Shadows of Pale Sunlight

Ch 1: The Virgin Mary

A mountain where the emperor's mansion is located reaches a staggering height of approximately ten-thousand feet above sea level. Its lofty elevation places it above the clouds, creating a misty and ethereal atmosphere around the peak. The fog that envelops the mountain adds to its mystique and aura of seclusion, enhancing the enigmatic charm of the emperor's secluded abode.

The emperor has never touched the sun since he was born. It runs in their genes. The Aurelius family has always had this trait where they cannot expose themselves to the sun's rays as it irritates their skin.

Alban Aurelius, the emperor, has been a virgin since birth until the age of forty. He has always remained inside his room, rarely venturing out. Even the maidens and workers in the mansion are unfamiliar with his face, as he seldom shows himself. The townspeople living in the village at the foot of the mountain, which he owns, have never caught a glimpse of him either. However, rumors circulate about his appearance. It is said that he possesses long white hair, pale white skin, and eyes that lack pupils, giving them a shining quality. Many wonder how radiant he could be if ever exposed to the sun's rays, but most dismiss it, believing that he would turn to ash upon even the slightest touch of sunlight.

As the years passed, Alban's existence became a tapestry woven with threads of secrecy and seclusion. His heart remained untouched, a wellspring of emotions and desires that lay dormant, waiting to be awakened by a force beyond his control.

However, the next morning, chaos erupted in the village as a stranger with a tanned skin adorned in a sugegasa, his face half covered with a towel wrap around his nose to his jaw and other extravagant attire barged in, causing havoc by refusing to pay for food and stealing precious jewels from the women who sold them. Despite apologies and attempts to reason, the stranger continued to wreak havoc without a care. Unbeknownst to him, his actions did not go unnoticed by the emperor above, as the guards had already informed him of the disturbance.

The guard stood before the white silked door, his hands fidgeting nervously as he awaited the emperor's notice and reply. Just as he was about to speak, he abruptly closed his mouth, sensing a chilly presence behind him. No one should have been there, for it was a ground rule of the place. Yet, he felt a subtle presence, someone lurking nearby. He strained his ears and heard a voice, although there was no one to be seen. The guard's heart raced as he realized it was the emperor himself he was sensing.

What dangerous aura! the guard thought, visibly shaken.

Startled, the guard flinched as the doorknob rattles slowly and eerily. The large door then creaked open, revealing the figure of the emperor. As the guard gazed upon him, a sense of fear and awe overcame him, and the word white echoed in his mind as the pale white man stood before him, Illuminating a light blue shade at his presence.

Summon him to my presence.

And that was when the guard's hair on his skin all stand up, the emperor's lips did not move. Yet there was a voice, It was a faint, hollow whisper, yet the guard could hear the order clearly. Trembling, he nodded repeatedly, acknowledging the command, and swiftly announced his dismissal before hurrying away to fulfill his duty.

Meanwhile, the chaos continued to unfold in the village as the stranger wreaked havoc, leaving a trail of disgruntled villagers and stolen treasures in his wake. The townspeople grew increasingly agitated and fearful, yearning for someone to put an end to the turmoil.

As the group of guards in white Jinyiwei uniforms, accompanied by other guards in imperial attire, marched into the village, a sense of calm began to settle among the panicked crowd. They encircled the area where the man lay on the ground, unconscious after being struck on the back of his head with a frying pan. As he groaned, the guards swiftly lifted him up, tightly binding his arms with a white rope, and dragged him away to an unknown destination.