7:01 p.m.
Temple of Priests building, Plano Town, Marbleam Kingdom.
Ugh…
Why is this day not yet over…?
It feels like forever…!
Tonight was a special night so Vivian was wearing a white evening gown, jewelry and her Inquisitor Half-Mask as she walked in a hallway.
And there's this…
She discreetly glanced at her side. She was walking alongside two Priestesses who were assigned here in Plano Town.
One was Arianna who had tanned skin, long orange hair, slightly tall, quite beautiful but too skinny, and was in his early 30s. She was a White Cloak, she was the Head Chef of the Cooking Staff assigned in this Branch Chapter Temple, she's the elder sister of Tuno (she was a year older than him), and the wife of High Brother Gusto who was in his late 30s. And just like Vivian, she too was wearing an evening gown.
The other Priestess was Benita. She had tanned skin, short blue hair, wore glasses and was in her late 20s. She was also a White Cloak and part of the Cooking Staff assigned in this Branch Chapter Temple. She was married to Tuno and was the daughter High Brother Timoteo. And just like Vivian and Arianna, she too was wearing an evening gown.
There were other people as well.
Behind Arianna and Benita were two nannies who were both wearing evening gowns but with fewer designs.
One nanny was carrying a baby girl with pink hair who looked like she was only 2 years old while carefully watching a 3-year-old boy with orange hair and was constantly running around. Meanwhile, the other nanny was carrying a 2-year-old boy with orange hair and sleeping peacefully.
The children were also dressed for a party. The boys wore a Nobleman's formal evening attire while the only girl wore a cute dress and headband with a ribbon.
The 3-year-old boy with orange hair stopped in front of Arianna and held onto her
gown.
"Mar-Mommy! Mar-Mommy! Mar-Are mar-we mar-there mar-yet?!"
"Mar-We're mar-almost mar-there mar-so mar-behave," Arianna said.
The boy didn't answer and resumed running around.
"Mar-Hey, mar-what mar-did mar-I mar-just mar-say?!"
Arianna let out a tired sigh and then turned to Vivian and Benita.
"I swear to the God of Light, it's like his Physical Force is more than Spirit Steel. He can't stop moving and he won't listen to me."
"Mine usually likes to cry all the time. But I thank the God of Light that he decided to behave tonight," Benita said and let out a weak smile.
"Sister Inquisitor," Arianna said with a serious expression on her face. "Mark my words, once you have kids, especially boys, you would rather wish to do Holy Crusade missions all day."
Vivian let out a small chuckle.
"I'll keep that in mind, sister," she said and paused for a moment. "Is this normal? I mean, are children allowed to attend this party?"
Benita pushed up her glasses.
"Only on special occasions like this. This would be the only night of the Feugo Festival when all representatives would be present. Everyone would be returning tomorrow by 5:00 p.m."
"This is your first time attending something like this, Sister Inquisitor?" Arianna asked.
When Vivian looked at her, she immediately raised her hands.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry about your personal details. I was just wondering if you find this party strange. Because frankly speaking, I personally don't agree with allowing children to attend such parties. But others believe that it's best to expose our children to the Temple of Priests while they're still young in order for them to understand what their parents do and also meet fellow children who are in the same background."
"I see," Vivian said and nodded. "Well, yes, this is my first time attending a party that is officially hosted by the Temple of Priests and children are allowed. But sorry, I don't have any comment on whether children should be allowed to participate in such parties or not."
As they got closer to the end of the hallway, they started to hear voices and music.
Well…
At least tomorrow will be the last day of the Feugo Festival…
When they finally reached the end of the hallway, they stepped inside a dinner hall that was decorated and packed with people more than usual.
In each Branch Chapter Temple, at least outside the Holy Kingdom and Orion Kingdom, only 28 Priests would be assigned there -- 2 Red Cloaks, 1 Gray Cloak and the rest would be at least White Cloaks. But tonight, just with the Priests alone, there was an extra 17 Priests.
From the Holy Kingdom and Holy Crusade, there were 5 -- Joseph, Zacharias, Pen, Vivian and Caleb.
From the Marbleam Chapter Temple, there were 4 -- 1 Red Cloak, 1 Gold Cloak and 2 White Cloaks.
And from the rest of the Branch Chapter Temples under the Duke Faction, aside from Plano Town, each Town and Village sent out 1 Red Cloak and 1 White Cloak.
