Chapter 60: Baptism Ceremony (3)
His polite words penetrated the hearts of the listeners.
Among all the saints in history, the most outstanding one, the one with the power to oppress all, asked for strength.
This made those who listened feel something boiling up inside their hearts.
Was it because they had seen him controlling a meteor with magic, or was it because of the rich human scent emanating from the saint?
Either way, it didnt matter then.
With just one speech from the newly appeared saint, their hearts had already begun to lean towards him.
It was no different even for the nobles.
There were those who were fascinated by his overwhelming strength, and there were those who showed affection because, despite his young age, he still presented a polite appearance to the people without being consumed by power.
Me, Meteor
9th Circle Archmage
They covered their mouths, surprised by the tremendous words they dared to utter.
9th Circle Archmage.
If they carelessly spoke his name, they might have been in danger just from the aftershock of the name.
But there was something they didnt know.
The Meteor created by Ray was nothing but a counterfeit.
That didnt mean its power was inferior. On the contrary, if it exploded at close range, the counterfeit Meteor just then would have been stronger.
Of course, casting the Meteor required more mana than this, but that was another story. Likely, there was no one other than Ray who could create this kind of counterfeit Meteor.
In conclusion, Ray couldnt yet create a Meteor.
What he did just then was just to make his words have reality, so that the people could believe in him.
The peoples hearts are the foundation of solid power.
He had no intention of staying in the Holy Kingdom for a long time.
Therefore, he needed more power. So that he could leave the Holy Kingdom whenever he wanted.
Moreover, it was true that he would help the people achieve their dreams while he stayed in the Holy Kingdom.
The peoples hearts were stable, and they were happy, thus birthing strong national power.
He wasnt the only one who knew this.
Euclid stood behind, looking at Rays back.
The baptism ceremony hasnt even started yet, but hes already capturing the peoples hearts Even the nobles dont dare to oppose him.
Was this really possible? It seemed he had planned everything and proceeded smoothly at the mere age of fifteen.
By then, it was foolish to fuss about age.
What was the point of considering the age of someone who could summon a Meteor?
Ray amplified his voice and spoke.
The message I want to convey to you ends here. Please believe in me and follow me.
After speaking, he immediately stepped down from the podium. Without hesitation, he turned around and approached Euclid, while cheers erupted from the people.
Wow!
We will follow you anywhere!
Long live Saint Ray!
Long live!
The overwhelming response was as if someone who could change their entire lives had appeared.
Even the nobles at the baptism ceremony, despite being quite far away, stood up and applauded the resounding cheers.
Rays speech moved not only the people but also the hearts of the nobles.
As they applauded and cheered, Ray asked Euclid.
Where should we go now?
Please lower your voice. Its too much to handle.
Ray might not have known, but this was the greatest respect she could show.
She was a servant, but at the same time a noble.
She would never say such a thing unless she sincerely respected the person.
Ray immediately dropped the matter, not knowing whether she understood the deep meaning or not.
Shall we? I was also uncomfortable.
.
So where do we go now?
I will guide you.
In no time at all, Euclid guided him to a circular garden where one person could comfortably lie down.
The circle was surrounded by blooming flowers and tall grass, but the middle of the circle was neat.
It wasnt strange enough to feel out of place.
Euclid politely raised her hand and pointed to the middle.
Please lie down here, she said.
Upon hearing her words, Ray spoke up.
Isnt this a prayer?
As far as he understood, Inrye (Initiation) was a ritual of praying to the gods.
But was he supposed to lie down while praying?
Inrye is the first prayer to the gods, so you can perform it in the most comfortable position, Euclid explained.
So thats why I should lie down.
With those words, Ray lay down, and Euclid stepped back.
Ray closed his eyes while lying there.
So what should I pray for now?
Even though he decided to pray, he didnt quite know what to say.
Perhaps sensing his uncertainty, Euclid spoke up.
Just be comfortable. Speak as if you are having a conversation with the gods.
A conversation What kind of topic should he bring up with the gods?
Remembering her advice to pray comfortably, Ray relaxed his entire body and started speaking in his mind.
Um hello.
No response. He thought the god must be very shy, so he attempted to speak again.
God, if you called me to the Holy Kingdom, you should at least answer.
But still, no sound came.
To call someone over and then act like this. However, it hadnt even been 30 seconds since he started praying.
He decided to be patient.
Yeah. If I keep talking, youll answer to stop me from annoying you.
Comforting himself with that thought, Ray continued to speak.
