Chapter Two: The Spider’s Web
I
A great wall encircled the Holy City of Elsphere. Olivia and her platoon followed Historia through the imposing main gate and found themselves looking out at tidy streets lined with elegant buildings, full of people bustling about.
“The town is so full of energy,” Claudia said sincerely, gazing about her at the people coming and going. Historia smiled pleasantly.
“It’s only grown more so since Seraph Sofitia ascended the throne,” she said. Claudia nodded, casting her eyes over to a gloomy alleyway. At the very least, she couldn’t make out any miscreants lurking there. The guards stationed at strategic locations would be one reason for that, but it was also a testament to the excellence of Sofitia’s governance.
My impression of her from the dinner party wasn’t mistaken, then, Claudia thought. That meant there was no telling what Sofitia might be planning, which only served to arouse Claudia’s caution still further.
“The faithful are very conspicuous, aren’t they?” Ashton said. It was true; the followers of the Illuminatus Church, in their white robes, were impossible to miss. Even in a great nation like Fernest, you never saw this many of them gathered together.
“The Artemiana Cathedral lies to the northwest of Elsphere. It’s customary for pilgrims to stop here for food and supplies before continuing on to the cathedral,” Historia explained. Under her guidance, they soon left the city streets and began to climb a gently sloping hill. Claudia saw a towering building up ahead. Historia looked to the Seraphic Guards, at which one spurred their horse and galloped off toward it.
“You are looking at La Chaim Palace, the seat of the seraph,” she said. As they approached, the full shape of the palace came into view. It was both so grand and so unusual that it left Claudia speechless. In the center was a spire that soared up as though to pierce the clouds, with eight outer towers around it. The castle walls were a gleaming black, which had to mean they were made of Black Glass, the hardest of all stone. A poorly orchestrated attack wouldn’t even put a chip in them.
This is supposed to be a palace? I’d be more likely to believe you if you told me that it was a fortress...
They all looked up in wonder at La Chaim Palace, though only Olivia voiced her admiration.
“This castle is far more impressive than Leticia Castle!” she said, her eyes sparkling.
“You’re too kind. If the seraph were here, I’m sure your words would please her greatly,” Historia replied, sounding amused as she too looked up at the castle. “The common people call it the Unassailable Tower, by the way.”
Why does she always say things like that? Claudia thought, forcing back the reprimand that rose in her throat at Olivia’s public expression of contempt for the seat of her own king. An admonishment here would in and of itself cause offense to Historia.
“The Unassailable Tower...” Ellis repeated slowly, her eyes fixed on the castle. “I think I see why.” It was rare to hear her give an honest opinion without any sarcasm. The castle must have made a deep impression on her.
They were all still captivated when, with a sudden shrieking sound, the chains suspending the drawbridge began to turn. Historia waited until the bridge was fully lowered before indicating for them to ride on. What they found on the other side proved an even greater surprise for the platoon. They passed under twelve gates, each adorned with engravings that were distinct in style, though alike in intricacy, and then arrived at last at the central tower.
There, they were met by two solemn rows of guards to their left and right, holding aloft the national flag of Mekia. At their head, in a gown of shining white, stood Sofitia. She held a silver staff adorned with rings and a smile played about her lips. Three others stood behind her, all decked out in immaculate military uniforms. There was the fine-featured woman called Lara, the woman with pale blue hair who had struck Claudia as coldhearted, and finally, Claudia’s archnemesis, Johann. Catching her eye, he sent her a smile and a wink.
I see he’s as ridiculous as ever. As Claudia quietly seethed, Olivia gave the order to dismount. Then, she herself approached Sofitia and knelt.
“Seraph Sofitia Hell Mekia, I speak on behalf of my sovereign, King Alfonse, when I offer you my thanks for inviting us here.”
This flawless display of courtesy left Ashton staring at her in slack-jawed amazement. The shock was less pronounced for Claudia, who had seen how Olivia conducted herself at the conferment ceremony. All the same, not even she had expected it. Johann, who had the most familiarity with Olivia of anyone in Mekia, also looked taken aback.
Sofitia lowered her head, then knelt herself so that her eyes were on the same level as Olivia’s. She took the girl’s hand in her own, a beautiful smile lighting up her face.
“Dear Olivia, there’s no need for such ceremony between us. We’re friends, after all.”
“Oh, right!” Olivia looked up and giggled. The guards, who hadn’t been privy to Olivia and Sofitia’s conversation back at the dinner party, all stood frozen in consternation at Sofitia’s behavior. Even Lara, who had been present, had the same reaction. With this, Sofitia had made the status that was to be afforded to Olivia clear to her subjects.
That was an impeccable performance. She didn’t reveal even the slightest vulnerability. Everything must be going according to her plan. Claudia watched Olivia like a hawk as Sofitia had her stand up and address her as though they’d known each other for years.
“I expect you’re tired after your long journey.”
“Oh, no. I’m not tired,” Olivia replied earnestly. “It was fun traveling after so long.”
Sofitia’s smile was patient. “I’ve had hot baths run for you. Wouldn’t you like to wash off the weariness from your travels?”
“Hot baths? That does sound nice. I’m a bit dusty.” Olivia brushed off her uniform.
“Please, by all means. Oh, and Olivia, are there any foods you dislike?”
“I don’t think so...” Olivia said, thinking. “Oh, maybe unicorn meat. I don’t like that very much.”
Sofitia’s eyes went wide for a moment, left a little flustered by the response. “I-I see,” she said. “Well, tonight we are to have a banquet, prepared by the preeminent chef in the Holy Land of Mekia. Please rest assured that unicorn meat is not on the menu.”
“A banquet! All right!”
Sofitia laughed softly. “Shall we, then?” she said. Olivia couldn’t have looked more at ease beside her as they walked away together. Claudia heaved a massive sigh, then set off after them.
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