I Was Supposed To Be A Queen, But I Was Accused Of Being A Fake Saint, So I Fled And Was Doted On By

Chapter - 24 || Can You Swear To Be A Saint To The Entire World?

The temples of the Zomer Empire, unlike those of the Turku Kingdom, was built with many pillars, both outside and inside.

Between the pillars stood the nobles who were watching the ceremony.

The piercing gaze that I felt earlier seemed to be coming from there.

But I was used to it.

I proceeded without hesitation.

From the point of view of the noblemen who have been in this country for a long time, I am someone who suddenly appeared.

In a country where the faith in the saints is so strong, they may not say anything outwardly, but I don't think it will be easy for them to accept me.

Besides,

I'm not only going to be a saint, I'm also going to marry the Crown Prince.

It's only natural for them to look at me with that piercing, probing gaze.

I walked through the center of the high-ceilinged, marble temple.

The yellow petals of the Maiden Lilies were displayed here and there, reminding me of the hard work of all the priests for this day.

I looked around without moving my head.

Everyone seemed to be wearing modest dresses and jackets appropriate for this occasion.

Perhaps I shouldn't compare them, but I don't think anyone was dressed as insanely as Natalia.

That means,

I'm sure that everyone will treat me with common sense on the surface, if not on the inside.

How many genuine allies I can make from here will depend on my ability.

I was reminded of Natalia, but I immediately switched to another thought.

On the altar at the back of the room, there were potted lilies of the maiden with white petals and blue pollens, just like the one I was holding in my hand.

All the potted lilies were in full bloom.

"Welcome."

In front of the altar stood the young priest who presided over this occasion today, Eric-sama Achenbach.

I could see the Emperor, Empress Claudia, and Rudolf-sama.

A little farther away was my escort knight, Christopher.

I must have put a lot of pressure on the Knight Commander, Harzen Vahle, and the rest of the Knights.

I approached Eric, thanking everyone who had been involved in this day.

"This way."

At Eric-sama's signal, I stopped.

The priest who was helping me brought out a tray with a flat vessel of holy water in it.

"Here are the Maiden Lilies."

I gently placed the bouquet of Maiden Lilies in my hand into the bowl of holy water.

"Oh..."

The people around me gasped in surprise.

The Maiden Lily's white petals glowed even brighter, and the blue pollens sparkled.

The lustrous smell became even stronger, and there were more sighs from the standing nobles.

Eric-sama nodded,

"Even in holy water, the glow increased. The temple hereby acknowledges that these are indeed the Maiden Lilies. And the potted lilies over there are also acknowledged to be the Maiden Lilies."

Eric-sama looked straight at me,

"The Temple of the Zomer Empire proclaims Elvira Von Lustro to be a saint for making the Maiden Lily bloom. Elvira Von Lustro. Do you swear to be a saint to the entire world?"

I hung my head and swore,

"Yes, I swear by all the seas, mountains, lands, skies, undergrounds, and heavens of this world.

I ask for your help in purifying this polluted world.

I will devote myself to the cause."

"Thank you."

I looked up at the sniffling voice and saw that Eric-sama was in tears.

"Thank you so much for coming to our country."

To my surprise, Eric-sama bowed deeply to me. I couldn't help but get excited and return the bow.

I thought I heard an unexpected applause, but it was Empress Claudia.

The Emperor, Rudolf, and the other nobles applauded after her.

Fighting back tears of joy, I bowed and offered the Maiden Lily to the altar.

Eric gave his last words,

"Anyone who has any objections to this ritual, do so now. If not, this concludes the Ritual of the Saint."

No one said anything.

During the meeting, I was told that this question was just a formality and that no one would say anything. Still, I was relieved.

Now all I had to do was to leave.

I flipped up the hem of my dress and started to go back the way I came.

And that's when it happened.

"I have an... objection."

A thin, clear voice resounded from somewhere.

The area was buzzing.

It was a pretty young lady who raised her voice.

"Countess Rosemarie Goldberg, how may I help you?"

Eric-sama asked calmly.

"I have an objection to this ritual... if you don't mind."

"Go ahead, say it. I asked if you had any objections."