The animated birthday party was abruptly halted by the commotion that had started.

All eyes were on Edward Falkrona, the previous Heir of the Falkrona Duchy and ex-fiancé of the First Princess, who was now engaged to Rythvel Arvatra. Rumors of him being a troublemaker seemed to be confirmed as he acted overly close with the Second Princess, Sylvia Kiara Celesta. Then, Jayden Rayena, the Apostle of Lumen, dropped a bombshell, claiming to be Sylvia's fiancé. Alfred, however, quickly dismissed this claim, and the Royal couple remained unresponsive.

Next, Colton Arvatra appeared, asserting that Sylvia was his. Edward, without hesitation, shielded Sylvia, despite King Charles confirming Colton's claim.

The scene played out like something out of a romantic tale, and the girls couldn't help but swoon at Edward's handsome figure protecting Sylvia from Colton, whose popularity seemed to have diminished rapidly.

"Take that!" Colton shouted, preparing something dangerous.

"Well, I won't hold back either, then," Edward retorted, stretching out his hand. "Rings of Vysindra."

Five purple burning rings coiled around his right arm. One of them slid out and formed a purple intricate burning circle in front of his palm.

"What's that?" David murmured, shocked by the immense pressure emanating from Edward. Just a month ago, he had fought him, but he had never felt such power.

"Is that a mana circle? When did my brother learn that?" Elona asked, impressed.

"No... this is not a mana circle... It's not a spell either..." Miranda shook her head, glancing at Layla. "It's more like a Curse."

"A curse? But how?" Elona asked, dumbfounded. "Layla can use them because Goddess Hecate blessed her..."

"He is not using ordinary fire..." Miranda replied.

...

"What powerful pressure," Chancellor Donald muttered. "A few months ago, he was at the bottom, but he has closed the gap and reached this far in such a short time."

"Ahaha! I always knew that this brat had something special in him. My daughter would never choose someone incapable," Draven laughed heartily.

"That brat... he is hiding too many things. At first glance, he seemed to be in the fifth Ascension, but he can display power above that," Duke Roger said.

"Thomen... he definitely knows something," Donald said, glancing at Thomen Falkrona, who was observing Edward.

-Thud

Suddenly, the doors of the hall swung open.

A stronger pressure fell upon the hall as two people walked in.

"F-Father?"

All eyes turned toward the woman who uttered that—Belle Falkrona.

The man walking at the front had short grey hair, a long grey beard, and piercing grey eyes. Despite being one of the most powerful men in the world, he looked like he was in his forties.

He was Waylen Falkrona, the head of the formidable Falkrona House, feared throughout the world for its strength.

Behind him stood a slightly younger woman, silently observing the scene.

Edward silently looked at Waylen, his grandfather with his amber eyes.

"Enough Colton," Zenos Arvatra said while staring at Waylen with a smile.

Colton hesitated but upon noticing Waylen's monstrous aura and understanding that he was someone from Edward's family, he lowered his hand, dissipating his flames.

***historical

I stared at the elderly man before me, noting the resemblance he bore to my father, although he appeared older and far more powerful. It had been two years since I last saw him, during my birthday celebration. On that occasion, he arrived alongside my cousins and my detestable aunts and uncles—the main household.

Recalling the humiliation I endured at their hands, I gritted my teeth, the frustration bubbling within me. Not a single finger was lifted by him to help me. It was only Aunt Belle and Elona who provided their support back then.

"Edward," my father's gaze locked onto mine.

A surge of anger coursed through me, tempting me to retaliate against that *sshole of Colton. But I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain composed.

"Grandfather," Elona's voice quivered as she nervously glanced at him.

What was he doing here, anyway? And who was that woman standing behind him? I had a vague sense of familiarity but couldn't quite place her.

Ignoring my grandfather's gaze, I turned my attention to filling an empty plate with delectable sweets. It struck me as odd that I couldn't recall his presence in the game at this event. There was something strange about it.

"Lord Waylen, it's a pleasure to have you here for my children's birthday," Charles and Edith greeted my grandfather, rising from their seats.

My detestable grandfather, a DemiGod and one of the most influential and powerful figures in the world. The Falkrona House held equal power to the Celesta Kingdom, underscoring his elevated status even among kings.

"You as well, Lady Melfina," King Charles added.

Wait, Melfina? I knew that name. It was none other than the headmaster of Trinity Eden Academy in Sancta Vedelia.

"Charles," Melfina replied with a smile, her gaze sweeping across the room, particularly focused on the younger attendees.

