He had a delightful smile on his old face, looking pleased with my decision-making up to this point and waiting to see how I would handle this situation.
Inwardly grinning with satisfaction and having successfully built up public anticipation, I nodded to the archbishop and continued speaking.But this time, as I started speaking, I subtly activated my title『Ruler of Light』and a gentle warmth started spreading across the hall, with me as the centre of it all."Archbishop, according to what my mother always taught me, if someone makes a mistake, then their punishment should be something that not only makes the person genuinely realise their mistakes as to why they did it, but also make them take responsibility for it, all the while striving to improve themselves so that such a situation won't repeat itself."The more I spoke, the brighter the smile on the archbishop's face got."As it should be, Duchess Steeline has taught you well."He turned to my mother and gave her a nod of approval.And everyone in the audience couldn't help but look at me in a new light.With the warmth that spread throughout the hall from me, even the people of the Greenberg family couldn't help but have a change of opinion towards me.It was as if I were the apostle of God, shrouded in a bright white light, spreading the love of God, the knowledge of life, and the guidance of salvation to everyone.Except for the children, almost everyone present here today was an Aura user, or Wizard.They all had the capability of detecting the activation of my title, but they couldn't.Because not only I activated my title very subtly with the help of a very little aura, but also because such was the beauty of an S rank title.For all I know, probably only Archbishop and a couple others noticed its activation, but none pointed it out or stopped me from using it.It was because they, too, wanted to see what I was up to and what I would do.Although this all happened in the background, my mouth didn't stop moving as words kept coming out of it like holy chants."Just like gold turns into beautiful ornaments after burning in fire and getting tempered through tough times, Selina should work hard and suffer like a normal person, earning her own food, shelter, etc., to become a better person. Because only when she suffers hardship would she be able to understand the true value of the things that had been provided to her."As I took a pause again, I noticed,Silence!There was a pin drop silence in the hall, and nobody said anything.Satisfied with the reaction, I continued."So, with all that in mind, for her punishment, I think Selina should live like a normal person for the next two months. She should be deprived of all her status and privileges as the Greenberg family's daughter.""Only then would she realise what it means to be a human and how to respect others. And it just so happens that my personal maid, Daisy, asked me for a leave of absence, and I need someone to take care of me in her absence, so how about letting Selina be my personal maid for the next two months?"Of course, Daisy didn't ask for any leave, but if I say she took it, then she definitely took it.With that, I ended my speech and gave everyone a customary bow, backed away from the place, and stood beside my mother, waiting for everyone to react and for the Greenbergs to reply.Whoa!The moment I expressed my intention that I was done with my words and deactivated the Ruler of Light, everyone came back to their senses, and a loud commotion filled the hall as people stood up from their seats in awe.Even the Greenbergs came back to their senses and couldn't help but look at me with reverence.Truly, I am indeed a genius.─ Con man!F*ck, who said that?It appears that my inner voice said some nonsense, so I will refrain from bragging about myself and instead concentrate on the Greenbergs.However, before the Greenbergs could say anything,"Brilliant!"Our oldie, the Archbishop, came towards me with his eyes shining like flashlights as he looked at me with the same awe.But his reasons for awe were entirely different from others'."My vision wasn't wrong, such knowledge and understanding of the world at such a young age. You're truly the child personally blessed by the goddess."From my observation, I discover that the Archbishop was somehow barely controlling his excitement so as not to show it too much in public.But I know for sure that he was ecstatic with joy and relief at my performance, which had exponentially strengthened his faith in my ability to influence the masses and left him with no doubts that I was the trump card, the game-changer, that the Church of Light desperately needed."Thank you, Archbishop; it's all the goddess's blessings."Clasping my hands together in front of my heart, bowing, and touching them on my forehead, I made a praying gesture to the goddess and also thanked the archbishop, as he did the same and prayed back to her.The oldie was bright in the head and didn't waste time chatting; instead, he turned and looked at the Greenbergs with us.However, we couldn't even open our mouths to ask if the Greenbergs agreed with the punishment or not because, the moment I looked at Stacey, she shouted."I agree!""Mother, Noooo!!!"Following her was another shout, which was from Selina, who couldn't believe that her mother would agree to send her to work as a maid for the Steelines' child for the next two months.Just thinking about the suffering she would have to go through if she worked as my maid made her body shudder involuntarily.Her mind ran wildly, and she can't help but have the disturbing image of herself as a sweet little girl being abused, bullied, and harassed by a mean bully like me.However, this girl's mind was really pondering matters too much for no reason because, at the moment, we were both almost seven years old. What could we do, even if we wanted to?Noticing her expressions, I couldn't help but have my eyebrows twitch as I immediately understood what kind of dirty, paranoid, and mentally disordered thoughts she was having.Hey! Hey?Is this girl serious? Has she even looked at herself, you f*cking 7-year-old kid? What kinds of teachings did they give you on the Greenberg estate?No ass, no tits, talks like everything she says is going to be a sure hit.She appears to be in desperate need of a lesson.Unaware of my and Selina's thoughts, Stacey ignored Selina's plea, and she looked at me with hot eyes.Same mother, same daughter - I can imagine what Satcey was thinking, but this time I really appreciate that she is thinking more of the same; otherwise, how could her daughter and family fall into my trap?"I agree with your punishment, Luke. This girl really needs a lesson, and only you can teach her how to be a better person. Please accept this girl as your maid."Huh!?"