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The cathedral loomed over the city like a sentinel, its spires reaching for the heavens, visible from every corner of the kingdom. The exterior was a marvel of architectural genius, adorned with carvings of divine beings and scenes from holy scriptures, each telling a story of its own. The sun cast long shadows across the stone, giving it an almost ethereal glow.

The cathedral's interior was even more magnificent than the outside. The floor was a mosaic of polished marble, cold and smooth beneath his feet, reflecting the light that streamed in through the towering stained glass windows. Each window was a masterpiece, depicting saints, martyrs, and miracles in vibrant hues that danced across the stone walls as the light shifted with the movement of the sun.

The pillars that held up the vaulted ceiling were massive, each one intricately carved with symbols of faith and scenes from the lives of saints. The walls were lined with alcoves housing statues of revered figures, their serene expressions turned towards the central statue of the goddess, which dominated the far end of the cathedral.

This statue was larger than life, carved from pure white marble, her eyes cast downwards.

Kneeling before the goddess were statues of saints who had achieved great deeds, their postures humble and reverent.

Lucan walked down the aisle.

"That must be him..."

"Yes, without a doubt,"

"Not as much as the saint, but he certainly has a holy aura."

The cathedral was filled with people—priests and sisters in clerical robes, each adorned with symbols of their rank and order. Their eyes were all on Lucan as he entered, their gazes varying from curiosity to scrutiny, and even to thinly veiled envy.

Lucan could feel the tension in the room. The expressions of the clergy in the cathedral were of two distinct kinds. One was cold and hard, eyes filled with jealousy and hostility. These were the ones who resented Lucan's rise, seeing him as an upstart, a country priest who had somehow managed to achieve what they had long coveted.

The other expression was warmer, more open, showing respect and goodwill. These were the ones who viewed Lucan's ascension positively.

And then, at the end of the aisle, there they stood—the three figures who would officiate this sacred ceremony.

Maris, her presence as radiant as ever, welcomed Lucan with a gentle smile. Her long pink hair was crowned with a simple circlet of silver, her robes pure white. Her light blue eyes were soft, filled with warmth as she looked upon Lucan.

Next to her was Archpriest Kerum, his robes adorned with symbols of his high rank within the clergy.

And then there was the third figure—a woman whom Lucan had never met before but recognized instantly from the descriptions in the game. Lyria Nightshade, the bishop from the Solaria Sanctum.

Her appearance was striking, with slim, delicate features framed by long, emerald green hair that fell in waves down her back. Her eyes were narrow and calculating, the kind of eyes that could smile while plotting your downfall.

She was the villainous character in the game, the one who would do whatever it took to seize control of Maris and bring her to the Solaria Sanctum.

"Now then... we will begin the Holy Priest recognition ceremony for Priest Lucan Ironfist!" Kerum's voice rang out, breaking the silence and drawing all eyes to the front of the cathedral.

Lucan stepped forward.

"Priest Lucan here has discovered and raised Saint Maris Rainsa, guiding and teaching her. With Maris becoming a saint, the land of the Light Tempest Kingdom has been filled with power, bringing news of bountiful harvests from all over. There have been no plagues or disasters recently, likely thanks to the saint's blessing."

Kerum's voice was steady, his words chosen carefully to remind everyone present of Lucan's achievements. The murmurs of discontent among some of the clergy were silenced as he continued, making it clear that Lucan's recognition as a Holy Priest was well-deserved.

"Of course, the kingdom's prosperity is due to Saint Maris's blessing. However, Priest Lucan, who guided the saint, also deserves credit. Therefore, he is recognized as a Holy Priest presiding over 'education.'"

The title 'Holy Priest of Education'.

"The Solaria Sanctum also approves Priest Lucan's recognition as a Holy Priest."

Lyria's voice was smooth and composed as she stepped forward.

"I've heard that Saint Maris grew up in an unfortunate family environment and was abused by her foster parents. It was Priest Lucan who rescued her from that suffering and raised her into a fine clergy member. This is truly an achievement. Therefore, we recognize Priest Lucan as a Holy Priest."

Despite the many bad rumors about the Solaria Sanctum, it was still regarded as the heart of divine faith. With the Archpriest of this country and a bishop from the Solaria Sanctum openly acknowledging him, perceptions were sure to change.

"...I humbly accept this honor."

Lucan knelt and bowed his head towards the statue of the goddess.

"Now then... the 'crown' for Priest Lucan."

"Yes, please excuse me."

Maris stepped forward, her movements graceful and fluid, as she held the crown in her hands.

Smiling beautifully, Maris gently placed the crown on Lucan's head, her fingers brushing against his hair.

"May you be a Holy Priest as the divine agent of God,"

"May the hand of God be with the people. We seek your assistance,"

With those ritual words, the saint recognition ceremony was completed.

"Huh...?"

But then, something unexpected happened.

From the cathedral's high, vaulted ceiling, countless particles of light began to descend like ethereal snowflakes. The light seemed to dance and shimmer, casting a gentle glow that bathed the entire cathedral in a soft, otherworldly radiance.

The stained glass windows, which had been merely decorative, now appeared to come alive with a divine luminescence. The scenes depicted in the glass—angels, saints, and holy figures—seemed to pulse with a celestial energy, their colors intensified and their forms more vivid. It was as if the very fabric of the cathedral was celebrating this moment.

The clergy, who had initially looked on with a mix of skepticism and envy, were now visibly awed. Whispers spread through the crowd, their voices tinged with wonder and reverence.

"Oh... God is blessing him...!" one of the priests exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment.

"Are the holy spirits, the angels, acknowledging him as a Holy Priest?!"

"Hehehe... now everyone will recognize you, Lucan-sama," Maris whispered softly, her voice carrying a note of satisfaction.