So I Was the Persecuted Grand Duchess Destined to Die? Chapter 96

Chapter 96

I nearly stumbled but steadied myself, keeping my gaze fixed on the floor.

“Welcome to the Grand Temple.”

A voice like warm sunlight poured down from above.

Soft. Gentle. Perfect.

Who could possibly doubt a man like this?

He was the very image of a divine proxy.

Just standing near him—

Why… does my heart feel calmer?

Moments ago I had been drenched in nervous sweat.

Now warmth spread through me like spring.

Which, ironically, made him even more dangerous.

“We have awaited your arrival.”

His blue-green eyes curved into a serene smile.

Still waters over a frozen waterfall—quiet, alive, unfathomable.

“It has been some time. We are honored to receive your blessing.”

Ternox—wearing Xavier’s face—spoke evenly.

No emotion. No inflection.

Impressive acting.

Beside me, the real Xavier looked far less impressed.

“Indeed… it has been long,” said the High Priest.

Raphael Blanche.

“When I last saw you, you were but a boy. And now… how magnificently you have grown.”

His smile was elegant. Faultless.

Wait.

He met Xavier as a child?

That had never been mentioned.

A chill crept down my spine.

“…Old stories need not be revisited,” Ternox cut in smoothly. “Shall we proceed?”

Raphael chuckled lightly.

“As you wish. The main sanctuary awaits. We have prepared the altar anew for the Duke and Duchess of House Celeste.”

The massive golden doors groaned open.

The procession began.

Marble pillars towered around us. The domed sanctuary loomed ahead. Priests followed behind in silent rows.

My palms were damp.

Betty glanced back at me—terrified.

I dragged her into this…

I almost reached for her hand—

“Ah. One moment.”

We had reached the threshold of the inner sanctum.

Raphael stopped.

“The blessing bestowed upon a married couple is a sacred covenant. Only the two of you may ascend the holy altar.”

“…What?”

“So the attendants are dismissed?” Ternox asked coldly.

A reasonable objection.

This was sudden. Unannounced.

“Is that a problem?” Raphael replied mildly.

“Or… is there another difficulty?”

His gaze slid past Ternox—

To Xavier.

A subtle test.

“Tch.”

Xavier clicked his tongue softly.

“You recently appointed an adjutant, I hear.”

“Yes.”

“You?”

Raphael addressed Xavier directly.

“Yes.”

“How remarkable. House Celeste taking in an adjutant at last. You must be quite capable.”

“Your praise is excessive.”

Not praise.

A probe.

But Xavier bowed calmly.

Suddenly—

Ternox’s voice echoed inside my head.

[There’s detection magic in this sanctum.]

Betty stiffened too.

[Look. He’s watching our feet.]

I glanced down.

We had already crossed the threshold.

[But the magic of a great dragon would never fall to something so crude.]

Even now, he sounded smug.

Raphael’s expression dulled slightly.

Disappointed.

“Then, Duke and Duchess, please follow me into the sanctum.”

“And the attendants—this way.”

Two hooded priests stepped forward and separated us.

The heavy doors shut behind Ternox and Betty.

Xavier and I were led through winding side corridors.

The layout was impossibly complex.

Finally—

“We have arrived.”

A long hallway lined with small doors.

Prayer rooms.

“You will wait separately.”

Before I could react, I was ushered into the farthest chamber.

The door shut.

The priest who followed me remained inside.

“Please, sit.”

“…You’ll be staying?”

“Though the blessing is for the Duke and Duchess, we wish to share its grace with their attendants.”

He extended his hand.

“Take my hand. Join in prayer. Receive the High Priest’s blessing.”

His voice was gentle.

But something in his tone was rigid.

Fanatical.

“I’m quite alright…”

“Why?”

“I merely accompanied my lady.”

I swallowed, trying to mimic Betty’s speech pattern.

“Poor thing,” he murmured. “You do not understand what an honor this is. But ignorance is not a sin. He still loves you.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Can you not feel it? The warmth that envelops this temple?”

His hood shifted.

And beneath it—

His eyes gleamed with unsettling devotion.

The air felt thicker.

He was stepping closer.

And his hand—

Was still extended toward mine.