!!!!"Everyone was taken aback when they heard Stacey's words, but after a bit of thinking, they understood that it was indeed a reasonable decision.On the one hand, it was indeed good for Selina to have some self knowledge under me, who has such a mature nature and is only 7 years old, making him perfect because it also eliminates something from happening between the kids.Some people thought even ahead of it that if something did happen between children that shouldn't have happened and in the future I forgive Selina, then we can have a good relationship between us, which would actually be a blessing in disguise for the Greenberg family.But what can I say? I can only scoff inwardly at their naive thinking, though on the outside there was only a seriousness to my face far above my age."Then, I ask Aunt Stacey to pack Selina's belongings and bring her back tomorrow after properly explaining everything, because if she behaved arrogantly again, I would not be as forgiving as today.""I understand, Luke; you don't have to worry about it; I will properly explain it to this girl. She will really behave well and accept your punishment with all her heart." Noticing my attitude, Selina said hurriedly, waving her hand.Then she immediately stood up and added."We will now go back, if there's nothing else.""Then please, aunt Stacey; unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to escort you to the door.""There's really no need for it; your words are enough."My heart was at peace, and a wave of contentment washed over me as I looked at the sight of this Greenberg family being so subservient in front of me.After speaking to me, Stacey turned towards my mother and deeply bowed her head."Thank you, Chloé; you really gave birth to an excellent son.""It's all right Stacey Greenberg, please raise your head; you don't have to bow down anymore."Although my mother didn't show it on her face, didn't say anything to Stacey earlier, and even hesitated while making a decision, I know that she was certainly furious at Selina's behaviour.But my mother is my mother, and she also agreed with the punishment I devised for Selina, and also after today's matter she drew a clear line between her and Stacey.When Stacey heard my mother calling her by her full name, she understood that today's matter was certainly not over and that a large crack had been formed not only in the relationship between her and my mother but also between the relationships of both families.Now she really regretted spoiling her daughter so much and even considered believing that her daughter could complete the task.However, when she remembered that one day she would be able to turn everything around and how, tonight, she got such a great opportunity in disguise, her bad mood instantly turned joyful and full of excitement.Despite this, she managed to keep her inner excitement under wraps.She then took the crying Selina and other Greenberg family members with her and, after a few final words and greetings, left, apologising to everyone for ruining the mood of the party along the way.As I watched the Greenberg family leave, my heart was filled with excitement and contentment, but my mind could not help but formulate numerous ideas and plans for the future.The night sky above the castle was a breathtaking sight to behold.The full moon cast a gentle glow upon the landscape, illuminating the dark shadows of the trees and the turrets of the castle.The stars twinkled like diamonds, scattered across the velvet black canvas of the sky, while wispy clouds drifted lazily by, their edges tinged with a soft pink hue.Fairy lights strung along the walls and ceilings of the castle, while the interior of the hall was adorned with delicate flowers.The guests, dressed in their finest attire, laughed and chatted as they sipped on champagne and enjoyed the delectable treats laid out before them.As the night wore on, the stars grew brighter, and the moon seemed to rise higher in the sky.The party continued, spilling out onto the castle's balcony, where guests could marvel at the beauty of the night sky in all its glory.And there I was, aware of the beauty of the night but not able to enjoy its view as I was busy in my thoughts while watching the ba
─ One hour later. In a beautiful, luxurious bedroom fit for the head of the Steeine family, which was in the heart of the castle and had high ceilings and large windows with a stunning view of the castle gardens, a woman cursed loudly and hit the glass table in front of her in rage. Bang! "That b*tch, how dare she? I will kill her!" A piercing smash signalled the initial impact as the glass shards got blasted and scattered across the ground. Shatter! The noise reverberated and echoed throughout the space, heightening the sense of outrage and gravity brought about by my father's report. "To plot against my son, such guts!" My mother, who was sitting on the couch next to me, shouted in an extremely enraged manner while gritting her teeth and clenching her fist. In spite of the fact that she had just shattered a glass table, there was not even a single scratch on her hand, clearly signifying what an insane level of physical strength she possesses. And if it hadn't been for me g
