Royal Princess of Blood Vol. 2 Chapter 48: The Festival (Part 1)

Excuse ? Hello? Where’s my cheer? My warm welco where I bask in the smiles and words of praise?

And… what I got is a silent treatnt?! Fuuuuuck, this is embarrassing.

Here I was, wearing the most beautiful dress I got from rvizo. This fancy dress was one of the few that instead placed in a big box along with others, this one had its own special big, big box where it was spread out to avoid any wrinkles.

I even tried to think what simple pieces of jewelry I can wear. I imagined so many tis and, in much detail, how people would react to my revelation to the public. And this was all I can get?

My family before even got loud cheers and a warm reception. It’s all unfair!

I prepared for this day… this was upsetting. It was like preparing to look good for your boyfriend, but he didn’t even seem to recognize your looks and efforts.

Shit!

What? They’re just shocked? True… but silence?? Seriously? I have been standing here for a few seconds and they still gawked at silently…

To think they would loudly welco a princess from another nation, and not their own. How insolent. I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed…

And I was confident too.

I wanted to slouch in dejection, but I cannot. Need to give off a great image!

Rogan also looked pretty baffled by the silence, he too was excited to show to everyone else. Apparently, we more or less imagined the sa. Dammit.

Guess I should just go straight out of here.

With gentle and graceful steps, I walked towards the church entrance with Rogan following behind . While planning for this day, I have thought of having Lucious as my escort here. However, that was not plausible when there was nothing going on with us.

That’s why I am here all alone. Guess I understand. I an with how they welcod my eldest brother and Lillie, with the fabrics in the air and stuff, if I get Lucious to escort here it would be akin to announcing we’re having a legit relationship — which sothing we definitely did not have.

In any case, wow, I looked beautiful! Like damn, rvizo outdid himself again! I looked like soone from another wealthier nation. I have almost mistaken myself as a goddess — no wait, technically I am.

But before I could step inside, the crowd gradually began to clap. I stopped in my tracks and turned towards them. Their applause was weaker than before, but at least they were clapping. I lift my smile a bit more at them before entering the cathedral.

The cathedral was truly grand. A lot of beautiful ornants and decorations placed all around. Golden finishing on the walls. The first floor was full of chairs, and at the frontal parts was where the nobles sat. A gap separated the seats for nobles from the commoners. There was also a second floor on the sides. Must be another place where the rest can position themselves when the first floor is filled. I expected a little this place would be three stories considering the height, but I guess not.

The nobles that were standing turned to look at , all ranging from those in the capital, and outside of it, from adults, elderly, and their children with several around my age. Their eyes went wide in fascination as they watched walk on the red carpet at the center of the hall. I noticed young noblen blushing, and others blatantly infatuated with the mont their eyes saw .

Gentle music from Liathre, flutes, vynelin, and a small group of choirs playing together a gentle lody. Nice song… peaceful. That being said, I couldn’t relax, everyone was looking right at . These are nobles, best to give a good impression at least. Show a bit of confidence, make my parents proud. This was my first appearance in public, don’t fuck it up.

I should say, this place truly was magnificent. Paintings depicting the gods, stories filled the ceiling. The walls and columns were embedded and decorated with expensive tals such as gold, silver, and beautiful carvings and paintings. This place was almost luxurious as the grand cathedrals back in my world. No, looking at it again, this one here was grander.

At the edge of the stage was the statue of the lord and lady. Hm, should I call them daddy and mommy next ti? That’s weird.

I stopped at the forefront chairs and turned to the right side where the royal family was — plus Lillie — and sat down on the empty seat and everyone else followed given that I was the last one. I smiled at Mother who was beside , she took and grasped my hand and fondly smiled at as if saying excellent job.

Thank you, mother…

I felt warmth in my chest. It was a good feeling.

The commoners then began flooding into the cathedral with the knights and church people in white garbs guiding them, making sure they won’t get unruly. It took a while before everything was done.

I have never been to a church — and when I say that I an entering one with sincerity, you know, going to church for God, or in this case, for gods. Not that I didn’t believe God isn’t real, it’s just that… they don’t an much where I'm from. We weren’t grood to believe and praise God.