On top of that, there were the spouses and children of the Priests and Priestesses assigned at the Plano Town Chapter Temple.
Everyone in the hall was wearing formal evening party attire. The only people who were wearing some sort of uniform were the servers, chefs and musicians.
Vivian's eyes turned to slits behind her mask.
Come to think of it…
Wasn't it mentioned in one of the stories of the First Light Saint that everyone should be treated equally during feasts…?
Well…
I guess a cocktail party can't really be counted as a feast…?
"Ah! The muses have arrived!" a male voice said.
Vivian and the rest turned to see who it was and they saw Gusto.
The 3-year-old boy rushed over to him and then hugged his leg.
"Mar-Daddy, mar-daddy! Mar-I'm mar-dressed mar-like mar-you!"
Gusto knelt down and picked him up.
Smooch!
"Mar-Indeed mar-you mar-are!" he said and then planted a kiss on his cheek.
When he got to Vivian and the rest with his son still in his arms, he turned to Arianna.
"Mar-Why mar-is mar-he mar-so mar-sweaty?"
"Mar-Why mar-don't mar-you mar-ask mar-him?" Arianna shot back.
Gusto simply smiled and put down his son.
"Mar-Go mar-to Mar-Macha mar-and mar-have mar-her mar-wipe mar-your mar-sweat. Mar-Daddy mar-and mar-mommy mar-are mar-going mar-to mar-meet mar-important mar-people mar-tonight mar-so mar-I mar-need mar-your mar-and mar-sister mar-to mar-be mar-in mar-your mar-best mar-behavior, mar-okay?"
"Mar-Okay, mar-daddy…" the boy said and puffed his cheeks before slowly turning around and then dragging his feet as he went over to one of the nannies.
Gusto offered his hand to Vivian and smiled.
"Sister Inquisitor Monad."
"High Brother," she said and placed her gloved hand on his.
Gusto planted a small kiss.
"You look very lovely tonight," he said and then let go of her hand before moving on to Benita. "Mar-Sister Mar-Benita."
While Gusto was busy greeting the rest, Vivian swept her gaze around.
Where are the representatives of Fredo Village…?
"So you must be the Sister who beat my nephew into a bloody pulp," a male voice suddenly said.
Vivian turned to see who it was and saw a man who was at least 6ft tall, he looked like he was in his late 50s, had long white hair, and was dressed in a simple formal evening attire.
She saluted.
"High Brother Zacharias! It's a pleasure to finally meet you!"
When Zacharias arrived earlier, he immediately went to Lozario's castle and it was a while before he returned with Nicandor and Caleb. Vivian, on the other hand, was able to meet Joseph briefly before she was permitted to leave and prepare for the party. Needless to say, this was her first time meeting Zacharias.
Zacharias waved his hand with a disinterested expression.
"Stop saluting. We're in a party," he said and then bent his knees to get a closer look at Vivian. "I didn't know the Luxen Chapter Temple had someone like you. Whose family are you from?"
"What...?"
Why is he asking me that…?
Doesn't he know I'm an Inquisitor...?
"High Brother Zacharias," a male voice said.
Everyone turned and saw Joseph and Caleb who were both dressed in formal evening attire as well.
Joseph was a kind-looking man in his early 60s with short hair.
"Good evening, High Brother Joseph," Vivian, Arianna and Benita said. Vivian saluted while Arianna and Benita curtsied.
Joseph held out his hand and smiled at the three women.
"Good evening too, sisters."
Arianna and Benita turned to Zacharias.
"Good evening, High Brother Zacharias."
Zacharias performed the same gesture that Joseph did but didn't say anything.
"Have some shame and stop harassing the young members," Joseph said.
Zacharias straightened his posture and turned to him.
"I don't recall the little Luxen Chapter Temple having a talent like this. Who do you think she's related to? Brother Samuel or High Brother Lucius? The old man Brother Samuel had brown hair when he was still young, right? But I didn't know he finally decided to have family. There's also that young brother named Isaac, but he's black."
"How did you even reached to such conclusions? You've truly become like those old fogies at the Temple Palace who does nothing but gossip."
"I certainly am not! And High Brother, don't pretend like you don't engage with some gossiping. Everyone is fully aware of your so-called afternoon tea time with the High Brothers and High Sisters at the Sky Garden of the Temple Palace," Zacharias said and then turned to Vivian. "If you're already this strong, wouldn't it be more useful for you to be in the Infantry Division? You will be saving more lives compared to being here playing politics."
