CH 9

The Styx Kingdom is recognized as the strongest and most sacred nation on the continent. When it comes to the temple of the main god of the Oceanids religion, Styx, which the Styx Kingdom worships, its authority is unparalleled, sometimes even making the king bow his head. That is why the high priests and priestesses who serve Styx in the temple are strictly disciplined in self-control and self-reliance, and never forget their pride in the golden mark of Styx on their chests.

Panagiotis, one of the leading high priestesses, did not doubt the oracle, but she was uneasy. After all, it was an unprecedented oracle that the prince of the Styx Kingdom should marry a girl from a small country called the Uranos Principality. Naturally, the Styx Kingdom was in an uproar, and although they managed to calm down on the surface, they had to find that girl as soon as possible and confirm who she was. Otherwise, they would not be able to calm down the restless people.

Panagiotis, who was entrusted with the mission of bringing back the girl of the oracle, immediately ran to the Uranos Principality. Normally, this would have been an ostentatious visit, but because of the urgency of the matter, the members of the team were modest: Panagiotis, three apprentice priestesses as attendants, and a bodyguard. At that point, anxiety was already mounting.

However, it was all for the sake of the wise and beloved Prince Athanasios, who was revered by the people of the Styx Kingdom and showered with respect. Although he had no other choice but to accept the oracle, he did so without hesitation, fulfilling his duty as a prince and preserving the authority of the main god, Styx. He would never do anything that went against the interests of the country.

Panagiotis also held Athanasios in high regard, and even if his older brother became king, it was already decided that he would become a key figure in the future of the Styx Kingdom. He was a person of such value.

Until the Exiled Duke’s Daughter,...

That’s why Panagiotis had strongly decided to assess Eleni Galanis.

However, when she came to the Uranos Principality and heard about Eleni Galanis from Duke Uranos, it was different from what she had imagined.

First of all, it was within the expected range that she was a princess. If a commoner or a villager was the prince’s partner, even if it was allowed by the gods, the people’s hearts would not accept it. Fortunately, she was a princess of the Uranos Principality. However, she never imagined that she would be a nun.

Eleni Galanis became a nun from a young age. At that point, Panagiotis had already guessed that Eleni had been forced to become a nun due to the situation in the Uranos Principality. As a politically motivated move, the princess was kept away from the Duke of Uranos, and there was already a suspicious odor surrounding the situation. Moreover, with the surname Galanis, which was related to the neighboring fallen country of Galanisia, it was unlikely that Eleni was receiving good treatment in the Uranos Principality.

In other words, Styx Kingdom and Panagiotis may have reached out to Eleni for help. If Eleni was indeed in an unfortunate situation, the oracle could be interpreted as follows:

“The great god Styx has commanded us to rescue the unfortunate oracle maiden Eleni. The generous Styx Kingdom accepts Prince Athanasios to marry the oracle maiden Eleni. As a result, Styx Kingdom will——.”

The rest of the story can be created in any way possible. In any case, it is not a bad story for Styx Kingdom. It is an excellent material to enhance their reputation both in the religious and secular worlds. Therefore, the oracle was designed to benefit Styx Kingdom.

Well, that’s about the plan. Panagiotis decided to meet Eleni, who was said to be staying at a remote monastery and would take a week to reach the Uranos Castle. While waiting for her, she visited the temples of Uranos Principality. Finally, one week later in the evening, Panagiotis was granted an audience with Eleni.

What kind of girl is she?——Panagiotis thought this as soon as she saw Eleni.

She was a beautiful maiden with a noble and above all, pure atmosphere, dressed like a princess and a nun. In Styx Kingdom, extravagance was not appreciated. Eleni, who did not lose her girlishness despite her simple nun’s attire and no makeup, left a good impression on Panagiotis.

This is a good encounter. Panagiotis, who had begun to trust the oracle completely, asked Eleni with enthusiasm.

“By the way, I heard that Princess Eleni is a nun. Which god do you serve?”

“Oh, that’s… The Goddess Lethe, who presides over forgetfulness. That’s why the monastery is located in a remote area and has been forgotten by everyone until now.,” Eleni answered casually.

She had no idea how much of an impact it had on Panagiotis.

Perhaps Panagiotis should have expected that Eleni was a nun, not a priestess. Although they both serve the gods, priestesses and nuns are different. Priestesses serve in the temple to hear the voice of the gods, while nuns incorporate foreign cultures and practice strict discipline and training for themselves and the gods. It is impossible to compare which one appears more devout to a religious state. Moreover, the Goddess of Forgetfulness, Lethe, is the daughter of the main god Styx and also the patron saint of hermit training.

There may be only one high-ranking young woman who serves as a nun to such an existence in the entire Styx Kingdom.

Panagiotis deeply sympathized with Eleni and at the same time felt impressed by her. She thought that this girl would never deceive the prince or behave like a typical intrusive queen. Panagiotis gave her a perfect score in her inner report card.