But then again, I’m not against an existence of a deity, or many. There’s a lot of religions, okay?! And that just made things confusing! So, in the end, I just didn’t care…

During the ti I infiltrated the Vatican vault was creepy though… I’m serious. Almost like there’s sothing else there… Very concerning stuff. Felt like supernatural. Good grief, my old world has a lot of secrets…

Then the next mont, an old man followed by priests and priestesses appeared from the back of the front stage. His was a white robe with golden seams and wisteria sewing. They stood in front of the statues and bowed before turning to face us and walking to the altar.

His gaze went at and stayed at for a few seconds as the music played in the background. He smiled before grasping a small and thin cylinder with a blue gemstone at the tip after the music stopped.

“Today we celebrate and show our reverence to our Lady of Serenity who taught us harmony among our collected existence, and to our Lord of Compassion who taught us to be kind to our fellows.”

The bishop’s voice was amplified as he spoke with the cylinder before his mouth.

““Lord and Lady, we give our thanks.””

Everyone in the cathedral said in unison, voices echoing in the chamber. Everyone aning of course including . My family didn’t want to embarrass myself, so they taught beforehand the proceedings of this occasion.

“Let there be peace and unity among humanity, in the na of the Lord and Lady.”

““An.””

“Divine saviors, our gods, who freed us from the darkness and brought us into the light of day, who freed us from our suffering, hear our prayers. We thank you for the blessings you give us every day. Protect us from the evil lurking in the shadows, waiting to take our peace away. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. We implore you to give us strength, guide us in our hardships, help us preserve our serenity, and may compassion and goodwill grows in all of us. An.”

““An””

Ca in the choir playing their instrunts and singing a gentle lody. It felt a bit weird “worshipping” and “praising” religiously. I’m a bit uncomfortable, I’m not used to this kind of stuff at all.

That aside, aren’t the gods technically my family? Hey, mommy, daddy? You hear ? I need help! Yohooo! Oh, wait, were they even omniscient? The gods here were different, belonging in different stuff like Myra’s Lord of Golden. The gods here were entirely different from the gods in my old world.

The song continued, while the priestesses on standby swayed their censers, releasing smoke into the air. The smoke’s odor had a particular sll, quite pleasant to the nose, a sweet sll. They must have mixed sothing in.

When the singing stopped, the priestesses left the front to the back.

“I welco everyone here today. And most importantly, welco our dear nobles of the kingdom. How wonderful it is to see you all gathered here once more.”

The bishop smiled kindly, like any harmless old man you would find at any street corner.

“We are gathered here today for the First Blooming Festival. The day of the founding of our holand when we officially beca a dedicated kingdom of Wisteria. But, let remind you how we arrived here.”

Then he began his story.

It all began when humanity here in our lands was in a dark age. Strange beings with fearso power ruled the land with might and fear, where humanity was enslaved to do their bidding. Humanity was completely inferior in the face of these creatures, completely powerless to win their freedom.

That was until our gods arrived and drove away the savage creatures. The creatures full of arrogance, were powerless in the might of the gods. The Lord and Lady drove them into the dark corners of the world, places unknown to everyone but to them alone. And the creatures were never seen again.

The gods guided the remaining humanity in the lands, taught them, encouraged them. Eventually the gods left, but humanity lived on, using the values and knowledge taught to them by the two gods. Subsequently the two founders ford the kingdom, who shone brighter than any other humans at that ti, they were true leaders.

“The kingdom started small, until eventually, we beca what we are now! A nation full of smiles. Life may be full of hardship, but its people pushed forward and lived. Here we live in peace and singing the glory of the gods! Now people of Wisteria, receive the holy sigil and have it placed on your forehead.”

The servants of the church, priests and priestesses, scattered all throughout the cathedral. In their hands were porcelain bowls.

They divided themselves, others on the second floor, and the rest were on the commoners at the back. A few were assigned to give the mark to the knights that were on guard. Inside the bowls were white wax. The church servants dipped their thumb into the wax and then drew the outline of a wisteria petal on the foreheads.

