I didn't see Duke Blacktomb among the guests. Beatrice had done her job to warn him. Not only did I not see his dot around the Royal Academy, but he had also left Academy City altogether, probably already on his way back to the Sin Kingdom.
After entering the party venue, we met up with Tristan, who wore the church knight uniform with a red, black, and white design similar to the one Rania and Sophia wore.
My subordinates also wore something similar as they were stationed in some corners, concealing the weapons they brought under the table or in shadows.
They were acting in a team of two—Lea with Sophia and Tristan with Natasha. Rania was alone because she stood behind the Pope and Sana's table, guarding them closely with Ertha beside her.
My former comrade stopped in front of us and greeted us.
"Good evening, Eliza. And hello, Arthur."
"Hello, Tristan. You look great in that uniform." I praised her with a smile. Looking at her from bottom to top, I continued, "Why don't you wear a dress like the others?"
"Thanks to someone, I was ordered to guard this place with the other knights from my squad," Tristan said simply, narrowing her eyes slightly. There was a hint of disappointment and anger in her tone.
"If someone didn't have a plan tonight, I would wear a dress, not this uniform. Unfortunately, the Captain of my squad is so troublesome. To think he will order his subordinates to protect the area and not let them enjoy the party." She continued. Her voice was filled with sarcasm as she shrugged her shoulders and heaved a sigh.
I couldn't retort to her at all. Rania should've told them about this little plan of mine but didn't explain in detail that I was the one who orchestrated it. She only needed to tell them there might be an attack at this party tonight to make them wary of the surroundings.
"It can't be helped." I smiled bitterly at Tristan. "The Pope is here. Although there is Sana beside her, and she's someone strong herself, it's the church knights' duty to protect them." I said.
"I know." Tristan nodded, "I also have a big debt to Archbishop Sana for saving me, so I will carry out my duty seriously. But still… Can't you find another occasion to do something like this in the future?"
"I will try," I replied with a wry smile.
Eliza couldn't understand what we were talking about. I told her that it was the secret of the church knights, and she didn't pry further into it.
After talking for a while, someone announced that the party would start soon. Tristan returned to her post near Natasha and stood guard even though she was also one of the tournament's winners.
The party started with King Cassius' speech, accompanied by Queen Eve. While he wasn't the real King Cassius but was actually Beatrice in disguise, the speech somehow managed to move people's hearts and made them cheer in support.
Queen Eve only gave us a few congratulatory words and smiled radiantly. That was enough to captivate the youngsters and make them lovestruck.
This was the charm of the Queen, who seldom showed her face in public. The one often called butterfly of society, and two of the most beautiful women alongside Vivian.
Following that was Pope Juriel's speech.
"My children."
Unlike when the King and the Queen gave a speech and created a merry and celebratory atmosphere, everyone turned silent once they heard Juriel's voice. A soft, warm voice rang in the party hall, and everyone closed their eyes as if they were listening to a sermon instead of a speech.
Even Eliza, who stood beside me, also closed her eyes, clasping her hands together in front of her bountiful chest. We stood close to the stage because, after this, the headmasters would give a congratulatory speech and then our turns to give ours.
"I am truly happy to be given a chance to meet with all of you here, in the Awarding Party of the first Annual Tournaments of Six Academies." Juriel clasped her hands together, smiling warmly at the people watching her.
Everyone smiled at her words.
"On this occasion, I offered congratulations to the winners. Unexpectedly, one of the winners is His Holiness, the Paladin. I am quite honored to deliver a congratulatory speech in front of the Goddess' beloved.
"Of course, I also extend congratulations to Miss Eliza Rose and Miss Tristan, who is also a member of our Castitas Church. I am happy for the winners and hope that they will be the future pillar of our Kingdom.
"Lastly, I wanted to do something for all the wonderful people here."
Saying so, the Pope stepped forward to the edge of the stage and spread her arms to the air as if she was about to grab something in the sky.
The people were wondering what she was about to do. They talked to each other in a low voice, excited and confused about Juriel's sudden action.
But then, a bright light suddenly covered their sights. The origin of this light was Juriel. Two pure white wings appeared behind her back, and a golden halo floated on top of her head.
It was the appearance of the Angel!
Many people who were pious believers of Goddess Teri wanted to prostrate themselves, ignoring the pretty dress and cool suits they wore. That also included Eliza. But I managed to stop her and used <Holy Barrier> to minimize the effect.
'Please tell me before you do something like this.' I grumbled silently as I looked at Juriel.
Even with a blindfold, I could see and feel her gaze on me. She nodded slightly before looking at the party guests.
With a soft voice that seemingly came from the Goddess herself, she activated a skill.
"<Area Blessing>"
A ripple of light swept across the room, leaving some glitter behind that seeped into people's bodies. It was a skill derived from Lv 9 <Holy Magic>. The effect was to clean any ill status and give an increment in defense against (Confusion) and (Fear).
'I see. She has heard my plan and does this to minimize the panic later.' I nodded in understanding. 'I can also do it, but that would make the guests ask why I did that. But when the Pope was the one who gave them <Area Blessing>, they would think that this is just the Pope giving them the Angel blessing.'
People began to pray at once, expressing their gratitude to Pope Juriel and Goddess Teri.
"May the Goddess bless you."
With those words, the wings and halo disappeared once again, and she walked down the stairs, guided by Archbishop Sana, and returned to her seat behind the VIP guests' table.
Afterward, the five headmasters gave a speech, followed by Alesia at the end. They only expressed their happiness and congratulations to the winners.
After everyone finished their speech, it was my turn. I walked upstairs as Eliza cheered on me from behind.
"Good luck!" She said, putting her hand near her mouth.
I nodded slightly at her and went to the stage. Alesia passed by me as she walked down. At that moment, she whispered something to me.
"I will only teleport them."
"That's enough," I whispered back. "Emilia knows the coordinate and the plan. I have told her to guide you."
"Good."
It happened instantly, and no one suspected anything. Then I stopped in the middle of the stage and gave my speech, trying to stall time.
"Good evening, everyone."
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