Yohana was certain that Princess Eleanor was concealing something. There was an air of unease surrounding the princess, although Yohana couldn't quite pinpoint the exact cause.
Despite having the ability to directly confirm the status of the youngest royal family member, she had refrained from doing so. Any evidence she found through unauthorized entry would not hold weight and could potentially raise questions about her true identity. A sheltered princess would not possess the skills to break into chambers.
However, Yohana couldn't bear the uncertainty regarding the well-being of Princess Elisa. Knowledge was power, and the lack thereof brought her anxiety. Without proper information, she wouldn't be prepared to defend against potential threats.
Thus, she found herself now tiptoeing in front of Princess Elisa's chamber. Carefully picking the lock, she entered the room silently.
Contrary to Princess Eleanor's claims, as well as those of Annelise, Princess Elisa was not ill. In fact, she was nowhere to be found.
Yohana thoroughly searched the room, checking the bed, wardrobe, and every possible hiding spot, but there was no trace of Princess Elisa.
Before leaving, Yohana took great care to ensure that the room was left exactly as she had found it. Not a single object should be out of place, not even by an inch. While most people might not notice such minute details, there were instances where they did.
Returning to her own chamber, Yohana slipped into bed, her mind filled with the newly discovered information. Having confirmed her suspicions, Yohana now had to consider how to address this issue discreetly, avoiding any unwanted attention.
***
Yohana considered whether to share the information about Princess Elisa with Henrie. While she trusted him implicitly and knew he would respect her wishes to keep it confidential, she worried that it would sow seeds of doubt in his mind.
Early the next morning, Mr. Hermann arrived to deliver Henrie's request for Yohana to accompany him on a royal visit. Yohana agreed, recognizing it as an opportunity to broach the subject of Princess Elisa if she decided to confide in him.
Dressed in a modest, earth-toned dress made of fine silk, Yohana appeared in the palace courtyard. Her hair was braided, as usual.
When Henrie laid eyes on her, a broad smile spread across his face and his eyes lit up. "You look beautiful today," he murmured.
"Thank you," Yohana replied, growing accustomed to offering such automatic responses, knowing that people were actually admiring Runa's appearance, not her own.
Henrie assisted Yohana in boarding the carriage before joining her. "Where are we going?" Yohana asked once Henrie had settled into the seat across from her.
"To Hallein Cathedral. We will meet with the archbishop of Grossfeld to discuss the plan to build a Solism temple," Henrie revealed.
"Are you planning to build a Solism temple in Reichwein?" Yohana was surprised by this bold, unprecedented move.
Building a Solism temple in Reichwein was unheard of. While there were existing houses of prayer in Reichwein, they were primarily for the Sanctus sects, with a mix of Reformed Sanctus and Orthodox Sanctus churches.
However, constructing a temple for Solism had never been attempted due to the anticipated backlash it would face.
"Welcome to Hallein Cathedral, Crown Prince Henrie Augustin von Siegfried, and Lady Viktoria Runa von Schauenstein," a man with an unusually large forehead and a short stature warmly greeted Yohana and Henrie as they stepped out of the carriage.
"I am Archbishop Sven. Let's head inside!" Archbishop Sven, extending his hand in a gesture of welcome, ushered Henrie and Yohana inside the cathedral. The prince's elevated status prompted the archbishop himself to receive their arrival with great respect.
The man was dressed in a white robe fastened at the waist with a golden rope. Adorning the center of the robe were purple ornaments, depicting Saint Bateilla's enlightening journey, as celebrated during the Divine Unity festival.
Walking behind him, the other men in the row wore black ropes, indicating their lower status within the hierarchy of the Sanctus Church. The golden rope was reserved exclusively for the archbishops, denoting their esteemed position.
As they entered the church, they accidentally bumped into a young man who wasn't wearing the traditional church robes. Yohana initially assumed him to be of little importance, but the archbishop's pause and warm greeting suggested otherwise.
"This is Adelwin, a missionary. He has just returned from Valoisia and will soon depart Reichwein again," Archbishop Sven explained, patting Adelwin on the back.
The young man, Adelwin, had vibrant red hair and carried a stack of books in his hands. He had to set the books down on the floor to get a clear view of Yohana and Henrie. They exchanged bows in greeting.