Half a day passed. He thought that the god might answer just to avoid the annoyance, but it felt like he had been ignored because there was not a single response.
By now, he was more irritated than tired.
It was too much. It was like inviting a guest to your home and then the host going out somewhere else.
He couldnt wait any longer for the gods response.
He couldnt see what the people were doing because the flowers hid them, but they must surely have been bored.
The only one who wouldnt have been bored in this situation must have been Euclid.
Half a day had passed, and she was still standing next to him in the same posture she had assumed at the beginning, not moving at all.
Incredible.
Even he, who had been lying down, felt tired. He wondered how much more exhausted she must have been, standing as she was.
Ray, who cared for his servant, could not ignore this issue.
No. This wont do, no.
He thought this was not for his sake, but for hers. With that thought, he opened his eyes.
He found himself thinking something that would never occur to criminals.
Ray rose.
At that, Euclid reacted.
Have you received a response already?
Faced with her question, he did not hesitate to lie.
Yes. He truly is divine His voice has not left my mind.
His eyes looked up to the sky, reminiscent of a country boy thinking of his first love, and Euclid was entirely deceived.
Indeed, he is magnificent. Even the fastest, Iriel, took a day.
Really?
You truly are a saint.
Every time she praised him, it felt as though an Earth Spear was piercing through Rays chest.
Her eyes, devoid of any doubt, wrung him out like a rag.
Euclid pointed to the baptismal hall and said,
I will announce the end of the rites. Please wait in the baptismal hall in the meantime.
Okay.
Ray trudged towards the baptismal hall.
Upon passing a beautiful garden and arriving at the baptismal hall, Iriel looked at him in surprise.
Saint, youre already here?
Murmurs filled the air.
It hasnt even been half a day
Incredible. You truly are the best among all the saints in history.
Hearing their words, Ray gave up.
After all, what was done was done, and the lie had been told.
Unless God himself spoke, no one would suspect or point out that he hadnt received a response.
If there was anyone to blame, it should be God for not answering in time.
He had done nothing wrong!
With this logic known only to himself, Ray nodded.
His voice was indeed thrilling. It was like a bolt of lightning striking my mind.
Iriel agreed.
Yes, his voice, like thunder, truly deserved to be called divine.
Ray added fuel to the fire.
It felt like I could see him just by his voice. Hahaha.
Aside from the Pope, who would reveal himself during the rite, Iriel was the only one who had heard Gods voice.
Naturally, the nobles who hadnt heard Gods voice couldnt doubt.
Moreover, the situation was perfect since the saintess also defended his words.
With laughter filling the air, the Duke on the stage of the baptismal hall caught their attention.
May I have your attention, please.
He spoke while gently tapping his glass, and all eyes turned to him.
The Duke cleared his throat and said,
The rites are now over. Since its not too late, wed like to proceed with the ceremony. The ceremony will begin in the churchs lobby. Feel free to leave if you are not feeling well.
Although he said this, the Duke knew very well that few nobles would leave.
After all, it was the Saint who could cast Meteor. Even if it disappeared, the divine power would soon fill the space, and there was no harm in showing off beforehand.
A 9th Circle Archmage was not a title to be taken lightly.
Even then, the nobles didnt dare approach Ray just like at the beginning.
The title of a 9th Circle Archmage was enough to sweep away most people.
Moreover, the overwhelming power he possessed was frightening.
After speaking, the Duke glanced at Ray.
Hes only fifteen Age really doesnt matter, huh.
Everyone was cautious in front of him. Those below the rank of Count didnt even dare to breathe.
In reality, Iriel was the only one conversing with Ray. The rest were just around him, not uttering a word.
But he understood. He would be the same if he were in their shoes.
A single flick of Rays finger could take their lives, after all.
Iriel felt the same.
When she first saw Ray cast Meteor, she swallowed hard.
The 9th Circle Archmage, more intimidating than the beautiful elves she had seen in the elf village, stood right beside her, sending shivers down her spine.
But knowing that didnt alter the reality.
His blunt words and actions stayed the same.
For some reason, she found reassurance.
He possessed the mental strength to control his immense power.
He wasnt the type to kill everyone in a fit of anger. She could trust him.
Thats why she was able to look him in the eye as an equal, as usual.
Perhaps his existence fulfilled the promise he had made during their homeless days.
To elevate the Holy Kingdom to the highest position. In that moment, Iriel felt that the Holy Kingdom wasnt inferior to the Lesien Empire.
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