"I… " Vivian said.
Joseph cleared his throat.
"Sister Inquisitor, feel free to ignore him. Unfortunately, all he knows is training and fighting -- and apparently, as I just now discovered, gossiping as well."
Zacharias scoffed.
"High Brother, even if you think of me as nothing but a brute, the fact still remains: For leaders to propose rules and have the people follow those said rules, the leaders must at least have the appropriate strength to make sure that those rules can be protected. And since Sister Inquisitor Monad here is quite strong for her age, she would be more useful being part of the Infantry Division than being part of the Inquisitory Division or any Division for that matter."
Joseph let out a sigh and shook his head before turning to Caleb.
"Brother Caleb, please take Sister Inquisitor Monad and the rest away. It seems your uncle needs to engage in some debates with the High Brothers," he said and then turned to Gusto. "High Brother, you're coming with us as well."
"Yes, High Brother," Caleb and Gusto said.
Joseph wrapped his arm around Zacharias' arm.
"Now, bodyguard, guard me," he said as he dragged Zacharias.
"Hey…! What is happening…?! I didn't agree to this…!" Zacharias protested.
Caleb had an awkward smile on his face as he watched Joseph drag Zacharias away with Gusto following behind them. He turned to Vivian and the rest.
"Please don't think of unc-- I mean, High Brother Zacharias badly. He's just… sincere."
"Of course not, Brother Caleb," Arianna said and smiled.
Benita pushed up her glasses.
"High Brother Zacharias is simply living one of the core teachings of His Holiness The First Light Saint, Priest Ne'ua. Unfortunately, the Temple of Priests has come a very long way compared to when it was first established. In order to run a powerful and large organization, things like ranks, divisions and politics are a necessary evil ."
Arianna gave Benita the side-eye.
"Sister Benita, I don't think it's appropriate to describe parts of the Temple as a 'necessary evil'."
Benita turned to her and raised an eyebrow.
"And how would you describe it then?"
Arianna turned to Vivian and Caleb.
"Sister? Brother?"
"I'm very sorry but I've had a very long day today that I'm just so mentally drained to think about heavy topics," Vivian said and then bowed. "Please excuse me, I'm going to get a drink and some food."
She walked away without waiting for their replies. And as she was walking, she saw a familiar face.
That guy…
I think his name was Frederico…?
Frederico was a White Cloak in his mid-30s. He was currently having a chat with two men whom Vivian wasn't familiar with but she assumed they were among the representatives from the other Chapter Temples.
She went over to them.
"Excuse me, brothers."
When the three men turned to her, the first thing they noticed was her Inquisitor Half-Mask.
"Sister Inquisitor, good evening," they said and smiled.
"Good evening too, brothers," she said and smiled before turning to Frederico. "You are Brother Frederico, correct?"
A confused and surprised expression appeared on Frederico's face.
"Yes, I am. Have we met before, Sister Inquisitor?"
"It's me, Sister Inquisitor Monad."
Frederico's eyes became wide and his jaw dropped only for a moment before he recovered as if nothing happened.
"Sister Inquisitor Monad, it's good to see you again. How are you?" he said and smiled.
Vivian turned to his companions.
"May I borrow Brother Frederico for a moment, brothers?"
"Of course!"
"No problem!"
The Priests said and smiled before walking away.
Vivian slowly turned to Frederico.
"So brother, who did you come here with?"
"I --" Frederico cleared his throat. "I came here with High Brother Basilio."
"You seem nervous, brother. Did High Brother Basilio say something interesting about me?"
Frederico forced a small chuckle and smiled.
"Of course not! I just didn't expect to see you here, Sister Inquisitor!"
"Where is he?"
Frederico quickly swept his gaze around and pointed.
"Over there."
Vivian turned to where Frederico was pointing and she spotted Basilio who was speaking with a group of people.
The crowd is too big…
And looking at their ages…
They must be High Brothers…
Although she didn't recognize everyone, she recognized some. One of them was the main representative of the Marbleam Chapter, a Red Cloak named Jose.
"Who else did you come here with?"
"Just us."
"Send my regards to High Brother Basilio. And also, please don't mention to anyone about my connection with the Third Inner Stanza Border Checkpoint, okay?"
