In the empire of Valios, there exist priests, swordsmen, and magicians. The priestesses have an affinity for light, which heals and purifies living things and objects. Swordsmen use their mana to enhance their strength, and lastly, there are the magicians.
But beneath this coexistence lies a deep prejudice against a unique type of magician: the black magicians. These include witches, necromancers, and cursed bearers. Shunned by society and feared for their supposed ability to bring havoc and ruin to the empire, they often become targets of assassination. In response, the black magicians abandoned the empire and formed their own organization, called the Cathars. The church, in turn, vowed to eradicate them.
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My name is Lillian Renos, born to a marquess in the countryside. When I turned twelve, the age when one learns their affinity, we traveled to the capital church. A priest handed me a crystal ball, saying that once I touched it, I would learn what I was destined to become.
But when I placed my hand on it, the ball burst into a bright light and swirled into a mix of many colors.
"Oh, dear Goddess Leticia! A new saint is born!" the priest shouted.
The pope and the other priestesses gathered around. A Saint is the highest rank within the Church of Goddess Leticia. Not only do they have an affinity for light, but they can also wield swords and use magic.
That day, the church took me away without consent from my parents or me. The church holds authority even above the royal family.
7 years later
"Your Holiness Lilian!" a young priestess called out.
"Oh, Mina. Do you need something?"
"Sorry to bother you, Your Holiness, but the High Priest is calling you."
"Jerald? I wonder what he needs. And Mina, how many times have I told you not to call me 'Your Holiness'? 'Lia' is fine."
"But, Your Holiness, you're going to become a High Priestess in a month and the future Saintess. How could I call you that?"
"It's true I'm advancing in rank as a priestess, but being a Saintess is… too much for me."
After being in the church for seven years, they treated me with care, giving me lessons in swordsmanship, magic spells, etiquette, and more. The only thing that bothered me was that I wasn't allowed to leave without the pope's permission, and even when I did, a group of Holy Knights followed me everywhere. I felt suffocated.
"Thank you, Mina. Would you mind telling me where His Eminence Jerald is?"
"He's in the library, my lady."
"Thank you."
I made my way to the library. Jerald is twenty years old and the youngest High Priest in history, having risen to the position at just fourteen. His affinity for light is remarkable, able to purify thousands of objects in one go. He's also the pope's right-hand man.
In the library, I saw him reading a book, his green eyes scanning the pages. When he looked up, his blonde hair fluttered with the movement.
"Oh, Lia, you came," he said, smiling sweetly at me.
"Your Eminence, may I ask what you requested of me?"
"Lia, how can you still be so formal with me? I'm like your big brother, you know."
"I am not worthy to treat you like that, Your Eminence."
"Cold as ice as always," he sighed. "Anyway, Saintess Sylvia has been wanting to meet you for weeks now, but the pope hasn't allowed it. So she managed to send you a message."
He handed me a letter.
"Oh."
Sylvia Giliana, the current Saintess, has been with the church for over fifty years, the same as the pope himself. She's the only person I truly adore and consider family in this enormous place.
When I was first brought here, I was scared of the pope. His fierce red eyes unsettled me. I burst into tears, asking why they had taken me from my parents. Only Leticia comforted me. She reminds me of a flower trapped in a vase, far from the garden where it once bloomed so beautifully. It was now plucked and displayed as a decoration, waiting to wither and be replaced by another unfortunate flower.
Since then, we would meet every day. She gave me sweets, made my favorite pies, told me stories, and crafted dresses and accessories for me. But a year ago, the pope forbade us from seeing each other without his permission. I've missed her terribly.
"Thank you, Jerald, for this. I should take my leave for today."
"Don't be like that, Lia. Let's talk for a bit. How was your training today?"
"It was splendid," I said curtly, and walked away.
Jerald had always been kind to me. He was my only friend when I was young, but now, being around him felt… strange.
As time goes by, the way he looks at me feels weirder by the day, sending chills down my spine. I don't know what it is, but something tells me I should avoid him if possible.
I head to my room and open Sylvia's letter.
My child Lia,
How I miss you being by my side and accompanying me in my lonely room. I wish I could see your face…
Sylvia's letter was short, but it said everything.
She's all alone again. Unlike me, who is always sent to eradicate dark mages, she is trapped in that room, unable to meet anyone except for the pope, who always visits her. Sometimes I wonder why the pope is taking charge of the church's affairs and not the Saintess. The rules say the pope holds authority when a Saint isn't present, but why is Sylvia letting him get away with everything? I know something is shady going on with them, and I don't understand why Sylvia gave all the control to the pope. But I can't pinpoint what it is.
I once tried to talk to Sylvia about it, but she shut me up, telling me it didn't concern me and that it was just between the two of them. She brushed it off, saying she gave the pope authority because she believed she was too incompetent.
I can't pry any further, so I shut my mouth and just continued my duties.