Violet remembered the social structure and hierarchy of the Holy Empire very clearly.

As a religious country rooted in the “Goddess Faith,” they didn’t have aristocracy or nobility. The closer one was to the Goddess, the higher their status within the country.

The criteria for determining this “closeness” were devout faith and the affinity with the light.

The former, being a matter of subjective belief, was open to interpretation. It could be disguised and manipulated, making the affinity with the light especially crucial.

In other words, according to Frederica Cecilia’s words:

Edwina’s affinity with the light had surpassed everyone among them. This sudden variable would undoubtedly cause significant upheaval in the upper echelons of the structure. The young Holy Knight at the center of the storm would face unprecedented pressure, possibly even life-threatening danger.

“Oh, I see…”

If the Judgment Saintess hadn’t brought it up, Violet wouldn’t have thought about that aspect.

To be honest, the priest lady didn’t want too many people to know about the [Kiss of Light]. It was troublesome, and no matter how she thought about it, it would undoubtedly become a big problem, especially in a nation like the Holy Empire that worshipped the light.

If she were to tell Frederica Cecilia about the [Kiss of Light] here, it would mean taking on most of the trouble that was supposed to fall on Edwina onto the priestess herself.

It was really, really troublesome.

However…

Still, avoiding trouble doesn’t equate to fear. To be honest, even if it were to be known, what could those with ulterior motives really do to her?

Refuse those who should be refused, deal with those who don’t know any better or harbor ill intentions. There will always be a way forward.

Edwina had been a friend to Violet since she arrived in this world. The priestess cherished this connection and couldn’t just turn away from her over some trivial matter.

“That’s enough, Sister Feifei!”

Although the sudden burst of the girl’s anger wasn’t particularly loud, it was full of vigor, carrying a strong will.

Not only Frederica Cecilia and the priestess, who had intended to speak, were startled, but many surrounding guests also turned their curious gazes towards them.

Edwina didn’t bother with the onlookers. With her usually innocent and clear eyes, she confronted her sister without any hesitation.

“Nana, you…”

“Sister Feifei, I know you’re doing it for my good. From when I was little until now, you’ve always done your best to take care of me, protect me… But I’ve grown up! I’m no longer that naive, immature kid. Even without your shelter, haven’t I safely traveled outside until now? I can handle many things on my own, so… so…”

The girl clenched her teeth, as if using all her strength, and spoke words that sounded somewhat heartless.

“Please don’t interfere in this matter anymore, can you?”

Wow… This is unexpected.

The miss priestess, who suddenly found herself in the audience, felt surprised. She didn’t expect the usually silly Edwina to speak such cool words. It almost felt like a little girl entering the rebellious phase, contradicting her parents.

“Nana…”

Somehow, despite being forcefully excluded like this, Frederica Cecilia did not seem angry. On her almost identical delicate face to her sister’s, her expression softened even more.

However, just as she was about to say something, the venue for the banquet suddenly dimmed.

A cheerful, energetic, and familiar crisp female voice echoed throughout the venue, making Violet feel particularly familiar.

“Noble guests from all around the world, welcome to the Wings of the Sky Garden! Thank you all for attending tonight’s banquet celebrating the 300th birthday of Feathered Emperor. I am the personal maid of Her Majesty, the Grand Steward of the Feather Palace, Ink Kulk. It is my honor to be entrusted by Her Majesty to host this banquet. So, the banquet is officially beginning!”

The banquet itself had no particularly noteworthy content; it was just a lively speech by Ink, and then the appearance of Emperor Estini and a group of high-ranking officials from the Azure Sky Kingdom, including Sigrid. They conducted some ceremonies for the birthday monarch, organized activities, and everyone ate and drank.

The only thing that caught Violet’s interest was probably the 【The Sacrifice to the God】 who had briefly appeared as a special guest in the middle but quickly left.

It should be a real person.

The aura was almost identical to the person who had burst out of the Sky Temple a few days ago, causing that awkward incident when she infiltrated the Feather Palace. Violet wouldn’t mistake it. Although the person concealed their true strength with items and even half-covered their face with a hood for some reason, the simple priest robe had not been replaced with formal attire. But without a doubt, the appearance of the 【The Sacrifice to the God】 did cause quite a stir.

After all, this was a noble existence confirmed to have a direct connection with the gods.

【The Sacrifice to the God】.

As the host, Ink, uses this title rather than a specific name to address others.

So, including Violet, most of the guests present are unaware of the specific name of this high priest serving the gods. The only visible thing might be the exceptionally splendid and beautiful white feathers behind her.

Unable to endure the overly lengthy rituals and so-called entertaining activities, halfway through the banquet, Violet secretly slipped out to the corridor to get some fresh air.

To be honest, she was starting to regret accepting the invitation to attend this so-called banquet. It was quite boring; she would rather be in her room reading novels or playing with her dragon.

Since the dragon girl was sent off to engage in autonomous activities and was not by the side of the priestess, Edwina also did not follow suit. Frederica, the Judgment Saintess, had hurriedly returned to the vicinity of the Holy Empire delegation as the banquet began.

It seemed that representatives from those major nations would be invited to the stage to give speeches, mostly just formal congratulations.

“Ha… time flies without realizing it.”

The last time she stood on a similar platform, feeling the night breeze, was shortly after she arrived in this world, during the incident at the Wanhe Fortress. It seemed like they had dealt with a peeping tom that time, but she still wasn’t sure who it was.

But it was probably the Beastman or the Eternal Throne. The former seemed more likely.

Recalling those days of running around, it was indeed an exciting time, experiencing many interesting things.

Looking at the countless lights outside the window, the silvery moonlight in the March night sky, perhaps triggered by the scene or simply wanting to amuse herself, the girl lightly opened her cherry lips and sang a verse from a poem from the Earth.

“The moonlit lamps fill the capital, fragrant carriages pass through narrow streets. Ha, it does fit the occasion quite well.”

“…Indeed, very fitting. What was that just now? In Sky Language, there shouldn’t be a literary structure like that.”

“Hmm?”

Violet turned around, and the fragrance entered her heart and spleen. A stranger, a girl with snowy white wings growing from her back, had come to her side.