"But since he's here, it would be beneficial for him to join us in the discussion," Archbishop Sven added.
Yohana squinted as she studied Adelwin's face. Though she was certain this was their first encounter as Runa, a sense of familiarity lingered. She suppressed the urge to inquire further because even if they did meet, she suspected that their paths may have crossed in her previous life as Yohana.
As they strolled along the corridors of the cathedral, Henrie directed a question to Adelwin. "Are you a scholar?" he inquired with genuine interest.
Adelwin nodded, confirming his scholarly pursuits. Henrie continued, "What are your thoughts on the feasibility of constructing a Solism temple in Reichwein?"
The mention of a Solism temple seemed to unsettle Archbishop Sven. He fidgeted uncomfortably, caught between joining the conversation and escaping from it. With the crown prince himself initiating the discussion, the archbishop found himself unable to divert the topic and thus remained silent.
Adelwin, ever thoughtful, responded, "Technically, it is possible. However, the challenge lies with the people. The inhabitants of Reichwein may not be accepting enough of Solism to embrace the establishment of a temple within our kingdom."
Pausing for a moment, Henrie turned to Archbishop Sven, seeking his guidance. "This is where I need your assistance, Archbishop. As the leader of Sanctus in the capital, you possess the power to influence the people's perspectives. Help them understand that allowing individuals to practice their beliefs will not harm Sanctus. The king will institute regulations to safeguard these beliefs and the right to practice them."
Archbishop Sven's response betrayed his reluctance. "I understand your ambitions, Your Highness. However, our Sanctists may not be prepared for such a shift," he admitted hesitantly.
Yohana keenly observed that the archbishop himself did not espouse a belief in the equality of faiths. The current status quo seemed to serve his own interests rather than promoting tolerance toward other religions.
"That's precisely why we need your assistance in preparing them," Henrie insisted, his determination unwavering.
Yohana admired his resolute nature, as he persisted despite the archbishop's evident rejection.
Henrie turned to Adelwin, seeking insight that could bolster his case. "Adelwin, would it be beneficial if Archbishop Sven actively promoted tolerance among the believers?" he inquired, hoping for a response that would support his cause.
Without hesitation, Adelwin replied, "Yes, certainly." Only after his words escaped did he catch the glare from the archbishop, realizing the unintended consequences. It was too late to retract his statement now.
As they entered a room, likely the archbishop's office, they took their seats. Henrie spread a map on the table and pointed out the locations where he intended to construct the temples.
"Archbishop, let me make one thing clear: I am not asking you to convert people to Solism. There are individuals in this kingdom who were born Solists. They are still my people, but their voices go unheard. That's why I speak on their behalf. I merely seek a place where they will not be condemned for their beliefs," Henrie emphatically stated, ensuring his intentions were understood.
In that moment, the air was charged with tension as Henrie's words hung in the room. The fate of religious tolerance within the kingdom seemed to rest upon the archbishop's response, his decision carrying the weight of potential change or perpetuation of the status quo.
Realizing the weight of responsibility that rested upon his shoulders, Archbishop Sven humbly requested time for contemplation. "Your Highness, this is a deeply sensitive matter. I implore your understanding as I need to seek guidance from the Saints before providing you with an answer."
Henrie nodded with understanding, acknowledging the gravity of the decision at hand. "I appreciate your honesty, Archbishop. Take the time you need. This is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and I trust that you will approach it with the utmost consideration."
After concluding their meeting, Henrie and Yohana made their way back to the palace. Henrie, concerned for Yohana's well-being, asked, "Are you tired, Runa?"
Yohana shook her head, assuring him, "I'm alright. And what about you? It wasn't easy to convince the archbishop. He could still refuse your request if he manages to gather support from other archbishops in the kingdom."
Henrie nodded, acknowledging the challenge ahead. "You're absolutely right. That's why our journey is far from over. We must visit other archbishops and win them over to our side. Even if Archbishop Sven garners support, if the majority of the votes favor our cause, we'll be in a favorable position," he revealed his strategic plans.
Yohana smiled, genuinely impressed by Henrie's thoroughness and determination.