With her arm looped through mine, she exudes a cheerful energy once more, her bright smile and mischievous grin lighting up her features. I can't help but sigh internally at the sight.
Had arrived even a moment later, Lumine would have been reduced to rubble. The anger emanating from the goddess' statue in the prayer room last night had sent shivers down my spine until I realized it was Lucina's doing. Another inward sigh escapes me as I realize that in addition to my duties as Pope and the responsibilities of being the strongest man on the continent, I've now also become a glorified babysitter.
Despite the added burden, I find myself unable to complain. Life hasn't been this entertaining in years. Lucina's presence injects a certain vibrancy and excitement into my otherwise monotonous existence, and for that, I am grateful.
*
The memory of the Emperor's sword pressed against my neck still lingers, a phantom pain that serves as a constant reminder of the confrontation in the throne room. Yet, thanks to the Pope's healing powers, the skin on my neck has now healed, leaving no visible trace of the encounter.
Observing Lucina's interactions with the Pope, I can't help but marvel at her ability to treat the strongest man on the continent with such ease and familiarity. The Emperor's aura was suffocating but the Pope's is even more so.
Despite the chaos she caused mere moments ago, Lucina now carries herself with an air of normalcy, as if the confrontation with the Emperor was just another mundane occurrence in her day. Yet, the image of her standing fearlessly before the Emperor, defying his authority, is etched into my mind like a permanent mark.
In her presence, I find myself captivated by her radiance, her strength, her unwavering resolve. It's as if the Goddess herself took a chance on me by bringing Lucina into my life, allowing me to bask in her light. And I am determined to hold onto that light, even if it means facing the darkest of shadows.
*
As we trail behind the peculiar duo of Lucina and the Pope, walking side by side as if it were the most natural thing in the world, a sense of normalcy begins to settle over us. Yet, despite the outward appearance of ease, a quiet tension lingers in the air, evident in the thoughtful silence of Nikolai to my left and the distant expression on Haroun's face to my right.
I can't help but join them in their introspection, my mind still reeling from the events that transpired in the throne room. Lucina's display of courage and defiance has left an indelible mark on my psyche, reshaping my perception of her in ways I never thought possible.
Even as she laughs at something the Pope says, her infectious laughter ringing in the air, I find myself marveling at her. Her hair catches the light, creating an ethereal halo around her, and I can't help but feel a surge of pride knowing that I am privileged to belong to her.
In that moment, I can only hope that I will continue to be worthy of her, and that I will always have the privilege of belonging to someone as extraordinary as her.
*
As the Emperor's sword hovered perilously close to Lucina's neck, an overwhelming surge of adrenaline pulsed through my veins, urging me to rise and protect her. Every fiber of my being screamed for action, for defiance, for anything that would shield her from harm. But despite the tumult raging within me, I remained steadfast on the floor, knees pressed firmly against the marble, as she had commanded.
It was the hardest challenge of my life, to kneel there in silence, to watch as the woman I admired more than anyone stood boldly before the Emperor, her defiance echoing through the throne room like a clarion call. She had made us promise not to interfere, to trust in her ability to handle the situation, and that promise weighed heavily on my heart as I watched the scene unfold.
Despite the danger that loomed before her, she stood her ground without flinching, her eyes blazing with defiance and her spirit unbroken. It was a sight that would stay with me forever.
As the tension in the throne room reached its peak, I felt a sense of helplessness wash over me, knowing that my place was on the floor, kneeling in obedience to her wishes. Yet, even in that vulnerable position, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride swell within me, knowing that I was privileged to witness the scene firsthand.
*
As I continue to practice my swordsmanship, the events of the past few hours weigh heavily on my mind, casting a shadow over my concentration. In the novel I read, Lucina was portrayed as an unremarkable character,only thing remarkable about her was her immense beauty. But the reality of her actions today is vastly different, and it leaves me feeling unsettled and anxious.
Living as Luan for five years has granted me a sense of stability and control that I've come to rely on. I've crafted this world carefully, molding it to my desires and ensuring that nothing disrupts the carefully constructed facade. Yet, Lucina's unexpected defiance threatens to shatter that illusion, introducing an unpredictable variable into my carefully orchestrated existence.
As I ponder the implications of her actions, a pretty maid approaches me with a towel, breaking through my reverie. I accept the towel with a wink, relishing the blush that spreads across her cheeks. It's a reminder of who I am now, Prince Luan not the old otaku Jon Pete.
But beneath the surface, unease gnaws at me. I can't afford to let anything jeopardize the life I've built for myself here. On Earth, I was a nobody—a shy, overweight recluse with little to show for myself. Being reborn as Luan was my second chance, my opportunity to reinvent myself and seize control of my destiny.
However, Lucina's actions threaten to disrupt the delicate balance I've worked so hard to maintain. I know I'll need to have a conversation with my dear sister soon, to confront her about the unexpected deviation from the script. Until then, I'll remain vigilant.