By Zephyria 
One hundred and thirty knights, dressed in pristine white uniforms, gathered in the grand hall of the royal palace. Each of their faces bore a hint of excitement and a sense of duty. Today was finally the day they would be officially promoted to knights.
Nobles holding significant positions within the empire, members of the Imperial Knight Order, and the royalty of the Berka Empire were all in attendance for the Knight Investiture Ceremony. Crown Prince Alexis, who would personally conduct the investiture, was also dressed in formal attire.
The deep blue imperial blazer, reserved for the supreme commander of the knight order, added an air of nobility to him today. The medals hanging from the shoulder sash further accentuated Alexis’s dignity.
As the Crown Prince solemnly tapped the shoulders of each knight with the ancestral sword of the royal family, he spoke gravely.
“Your sword shall be used for justice, your shield for the honor of the empire, your heart for courage, and your soul for sacrifice. Fear not before your enemies. I, Alexis Winter Graham, Crown Prince of the Berka Empire, hereby appoint you as knights in recognition of your courage and dedication.”
The knight kneeling on one knee could not hide his overwhelming emotion, his eyes trembling with tears.
Emperor Arnold watched from the high seat, a proud expression on his face. Beside him, Empress Elizabeth wore a picturesque smile, though her hands gripping the armrest trembled slightly.
Once the investiture ceremony concluded, Yuria bestowed her blessings upon the knights.
The nobles gasped in awe at the sight of divine grace they had never witnessed before. The mark of the saint glowed softly through the thin fabric of her dress. Before her miraculous and sacred presence, they instinctively bowed their heads.
The Emperor, too, was deeply impressed. He tilted his head slightly and asked,
“Isn’t it truly marvelous?”
“Yes, it is.”
Empress Elizabeth readily agreed, her elegant smile gracing her face. Though a storm of anger brewed within her, her expression remained that of a benevolent and beautiful empress.
Cecile sat beside her, his demeanor indifferent. His emerald eyes, devoid of any spirit, merely occupied space as if he had been forced to sit there, disconnected from the events unfolding.
While everyone was captivated by Yuria’s sacred appearance, Cecile’s gaze was fixed solely on Alexis’s polished back.
A posture that allowed no room for disorder, a straight back, and broad shoulders. The luxurious fabric enveloping his long limbs and tall frame.
Though he could only see Alexis’s back, the sight of him standing alongside Yuria resembled a religious painting.
Occasionally, Alexis would turn slightly to smile at Yuria or gently ruffle her hair, a stark contrast to how he treated Cecile, which tugged at Cecile’s heart.
Cecile closed his eyes for a moment, trying to erase his gloomy thoughts.
‘Do not be jealous. I promised myself not to give my heart to Alexis in this life.’
When he opened his eyes again, the last knight’s investiture had already concluded. Cecile straightened his posture and rose from his chair.
The Emperor praised Alexis and Yuria, his hearty laughter revealing his current mood.
“Truly impressive. Has there ever been such a sacred investiture ceremony in the history of the empire? It was splendid.”
“Your praise is too much, Your Majesty.”
“Indeed, Yuria Beatrice. I would like to see you often in the future. How about moving into the palace? I would love for you to bestow divine grace upon many here.”
Yuria’s eyes darted around in surprise. Though it was a light inquiry, it was undeniably a proposal from the Emperor.
Unable to refuse outright, she merely gauged the atmosphere, but Alexis noticed her discomfort and skillfully intervened.
“Yuria is still quite unprepared for palace life. I will inform you when she is ready, so perhaps you could wait a little longer. Of course, I will tell her to enter the palace whenever you wish, Your Majesty.”
“Is that so? Well, you would know better, Alexis. Very well. But do make sure to show your face often. I understand that the palace etiquette is difficult, but one must be exposed to it frequently to become accustomed.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Arnold surveyed the room with a satisfied smile. Among the crowd filling the grand hall, he spotted the face of another son he cherished, standing apart like a lonely island. He gestured toward Cecile.
“Cecile, why are you standing there? Come closer.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
Cecile reluctantly moved forward. Noticing his expression devoid of any smile, Emperor Arnold patted Cecile’s slumped shoulders.
