CHAPTER 158: CHAPTER 158 - VIRTUE OF TEMPERANCE

’’This way,’’ Livia said, guiding him away. ’’We’ll take a shortcut to the entrance for special guests.’’

Logan gave a nod, quickly following after her.

The streets narrowed as Livia led him away from the vendors and back towards the heart of the city.

After a few turns, they stepped onto a wider road.

Dozens of white-armored knights stood on both sides, halberds in their hands while they kept the common civilians away.

’’Lady Temperance,’’ one of the guards bowed after seeing them approach.

Logan’s eyes fell on Livia, realizing again what her title meant. Being the daughter of one of the Seven Virtues, it came as no surprise that all the guards acted like they were in the presence of royalty.

Where other important guests were stopped and checked for their invitation, the guards just bowed and let them through.

"You really have some status here," Logan said, glancing around at the knights.

’’One of the few perks I have thanks to my father,’’ she answered, spinning around with a smile.

As they walked, the golden gates leading inside the actual church came into sight.

Logan caught glimpses of several important people, priests, and banners bearing the Church’s symbol. The farther they walked, the more of the ceremonial platforms came into view.

"You’ll be standing close to me once we go in," Livia said, glancing at him under her veil. "Father insisted."

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

She tilted her head slightly. "So when your name is called, you’re already where everyone can see you."

Logan’s eyes widened, snapping to her. ’’...When my name is called?!’’

Livia giggled.

’’Of course. Did you think you’d sit quietly in the corner?’’ She shook her head. ’’A lot of things will happen today, among which something regarding the Holy Cross Guild.’’

Logan’s expression froze.

’Oh,’ he thought, fully understanding what that meant as the CEO of the company holding them back.

Before he could question any further, they had reached the golden gates.

Two senior knights stepped forward, scanning both of them before bowing deeply.

’’Lady Temperance,’’ they said. ’’Your father is waiting for you.’’

Livia gave a small nod and stepped through, Logan following close behind.

The moment they passed the gates, the city’s noise vanished, replaced by soft murmurs from the guest area and the echo of footsteps on marble.

Instead of entering the guest area, Livia gestured for Logan to follow her into a wide hallway.

The hallway was lined with large statues of past Virtues, each holding their own weapon and symbol.

’Where is she taking me?’ Logan thought, glancing around him. ’I was under the impression that I’d just be in a crowd of people... but it doesn’t seem like that’ll be the case anymore.’

Priests and attendants moved along both sides of them, but every one of them slowed for a moment and gave a bow to Livia before continuing.

Each of them stared at Logan as he followed her, their eyes coldly measuring him.

After walking for several minutes, they reached the end of the hallway and turned right into a smaller hallway with several doors on the right side.

Two knights covered in pure golden armor stood in front of each door, radiating pressure that Logan could only link to powerful S-rank hunters.

’’We are almost there,’’ Livia said, looking back at him nervously. ’’But before we get there... I forgot to tell you something else.’’

Logan raised an eyebrow, staring at her. Though it didn’t worry him too much.

’What could be worse than figuring out my name will be called on minutes before the ceremony,’ he thought, giving a nod for her to speak.

Livia hesitated for a moment, staring at the floor. ’’The room we’ll be going into in a second... my father will be there.’’

"Oh, that’s no—" Logan stopped, tilting his head. "Wait... your father?"

His heart sank. ’Turns out there’s something even worse.’

’’You could’ve mentioned that earlier,’’ Logan muttered, taking in a deep breath.

’’I thought you wouldn’t have come if I did,’’ she said, giggling at Logan’s reaction.

Logan closed his eyes for a moment, mentally bracing himself as they walked down the narrow corridor.

As they got closer to the center of the hallway, two knights slammed their weapons into the ground in perfect unison.

’’Lady Temperance,’’ both gold-armored knights said, bowing. ’’The Virtue of Temperance awaits your presence.’’

Livia gave a nod, glancing back at Logan for a moment.

That’s when the knights pulled open the door, revealing a room far smaller than the massive cathedral hall. Gold practically covered the walls, along with many beautiful artworks of chains and holy crosses.

But that wasn’t what made the room stand out.

No—the real focus was the massive open window overlooking the hundreds of important guests below.

’I’m... behind the ceremonial podium?’ Logan froze for a moment. ’In some kind of balcony room?’

From here, he could see the entire important guest section, and a shiver ran down his spine as he realized most of them were staring at him.

Logan’s eyes locked on the people below for a moment, feeling their gazes burning into him.

’’Logan Mercer,’’ a deep voice suddenly said, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Logan glanced around the room, noticing only a handful of other people inside.

Three high-ranking priests stood to one side, while two S-rank hunters stood behind them with their eyes coldly glaring at him.

Finally, at the front of the room, sat a man that made all the others irrelevant.

Livia stepped forward and bowed her head. ’’Father.’’

The Virtue of Temperance gave a slow nod to her before shifting his eyes to Logan again.

"It seems you’ve recovered well since last we met," he said, voice even. "Word of your... interference with the Holy Cross Guild has reached even my ears."

Logan’s heart pounded, but he kept his expression steady. "I’ve done what I could."

"Good," he said quietly. "You’re not easily cowed. That will be necessary for what’s to come."

Livia glanced between them, a faint smile beneath her veil. "We should get into position. The ceremony will begin soon."

Livia’s father rose from his chair, stepping towards the balcony.

"Then let us see," he said, gesturing for Logan to follow, "how you stand when the eyes of the continent are upon you."