Auriel woke to the sight of Priestess Lilith standing by her bedside, her usual serene demeanor shadowed by a look of subtle displeasure.
Beside her stood Carol, her head bowed, fidgeting with her hands, an ashamed expression plastered across her face. The atmosphere in the room was unusually tense, making Auriel's stomach churn with unease.
Despite her evident irritation, Lilith's tone remained gentle as she greeted Auriel. "Good morning, Goddess Auriel. I trust you slept well."
Auriel sat up slowly, brushing her hair back and trying to suppress the knot of anxiety forming in her chest.
Something was clearly wrong. But Lilith wasn't yelling or reprimanding her. If anything, her disappointment was written in the softness of her voice and the way she avoided meeting Auriel's eyes.
It was enough to make Auriel hesitate, her instincts screaming that she wouldn't like the answer to her question. Still, she couldn't just ignore the tension.
"What's going on?" she asked cautiously, her voice steady despite the unease prickling at her skin.
Lilith paused for a moment before offering a vague response. "It's nothing you need to trouble yourself with, Goddess. I'll handle it."
Carol, however, couldn't stay silent.
She shifted uneasily before blurting out, "There are letters! So many letters delivered to the temple!" She winced as Lilith shot her a sharp look but continued, unable to stop herself. "Because of… uh… your 'talk' with Lady Shelly Munero and the favor she asked."
Auriel blinked, her brows furrowing as she tried to process what Carol was saying. "Letters? What letters? What does this have to do with Shelly Munero?"
Lilith sighed, clearly exasperated but not at Auriel. "It seems that news of your conversation with Lady Shelly has spread.
Rumors are now circulating that you might be open to supporting her inclusion as a candidate for the throne.
Naturally, this has inspired others to hope for similar treatment." She gestured toward a nearby table piled high with neatly stacked letters. "Those are just the ones that arrived this morning."
Auriel stared at the mountain of correspondence, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach. "You're telling me that all of these are… applications? From people who want to be candidates for the throne?"
Carol nodded quickly. "Yes, and more are coming. Some are from noble families, but there are even letters from commoners hoping to be considered."
Auriel groaned, burying her face in her hands. "How did this even happen? I never agreed to anything. I didn't promise Shelly anything either!"
"I know," Lilith said, her voice calm yet firm. "But people will twist words and situations to their advantage, especially when it comes to something as prestigious as the imperial throne. This is why I told you to be cautious with your interactions."
Auriel peeked through her fingers, feeling both guilty and overwhelmed. "What do we do now? I can't possibly deal with all of this."
Lilith's expression softened slightly, her disappointment giving way to reassurance. "You don't have to. I will handle this matter personally. I'll draft an official statement from the temple clarifying the situation. You should focus on your role, not these distractions."
"But—" Auriel started, only to stop as Lilith raised a hand.
"No buts," Lilith said firmly. "You've already got enough on your plate. Leave this to me. As for you," she added, turning to Carol, "you should have been more mindful about letting Lady Shelly get close to Goddess Auriel."
Carol flinched but nodded, her cheeks red with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Priestess Lilith. It won't happen again."
Auriel sighed, feeling more drained than when she had first woken up. "Thank you, Lilith. I'll let you handle this."
Lilith gave a small nod before moving toward the letters, her composure fully returned. "I'll sort through these and ensure no further complications arise. In the meantime, I suggest you focus on your duties for today. The world won't stop for gossip."
Auriel watched as Lilith left the room, Carol trailing behind her like a scolded puppy.
She leaned back against her pillows, staring at the ceiling. As much as she appreciated Lilith's support, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that her presence in this world was only creating more chaos.
"All I wanted was to shop and watch some dramas," she muttered to herself. But even as the words left her mouth, she knew things would never be that simple.
______
Auriel paced her room, trying to stave off the boredom creeping into her bones.
For a goddess, time typically flowed differently, with patience coming as naturally as breathing. But here, in this human world, her patience wore thin within mere hours.