“Our Cecile has also worked hard alongside the novice knights, hasn’t he? He has laid a solid foundation, deserving of praise.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty, you are very thoughtful. I was quite angry when I heard that Cecile was involved in such rough work.”
Empress Elizabeth seized the opportunity to add her words. She was very pleased that the Emperor’s affection for Cecile remained strong.
The subject of their conversation remained calm, and Alexis wore an indifferent expression. Amidst the slightly awkward silence, the Emperor made an unexpected suggestion.
“Why not have Cecile receive divine grace from Beatrice as well?”
“…Me?”
Cecile asked in surprise, his eyes widening as they shifted from the Emperor to Yuria. His delicate face mirrored his astonishment.
“You have worked hard, and it would be a shame to let it go unrecognized. The knights have received it; why should you not?”
“Your Majesty, I’m fine.”
“It is a royal command. Comply.”
The forced reward felt burdensome. Cecile let out a sigh, trying not to let it show. Once the Emperor’s command was given, no one could defy it.
They moved to a private meeting room attached to the hall. The small, cozy space was perfectly isolated from outside eyes, making it suitable for a discreet meeting.
Only Cecile, Yuria, and Alexis were present in this room.
An unknown tension filled the air as Yuria cautiously approached Cecile.
“Cecile, may I hold your hand?”
“…….”
Cecile looked down at the small hand extended before him in silence. He truly did not need any divine grace, but now that he had been pushed into the private room, there was no way out.
Unconsciously, Cecile turned his gaze to Alexis. When their eyes met, Alexis nodded slightly, indicating permission.
What was this? It felt ridiculous to seek his approval.
Suppressing his feelings of emptiness, Cecile clasped Yuria’s hands with his own. The warmth of her body was conveyed through their tightly intertwined palms.
“Is this how it’s done?”
“Yes. I will begin.”
Before long, Yuria started her prayer. She earnestly wished for divine grace to flow toward Cecile.
Though no special energy was transmitted, the furrowed brow and tense fingers revealed how focused she was.
In the private room, only Yuria’s whispering voice echoed. Despite the presence of three people, it was eerily quiet.
Alexis leaned against the window, observing the moment of prayer. His sole reason for being there was to ensure Yuria’s safety, yet for some reason, his gaze remained fixed on Cecile Adrian’s face.
Cecile’s pale complexion continued to irritate Alexis. Even when he wanted to look away, every time he glanced at Cecile, his temper flared. Once, he had followed him like a starving puppy, but now he was resolutely avoiding him.
Alexis glared at Cecile’s face persistently. If he stared long enough, surely Cecile would notice, but instead, Cecile averted his gaze and stubbornly stared at the floor.
It felt as if he had done something wrong. Alexis frowned in disbelief. He turned his head, but his fierce gaze quickly landed on Cecile’s left cheek.
“It’s all over.”
“Thank you.”
As the prayer, more heartfelt than usual, concluded, Cecile immediately withdrew his hands and stepped back.
He exchanged light eye contact with Alexis and Yuria before exiting the private room. There was no trace of regret in his departing figure. In fact, he seemed eager to escape the space.
“Are you alright? Not too tired?”
Alexis belatedly checked on Yuria. After praying for over one hundred people, it was understandable that she would be exhausted.
“Your Highness, it’s strange.”
Yuria opened and closed her empty hands, her expression one of confusion.
“When I held Cecile’s hand… I felt the energy of the goddess Gaia. From within Cecile.”
“You must be tired and imagining things.”
“It’s not an illusion; I truly felt it. What if Cecile has the same ability as I do?”
Yuria cautiously voiced her speculation. Despite her voice trailing off, her face was filled with conviction. The thought that Cecile might belong to the same kind as her brought a slight flush to her cheeks.
“No, that can’t be. It’s impossible.”
Alexis spoke coldly. His blue eyes fiercely glared at the spot where Cecile had just stood.
That was nonsense. Yuria must have been mistaken.
However, that night, Alexis headed to Peridot Palace. Yuria’s words lingered in his mind, and he could not bear it any longer. He felt he needed to confirm it himself to relieve this frustrating feeling.