Rowan nodded in satisfaction and said, "You handled this well. Go ahead boldly—I'll back you up."
A glint of excitement flashed in Raymond's eyes as he replied with firm resolve, "Rest assured, Your Holiness. In this realm, the Pope comes first, and the God of Radiance comes second."
Rowan's expression darkened. "Mind your words. The God of Radiance is always supreme."
Raymond inwardly rolled his eyes. Yeah, sure. You were the one who told me otherwise before. But on the surface, he quickly corrected himself, "A slip of the tongue." He restrained his expression, though a knowing smirk still lingered.
Rowan sighed inwardly. Now that I am the God of Radiance, I must correct Raymond's mindset. This is the consequence of my own making.
He changed the subject. "Have the invitations been sent out for the wedding?"
Raymond immediately responded, "Yes, all have been sent. We especially invited the royal family and made it clear that the emperor's attendance is mandatory."
Rowan nodded in approval. Raymond was proving to be thorough and reliable.
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Emperor Montrey was meeting with a mysterious emissary.
"Honored envoy of the Church of Brilliance, can you truly replace the Radiant Church?" Montrey asked.
The envoy lifted his chin confidently. "Your Majesty, we have intelligence that the divine magic of the Radiant Church has greatly weakened. This indicates that the God of Radiance is gravely injured—perhaps even demoted to a lesser god. He can no longer protect his followers. We are more than capable of taking their place."
Montrey frowned. "But the Inquisition and the Knights remain formidable. I lack the strength to oppose them, and the people won't stand with me."
The envoy spoke with assurance. "We are already gathering our forces. In a month, our army will reach the border. By then, the Duchy of Blaine will be under the protection of the God of Brilliance."
Montrey's gaze sharpened. "And what do I gain from this?"
The envoy's lips curled. "Once we overthrow the Radiant Church, you shall be the divine emissary of the God of Brilliance, gaining a lifespan of a thousand years and immense power."
Montrey's eyes gleamed with excitement. This was his lifelong dream. As a divine emissary, he would have the chance to ascend to demigodhood—and beyond.
But as the envoy watched the emperor's expression, he sneered inwardly. Once we take full control, Montrey's fate will no longer be in his hands. A divine emissary? Keep dreaming—I haven't even secured that position myself.
Montrey composed himself and asked, "The Pope of the Radiant Church is about to be wed. Should I attend?"
The envoy's response was immediate. "Absolutely. Make it a grand occasion. Right now, the Radiant Pope is weak. If we strike at the wedding and publicly defeat him, his authority will crumble. This will smooth our path forward."
Montrey's delight was evident. "Brilliant strategy! If we weaken the church's influence, I will hold greater sway in the new order."
The long-awaited wedding day arrived.
The ceremony was grand beyond compare. The royal family of Blaine had gone to extraordinary lengths, inviting countless dignitaries. The sheer spectacle was unprecedented.
Rowan and Raymond found the royal enthusiasm puzzling. The monarchy had never shown such dedication to any previous event.
Dressed in his ceremonial groom's attire, Rowan stood tall and dignified, exuding authority and charm. But it was Alice who stole the breath of everyone present.
Adorned in an exquisite wedding gown of the finest silk, she was like a goddess descended from the heavens. Her golden hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, framing a face as flawless as carved jade. Her sapphire-blue eyes sparkled like a starlit ocean, deep and mesmerizing. Her delicate features—graceful nose, rosy lips, and a gentle, radiant smile—made her seem almost ethereal.
The gown hugged her slender waist, its embroidery glistening subtly under the light. Every stitch accentuated her elegance, and her poised stance made her appear more like a celestial vision than a mortal bride. The moment she stepped into view, the crowd fell into stunned silence, utterly captivated.
Rowan gazed at Alice, his heart brimming with joy. If only this moment could last forever… He could hardly wait for the wedding night to begin.
The ceremony was in full swing, joyous and harmonious. Then—
A sudden presence cut through the revelry.
A lone figure stepped forward, exuding an overwhelming aura. A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned toward the newcomer.
"Laika, Grand Swordmaster of the Church of Brilliance, extends his congratulations to the Pope of the Radiant Church on his wedding." His voice boomed across the hall, commanding attention.
Raymond shot a glance at Rowan, who gave a slight nod. Raymond stepped forward. "If you are here as a guest, please take a seat and refrain from disrupting the ceremony."
But Laika merely scoffed. "And who do you think you are? You are unworthy of speaking to me. I am addressing Rowan."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The tension was palpable.
The Church of Brilliance and the Radiant Church were both devoted to the light, meant to be allies. Yet Laika's open hostility suggested otherwise.
Moreover, as a Grand Swordmaster, his strength rivaled that of the Pope himself. The atmosphere grew dangerously charged.
The followers of the Radiant Church seethed. How dare he? This is our domain!
Emperor Montrey, on the other hand, smirked. Finally, the real show begins.
Raymond clenched his fists, his rage barely contained. No one had dared speak to him in such a manner for years. Just as he was about to lash out, Rowan's calm voice rang out.
"It seems you did not come here to offer congratulations but to cause trouble."
Rowan's tone was steady yet carried undeniable authority.
Laika smirked, arrogance written all over his face. "At least you recognize the truth. Do you think your wedding is important enough for me to personally attend? No—I am here for a different reason. The God of Radiance is wounded, your divine magic is weakening, and you can no longer protect Blaine. The Church of Brilliance has come to take over."
Silence fell.
Then, like a fuse lit, the entire hall erupted.