She leaned against the window, gazing at the bustling temple grounds below. Despite her resolve to stay put, her stomach grumbled, reminding her of a distinctly human need: food.
Auriel frowned, placing a hand over her stomach. Goddesses don't get hungry. What's happening to me? she thought, before reasoning it away as just another oddity of being bound to a mortal form in this unfamiliar world.
With a sigh, she decided to indulge the sensation. A meal might at least distract her from her boredom.
Leaving her room, Auriel stepped into the temple's polished stone halls, her footsteps echoing softly as she made her way toward the dining area.
She hadn't gone far when she noticed the feeling—eyes, countless eyes, all focused on her. She glanced around, and sure enough, temple staff and visitors alike were casting furtive glances her way.
Some even paused mid-step, their gazes lingering in awe or reverence.
Auriel had expected some level of attention; after all, she was a goddess.
But there was something unnerving about the intensity of their stares, as though they weren't just looking at her—they were scrutinizing her every move.
It's fine. It's probably just the usual mortal awe, she told herself, straightening her posture and quickening her pace.
But she didn't make it far before a young priestess—one she didn't recognize—stepped into her path.
The girl looked barely out of her teens, her pale blue eyes wide with a mix of nerves and excitement. She dropped to one knee, bowing her head low.
"O Divine One," the priestess said in a trembling voice. "Please grant me your blessing. I seek your favor for good fortune in my service."
Auriel blinked, momentarily taken aback. "My… blessing?" she repeated, unsure how to respond.
The priestess nodded fervently, still kneeling. "Yes, Goddess Auriel. Just a touch of your divine grace would mean the world to me."
Auriel hesitated. She had no idea how blessings worked here—or if she could even grant one in her current state.
But the priestess's hopeful expression tugged at her sense of responsibility. With an awkward smile, she reached out and lightly touched the girl's shoulder.
"May fortune smile upon you," Auriel said, keeping her voice as dignified as possible.
The priestess's face lit up as if Auriel had handed her the world. She bowed deeply once more before scurrying off, leaving Auriel standing there, bemused.
Before she could take another step, a second figure approached—an older man this time, his hands clasped tightly as he pleaded for her blessing for his family.
Auriel obliged, feeling a little less hesitant now but no less perplexed.
The man left, visibly elated, and Auriel turned to continue her journey, only to be intercepted by a third supplicant—a young merchant hoping for divine favor in his business ventures.
By the time she finished with the third person, Auriel felt drained.
How do people think I have time to bless every mortal who comes my way? she thought, sighing deeply.
It wasn't that she minded the requests; it was the sheer spontaneity and overwhelming nature of it all. She hadn't even made it to the dining hall yet, and already her energy was waning.
As she walked, she couldn't help but notice that the requests for blessings were increasing.
People were whispering among themselves as they pointed her out, and a few looked like they were considering approaching her as well.
Auriel clenched her fists, her polite demeanor slipping. She didn't have the time—or the patience—for another round of impromptu blessings.
Spotting a side corridor, Auriel ducked into it, hoping to find a quieter route. Her heart pounded slightly as she leaned against the wall, taking a moment to breathe. This is getting out of hand. Do they think I'm just here to grant wishes?
She shook her head, willing herself to calm down. No, they're just humans. They don't understand the burden of divinity. It's not their fault. Still, she resolved to make it to the dining area as quickly as possible, eat, and retreat to her room before anyone else could stop her.
Gathering her composure, Auriel stepped back into the main hallway. To her relief, the crowd seemed to have thinned, and she finally reached the dining area.
The scent of freshly baked bread and spiced stews greeted her, making her stomach growl audibly. She quickly grabbed a tray and filled it with a modest meal, choosing a quiet corner to eat.
As she sat down, the tension began to ebb away.
The food was simple but delicious, and for the first time that day, Auriel felt a sense of normalcy. She even allowed herself a small smile.
Maybe this world isn't all bad, she thought. But as she took another bite, she caught sight of someone approaching her table, their hands clasped in prayer.
Auriel sighed. So much for peace.