"Yes, Sister Inquisitor."
"Very good," she said and smiled before finally walking away.
***
Upper Nobility District, Plano Town, Marbleam Kingdom.
7:30 p.m.
Elio sat alone inside a moving carriage. He wore his usual dark-hooded cloak, a set of leather armor, and had his Lore Item [Fiamma Oscura] on his side.
He glanced at the window.
Outside were endless rows of beautifully crafted mansions and buildings, limitless lamps that erased all shadows, and people of all ages dressed in high-end clothing walking down clean streets.
Elio was currently in a district of the town where all of the mansions and establishments were owned by Aristocratic Nobles or by people having the Plano and Tapa last names.
He suddenly felt the carriage slowed down so he checked to see what was going on.
There were two carriages and another carriage behind him and they all slowed down as they approached a tall and wide golden gate.
When the four carriages passed through the gate, they immediately resumed their normal speed as they traveled through a front yard or driveway which had a length of half a mile decorated with plants, trees, sculptures and fountains. And at the end of the front yard was a three-story mansion and they were butlers and maids wearing red-colored masquerade masks that covered the top half of their faces waiting outside the main door.
The four carriages arrived in front of the mansion and four butlers immediately approached and opened the carriage doors.
"Welcome to Mansión Tres de Plano, Master Fiamma Oscura Elio!" a group of butlers and maids greeted Elio in Marbleamean as he climbed out of his carriage.
The passengers of the other carriages received the same treatment as well.
"Welcome to Mansión Tres de Plano, Master Explosión de Magma Gigan!"
"Welcome to Mansión Tres de Plano, Mistress Emilia of the Blazing Dagger!"
"Welcome to Mansión Tres de Plano, Master Kyle of the Blood Tree!"
And just like Elio, the other passengers were also dressed in their fighting attire.
An old butler stepped forward.
"Master Elio, please allow me to escort you inside the mansion."
"Fiamma Oscura!" a familiar male voice rang in Elio's ears. He tried to ignore it but he could already hear the footsteps approaching him.
Pah.
"Hey!" the man said as he slapped Elio's back. "We're both going to be in the grand finals, huh?"
Elio ignored the man and gestured towards the old butler to lead the way.
The old butler nodded in acknowledgment and then began walking with Elio following behind him.
"What the fuck? You already forgot about me? It's me, Kyle of the Blood Tree, your best and long-time friend!"
Kyle rushed over to Elio's side.
"Hey, just between you and me, does your Lore Item also eat away the owner's memories?"
Elio looked over at him.
Out of the four grand finalists, Kyle was the youngest. He was in his late 20s while Elio was in his mid-30s. As for the other two, both were in their late 30s.
Elio turned away.
"Go bother someone else."
"Then I'll be bored to death. The one called Gigan looks like he wants to eat me -- and I'm not talking about cannibalism here, okay? I'm talking about EAT me. Meanwhile, the other one called Emilia, she's too old and ugly to look at that I rather stare at my own poop," Kyle said and then poke Elio with his elbow. "Come on, I'll be like your little bro before we start killing each other or you spend your remaining days."
Elio didn't reply and focused on following the old butler.
They already entered the main entrance of the mansion and were walking on a long and spacious foyer. They turned right where there was a large double door guarded by two Knights in a full set of armor.
Ka-cha!
When Elio and the rest of the grand finalists reached the door, the butlers escorting them bowed and then went to the side while the Knights opened the door, revealing a grand and spacious ballroom with people who were all wearing masquerade masks. A majority of the people inside were wearing evening gowns and formal attire, while the rest wore servers, chefs and musicians attire.
Tang!
One of the Knights who opened the door saluted, making a loud sound with his armor and catching everyone's attention.
"The guests of honor have arrived!"
The Knight turned around and went outside before closing the door.
Elio and the rest looked at each other as the people, specifically the ones wearing evening gowns and formal attires, stared at them and whispered among each other.
Amidst the crowd, an obese man with black curly hair and wearing what looked like a unisex red gaudy robe embroidered with jewels and was also wearing a sparkling masquerade mask with red and pink gems was making his way until he finally reached Elio and the rest.
"Brave champions, welcome, welcome!" he said and blew a few kisses in the air. "Yes, it is I, your beloved and charismatic announcer. But pretend you don't know me tonight because tonight is all about the four of you."
