? Russelia had read that in this world, gods could grant blessings. Would their divine power be able to bring Russelia home?

Russelia remained stunned. She stared intently at the Sighar statue. It was then that she truly realized she was in another world. A very different world. Could coming to the temple be her chance?

"Miss Russelia?"

Russelia gasped. She looked to her right and saw Duvan's worried face.

"You froze suddenly. Miss, are you okay?"

Russelia looked back at the statue of Sighar. She didn't know why, but now she felt it glowing slightly. Russelia blinked. Now she was just looking at an ordinary statue. Was she hallucinating? Or perhaps it was the reflection of the light?

"No, Your Highness. I was... just stunned. It was as if I was drawn to the statue of a god."

Duvan smiled in relief. "You felt it too?"

"Me... too?"

"Yes, I used to pray mostly in the palace alone. But since I was able to leave the palace, I often go to the temple. Um, I go to the Zois temple more often. Ah, the point is…I feel the same way. Sometimes, whenever I pray, I feel like something is talking back to me."

Russelia frowned. So that's normal?

"Well, let's head to the back of this hall. There's a special area for the priest on duty and other high-ranking personnel. We can find Uncle there."

.....

Sure enough, after passing the Sighar statue, there was a door in the back area. Russelia and Duvan passed through the reception room and headed straight for a slightly deeper hallway. They passed several other rooms that seemed to belong to the other Sighar temple's high-ranking personnel. Seeing this hallway reminded Russelia of the hallway leading to King Theo's study.

Finally, they reached the door at the end of the room. Duvan knocked without hesitation.

"Uncle, it's me, Duvan."

Duvan immediately opened the door without waiting for his uncle's response. Russelia was a little stunned. Ah, so Prince Duvan could be this relaxed as well.

"This child, you finally came," said a middle-aged man in his signature white robes, with neatly combed dark hair and gentle black eyes. His thick eyebrows were slightly furrowed. Duvan was right. The Pope was a friendly man. It seemed they were indeed very close. Although his words sounded like displeasure, Russelia could see the concern in his eyes.

Noticing the hint of gray in his hair, Russelia remembered that in the story, this man was ten years older than Consort Ruella. Ironically, Ruella had left before him. But perhaps that was also why he loved Duvan so much, the only thing left of his adopted sister.

In contrast to his demeanor with King Theo, in front of his uncle, Duvan was no different from any other teenager trying to show off to his parents. "Oh, uncle, don't be so serious. Look who I brought here?"

Only then did the Pope look at Russelia. Russelia once again clutched her dress. She tried not to look timid, but her body's reaction was difficult to control. Ah, what an annoying bad habit.

As if noticing her nervousness, the Pope smiled gently. "What's your name, child?"

"Greetings to Your Holiness, the Honorable Pope. May the Gods always bless you. In answer to your question, I'm Russelia Hailey. Nice to meet you."

Russelia bowed in respect. She then heard a soft chuckle. "Such a sweet and polite child. Duvan, where did you get this diamond? I can't believe you were so lucky to pick it up. Stand up, child. No need to be so polite."

Russelia stood up. She was still clutching her dress, but this time less forcefully. That was a sincere compliment, wasn't it?

"Oh, Uncle! Then you must thank me! I brought you a good prospective student."

The Pope laughed even harder. "This brat!" Then he turned back to Russelia warmly. "Welcome to the Temple, child. I've heard your story from Duvan. My name is Eadgar Phaidros Thiase. Outside, you may address me formally as the Pope. But since you're close to Duvan, if no one else is around, please call me uncle, like Duvan."

Russelia nodded stiffly. But she was actually trying hard to hold back her tears. Apart from Duvan, this was the first time she felt truly accepted. "Thank you… Uncle Eadgar."

Eadgar nodded in satisfaction. He turned to his desk and pulled something out of his drawer. "After I received word from Duvan a few days ago, I prepared your identity documents. Actually, this is still a draft. It still needs the signature of the Ministry of Civil Affairs here. I added Thiase's name in the middle. Is that okay?"

"Thiase?"

"All the temple's foster children must have the name Thiase. Whether they're noble or not, they must have it. But if you feel uncomfortable, I'll remove it."

Russelia shook her head. She was already happy to be accepted. Although it sounded strange to add a name, she didn't think it was a complicated matter. Besides… she didn't want to stand out.

"It's okay, Uncle Eadgar."

"Good, then. Your documents can be signed after this. I'll give them to you once they're finished," Edgar said again, replacing Russelia's identity documents. Eadgar turned to Duvan. "How are your preparations for tonight?"

"Ah, as usual… I'm not very enthusiastic. But don't worry, Uncle. Everything should go smoothly."

Eadgar snorted. "Yes, of course. That's how it should be. How long can your inauguration be delayed? Even if it's just an announcement from the King and the conferment of a title. That's your right. This way, your name can be legally written into the royal genealogy documents kept by the royal family and the temple. How long have your grandfather and I fought for this?"

"I understand how difficult the temple was at that time, Uncle. It's okay, we can continue step by step," Duvan replied. He then turned to Russelia. "Miss, would you like to come along? You can watch my inauguration ceremony. Ah, actually, it's just a simple event. The king will crown me and officially write my name in front of the nobles and the temple. How about Miss Russe attend with my uncle as a representative of the temple?"

"Me?!" Russelia was so shocked that she unconsciously spoke informally. But she quickly recovered. Her head shook violently like a rattle. "No, no, I mean! Your Highness, it was a formal and… luxurious event. I… I'm not used to it."

Seeing her reaction, Duvan chuckled as if watching something funny. "It's okay, Miss. As I said, you just need to watch. Right, Uncle?"

Eadgar looked thoughtful. His fingers tapped his chin. But then he nodded slowly. "It should be fine. Russelia, if you want to watch, that's fine. You can just follow Uncle later."

Russelia pursed her lips. Her brows furrowed, indicating she was deep in thought. It was a simple matter, really. But she disliked crowds since she was little. Interacting with others was sometimes uncomfortable for her. But she also felt bad refusing it. Especially since Duvan had invited her directly. All this time, Duvan had been the one to accept her… Would she just have to watch here?

"I just have to watch?" Russelia asked hesitantly.

"That's right, Miss. You can even eat a lot of the dishes there. The rest, Miss, you just have to watch me."

Staring at Duvan's reassuring face and Eadgar's reassuring face, Russelia slowly nodded. "What about my dress?"

"Oh, I've prepared it! I'll send it after this!"

Eadgar snickered. He shook his head at Duvan's behavior.

He's already prepared my dress?

Russelia was a little stunned. "You've prepared it?"

"Yes, I knew you would agree!" he said lightly. Duvan nodded with satisfaction. He turned back to Eadgar. "Uncle, then I'll take my leave. I'm leaving Miss Russe in your care here. I'll bring all of her belongings, along with her dress for tonight."

Eadgar pinched the bridge of his nose. "This child, what do you mean by leaving her in my care? Okay, go if you want to prepare for later. Uncle will look after your friend without you saying anything."

Eadgar waved his hand as if to dismiss Duvan. Duvan didn't care. Instead, he smiled even wider, bowed slightly in a perfunctory salute, and walked out. He didn't forget to give Russelia a warm smile.

Russelia smiled weakly and saluted back. But inside, she grimaced slightly. She just needed to watch, right? There wouldn't be any problems at the event, right? Ah, there was no point in Russelia worrying now. After all, she had already agreed, and her word couldn't be taken back.