"The ceremony for this year is much bigger than the previous ones, so this one's going to be amazing." Lavis seemed to enjoy the look of wonder in my eyes as I attentively watched the preparations for the ritual unfold.

He probably liked the fact that the huge event of the temple in which he grew up was being regarded this way. I guess he was feeling some sort of pride.

I nodded, "The main hall is just massive. I never thought there were buildings much bigger than the emperor's palace."

"It was said that the Dwarf tribe has had God-like powers that made construction like this possible, one that modern technology wouldn't be able to achieve just as easily."

"That's crazy." From his words, I looked back at the big square and there were two giant water fountains with an angel statue standing in the middle, where a sphere as big as a head was also present, seemingly floating above it. Water was coming out of the sphere but there were no pipes connected to it.

Is that the extent of God's power? One that defies the laws of physics? The realization sent shivers down my skin.

But still, God couldn't control every single will of mine. In my previous life, human beings were in charge of their own fates, not anyone else.

I shook my head, resolute in my own stance. Even if it's God's will, I will still find a way to change my fate. I...I can't just die just like in the novel.

I reminded myself that I would not be shaken.

With a glance at his pocket watch, Lavis told me that the ritual is about to start any moment now. My eyes swept the big square in curiosity.

"Thanks to His Majesty's support, the big square is much more beautiful this year."

"Oh, did he not show his support before?"

From what I've read before, there was no mention of the emperor's support; it could be that the author only forgot, or there was a slight change in the original story.

Lavis smiled, his eyes forming soft crescents. Standing there, his blond hair was illuminated by the sunlight streaming above. He looked absolutely radiant, catching me off guard as I held my chest tightly.

What a handsome blonde man! I can't even say anything with him smiling at me like that.

"I think he is planning to attack Lucretia this year." He suddenly said.

I felt my breath hitch at his reply. His smile didn't match the words he was saying. Lavis knew that the emperor was only doing this to bribe the temple for the upcoming war.

"Are you supposed to tell me that?"

"Didn't you already know this? From what I know of Ridrian, he is actually more talkative than people think."

I shut my mouth. I did hear it directly from the emperor, and it was written in the original story, too. But Lavis saying the words out loud felt somehow strange.

Does that mean he trusts me?

While the emperor on the other hand, doesn't.

"High priest, are you not against the Majesty starting a war?"

Lavis laughed with no amusement, "Sadly, that war is important to His Majesty. He won't listen to me even if I talk him out of it."

He's right. Lavis probably knew everything that happened to the emperor, because if he didn't, he wouldn't know the importance of the war and what it stood for.

Lavis, the servant of the God of life, must have seen the emperor when he was at his weakest.

"I see." Talking about the emperor felt heavy, so I did not continue the conversation anymore and focused my attention at the square instead.

The white temple reflected the sun rays so brightly it hurt my eyes. It felt unreal, everything was cast in a brilliance. Being here felt like I was living in a different world away from earth.

The time has come. The people who were busy preparing for the festivities began to depart one by one.

Bwooo!

The grand ivory horn howled from a distance, booming loud over the big square. The crowd's whispers shushed and the priest that served as the host announced the arrival of the officials. Soon, the participants entered and made their way to their seats.

The orchestra and the choir were the first ones to enter the main hall, and some stayed at the steps as they blew their trumpets in unison. Then, the holy knights fell in line as they took up the sides of the main street, going down the steps bearing their ceremonial armors and large flags. Followed by the white-robed priests, the nobilities of the empire came, fully dressed in their respective uniforms as they took up the space.

Hundreds of people were moving at the sound of the trumpet, and it was a sight like no other.

It's like watching the opening ceremony of some international event.

Then the trumpet boomed even louder upon the pope's arrival to lead the rituals. He wore a fancy robe and a matching hat, with a big golden staff on one hand. At the end of the steps, I could see the pope uttering words to the people behind him. He was probably giving out his orders.

Just as I was watching them, Lavis stood next to me and said, "His Majesty will enter soon."