Under The Divine Veil 【bxb】

CHAPTER IX

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NINE

ORION'S POV |

                                     The Code Red lockdown was lifted the next morning, and the entire empire heaved a sigh in relief.

The emperor accepted the Saintess Faction's deal, and decided to pay off the damages done to their properties. Saintess Calli was a woman of her word, so she decided to let the conflict peacefully rest.

"Little one, don't you think it's strange?" Old Alice asks, carefully pouring me a glass of iced water.

I had decided to enjoy a leisurely time in the Seraphis Manor's back garden today. The servants paid special attention to taking care of the plants, so the manor flourished with green.

A large gazebo stood in the middle of the garden, which provided plenty of shade from the harsh afternoon sunlight.

"What do you mean?" I ask the old servant.

I reach over to pick up the glass, tasting the cold and fresh water. It was perfect for combatting the heat, which had been on a steady rise for the past few days. The spring days were beginning to bleed into summer.

"Oh, well," Old Alice chuckles, "the emperor has always been a haughty man. Accepting the Saintess Faction's terms is very out of character for him," she clarifies.

I place the glass of water back onto the table. "Nobody in the empire wants a second 'Great War' to break out. Not even the emperor," I lightly say.

The previous great war dealt significant damage to the economy and welfare of the empire. The emperor wasn't dumb— he wouldn't risk stirring up another large conflict, unless it was completely necessary.

Old Alice hums in response, fixing her gloves a little. "I suppose you are right, little Rion," she sighs. The old servant seems to suddenly remember something— "right, I forgot to give this to you."

I look at her in confusion as she hands me a letter from her pocket, which was stamped with the seal of the Saer Family.

"A response letter from the master," she clarifies. The master in question being Master Saer.

I tentatively take the letter from her hands. Atlas had already informed me that Master Saer usually gave further instructions after the first mission report, but I didn't realize his response would come so soon.

I had viewed him as my "father" for my entire life, up until just a month ago. Although he had never been a good father— far from it, to be exact, it still felt strange to be working under him instead of being his son.

This letter marked my first words from him ever since I left the Saer Manor.

Old Alice had left in order to give me privacy. I gently open the letter, careful not to rip or wrinkle the delicate paper.

Inside, the master's note reads:

To "UNIVERSE" and "SAPPHIRE",

Your mission has been going smoothly, and I am satisfied with your performances. Try your best to get on the royal family's good side, and report as much information back as possible.