Then came the day of the annual prayer.

  At that time, you did not attend the annual prayer. We left Lucy with Andres; you would stay at the orphanage for the duration of the event. It was to protect your safety, Lucy. Everyone tried to talk to Aria after all. Some pest would try to use you to reach Aria. Some would be desperate enough to resort to the unthinkable act.

  For three days, the annual prayer proceeded smoothly.

  As Aria was busily directing the procession and detail event, I was supervising the annual prayer.

  I stood at the front of the ceremony.

  On the last day, after I offered the first prayer, standing on the altar, I turned to look back at everyone.

  Strangely enough, I felt calm, strangely calm, when I saw everyone. I observed each and every one of them.

  Looking at the Pop, he was closely monitored by Duke Ellon himself. My political rival, you and I were no different, I thought to myself. Only at that point did I feel connected to him. Ultimately, nothing lasts forever.

  Then, I also observed those from the emperor’s faction. Some of them were on edge. I believed they had already learned about the incident at the sanctuary and the emperor’s scam.

  For the first time in many decades, the direct descendants of the imperial family personally attended the annual prayer. That year, the empress and the first princess participated in the annual prayer for the first time. The eyes of the empress and the first princess kept following Aria all this time—the face of Duke Raven at that time, it felt like he was chewing bugs. They all deserved it. So, Lucy, you should never show mercy to them.

  At that time, Duke Melbon also personally attended the event alone. He did not bring any of his sons with him. I thought he had already given up on that idea. I would never allow Aria to be his daughter-in-law.

  As for Marquise Larose, he also personally attended the event. After that plague, he stopped attending the annual prayer. Yet, after Aria’s pilgrimage, he started attending the annual prayer.

  I saw him exchanging glances with Paul all this time. If they were of opposite gender, I would think they were secret lovers already. Or were they? I hope Paul is not swinging that way. Fufufu.

  Perhaps it was the case. Paul never showed interest in any woman after all. Even when the first princess actively approached him, he still wore his poker face.

  Do you know, Lucy? Aria learnt about my attempt to contact the Duke Willow that day. Thus, at the end of the annual prayer, Aria took it upon herself to distract Duke Ellon so that I could speak with Duke Willow.

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  Although we were ‘alone’, we were not actually alone. Many deacons also presented there. They were acting as the eyes and ears for Duke Ellon.

  We could not openly discuss the main topic, so we decided to use Iris as the cover. Then, he presented me with a box. I could see it was handmade by High Priest Leon. His condition is more stable than I thought. He really successfully arrived in the South in great health.

  I open the box. As expected, Lily awoke her power as a saintess. I already knew it when I heard that the first prince woke up. Perhaps Aria also learnt about it.

  However, when I confirmed it with my own eyes, I felt a mix of emotions about this. I am a biased person after all, Lucy.

  Then I noticed something else. Iris also prepared a hairpin for me nicely. It seemed she had already decided to settle the matter with Duke Willow. It was our little secret code. She would present me with the hairpin if she decided to settle down.

  Well, for the ordinary citizen, wearing a hairpin signified that your children are expecting a baby soon. It was a way to quietly announce the joyous news to the village. Those who see it will also be prepared to help them.

  This message told me that I would soon become a grandma. I was already one. We have you after all, Lucy. I hope they will be as adorable as you, Lucy.

  Then, I saw the earrings. It was perfectly crafted. It seemed to be enhanced by Lily. Although the technique was somewhat crude, the amount she injected into it was enormous. It seemed she made up for the poor control with her large divinity pool.

  Seeing those amber-colored gemstones, I thought of Aria. It would look nice on her. Her earlobes were too lonely all this time. It was about time for her to decorate herself a little.

  It was at that moment that I decided to introduce Aria to him. Coincidentally, when I asked the deacons to call Aria, she arrived here with her father.

  Then, I could see the thin red mark on her cheeks. And I… I… I lost myself a little. Ignoring all the plans… ignoring all the procedure, I decided to put the earrings on her without asking her permission. I felt that Aria also took a liking to it when I said we would wear a matching set.

  While I was bathed in that joyous emotion, I noticed Aria’s body quiver. When I looked up to Duke Willow, I saw his gaze. Aria also noticed it.

  “I think it was about time for me to go to rest. It was regrettable, but I must bid farewell to everyone now. Duke Willow, may you have a safe journey. And please bring Iris with you next year. I really miss her.”

  How dear you, how dear you look at Aria with those eyes. I will never forgive you. Even if you were to become my son—in-law, I will never forgive you. I swore to myself that day.

  Why did he dare to look at Aria as if she were filthy? What right did he have to do it? Who was he?

  Although Aria has been looking up to you all this time… although you were the only one who could enjoy this privilege that even Paul could not enjoy, how dare you… How dare you…

  I could not control my emotions at that time. I think my killing intent leaked out that day. And it was directed at him.

  It was my mistake. More than him, I was mad at myself. I stroked Aria’s head, trying to comfort her. I am sorry, Aria. I am sorry for bringing you pain. I am a failure as your mother.

  I looked sideways at the Marquise Laros at a distance. It was he whom I requested to help me connect with Duke Willow after all. I would leave the rest to him.

  At that time, the most crucial thing was Aria. I had to prioritize Aria. I had to take care of Aria. We could not allow her to seclude herself more than that.