In contrast, servants were also assigned to the nobles. As for us, we should be going for the bishop.

The bishop stood in front of the altar with a bowl of his own. First to go was Estevan. The bishop drew the outline of the petal on his forehead. Estevan nodded with a friendly smile at the bishop as if they were familiar with each other. Which I suppose would be expected, I think I’m the only one who never go to church.

Next was my eldest brother, Eleden. He left Lillie’s side and made his way to the bishop. Lillie’s not doing it obviously. When Eleden was done, Mother went on ahead.

Yeah, I’ll be the last one. Not my fault, I didn’t ask for this, okay? It was my family. They really took the “save the best one for last” line to heart during our discussion beforehand.

After mother, father followed.

Then when my father left the bishop, I rose from my seat and slowly made my way to the bishop. I could feel the gaze of countless people on my back. Imagining how they see , I must look like a bright figure rising up into divine heights.

I recall what the foreign knight and Rogan said about . The part that I seed so out of place in this world. Truth be told, that made feel special.

I arrived in front of the bishop, his eyes widened, and his smile grew. He peered deeply into my eyes before bowing his head, and it remained lower for a few seconds. Curious, he didn’t do it for my family.

“Your highness…” he slowly raised his eyes. “May the gods grant you protection.”

His hand trembled a little as he slowly drew the sigil on my forehead. I don’t feel the vibe I feel from the others chard by , this one here almost felt like reverence. I don’t recall having done anything that warrants that reverence.

Unless… Huh.

Seeing he was done, I stepped away and returned to my seat.

It would seem the bishop knew so secrets.

***

When the mass ca to an end after so other things like more prayers, the commoners got out of the cathedral first while we of the higher class waited for them to all leave. I noticed a lot of gazes from the nobles all around , from high to low-ranking ones, blended with whispers hard for to understand or hear.

If they think I’m going to be active in the political circle, they’re mistaken. I only did this to my self-satisfaction and so other goals in mind. Furthermore, I have no intention of getting into politics when I as the princess and youngest child is not compelled to do so. But rather, this was more of a backup plan, just in case. That also ant I need to be careful before I get caught in their bullshit politics.

I am too much of a higher being to be bothered by their trivial matters. Why should I care about mortals and their inconsequential affairs? ‘But Estelia it is consequential to you!’ Shut it, okay? I know that, and that’s why I don’t want to think about it! Too many things to think about… that’s why, let’s chill out. I was only playing around.

Don’t want to think about things, but I need to. Damn adulthood sucks. Bring back to my carefree childhood! The childhood here in this world, not the other one!

I tried to avoid looking at anyone, with a little peeking here and there. I’m only a timid girl originally, please don’t harm .

When the cathedral had quieted down from the noisy footsteps of the commoners, the nobles began walking out in a more organized manner than the common folk did. We the royal family were the last one.

When we were lining up, Estevan deliberately positioned himself on my back. I looked up at him puzzled and he rely smiled at with a nod.

Trying to protect , brother? Thank you.

After walking for a while, we arrived at the exit, the morning light touched my face, my skin and jewelry glistened in the global illumination. Holding my hands together right on my belly, I elegantly walked the pavent, my heels faintly clattering.

I tried to look as soone befitting of my status. Chest high, back straight, head lifted. In truth though, pretty easy actually. And being the most beautiful being in the world, it’s inflating my pride and ego.

Filling this vast open area in front of the cathedral were the citizens watching us.

A mont later, we arrived before an elevated platform. The royal family plus Lillie climbed up the wooden stairs, leaving behind. Rogan stood by my side and opened an umbrella to cover from the sun. We could have shared, but oh well…

This spot was safer than standing on top of the platform, so tightening knights around wouldn’t be that much of a necessity. I have Rogan beside anyways, and I must trust his skills. Having guards all around would be against the plan, so I must do the hard thing, whether I like it or not.

However, I want to be a bit more certain about my survival, so the safer option was to stay away from the top of the platform where I am completely open for everyone to see and strike.

Well, my mother was against not having more guards, and it was hard to calm her down. We didn’t ntion the church fighters hiding amongst the crowd since it was my plan with my father to begin with. She had no need to know.

