—So what does 'oracle' mean?
—The oracle is… literally an unexpected revelation from God.
When the revelation is good, it is announced to the people, and that is called an oracle.
Judging by the way the people gathered, it seemed that the prophet had announced that he had received a sudden oracle.
"So what if it's bad?"
—There are bad ones too.
Those are not called an oracle, just prophecy.
Sometimes they predict disasters or accidents.
—Hmm…
—For example… through a prophecy, a mana stone mine has been discovered, or a certain region has been predicted to prosper.
And so far, most of those prophecies had come true.
The problem is that there are very few of them.
That's why they are so mysterious.
There was a belief that being part of a moment of prophecy was a blessing, like this moment.
—Your god is the same and at the same time different from ours.
We believe in the god of death and living beings.
She said.
—Your Highness, the crown princess, people are coming in droves.
Let's go to a safe place.
All of Huria's servants were from his native country.
But they spoke the imperial language much better than she did.
—Follow me.
Huria grabbed Violet's wrist and started walking.
The place Huria arrived at was a hotel cafeteria with a large terrace.
The people who saw her bowed and knelt.
The waiters, feeling honored, guided Huria to the terrace.
Huria sat at a table on the terrace.
The guards were posted around the terrace.
—You, tea.
—…Yes, I like tea.
Violet was gradually getting used to Huria's way of speaking.
When the hot tea was served, Violet, experiencing a feeling of splitting in the middle of the day, decided to simply enjoy it.
A cup of hot tea in a stylish cafe.
It was everything I had wanted...
But this was on another scale.
—I...
what did you think of today's walk?
Is there anything else I can help you with?
—Hmm, I liked it.
Help me more.
I don't know insults from the Empire, teach me.
—Do you want to learn insults?
—My husband was unfaithful to me.
I want to insult him well.
Give me a very ugly insult.
—Ah, I'm still learning that part.
Violet responded seriously.
Huria frowned slightly.
At that moment, a roar, like a wave, began to approach.
It was a wave of people led by a prophet.
He was a normal old man, but his face had a kind expression.
The priests of the Great Temple in the capital and those who came from Kaiseria had different clothing.
The priests of Kaiseria dressed in black and carried a silver banner.
—The blessed person is there.
The prophet said.
He was looking directly at Violet.
Is he referring to the crown princess?
Or...
me?
Violet was surprised.
The crown princess leaned on her hand, took a sip of tea, and pointed with her chin.
—Tell him to come in.
The guards moved away.
It turns out that the fence surrounding the terrace could be opened.
When it opened, there were stairs connecting the terrace to a small garden.
The prophet came in that way.
—Your Highness, the crown princess…
—Stand up and look.
The eyes of that old man.
Violet stood up slowly.
The prophet approached and greeted the crown princess first.
—I am Gilith, the prophet and High Priest.
It's an honor.
Huria nodded.
Then Gilith took Violet's hand.
—I would like to know the name of this young woman.
Huria looked at Violet.
Violet responded, stunned:
—Violet Everdeen, that's my name.
—Violet.
Gilith repeated the name and asked Violet to kneel.
—One talent in ten thousand has appeared in this capital.
This Violet will benefit the world for a long time and her name will spread throughout the continent.
Violet looked at him with wide eyes.
Gilith continued:
—It is a rare talent, so I offer you this prayer of blessing.
It is an honor to have met such a pure person.
The people's piercing gazes fixed on Violet.
The look of the people meant: 'Who is she?
What is she?'
Violet was nobody.
She was only known in the academy as a lower class lady.
Instantly, cold sweat ran down his back.
Violet looked at Huria reflexively.
She smiled slightly.
In that moment, Violet knew what she had to do.
He stood up and said to Gilith:
—Thank you for your words of honor.
I will remember the blessing He has given me today and follow the right path.
Violet said, tilting her head.
—Violet Everdeen, the name of the blessed person!
Gilith exclaimed.
—Violet Everdeen!
Someone shouted his name.
Then screams spread through the crowd.
People applauded and cheered for Violet, even though they didn't know who she was.
Huria shrugged with a barely perceptible smile.
I know Ash is from Kaiseria, but what position does he have to be able to move a prophet around at will?
Violet thought.
──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ────
—Hello, Violet.
Violet went to Marin's house.
On the second floor balcony, Ash was sitting reading the newspaper and greeted her without even raising his head.
—Ash, is today also your doing?
—I told you, I'll make you the Winter Queen.
—But… isn't it too big a scale?
Are you doing all this just to beat my little sister?
—Isn't it fun?
Besides, I also want to ruin the crown prince's ball.
—Don't take my words as a joke.
I don't like desecration.
You are using the feelings of people who believe in God.
Violet meant it.
Ash looked a little surprised.
—Come closer, Violet.
Ash whispered.
Violet did as she was told and sat across from him.
—The prophet Gilith is an old friend of mine.
—He looks much older than you.
—Still, he is a friend.
He cares and cares about me, he really does.
-…AND?
—Gilith did not make a false prophecy.
He learned of your talent, heard about your character from me, and trusts my judgment.
—…
—And he simply blessed you in front of many people.
It was simple.
He only hinted that an important word of blessing had occurred to him during the service.
And if people misinterpret it as a prophecy or something else, that's their freedom.
—But…
—Violet, are you planning to be an assassin or a villain?
Ash tilted his head and smiled.
-No not at all.
Violet responded completely firmly.
—So, do you think the talent you have is special?
—It's one talent in ten thousand...
so I guess so.
Violet said it feeling a little embarrassed.
—You will use today's blessing, your talent, to always do good.
So everything worked out, right?
She fell into his game again.
Violet stared at him.
—Don't you have bad intentions?
—Not with you.
Not at all.
—Is there a chance that I or someone else could get hurt?
"Do you think anyone will get hurt if you become the Winter Queen?"
-No.
I don't believe it.
Violet wasn't entirely convinced.
But his conclusion was that everything was fine.
—…Do you still trust me?
-I trust you.
But please let me know in advance when you are going to do something like this.
Violet said softly.
Ash had a strange expression.
—It seems easy, but it's difficult, Violet.
Anyway, on that note, I have something to do.
…To be continued