CH 23

Chapter - 23 || Elvira Von Lustro, You May Enter

Finally, today was the 'Maiden Lily Festival.'

I rode from the palace to the temple in a carriage that had been painted pure white for the occasion.

But,

"Wow..."

I could see that there were many people gathered along the street, and knights were frantically guarding the area.

The scale of the event was beyond my imagination, and I was in awe.

Next to me, Rudolf-sama nodded.

"It's not every day that a Maiden Lily festival and the unveiling of a saint are held at the same time. —Everyone wants to see Elvira at least for a glance."

"Elvira-san—!"

"Saint—!"

I responded to the warm voices with the modest wave of my hand.

"You must be surprised by all the noise."

Rudolf-sama said with a laugh.

"No." I replied, keeping my eyes on everyone.

"Really?"

Rudolf-sama waved back at everyone, as I did.

The cheers grew louder.

"I like this better."

The sound of wheels rattling echoed on the cobblestones. The conversation between me and Rudolf-sama was probably not heard by the people on the street.

But,

"Lady Elvira—!"

"Saint————!"

"Elvira—! You are so beautiful—!"

"Bless you—!"

Their voices could be heard clearly here. It filled me with joy to think of how loudly they were cheering for us.

Everyone was holding artificial flowers in their hands and holding them high.

"I definitely had one of those at the festivals."

"I've heard stories about them, but even the children have them, they're really pretty. And they dressed in white like a saint."

"Oh, they're both must-haves for the Maiden Lily Festival. But nothing compares to that of Elvira's value."

In my hands, of course, were bundles of real Maiden Lilies carefully arranged.

They bloomed a lot more than I expected, so the rest were carried to the temple.

Today I was wearing a white dress with no ornaments.

I was also wearing a large pearl necklace and earrings that matched the color of my dress, which Rudolf-sama gave me for today.

Unlike gemstones that can be extracted from mines, pearls are very precious because they must be extracted by diving into the cold sea.

And with such a large pearl, it was such a waste that I almost refused to take it, but Erma and Countess Klassen insisted on it, so I finally agreed to take it.

But,

"Oh, even those pearls are not enough for Elvira today. She is truly beautiful."

I was so embarrassed that I kept looking at the outside of the carriage because he kept on praising me like this.

But that's just the way it is.

"How beautiful!"

"The Crown Prince must have been in love with her for a long time."

I was trying hard not to blush as I heard the kind voices of the people.

"Everyone is so happy."

"I'm the one who's happy."

I said that with all my heart.

The carriage finally arrived at the temple as the number of people had decreased.

In place of the High Priestess, who was not feeling well, Eric would perform today's ceremony.

"Eric-sama, you are still young but you are very handsome."

When I said this, Rudolf-sama said happily,

"He's a bratty guy, but very capable."

I didn't say that we were really good friends, but I smiled with my eyes.

"My Lady, please take my hand."

Rudolf-sama took my hand, and I stepped out of the carriage.

"Welcome, Lady Elvira."

At the entrance, the two priests bowed together.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but the crown prince has been excused."

"Ah. Elvira, I'll wait for you inside."

"Yes, Your Highness. Thank you very much."

Rudolf-sama had left.

I stood alone in front of a large door.

The priests from earlier were about to open the door.

Inside the temple, the high-ranking nobles of the Zomer Empire were gathered.

As I was leaving, Rudolf-sama glanced at my face, was he worried?

No way.

Please rest assured.

Rudolf-sama.

Holding a beautifully blooming Maiden Lily in my hand, I looked up and waited for the door to open.

"Elvira Von Lustro, you may enter."

I heard the heavy sound of the door opening.

Feeling the piercing gazes from inside, I stepped into the temple.