I turned my gaze at my surroundings, looking out for stuff. But all I saw was the nobles being shaded by umbrellas held by their servants weirdly looking at , but I didn’t bother myself with their stares.

Eleden shared an umbrella with Princess Lillie on the platform – as for her foreign knight, he remained on the ground. Fret not, this has been discussed beforehand, no need to worry about the other party being offended, and the knight wasn’t bothered at all by it. There were two knights close to her anyway, naly Estevan and my father. Estevan shared an umbrella with Mother. Then Father on the other hand was at the front preparing to address his people.

“Greetings people of Wisteria! Today we celebrate the founding of our beautiful nation! Let joy and smiles fill our days of festivities and may fortune and your wishes be granted! May love blossom, and peace triumph! The festival is not a ti for troubles nor dismay, but for us all to have a good and pleasant ti, with our friends, family… all our loved ones! Now smile and shout out for this joyful season!”

The people cheered loudly, excited for the official beginning of the festival. I guess they would be, it was a ti when people are free to rest from work, relieve their stress and spend ti with their family. And there are the rewards in the events that I’m sure the participants are quite looking forward to.

The cheers and shouting of the crowd were so loud that I was tempted to cover my ears. I’m not into loud places. Of course, if the cheers were for , I wouldn’t mind. But in this case, it wasn’t.

Father held out both his arms and faced the palms together, purple colored magical energy gathered in his hand. It didn’t seem to be any particular spell but only mana extracted and given color.

Gradually it turned into an orb of purple.

“Now begins the festival!”

He unleashed the orb upwards, and it fired up into the air towards the sky. Then like a firework it exploded, the sparks spreading like countless branches of trees in the sky. Unlike a firework there was no audible explosion, but this one here was brighter as the purple light was still visible in the day.

It was wide enough that it halfway covered the entire city. That didn’t cost much mana anyway, it was just colored mana without much other properties. And they were thin enough to scatter. In short, just a light show.

Before, I could only see that light from the palace window and could only hear what my family had to say about it. Unlike in the palace where it was completely silent as the festival officially began, here it was so loud that it was almost piercing to the ears.

At least it’s nice to experience this for once instead of staying at the palace. Definitely going to join next year.

“Now then, for the participants of our first event, co and step forward!”

Groups of people from a specific part of the crowd ca in front of the platform and montarily forming lines. There was a total of five groups, with mbers of ten. Father then went on to explain the new ga.

The five groups will be searching the city of flower petals made up of bronze. Each petal was scattered all around the northern region of the city. Hints in the form of true flower petals will aid them in their search, giving a sign that a bronze petal was in the area.

There were thirty-three bronze petals in total. The group with the greatest number of petals will be the winner. Reward will of course be a sizable amount of gold. Quite a safe ga.

“You have an hour to find as many bronze petals as you can! Are you all ready? Then begin!”

The participants at once scattered.

“And there they go. As for the rest, you are free to do whatever you wish! May you have a pleasant festival.”

With that, the crowd slowly left, with a few managed to find and stare at . Honestly, I’m so beautiful hehehe… but this made things a bit difficult though, hard to find anyone suspicious with everyone gawking at like that.

My family and Lillie went down the stairs. Afterwards, we made our way to a grassy area beside the cathedral where trees give plenty of shade, with sets of chairs and tables.

This was where we aristocrats were to hang out for a while. Even with our number, the place was big enough that there were still spaces left. This was the only proper place nearby where aristocrats could have a little rest.

Additionally, this was a good place for us of the higher class to casually greet each other and socialize. I wanted to chill in this cozy place but as a royal, I just can’t catch a break. Representatives of households one by one approached us.

However, not all of us needed to gather actually, father and mother would do just fine to greet those who want to speak with them. I an, look at Eleden! He’s with his girlfriend at the mont, away from us! Smiling! The nobles seed to be giving them space.

How respectful.

I could separate from my parents, but I would definitely have so nobles greet .

You know what, I’m just gonna act all passive and cute at a specific spot. The first representatives who greeted my parents first turned to greet and Estevan. When they left, I asked to leave.

