Chapter 63 - The Birth of a Saint
I could do nothing but watch the scene unfold in silence. However, the other spectators who had witnessed this historic moment were a different story.
"A Saint! It's the Saint!"
"To think I'd be present for this moment!"
"Spirit King-sama! Lady Saint!"
The initial confusion of the crowd gave way to a wave of realization, which then swelled into pure jubilation. The stadium was soon engulfed in thunderous applause and cheers that felt like the earth itself was shaking.
"A Saint, hm? Of all people, Miss Carroll..."
I turned toward His Highness at his low murmur. He hadn't lost his composure; he was simply staring at Anna-san with a calculating gaze. His expression suggested he was already weighing the future political implications rather than celebrating the birth of a Saint.
That's right.
Just because Anna-san had become the Saint didn't mean the future would follow the same path. I had no intention of repeating my past mistakes. More importantly, I had to trust in His Highness's feelings.
"Your Highness..."
"Rachel. Even I am surprised. I didn't expect the Spirit King to appear and grant a blessing."
"Yes."
"Are you worried? You have that look on your face. It's alright. The country will be in an uproar for a while, but things will move in a positive direction."
"...I suppose so. Yes, it is a joyous occasion."
His Highness spoke gently, having noticed I couldn't hide my unease. He smiled warmly to reassure me. It was strange—just hearing his voice made my anxiety feel lighter. He was right. Even if Anna-san was the Saint, our relationship wouldn't change. We had built something different this time.
I should be happy that a Saint had been born in this country after three hundred years. She would be busy with her duties, and as the Crown Prince's fiancée, I would support her from the shadows. Still, Anna-san's attitude toward His Highness bothered me. She seemed to pay him an unusual amount of attention. What are her intentions? Could she also be...
The thought crossed my mind, and I shook it off. No, I just told myself things are different now.
In the distance, Anna-san smiled happily and gave a graceful curtsy, holding her skirt as she acknowledged the applause. Even so, the unease wouldn't vanish. But for now, I must be grateful that a Saint has returned to this land. Despite the lingering gloom in my heart, I forced a smile and joined the others in applauding.
I turned my gaze back to the Spirit King. He had walked over to Theodore-sama and was speaking to him in a low voice. His gaze was much softer than the one he had directed at Anna-san—it was almost nostalgic. Theodore-sama, for his part, offered a bow of the utmost respect but spoke to the Spirit King without a hint of intimidation.
Seeing them side by side, I felt a strange sense of similarity. Perhaps it was because Theodore-sama possessed such immense mana, or perhaps his beauty was also of an otherworldly nature.
"They look alike," His Highness remarked.
"Eh?"
"The Spirit King and Theodore. I can't put my finger on it, but their auras are very similar. It might be blasphemous to say, but they look like brothers—or perhaps father and son."
"I felt the same way. Looking at them now, Theodore-sama seems almost like a spirit himself."
"Indeed. His abilities are certainly off the charts," His Highness joked with a laugh.
As I watched their interaction from afar, the Spirit King suddenly looked my way. In that instant, despite the distance, I felt that strange sensation again—as if he were standing right in front of me. I felt his presence right at my ear.
Who?!
My eyes widened in shock as the Spirit King's dignified voice echoed in my mind.
"We may meet again, little one."
"What?"
I stared at the Spirit King, but he hadn't moved. He was still standing next to Theodore-sama, simply looking in my direction.
"Um, just now..."
"What is it?"
I looked at His Highness, wondering if he had heard the voice too. But he only tilted his head in confusion.
He didn't hear it? Was that message meant only for me?
"Now, I shall return to my forest. May fortune favor the future of this kingdom."
As the Spirit King spoke, countless glowing petals began to float through the air. It was a fantastical sight, a beauty so ethereal that I forgot myself for a moment. Everyone was entranced. The shimmering flowers slowly faded away along with their soft light. I reached out a hand toward the light but stopped. I felt as though I shouldn't touch something so pure.
The Spirit King was truly special. His simple blessing of "May fortune favor you" felt like a powerful prophecy that no one could doubt. With those final words, he stepped back onto the magic circle and vanished in a burst of brilliant light.
All that remained was the question of his parting words to me.
What did he mean? We may meet again? But doesn't the Spirit King only appear during the summoning ceremony?
While I was lost in thought and the crowd remained in a state of euphoric excitement, the bell rang to signal the end of the ritual. The priests and mages in the VIP section stood up hurriedly. It made sense—a Saint had been born. It would be a national celebration. Furthermore, the Saint would be placed under the care of the Church. They would be incredibly busy preparing to receive her after such a long absence.
His Highness stood up, drawing my attention. He looked down at me.
"Rachel, I'm going to speak with Theodore. Will you come with me? I'm sure you have questions as well."
"Yes, I would like to join you."
I followed His Highness and Cyril out of the arena to find Theodore-sama, who had already disappeared from the venue.