My aunt Belle and my father joined my grandfather, engaging in a conversation secluded from the rest of us. Just the thought of seeing him again gave me a headache.

As I turned to search for some delectable treats, I was interrupted by the panicked voice of Seraphina.

"M-Maria? Are you okay?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.

Glancing over, I saw Seraphina desperately shaking Maria, who seemed to be in a trance-like state, fixated on Jayden, who was attempting to approach them.

[<He never stops, does he?>]

"Yeah," I muttered, cursing that guy for his relentless pursuit of girls. I immediately headed towards them, determined to intervene.

"What's going on here?" I tried to approach, but some women priests stepped in to block my path.

"Let him through," Pope Francis authorized, a smile on his face before leaving elsewhere. However, from my perspective, it seemed rather creepy, given my knowledge of his corrupted nature.I think you should take a look at pandasnovel.com

"E-E-Edward?" Seraphina stammered upon seeing me.

"Stop stuttering and tell me," I urged her.

"I-I don't know...Maria has been acting strange since we arrived," Seraphina explained, glancing nervously behind me.

Sighing, I addressed the women in armor, requesting their assistance pointing stealthily at Jayden. "Could you please stop that guy? He has corrupted thoughts about the Saintesses." They widened their eyes in surprise before nodding in agreement.

"Stop right there!"

"W-Wait! I'm here to see Maria-"

"Stop now!"

Ignoring the commotion behind me, I focused my attention on Maria. Her golden and blue eyes appeared unfocused, even though they were clear.

Could this have something to do with her role as the Saintess and Jayden being the Apostle? I recalled similar scenes from the game, where the Saintess or the Priestess displayed unconscious interest in Jayden. At the time, I found it satisfying as my job of getting them was easier. But now...

"...," Maria stood there, appearing completely detached from her surroundings. Meanwhile, Seraphina was on the verge of tears.

From an outsider's perspective, this situation seemed utterly absurd. Why should that guy decide who should be with whom? Just because Maria was the Saintess and Jayden the Apostle, were they automatically meant to be together? It felt like she was being forced into this relationship.

"Maria."

"..."

"Maria." I flicked her forehead, and this time she reacted.

Her eyes regained clarity as she opened them wide, tears gathering at the corners.

"Ed-ward.." Maria muttered, her voice trembling.

"W-Wait, why are you crying?"

"M-Maria?" Seraphina hugged her and glared at me. "Why did you hit her?!"

"I will show you what a real hit is like."

"S-Stop hitting on us!" Seraphina suddenly blurted out, her face turning bright red.

What the hell is she talking about?!

"You're conveniently deforming my words? Is that what they teach you in the Holy Church?"

"T-Teach what-ah, Maria, what's happening?" Seraphina stopped mid-sentence and turned to Maria.

"I-I'm scared..Sera.." Maria mumbled, her voice trembling.

"Scared of what?" Seraphina asked, concern evident in her tone.

Maria peeked her eyes out of Seraphina's embrace and stared at Jayden and then at me with her heterochromic eyes. "I-I'm.. scared of l-losing my current feelings.."

"Current feelings?" I repeated, feeling puzzled, but Maria avoided my gaze.

Is she afraid of being brainwashed because of her role as the Saintess?

"HMaria."

"Hmm?" Maria looked at me timidly.

"You're not bound by anything or anyone. You or Seraphina might become the Saintess, but in the end, it's just a status. Your life is in your hands. If you ever feel like you're forgetting important things or falling into a trance state again, just think seriously and strongly about something you're certain of. The same goes for you, Seraphina."

"Hmpf."

Ignoring Seraphina's huff, I leaned in and whispered seriously, "Also, don't believe in that old bald Pope. Just keep that in your mind."

"Pfff!"

"Y-You!" Seraphina looked around in a panic, while Maria couldn't help but giggle.

pandasnovel.com Perfect.

Using kind words and ending with 'don't believe him' might actually work.

"H-Hey, Edward! Can you let me in? I-I need to speak to Maria-"

"Stop speaking about Lady Maria so informally!"

What a pain in the *ss.

Thankfully, the Pope already left; otherwise, he would have recognized Jayden and let him meet Maria. She shouldn't meet him in her current state. No, rather she shouldn't meet him at all until she controls her ability.

Time to leave-

"Huh?" I slipped pathetically on something like a cloth beneath me, and my back collided with something soft.

Turning quickly around, I put my hand on the wall and opened my eyes wide.

"..."

Glancing down, I saw another girl of the same age as Maria and Seraphina, wearing the same clothes. She was looking up at me with a frozen expression.

Since when was I cornering her against the wall with my body...?