“Father, Mother, will you excuse ? I want to sit down.”

“Of course, dear, go ahead.”

Having my mother’s permission, I left and went to sit down on the spot for us royalty. Estevan stayed with my parents. When I approached a chair, Rogan pulled it back and let sit down, acting like a true gentleman.

“Tired, princess?”

“Hm? Oh, yes… It’s my first ti to be around too… too many people.”

“Of course, understandable. You’ve never been to the festival.”

“Yes… Did you have fun at last year’s festival?”

“I have a few enjoyable tis. But being a knight and all, I was occupied with work mostly. But it was a bright ti. As it always has been.”

I played around with my fingers for a while.

“So, Sir Rogan… noticed anything?” I quietly said, enough for him to hear.

He looked around before leaning a little closer to .

“Nothing. I expected them to do sothing in the open earlier, but nothing happened. Nothing strange at all.”

“…Mm.”

The church fighters haven’t yet approached , so it could an they didn’t notice anything strange. Looking around, no commoners either. Just us aristocrats except for a few church staff.

Were they perhaps waiting for a safer opportunity?

Could they have perhaps realized it? No, too early to say that…

Dammit, can’t enjoy the festival to its fullest when you’re disturbed.

In that mont, a trio of nobles ca walking towards , parents, and a son. The son appeared to be the sa age as . When they got closer, I rose from my seat. They greeted in the textbook noble greeting, and I tried my best to respond to them.

They seed to be nice, all smiles and stuff. But cannot let down my guard to these kinds of things. They introduced their son, and he was stamring a little as he spoke with . Heh, you know n fall in love quickly. As the innocent princess, of course I was exceedingly kind with them. A bit timid, but my voice was sweet and soft.

This young man here was also on the timid side, shy perhaps. Yes, shy talking to girls.

When nothing else was to be said, they left. Of course that was not the last of it. Another family approached.

This ti there were two young n, one being a year older than and another two years younger. The younger one appeared to like , obviously, but he didn’t try to talk much. The older one on the other hand was acting more confident. He was smooth with his speech, might catch the interest of any other woman.

When they were done, this ti two young n followed, without their parents. These ones were on the cocky side, evident in their voice and mannerisms. Annoying. These two were inferior to . I am the only one allowed to be arrogant here. Get lost.

Honestly, who speaks that way to the princess of the kingdom? They really trying to make themselves look valuable and trying to impress ? Zero points! No, that’s a negative! If you gonna act arrogant in front of , at least don’t look like an idiot. There was impressive type of arrogant people that were actually decent people to be with. But these two? Nah. I can already tell they’re no good at all.

Their parents must have realized they were walking on thin ice as they chid in and brought them away from . Actually, it’s hard to get so interest in these n that I know nothing about. Them being nobles didn’t help at all.

I’m only comfortable around Lucious and Rogan. As for why? Let’s see, Lucious’s is truly in love with , and he’s a good person. Downside on the cannot really fight side, but other than that, he’s alright.

Rogan on the other hand is a carefree person, hard to tell if he’s really a good person that would carry out a good deed without any reward. But he’s a good person to his friends and acquaintances. He’s also reliable as a fighter. Downside, he’s too carefree often, and he needs to tone down that smug.

Of course I am favorable towards them because I am acquainted with them. That being said, I’m not looking for a partner. I’m still too young, you know. Let’s take searching for a cool man another ti, shall we?

Although I would prefer not to get any romantic commitnt. Not really interested in love. Buuuut, when it cos to it, I would prefer a decent and dependable man. A man that is smart. I like smarter guys better than those who are the brawny type. Really don’t matter if they are impressively physically strong, as long as they’re smart. Of course, smart, yet a man with a heart.

What would I do with a smart man who does not even have a heart?

‘But Estelia you don’t have a heart!’ Excuse ? How rude! I am not without a heart! At least I care about so things. Besides, what’s wrong with having preferences? So what if I have an underlying interest in smart n, hm?

But I should ntion interest is different from love.

Moving on!

I had to talk with a lot of people today. Aristocrats are fascinating specins, aren’t they?

But in the end, nothing happened. My enemies did not try to attack.