My sudden leap from her lap and question to my father caught my mother's attention, who then also eagerly looked at him to hear the answer.But instead of what we thought he would say, my dad just shook his head and shrugged his shoulders."How would I know who's behind such a thing?"Although he claimed that was the case, his eyes—which I caught gesturing at my mother as though to say, "Don't bring up that subject in front of Luke"—said otherwise."Dad! Why are you trying to hide it from me? I just saw you secretly signalling at my mother."The fact that I saw through his methods and revealed them so directly immediately made his cheeks red and his face embarrassed.Thereafter, helpless, he turned to my mom as though pleading for assistance.But all she did was give him a shake of the head, as if she didn't want to get involved in what was going on between the father and son, though I know she was enjoying it too.Dejected, my father tried to persuade me."It's still not time for you
Next morning, 6:12 A.M. Chirp~! As I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside, I stretched my arms above my head. The sun was peeking through the window of my room, casting a soft glow across the plush rug on the floor and the bed as I felt the sun's warmth on my face. As I sat up, yawned, and rubbed my eyes, the familiar sights, including the large map of the continent of Ardonia on one wall, marked with pins indicating all the places I hoped to one day visit and where some major events of the book took place, came into my sight. My room is spacious but tastefully decorated, though unlike the rooms of kids my age, where toys and books fill the shelves and overflow the toy chest, mine looks more like it belongs to an adult scholar. In this case, I'll give my mom the benefit of the doubt and take the other half of the credit since I share this room with her and we both enjoy it this way. Looking to my side, I noticed that my mother wasn't there by my side, but the bed is s
As I descended the stairs with my mom, I greeted the archbishop and the other paladins and priests from the Church of Light, who were gathered around a large table in the middle of the hall."Good morning, Archbishop, and to everyone else." My mother nodded and also greeted them, and they all stood up and greeted us back."Good morning to you too, holy son, and to you too, Duchess Steeline.""Good morning, Holy Son.""Greetings Duchess.""Holy Son is very kind.""Does the Archbishop sleep comfortably? There weren't any problems, were there?" I approached the table and asked as we exchanged small pleasantries with each other."No worries; everything was good, and we all had a good night's sleep yesterday." He replied with his signature old smile.Then, one by one, following the archbishop, the other paldins and priests also started expressing their thoughts."There's no need for the holy son to worry; Steeline's hospitality was really one of the best we have experienced.""Even the gar
─ December 25, year 1000 Caspara Commercial Road. As a convoy of opulent carriages drawn by horse-like demons passed by the towering trees on either side of the road, the sound of their hooves clopping against the snow-covered asphalt filled the air. A single carriage in the centre was surrounded and escorted by four carriages of Aura users and Paladins of strength equal to "Swordman" and "Sword Master" rank. The carriage in the middle appeared ordinary yet elegant, with its exterior painted in a rich burgundy colour with gold trim that gleamed in the sunlight. However, only upon stepping inside can one realise that this carriage is far from ordinary. The interior of the carriage is a magical space, with a sense of grandeur that far surpasses any five-star hotel room. But what truly sets this carriage apart is the magical bedroom that lies beyond a set of doors. Inside the spacious and opulent room, on a king-sized bed that was covered in silk sheets and plush pillows, I was ly
Even though we left the Steeline castle at a relatively early hour in the morning, now that we are here in the royal capital, the afternoon sun has already begun to blaze overhead, giving everything it touches a warm golden glow. Since our visit today was very secretive in nature to ensure that the ceremony could be carried out without disturbance or interruption, there were no emblems or markings of the Church of Light or the Steeline family on our carriages. Therefore, our carriages were stopped at the gates of the Imperial City, but after the Paladins confirmed the identities, our carriages were respectfully allowed in without even going through any checks. Upon passing through the city gates located within the massive walls that encircled the Imperial City, we were greeted with a flurry of activity. The streets were filled with various vendors selling their wares in colourful stalls, craftsmen practising their trade, people going about their daily lives, and the sound of carria
"Then please." Hearing the cardinal's words, the elderly nuns standing before the altar who had been gawking at my earlier performance suddenly came to their senses and rushed over to him, as if they had been waiting for this moment all along. I understood why they were called, but having myself taken care of by a gaggle of elderly ladies was not really my first choice. It's not like all the nuns in the cathedral were old and wrinkled; I spotted a few young and attractive ones peeking at me stealthily from a side aisle. Some of them were probably my age or a little older, but they were apparently still in training and therefore not eligible enough to be responsible for my care on this momentous occasion. Though I really wanted to be dressed by those beautiful young ones, but what can I say? For the successful implementation of my plans and to maintain my righteous and sacred image, I have to bite the bullet, sacrifice myself, and let these old women take advantage of the innocent