Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The Saintess Bound for the Northern Lands
The Royal Capital of the Silver Moon Kingdom is called Moonlight City.
It is nestled at the foot of the majestic Artemis Mountain Range, embraced by a clear stream called Silver Stream.
This city is like a dazzling pearl set on the earth.
The city walls are built of ancient gray stones, with the marks of time engraved deep in their surfaces, telling a millennium-long history.
At the center of Moonlight City stands a towering castle, known as the Moonlight Barrier.
At this moment, the Second Prince, Bronco Silver Moon, has already moved into this seat of power.
He only needs to wait for his ailing father to pass away, and he will become the King of the Silver Moon Kingdom.
Currently, with the support of some nobles from the Royal Capital, the Duke of the Western Border, and the Northern Nobles, his power is already quite stable.
Neither the Eldest Prince, Gould Silver Moon, who fled to the Eastern Territory, nor the Third Prince Reynolds, known in the Southern Territory as the Silver Moon Star, can threaten him.
And now, he is examining letters from the Northern Lands.
Upon seeing the defeat of the Ice Bear City coalition, and even the death of Marquis Ice Bear at Frost Wolf Ridge, his expression immediately turned somber.
"Useless."
He muttered a curse under his breath, his expression now calm.
After all, the Ice Bear Clan was initially supported by him to deplete the Frost Wolf Clan; if they could directly annihilate the Frost Wolf Clan, that would be even better.
Even if they failed now, it only meant losing a pawn. As long as the Northern Fortress, guarding the north, remains under the control of the Royal Family, the Northern Lands belong to him.
As long as he can support another clan, he can still control the resources of the Northern Lands, and continuing to suppress the Frost Wolf Clan won’t be difficult.
What truly concerns him now is whether there’s the influence of the Eldest Prince behind the Frost Wolf Clan. He does not believe that the already declining Frost Wolf Clan could succeed in defeating the Ice Bear City coalition on their own.
Even though the new Duke Frost Wolf’s talent matches that of the Third Prince, compared to the formidable Royal Family, they are still too weak.
...
In the heart of Moonlight City is a solemn and sacred structure—the Holy Light Cathedral.
This cathedral, with its unique Dawn Empire style and exquisite artistic decorations, has become a spiritual symbol and pilgrimage site for the Holy Light Believers in the Silver Moon Kingdom.
The exterior of the church is grand and imposing, with tall spires pointing toward the sky.
The exterior walls are constructed with dark gray stones, and the entrance is a pair of intricately carved oak doors, depicting biblical stories and angelic figures.
The interior altar is made of pure white marble, inlaid with gold leaf and jewels, with a sacred statue at the center representing the core of the Church’s faith.
The cathedral’s basement serves as a place for prayer and meditation, where there is an ancient Holy Bone Box said to contain the relics of a great saint, attracting pilgrims from all over to worship.
At this moment, in the church’s hall, Saintess Lucia is praying at the Holy Light Altar.
She has long, golden hair that flows like a waterfall, eyes as clear as a lake, deep and bright, with skin as white as jade, pure and flawless.
She wears a pure white robe, embroidered with golden vines and lilies symbolizing purity and sanctity, with a cross necklace representing Holy Light around her neck.
Her voice is gentle yet solemn, reciting the ancient prayers:
"Lord, may your light dispel the darkness, may your mercy shield our homeland, granting us strength and courage to love and to forgive."
With each prayer, her voice is filled with power, capable of touching the heartstrings of every listener, instilling a sense of sacred comfort and hope.
The air around seems to become sacred due to her prayers, the faint scent of incense mingling with the breeze blowing in from the windows, creating a sacred and serene atmosphere.
"Lucia, are you ready to depart for the Northern Lands?" The Archbishop’s deep voice sounded.
"I am here, always prepared to follow God’s will."
Lucia’s voice is calm and firm as she opens her eyes, determination and faith gleaming in her gaze.
She stands up, her pure white robe gently swaying in the breeze, like a blooming lily, pure and resilient.
Lucia walks up to the Holy Light Archbishop, bowing slightly in respect, her movements graceful and powerful, showcasing the dignity and humility of a Saintess.
"Archbishop, I understand the importance and challenge of this journey to the Northern Lands. I will bring the grace of God to those in need, no matter how many difficulties lie ahead."
The Archbishop nodded, his profound gaze full of trust and expectation for Lucia.
"The people of the Northern Lands are suffering, Lucia. You are not only their hope but also our pride. May the Holy Light be with you, illuminating your path, and protecting you from all harm."
Lucia accepted the scepter handed to her by the Archbishop, it was her symbol and her mission.
The top of the scepter was embedded with a blue gem that glimmered with a gentle light, seemingly imbued with divine power.
She grasped the scepter firmly, sensing the sacred energy within, her heart brimming with strength.
"In the name of the Holy Light, I will set out for the Northern Lands to bring hope and healing to its people."
Lucia’s words were full of power as she turned to walk toward the cathedral’s doors, sunlight cascading over her, forming a holy halo.
The Holy Light Archbishop and a host of believers stayed behind, silently praying, awaiting the return of the Saintess and the light and peace she would bring to the Northern Lands.
...
In the Jingge Kingdom, the Ice Throne, symbolizing supreme power, stood tall.
The Duke of Ice Crown, once a loyal guardian, now harbored thoughts of rebellion.
His gaze no longer held only determination and resolve, but now carried a hint of gloom and ambition.
Under the moonlight, the Duke of Ice Crown stood alone on the palace balcony, gazing at the distant night sky, plotting his plan to seize the throne.
His fingers lightly traced over the model of the Ice Throne, each meticulously designed groove resembling the meticulous plans in his heart, cold and precise.
He understood that usurping the throne was no easy task, requiring wisdom, courage, and precise timing.
Years ago, he had secretly contacted discontented nobles and generals, weaving a silent yet intricate network.
His messengers traversed the snowy plains, carrying orders of betrayal.
Meanwhile, he secretly expanded his army, training elite Frost Warriors and creating sturdy Ice Armor, preparing for impending conflict.
He knew that once he embarked on this path, there would be no turning back—either ascend the throne or fall in a pool of blood.
Screech—
Suddenly, a Snow Eagle swept across the night sky.
The Duke of Ice Crown extended his arm, allowing the massive Snow Eagle to perch on his strong shoulders.
He reached out to retrieve the letter tied to the Snow Eagle’s leg, his gaze flickering as he muttered, "The Frost Wolf Clan of the Northern Lands?"