The following day, Astelle made her way to the temple, arriving early in the morning. The temple was conveniently located not far from the Imperial Palace, close to Astelle's own residence. Against the backdrop of the brightening dawn sky, the temple stood in shades of gray.
As it was still early, there were only a few visitors present. Astelle alighted from the carriage and entered the temple building, clutching a small bouquet delicately in her hands, ensuring that it remained intact.
"Lady Astelle!"
"Nice to see you after such a long time, High Priest," Astelle greeted the elderly priest with a warm smile. He had been close to the deceased Empress Dowager and had known Astelle since she was a child.
"You've arrived early," the high priest remarked, his face beaming with joy at her presence.
"Yes, I wanted to come ahead of time to make a dedication at the altar of the Empress Dowager," Astelle explained, showing him the carefully cherished bouquet in her hands. It was a beautiful arrangement of fresh white acacia flowers that she had prepared the previous night.
"You've been through so much trouble. The Empress Dowager was deeply concerned for you," the high priest's words brought tears to Astelle's eyes, reflecting the genuine care and love the late Empress Dowager had held for her.
Astelle walked alongside the high priest as they made their way down the garden path towards the sanctuary. The path was adorned with white tiles, creating a serene atmosphere.
As they strolled, the high priest relayed the words of the late Empress Dowager, sharing her final wishes. "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager entrusted me with her will and left a message," he began. "'The southern estate was originally mine, but I have never managed it with my own hands in my life, so I want to pass it down to Astelle.' That was her request."
Astelle's heart grew heavy upon hearing the words of the Empress Dowager's will firsthand. She couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, knowing that the late Empress Dowager had expressed such a desire.
The Empress Dowager's life had been filled with hardship and sorrow. Born as the heiress to a southern estate, she was compelled to marry into the imperial family at a young age, never having the opportunity to possess her own estate.
"Lady Astelle is a wise woman, and she believed that you would make wise use of the conditions stated in the will," the high priest remarked, acknowledging Astelle's intelligence and capability.
The Empress Dowager's will had brought Astelle to this place, and amidst the events that had unfolded, Astelle couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude towards her.
She pondered just how much the Empress Dowager had cared for her and contemplated the extent of her thoughts and considerations. The realization only deepened Astelle's appreciation.
Passing through the small shrine, Astelle entered the votive room where the remains of past emperors and empresses rested. Among them, she found the ashes of the deceased Empress Dowager.
The high priest, understanding the solemnity of the moment, respectfully withdrew from the entrance, allowing Astelle to have her private moment.
"I will make my way back to the temple now. Lady Astelle, once His Majesty arrives, you can sign the will in the temple," the high priest informed her. Astelle expressed her gratitude for his guidance before proceeding further.
As she entered the sanctuary, Astelle's attention was drawn to a beautifully chiseled statue. Positioned beneath it was an altar dedicated to offering sacrifices. Carefully, she placed the bouquet of acacia flowers on the intricately carved altar adorned with sacred floral patterns.
