Kenley led the two women toward the Grand Cathedral of Light. This was Tia's first time visiting the cathedral in Marlen Imperial City. Though she had been to countless cathedrals in her homeland, the architectural style of Marlen's cathedral was noticeably different. However, it still embodied three key characteristics: grandeur, sanctity, and symmetry.

  Before her eyes stretched a breathtaking sight—a sprawling array of towering spires radiating outward from the city's center. A scarlet carpet ran straight through the three-tiered granite staircase, leading deep into the cathedral, where a steady stream of worshippers passed through. Though they conversed with one another, they maintained hushed tones, ensuring an atmosphere of serenity free from the slightest clamor.

  The pristine white stone walls were adorned with a deliberate interplay of interruptions and ornate embellishments. The cathedral's soaring doors bore intricate bas-relief carvings of various deities. Following the scarlet carpet inward, one was immediately met with the sight of an enormous statue—that of Sanphest, the Sun God, the highest deity of the Church of Light, the Left Eye of the Mother Goddess, and her divine child.

  Sanphest stood with both hands raised high, his gaze lifted toward the Golden Forbidden Court, the Heart of the World—the resting place of the Mother Goddess. Every statue of Sanphest in cathedrals across the world faced this direction. His expression was solemn and majestic, as if witnessing the eternity of time and the very end of existence. The sculptor had rendered every muscle contour and sinew with lifelike precision, imbuing the statue with an awe-inspiring presence.

  Inside, the cathedral's architecture followed a columnar layout, yet it showcased an ingenious array of artistic techniques unique to the Cain Empire, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistry of southern architects. In contrast to the symmetrical exterior, the interior embraced broken, fragmented, and asymmetrical designs, creating a palatial aesthetic—one that exuded rich colors, opulent gold embellishments, and overwhelming grandeur.

  Above, the stained-glass ceiling formed a mosaic of vibrant shards, arranged with exquisite precision. A keen observer would notice that when sunlight filtered through, the Church of Light's emblem was cast perfectly upon the floor. The sheer brilliance and meticulousness of this design astounded even Tia, a princess well-versed in architecture and literature. Her gaze brimmed with admiration.

  —

  The moment Tia stepped into the cathedral, she immediately lowered herself into a deep, devout bow before the statue of Sanphest. Her gratitude was sincere—she truly thanked the Sun God and the Mother Goddess for their benevolence.

  Though she no longer lived in the conventional sense, the Mother Goddess had granted her the opportunity to experience life a second time. She cherished this second existence deeply and felt a profound gratitude toward her master for his kindness.

  As she prayed, she secretly made a wish for her master…

  —

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Kenley smiled faintly and followed suit, offering a respectful bow to the Sun God.

  Only Sylph was different. The elves' supreme deity was not Sanphest, but Firstborn Fuerst, the Progenitor of the Elves and the Sovereign of Life's Highest Laws. Nonetheless, she still performed an elven salutation toward Sanphest—a graceful, fluid motion that embodied the free-spirited blossoming of life, distinctly different from the solemn, sacred gestures of human worship.

  At that moment, a Holy Knight approached them.

  "The High Bishop has been expecting you. Please, follow me."

  The voice was familiar—it belonged to the same Holy Knight who had accompanied the bishop at the tailor's shop days ago.

  Kenley immediately responded with due respect:"Thank you, Sir Holy Knight, for leading the way."

  That was fast.

  It seemed the High Bishop had anticipated his arrival.

  Did he possess the Grand Prophecy?

  Kenley wasn't sure, but he had witnessed numerous archbishops using the Grand Prophecy in past events to foresee the future of the world.

  Oh righ, and the Grand Cathedral of Light in the Cain Empire was merely a branch of the Church of Light. The true headquarters wasn't here.

  —

  Not long after following the Holy Knight, two other figures slipped into the cathedral as well—Auber and Lucas.

  "They actually followed the Holy Knight inside?" Lucas frowned.

  "Viscount, perhaps we should wait outside for now?" Auber, witnessing this scene, seemed to regain some clarity. He recalled the words the bishop had spoken to Kenley's group back at the tailor's shop. If they forced their way in, things might not end well for them.

  "No! What's wrong, Auber? Are you getting cold feet now?" Lucas scoffed."This whole plan was your idea. If you back out halfway, don't expect to reap any benefits at the end."

  Lucas truly was fearless, completely blinded by his desire for the vampire princess's beauty.

  Auber clenched his teeth. Forget it—we've come this far. There's no turning back now. He took a deep breath and nodded."Fine. We'll do it. But we need to act fast—if they meet with the bishop first, things will get complicated."

  "The bishop? What are they meeting him for?" Lucas was taken aback.

  "Nothing important. Let's just move quickly before they get too far ahead." Auber didn't bother explaining what had transpired at the tailor's shop the previous day. Lucas still assumed Kenley's group had simply come to the cathedral to pray or seek penance.

  "Stick to the plan," Lucas reminded him.

  "Of course, Viscount."

  With that, Auber quickened his pace, taking long strides to overtake Lucas as he rushed forward.

  —

  "Sir Holy Knight!" Auber boldly called out.

  What sheer audacity.

  For the sake of his own selfish desires, he actually dared to make a move inside the Church itself.

  Hearing someone call out to him, the Holy Knight came to an immediate stop. As he turned around, his gaze landed upon Auber.

  "Auber?" The knight seemed to recognize the young nobleman.

  "Yes, Sir Holy Knight. You should know me. But today, I've come to request justice from you." Auber declared without hesitation.

  "Justice? What matter requires my judgment?" Though the Holy Knight wasn't familiar with Auber, he remained patient enough to hear him out.

  Kenley watched as Auber suddenly pointed straight at him, his expression twisted with malice.

  "Sir Holy Knight, this thief—" he sneered, his voice dripping with venom."He stole from Viscount Lucas! I saw it with my own eyes! I demand you allow me to take him into custody. I will bring him before the court to stand trial and expose his filthy, despicable crimes!"

  —

  The Holy Knight's brows furrowed.

  Viscount Lucas?

  He had heard of the man—a greedy, lustful, and notoriously difficult noble. Those who had the misfortune of crossing him rarely met a good end.

  Then, his gaze shifted to Kenley.

  An adventurer, yes, but of peasant origin. Could it be that Lucas had set his sights on him instead?

  The Holy Knight couldn't help but feel a tinge of pity for Kenley.