Elio and the rest didn't say anything but they knew him. His name was Carito T. Plano, the announcer for the Feugo Tournament.
And although also obese, Homerico G. Tapa was a different person. Homerico was in charge of managing the overall Feugo Tournament.
Carito turned to the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen! May I introduce to you the grand finalists for tomorrow's Feugo Tournament!" he said and then gestured towards the finalists.
"The tall, strong and muscular man with short hair you see in front of you is a local, Master Explosión de Magma Gigan! And just like his title, Master Gigan has the [Lore Magic] to shoot out magma that would melt its target!
"The only woman among the finalists is a brave and fierce warrior from the Luxen Kingdom, Mistress Emilia of the Blazing Dagger! Although she doesn't have a [Lore Magic], her unique fighting style that incorporates fire earned her the nickname Blazing Dagger!
"The third finalist is a dark and mysterious warrior from the La Spada Kingdom, Master Fiamma Oscura Elio! And yes, his title came from his Lore Item, the sword on his waist! However!" he said and pointed at the crowd as if he was about to cast a deadly spell. "Before any of you would think of trying to steal the Lore Item from Master Elio, know that his Lore Sword is a sentient being with dark desires who will consume the life force of anyone that touches it, including its owner! So beware! Rawr~!"
A couple of whispers and hushes could be heard from the crowd, some even took a step back or hid behind someone else.
"And the fourth finalist!" Carito said with an extra flair. "Is the fine, young and happy-go-lucky warrior from the the Orion Kingdom, Master Kyle of the Blood Tree! Although Master Kyle here doesn't have any Lore Magic, with the way he wins his fights, one would assume he doesn't need any because it's as if things always just work out fine for him!
"These are the grand finalists. Be gentle with them, okay?" he said and then bowed before leaving.
The crowd began gathering on each of the finalists.
"Master Gigan, if you lose tomorrow, what would do you next?"
"I won't lose."
"But if you lo--"
"I said I won't."
"Master Gigan, what would you do Master Gigian, if you win?"
"I will ask a favor from His Excellency Viscount Lozario."
"Master Gigian, may we ask what is the favor you plan to ask His Excellency?"
"Forgive me, it's a private matter."
"Mistress Emilia, I've seen your fights. How do you produce so much flames without running out of mana?"
"I can't tell anyone about it. But perhaps after I win the Feugo Tournament I will share it."
"And if you lose?"
"That will not happen."
"Mistress Emilia, what reward will you ask for once you win the tournament?"
"I'm going to ask His Excellency to sponsor my training."
"Master Elio, may I touch your Lore Sword?"
"Unless you want your mind to be injected with murderous thoughts and then you going to murdering spree, sure."
"If it's that dangerous, why did you bring it here?"
"Ask the host of this party."
"Master Elio, is it true that that sword eats the life force of its owner?"
"If you want to test it, go ask the host of the party."
"Master Elio, what reward are you going to ask for once you win the tournament?"
"None of your business."
"Master Kyle, how does it feel to be this young and be among the grand finalists?"
"Fine, I guess."
"What's your secret in being this powerful despite being so young?"
"Beautiful women, delicious food and wine, and training every day."
"Master Kyle, what about luck? Some say that you won your fights due to luck."
"If that's what people think, then so be it. I rather be a lucky winner than be an unlucky loser!"
"Master Kyle, what reward are you going to ask for once you win the Feugo Tournament?"
"A lifetime supply of beautiful women and delicious food and wine!"
Clap! Clap!
"Everyone! Everyone!" Carito said as he clapped his hands and approached Elio and the rest and then turned to the crowd. "Thank you for showing so much interest to this year's grand finalists. However, the main sponsors of the event wish to speak with them. Do discuss your findings among yourselves in the meantime before finally deciding who you will bet on for tomorrow's event."
Once the crowd dispersed, Carito turned to Elio and the rest.
"Please follow me."
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Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
I would like to thank these Top 5 Immortal Power Voters:
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I also created social media accounts for Vivian:
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• Facebook: Vivian Vivian
• TikTok: vivian.lightstorm
On these socials, I will be posting extra details about Vivian and the world she inhabits that I couldn't post here in WebNovel because it would break the story's immersion and other reasons such as the limitations of the WebNovel site.
Thank you once again and I will see you in the next chapter :)