“Saintess is the agent of the goddess. In a sense, she is treated as the daughter of the goddess,” said a middle-aged man clothed in a luxury garment sitting in front of the young man.

  “For one to marry them, he must be either the emperor or the holy knight recognized by the main church. Or else they can only remain single for the rest of their life. For this is the ancient law passed down for two millennia.” The old man dressed in a pure white robe decorated with golden embroidery, standing beside the middle-aged man, also added in.

  “… so, the rule has not changed, I presume?” In response, an adolescent standing in the middle of the room asked in a polite tone.

  “There is no exception. Even I, the emperor, or the Pope will not be able to bend this law.” Said the middle-aged man as he closed his eyes.

  “I understood.” Acknowledged the adolescent.

  Then the middle-aged man opened his eyes and asked back, his voice tired. “What has gotten into you, son? It is uncharacteristic of you to request a private audience with me; nevertheless, with the high priest’s presence,”

  The adolescent bowed down, “Forgive me, your majesty. I only wish to confirm something important.”

  “It has been years since we last saw each other like that. Is this really the first thing you want to discuss? Did one of the saintess candidates catch your fancy or anything?” Said the emperor, half reprimanding, half joking.

  Neither confirming nor denying, the adolescent stayed silent.

  After a long silence, the middle-aged man, the emperor, expresses his surprise as his eyes open wide in disbelief. The same could be said for the other people present in the room. “Really? REALLY?”

  Then, the old man, fearfully, inquired too. “If I may inquire, who is the one that catches your highness' fancy?”

  “I cannot tell you now. However, I am sure she is ‘not the candidate’.” Affirmed the adolescent. “I would like to request that this matter be kept as a secret among us, Father.” He added.

  “If it is your request, I can indulge with you to some extent. Considered it as my condolence for all your hardship so far.” Then, the middle-aged man, the emperor, loudly declared, “Hereby, I, the emperor of the Ashment, issue the imperial decree: none shall disclose the matter discussed in this room in any form. Should you breach this royal decree, punishment shall follow.” Every soul present in the room bowed down to the emperor as he finished his imperial decree.

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  Smiling in satisfaction, the adolescent said, “You have my gratitude, Father.”

  “Only at a time like this do you call me father.” The emperor sulked. “What are the other agendas? I know this is not the only matter you want to discuss, right?”

  With determined eyes, the adolescent proudly declared, “I will become the next emperor.”

  “Look at you. Is this the word of high treason?” Taken aback, the emperor's wrath was palpable as an ominous aura emanated from his throne. Heavy air filled the room as everyone present was sweating profusely. That excluded the adolescent.

  As the sense of unease grew heavier for everyone to bear, the two continued their staring contest. None gave ground to the other. For how long, no one knows. Then, suddenly, the emperor burst out laughing, loud enough to fill the throne room.

  “Good, good, very good. Finally, finally, you made up your mind. Good, good. How long have I been waiting for this? Hahahahaha. Good.” Exclaimed the emperor. He kept expressing his delight as he repeatedly hit the armrest.

  “I congratulate you, son. I will announce your entry to the succession competition at the next ball. Hahaha.”

  “No word is enough to express my gratitude for your generous offer.” A voice full of sincere gratitude escaped from the adolescent as he bowed down.

  “Hahaha, is that all? Is there any more great news you want to share? Hahaha.” The emperor asked.

  The adolescent expressed his desire to end the conversation. “I dare not take up your precious time more than this.”

  “Alright, alright. You may dismiss. Everyone dismisses” The emperor, too, knew about his intention and promptly ended the audience.

  After everyone exited the room, the emperor asked the old man, “Could you prepare the list of saintess candidates? No, include every apprentice nun and nun around his age too?”

  “I will promptly do so.” Said the old man.

  “I am delighted that he can find the reason to live. However greedy I know, yet I wish this time it was she that ignited his flame.” Solemnly and melancholically, the emperor expressed his wish.

  “I share the same sentiment,” sincerely agreed the old man.