The banquet was held in an open-air garden. The Holy See had gone to great lengths for this sovereignty-declaring feast. Magical lights dotted the venue, making it as bright as day.
As soon as Gao Ying entered, some bastard shouted, “The Hero has arrived!”
Gao Ying was instantly swarmed like a sweet cake surrounded by pesky flies.
He couldn’t wave them off. He had to smile and chat cheerfully with the nobles.
Gao Ying noticed most attending nobles had a young daughter—sometimes even a granddaughter or niece. These girls had long admired the “unseen” Hero. They craved a chance to be alone with him, discussing life and ideals.
One noble went further. Others merely pushed their daughters. He brought his wife and daughter together.
He claimed both adored the Hero. If the Hero had time, they’d love to meet.
He even hinted he’d be away on business soon. The Hero could visit without worry.
Unfortunately, Gao Ying wasn’t the type to fall for such offers.
Thanks to Silphiel’s company, he endured the harassment.
Holy Maiden Silphiel clung possessively to his arm. She firmly rejected the nobles’ shameless attempts to offer their daughters.
Silphiel smiled warmly. “Apologies, but the Hero is devoted to the world. He’s been busy training and studying. He simply can’t spare time. Please understand.”
Gao Ying happily let Silphiel handle it.
Silphiel was diligent, like a mother hen guarding her chicks. She drove away every woman approaching the Hero with ulterior motives.
The Hero’s summoning had shaken human nations. Today’s banquet was his first impression. Nearly all major nobles who could make it were here. Gao Ying spotted familiar faces.
He had neutral feelings about them. After brief small talk, he finally saw tonight’s target.
Ice-blue hair cascaded over fair shoulders. Lelia wore a black lace-trimmed gown. Its low neckline showcased her impressive figure to Gao Ying.
Her ample cleavage drew his gaze like a magnet. It also sparked a hint of displeasure in Silphiel beside him.
Yet Gao Ying sensed something. Though she smiled, she seemed nervous standing before him.
“Our last meeting was brief,” Lelia said. “I mistook you for a lost traveler. My apologies, Hero.”
She performed the Holy See believer’s standard bow.
Lifting her skirt hem, she introduced herself solemnly. “I am Lelia Hal Lindberg. This is our second meeting, Hero.”
Gao Ying studied her, slightly narrowing his eyes. She was stunning—radiant at sixteen.
Three days ago, their encounter was fleeting. Lelia wore no makeup then. Tonight, she was heavily made up. Lipstick, eyeshadow—all rendered her almost impossible to look away from.
Her beauty differed from Silphiel’s public image. The Holy Maiden was beautiful, gentle, dignified—like a pure Goddess statue in the Holy See. Hard to stir desire.
But Lelia was different. Her tempting figure alone sparked men’s interest. Her face was more alluring than Silphiel’s.
“Not at all,” Gao Ying replied. “Helping a stranger shows a Holy See believer’s kind heart, Miss Lindberg.”
He felt nauseated saying it—empty flattery. This woman had deceived innocent travelers.
In his past life, he forgave her, believing she’d change. But a leopard can’t change its spots.
Her cold gaze as she watched him die at the door flashed in his mind.
Lelia’s eyes flickered. “Kindness and integrity are essential for Goddess believers. I merely follow Her commandments. No praise is needed, Hero.”
They chatted amiably. Lelia laughed lightly now and then. As time passed, Silphiel—left out—grew visibly displeased.
Unable to bear it, she interrupted. “Gao Ying, sorry to cut in. His Holiness the Pope and His Majesty the Emperor await us.”
Gao Ying bid Lelia farewell. As he turned away, Silphiel glanced back at her.
*Your days are numbered,* she thought.
Lelia blinked, seemingly understanding. Was the Holy Maiden jealous? The Divine Court’s prophecy echoed: *“The Holy Maiden shall be the Hero’s lover.”* Taking it as truth, her vigilance made sense.
After parting, Silphiel led Gao Ying to the Pope and Emperor. The two leaders were cheerfully discussing something vital.
Despite the laughter, Silphiel sensed danger—akin to a battlefield.
Seeing them approach, the leaders stopped talking. They took turns fussing over Gao Ying. Their care made him seem like the Emperor’s brother or the Pope’s grandson.
Their concern was really about winning his favor—a game of interests.
The Emperor repeatedly tried to propose Gao Ying as a son-in-law. Pope Gregory deflected every time.
They dodged each other like in a dance, back and forth.
Silphiel smiled like spring breeze. Inwardly, she sneered. *Two old foxes.*
“Hero, please enjoy the banquet,” the Pope said finally. “We old men won’t disturb your youth’s fun.” With no progress, they left together.
Their presence had dampened the festive mood. No one relaxed easily with humanity’s highest authorities nearby.
As he left, the Pope cheerfully added, “Hero, tonight is dance-focused. Many noble ladies from within and outside the Holy Capital are here. Invite your partner.”
Silphiel noticed the Pope wink at her. She nodded immediately.
Satisfied, he departed with the Emperor.
The moment the Pope left, Gao Ying became the center of attention again.
The “noble ladies” puffed out their chests. They gazed hotly at him. Even as a lover, being chosen by the Hero would bring immense family benefits.
Silphiel, specially “noticed” by the Pope, felt confident. *Who else would he choose but me?*
But should she accept? She hadn’t planned public dancing. Hand-holding and strolls were fine. Dancing felt too intimate. She didn’t truly like him—it was just the Pope’s orders.
*He’ll definitely invite me. Should I say yes?* The Holy Maiden wrestled with doubt.
Gao Ying already knew his choice. In his past life, he’d wanted to ask Silphiel. But lacking confidence, he’d chosen—
Under everyone’s gaze, he turned. His eyes met Silphiel’s.
She froze, watching him approach. Her heart raced slightly. A blush touched her cheeks.
*Fine. I’ll accept him.* She closed her eyes a little, hand outstretched, words ready on her tongue.
Then Gao Ying’s voice sounded: “Beautiful lady, may I have this dance?”
