"Well, isn't it natural for a man to admire beautiful things?" Lumien said with an air of righteousness.
"A man? You're just a kid!" she scolded, giving him another sharp pinch. Lumien yelped, pulling away. "Okay, okay! I'll stop!" he muttered, finally looking away.
His eyes landed on a woman standing at the front of the group. Compared to the row of beautiful priestesses behind her, she stood out like a dull stone among glittering jewels—her appearance, to put it bluntly, was extremely plain.
She looked to be middle-aged, with a few wrinkles starting to show and a serious, stern-looking face.
Her sharp gaze turned toward the Duke, who was sitting on a higher platform, clearly looking down on her and everyone else. Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she gave him a small bow and asked, "Shall I begin the ceremony, Your Grace?"
"You may, High Priestess Lovia." the Duke replied with a nod.
