I looked around, trying to ignore the voice that was lingering in my head. I saw the noble faction staring at me coldly, some of the pro-emperor faction watching anxiously, and the emperor and the crown prince looking at me with a puzzled expression.

I dont believe it! How could I forget where I was just because I was listening to Gods prophecy?

Lady Monique, you are so rude! How can you stay silent when I asked you twice?

Are you thinking about something else?

Were you distracted when youre in the test of your qualifications? If its true, you are ignoring Lady Jena who is competing with you, and at the same time disgracing the emperor who has hosted this event.

How arrogant you are! You should be duly punished.

The emperor raised his right hand, silently watching the noble faction harshly blaming me like fish in the water. When the hall became silent, he said with a low voice, Lets take a break before continuing the test.

But Your Majesty

Ignoring those who resisted, the emperor left the hall. I was lost in thought, watching the crown prince walking after him.

Is it better for me to hide it or tell them in advance?

I could hide it, but as I heard Gods prophecy, the priests at the temple would surely contact the imperial palace about it. In that case, it would be better for me to reveal it in advance rather than having to confirm it in front of everyone else, mentioning Gods token.

I was about to stand up after organizing my thoughts when I felt dizzy again. Marquis Enesil held me as I was staggering, and asked in surprise, Lady, are you okay?

Ah yes. I just felt dizzy a bit. Thank you.

Are you sick? You look very pale.

Im fine. Thanks for caring about me.

I quickly left the place, expressing my gratitude, and headed to the lounge.

When I stepped into the lounge with the emperors permission, who happened to be there, he looked back at me while he was tilting the mug. The crown prince, who was reviewing the paper that recorded the dialogue at the conference hall, also stared at me silently.

Putting down the teacup, the emperor said, So, did you ask to see me?

Yes, Your Majesty. I have something to tell you.

Go ahead.

I took a deep breath and opened your mouth slowly.

In fact, I just heard something. That was

That was? Just continue.

I think Its probably Gods prophecy.

Gods prophecy? What was it about?

His blue eyes sparkled. The crown prince stared at me, with his deep navy blue eyes glowing.

Well, it was something like < New buds sprouted from the roots of the dried life. The buds sprouting from the salty land with the sea breeze will stretch the roots of new life toward the continent. Praise and rejoice the new birth. Worship the six roots of life>. Probably

Does it mean the birth of a new High Priest? A salty land with the sea breeze? It must be near the sea, said the emperor with a nod.

I feel the same way, Your Majesty. The six roots or the new bud seems to refer to the birth of a High Priest. I hear that their birth is usually revealed through Gods prophecy.

Given the circumstances, its certain. But its strange. I dont think its time for a generation change. Anyway, we can get more information when the temple contacts us Anyway, I think I know why you looked blank a little while ago. Did you hear Gods prophecy then?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Got it. I was worried you might be sick. Its good to know you looked pale because of Gods prophecy. Good job.

Thanks, Your Majesty. Then Ill go back first.

I politely showed due manners to them and got out.

I was about to return to the conference hall, but I stopped by in a separate break room because I felt nauseated and dizzy. While I closed my eyes, something suddenly flashed through my mind.

Was this what the High Priest said?

Before he left the empire, he told me that I might hear something in the near future, and that I should not be too surprised and calmly deal with it. But

Ifso, he already knew I would hear Gods prophecy soon. How can he know? Is there any way to know in advance that a new High Priest will be born?

Of course, he may have already known that there would be a generation change, but as the emperor said, the time was not ripe for the change. In the case of the High Priest, there was a change of generation every ten years. It was seven years ago that the High Priest was born lastly.

How much time passed? I was pondering over it for a long time when I heard the attendants announcement that the test would resume. I stood up and headed back to the hall.

When I entered the hall, I saw a welcome person. A silver hairy knight who was talking with Marquis Enesil with a serious expression, tilting his long straight hair. He was my father, who I saw in about a month.

Daddy!

Its been a long time, Tia. Why do you look so pale? Are you sick?

No, Im fine.

You are not fine, lady. You almost fell because you felt dizzy a little while ago, right?

As Marquis Enesil explained, he asked me several questions, frowning hard.

You are feeling dizzy?

Well, yes. I think Ive overworked myself these days.

Hmm, let me call a doctor after you go back home.

I felt uncomfortable because I worried him again. I was going to tell him my condition was not serious when the chief attendant announced the arrival of the emperor and the crown prince.

The emperor walked with long steps and took his seat.

He said, Lady Monique, your opinion is definitely good, but isnt your budget for the festival really too small?

For a normal year, I would have allocated the budget for some other purposes. But in many places including the capital they are holding festivals on their own to celebrate the National Founding Day. I dont think you have to increase the festival budget in a situation where you have more imperative projects to use the budget.

Hmm, The emperor nodded without a word.

Then, the door of the conference hall was suddenly opened. Everyones eyes were focused on it. I slightly nodded, looking at the messenger who just got in with an urgent message.

It was clear that the messenger arrived to inform the emperor of Gods prophecy.

As expected, the man, who said he was from the temple, pulled out a neatly folded letter.

The attendant who received the white letter from him approached the emperor and gave it to him carefully.

Opening the letter, he had a smile and said, Its consistent with what Lady Monique said.

What do you mean, Your Majesty?

A little while ago, Lady Monique told me that she heard Gods prophecy. Its exactly the same as this letter. Its Gods prophecy that a new High Priest was born.

Everybody looked at me all at once.

Oh My God.

I closed my eyes tightly. I told him separately to avoid drawing their attention. How could he ignore my intention like this?

As I watched the pro-emperor feeling proud of me and the noble faction filled with raging anger, I felt heavy as if something got stuck in my heart. I felt nauseated again.

I and my father were about to go back after the test was over, but the crown prince, ignoring Duke Jena, fully dissatisfied with the results, stopped in front of us, Marquis, can you see me for a moment. Lady Monique, too.

Dang it! Just let us go home now!

Controlling my frustration, I walked after him with my father. As soon as he entered a special guest room, he called an attendant and said, Call the imperial doctor right now.

Only

Your Majesty?

The emperor might have thought your condition was not serious, but I dont think so. I do think you are sick.

My Majesty, Im really okay.

Dont try to cheat on me. Ive been watching you for several years. Do you think you can deceive me?

I just dont know why they are making a big fuss when I say Im okay. I was feeling a bit dizzy, so its not a big deal.

Did you find it, Your Majesty?

Examine Lady Monique.

Okay, Your Majesty. Is there something inconveniencing you?