The Web of Knightspur-Chapter 258 - 254
A week passed since the funeral and many major changes had taken place.
The crimes of the past were brought to light as the High Priest announced to the world with a confident tone, "The people’s minds can be corrupted even if they are the messengers of God. Now that God has shown us the way and asked us to have a new beginning, I am given the responsibility to inform you all about the crime that was conducted knowingly or unknowingly by the members of the Temple and some high-ranked nobles."
Priest Erasmus soon recited how the Empress had corrupted the former High Priest’s mind and made them banish the First Prince. It was also revealed that the Empress’s maternal family took advantage of the fact that they had a good relationship with the Cenid Kingdom and planned out the murder of the late Beaumont Duke and Duchess. It was even revealed that the Emperor had used house Beaumont’s seal and name to do some illegal work.
"I am here to announce that the Temple had dishonored the trust that the people had in it. I cannot redeem myself from the mistakes that the previous High Priest has committed but I can only try to rectify them. The First Prince who should have been the Future Emperor has redeemed his place because of the prophecy of God. The chosen one, Princess Eleanor, was a way God has decided to use in appointing the rightful owner to its place."
Priest Erasmus’ words had penetrated into the hearts of the citizens. The recent change was something that they all had experienced and now that they were being informed about all the things those people had done, it was a little hard for the people to sympathize with their death.
"I feel ashamed that the Temple had taken part in something so unholy. So I, as the High Priest, will gladly announce the changes that I have decided to make. The Temple will no longer be involved in the management of the Empire. None of the High Priests can decide who will be the next ruler. It has to be based on the caliber the future generations show when it’s time to choose the next ruler. It is not a will of my own but a punishment that God had given. A punishment to the Temple for being greedy and playing with the emotions and mocking the faith of the people. The current Temple will be dissolved and soon a new Temple will be formed under the name of House Beaumont. This is to honor their achievement and to rebel against the unjust murder of the Beaumont ducal couple. It will be called the Temple of Knights."
The High Priest explained his vision. With the help of the chief healer and Doctor Raul, they themselves will try to move beyond healing. They will prioritize making different medicines as well. They will also help build orphanages and create an education system that would help the youths in the long run.
Priest Erasmus was happy seeing the happiness and glow on the faces of the people. They were still sad from the recent losses, but there was already a ray of bright hope in their hearts.
—-----
Princess Eleanor sighed as she turned around. Although the sky was covered in darkness, she still could not sleep. She struggled a lot as she tried to find a suitable position to sleep but it somehow did not come her way.
"Are you unable to sleep?" A strong arm pulled Princess Eleanor closer to him. Eleanor buried her face into his chest as she said in a small tone. "I am nervous."
"Nervous?" Christopher asked as he laughed, "Why? Is it because you are going to be the Empress tomorrow or because we will be getting married?"
Princess Eleanor looked up at Christopher’s eyes. She shook her head as she sighed, "What are you so happy about?"
"Isn’t it obvious?" Christopher’s arms pulled Princess Eleanor closer to him as he kissed her forehead. "Because we are getting married. You will finally be mine, legally and binding."
Princess Eleanor smiled as she shook her head. She knew that this was going to happen. She should not have said anything else. "You are really lovesick."
"I will not deny it." Christopher smiled. He whispered into Princess Eleanor’s ears. A smile formed on his lips as he nibbled on her ears softly. He could feel a slight shiver running through Princess Eleanor’s body as a smile formed on his face.
Christopher could soon feel Princess Eleanor stiffen. He looked at her and knew that something was bothering her. "What’s wrong?"
Princess Eleanor was silent. "Prince Arlo and Nia will come down tomorrow." Princess Eleanor said, "They had to go through a lot over there too."
Christopher sighed as he ran his hand up and down her back. "He is the one who had to take the King’s position too early. Whether he likes it or not, it is unavoidable. I know that you are worried about him as a sister, but give him time to breathe and grow. He is not someone who can be buried under the weight of things. And if he is then he will never be able to rule the Angevin Kingdom and that is the truth."
Princess Eleanor sighed again, but soon she nodded her head. She knew that what Christopher was saying was the truth and she had to accept it. "I know it. He is the one who has to understand the situation and act accordingly. But I still can’t help but feel that he is too young."
"Your lady-in-waiting has been a huge support for him. She was someone who made sure that all the nobles accepted Prince Arlo as their future King." Christopher said as he tried to ease the situation.
"But it was also possible because he had the people from the Empire supporting him. Doctor Raul was there representing the stand for Grand Duke Beaumont." Princess Eleanor knew that even if Nia had tried her best, it would not be so easily settled. The situation would never have been so easy to deal with if there had not been support from the Beaumont’s house.
"And I could say that it was only possible because you were the chosen one." Christopher smiled, "That alone had influenced them to accept you." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂
Princess Eleanor blinked. She knew that they could go on like this over and over again.
"Should we continue giving each other more credit?" Christopher asked but soon he saw the Princess shake her head, a wry smile gracing her lips.
"It will bring us back to the origin. Everyone is responsible for it. From Nia to Lady Gisella. From Commander Colt to Doctor Raul. Everyone, including us both." Princess Eleanor moved her body a little as she placed a small kiss on his lips.
"Tomorrow is our big day." Grand Duke Christopher said. "We will be getting married tomorrow."
"Yes" Princess Eleanor’s body was now filled with happiness. Her eyes were showing how joyful she was. "Tomorrow is the day. But..."
Princess Eleanor did not know how to say it. She looked up at Grand Duke Christopher as she built up the courage and continued, "I do not know what to say. I have come with peace that Priest Erasmus had gotten his revenge on me. But he is the real First Prince. What if he wants the throne in the future?"
"You are afraid that he will want to be the Emperor?" Grand Duke Christopher asked. He did not know why that was bothering the Princess. Does she desire power that much?
"Yes, it is his right from the start. I mean, if he wants it, I do not mind leaving the throne and giving it to him. After all, he is the original owner of it. Not only that, but he is also your brother. All I wanted was revenge and now that I have gotten it, I do not want to be a part of any power struggle anymore. I just want to be beside the people I love and nothing else."
Grand Duke Christopher sighed, "I had the same thought and so I had a word with Erasmus too. But he really does not want the power anymore. He had lost everyone dear to him because of the throne and right now he has more power than he could ever have even if he became the Emperor."
"But he dissolved the Temple. Didn’t he say that the temple will never have any say in choosing the next Emperor?" Princess Eleanor was confused. The temples were the most powerful because they recited the will of God but now Priest Erasmus had stated that God is angry at the previous Priest and will not relay his prophecy down.
"The Emperor should have always been chosen by the power they hold. A strong, intelligent, and powerful Emperor will be able to look after a whole Empire. If the man is not capable enough, the Empire will go into ruins and Erasmus understands that." Grand Duke Christopher kissed Princess Eleanor’s forehead as he tightened his hold around her. "Do not worry about this. God will send his prophecy down so his status will still be high. But he really does not wish to sit on the throne that had taken everything away from him. His only wish is to make the Empire a better place."
