CHAPTER 494: 493. HOLY GROVE (2)

The Holy Grove wasn’t like how Ocean remembered it now. The presence of the dark matter and the strong familiar presence that had greeted him last time was gone now. All the remained was the tranquility of the place.

Ocean let Sol down as he looked around with Davian standing beside them.

The Holy Grove was surrounded by the forest as Ocean had remembered but presently the green leaves that made up the canopy over the path was now replaced bybthe bare branches of the large trees. The thick snow blanketed over the whole area apart from the walkway that would lead towards the Holy Grove.

Some of the other carriages were also there. To maintain the sanctity of this place, only the ones who were going to blessed and who were going to bless were invited.

The rest of the nobles would have a party in the evening as usual.

Ocean and Sol looked around and found Marquis Fairisles and Duke Aurelius who were there talking with High Priest Jasper Florence. Ocean walked towards them and the High Priest turned his head to look at him instantly flinching as he recognized the form. The power that had made him kneel into subversion had appeared again before him. Jasper all but buckled under the weight of his own guilt as he watches the Supreme Aqua Dragon in human form walk towards him.

"Your Grace, Your Excellency," Ocean swept a graceful bow to the two gentlemen and Jasper froze.

Did a Dragon just bow to the mortals?

Davian came up behind him recognising the middle-aged man and smiled. The two greeted Ocean and Davian while Ocean turned to Jasper.

"You must be High Priest, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m Marquis Ocean Ryujin of Sestia." Ocean spoke with a amicable smile.

Jasper’s face showed no emotion except for the stony stoicity but the quivering of his pupils was enough to tell that his brain was in chaos right now.

"Ma-May the blessings of Saintess Miella and the Dragons be with you." He did his best to not stutter.

Davian couldn’t help but scoff lightly before he cleared his throat to cover it as Ocean glanced at him before he turned his eyes back on Jasper who looked like he would get on his knees any moment.

Ocean gestured towards Davian, "You must know His Highness Davian of Sestia, I’m his chaperone."

"Ah... Is... that so?" Jasper spoke while Marquis Fairisles and Duke Aurelius stood silently.

"The chaperones aren’t allowed further than this place, right? Then, Your Highness, I guess you should head in." Ocean spoke and Jasper flinched.

"Wait!" He blurted before he could think making the five pair of eyes turn on him at once.

"Hm? Is something wrong?" Davian asked trying not to enjoy the poor man’s misery.

"That... That..." Jasper was at a loss for words.

He had disrespected the great Dragon once before, he couldn’t dare do the same again.

"Y-You should head inside too." He told Ocean much to everyone’s surprise.

"Hm? Me? Why?" Ocean asked with an innocent smile.

Jasper opened his mouth but then he closed it again, he could tell that the others didn’t know that this man was a Dragon. Sestia was a nation that stood on the blood of a Dragon so, the live Dragon being among them would be unthinkable. But then again, why pretend to be a mortal noble? He could erase the country for the grave sin that their predecessors committed.

Ocean and the others still watched Jasper as he was deep in his thought but his savior appeared soon enough. Ocean sensed him first as he lifted his head and saw the two figures walking towards them.

A smile appeared on his face as he saw Pope Cesio walking towards them with a young Priest supporting his arm. He was dressed in thick, pure white robes with his usual accessories over his person and his indigo hair flowing freely over his back. His eyes were covered with a blue silk blindfold and he carried a sense of serenity in his gait.

Cesio’s face lit up and he moved forth with slight eagerness.

"Welcome to the Holy Grove, I’m Cesio Childe, Pope of the Temple of Saintess Miella and the Holy Dragons." Cesio spoke, his voice carrying the sense of reverence.

"Greetings, Your Holiness. I’m Marquis Ocean Ryujin chaperone of His Highness Prince Davian Montaire." Ocean and Davian bowed.

Marquis Fairisles and Duke Aurelius also followed suit introducing themselves.

Cesio smiled deeply, "High Priest, have you been keeping company to our guests?"

Jasper licked his lips, his eyes drifting towards Ocean before he answered, "Yes, Your Holiness. I, uh... thought Marquis Ocean Ryujin should join the ceremony so, I was inviting him."

"That’s quite a pleasant suggestion, High Priest." Cesio spoke and then turned his head as if looking at the rest.

"I beseech you all to join us forth. The esteemed guests all have such blinding presence that I feel like it is a blessing to have you all gathered in the same place today." Cesio spoke cordially.

Extending the invitation to both Marquis and Duke was probably his way of showing that there was no favouritism but it was pretty much clear what he wanted.

"Marquis Ocean’s nephew has also come along I perceive." Cesio smiled at Sol who stood silently.

Sol looked once at Ocean who smiled with a nod.

Cesio retrieved his arm from the young Priest and stretching it towards Ocean, "May I trouble Marquis Ocean to hold my hand as we walked back?"

Ocean reached out taking his arm gently as he responded, "It’ll be my pleasure, Your Holiness."

"Please come along, esteemed guests, the ceremony shall begin in a while." Cesio spoke gesturing towards the rest.

Marquis Fairisles and Duke Aurelius watched curiously as Ocean and Cesio led the way with High Priest lingering by to follow the remaining four.

"You seem really happy, Your Holiness." Ocean whispered.

Cesio smiled, "I am, My Lord. You were the one who cleansed this space years ago and now you visit it again. I wish for you to see how we have repaired it in the time being."

Ocean chuckled, "I’m looking forward to it then."

Though the party behind them couldn’t hear what the two in the front were talking about but Marquis Fairisles and Duke Aurelius could connect two and two. The Pope and Ocean were acquainted and were probably even closer than they could realise.

The two exchanged glances, they knew Ocean had visited Denril several times in past so being acquainted to the Pope of all people. Was it even surprising as to who might be acquainted to Ocean Ryujin at this point?

Marquis released a sigh, his breath turning into smoke as soon as it left his lips.

"Your daughter is an exceptional asset to your family, Duke." He spoke in a low voice.

Duke felt the swell of pride hearing that before he responded, "No wonder she is going to take over your title along with her own legacy."

Marquis Fairisles cocked his brow as he looked at Duke Aurelius proud and triumphant smile.

"Guess can’t help my blood." Marquis spoke with the similar smile and Duke’s eyebrows twitched.

"You mean my blood." He corrected and Marquis gave him a challenging smile.

"Despite her having more of Serene’s qualities?" Marquis said and Duke furrowed his eyebrows.

Within the brief period the two men had grown past their prior strained relationship and could now communicate properly. Hence the two were now staring at each other challenging over who could take the credit for Reina’s outstanding capabilities.

Just in front of them were Davian and Sol, Davian was carrying Sol in his arms as he walked. He heard the brief conversation between the Pope and Ocean and couldn’t help but look at Sol.

"One wouldn’t believe these two are officially meeting for the first time." Davian whispered and Sol observed Ocean.

"He goes beyond my expectations every time I see him... I wonder... Just how far and how long he will last."

Davian frowned and looked at Sol, "What do you mean?"

Sol glanced at him and then at Ocean before he said, "Sometimes what you see is just the second side of the coin, when you see both sides, I wonder what you will do."

Davian sighed, "Why are you and Master fixed on speaking in riddles these days?"

Sol didn’t clarify but instead said, "Enjoy your date today."

Ocean who was walking in the front turned slightly glancing at the two behind him while Davian grinned.

"I will,"

Sol shook his head, lamenting over the innocence of the young man before he wrapped his arms around his neck, resting his cheek over his shoulder. Davian was slightly surprised before he smiled patting his back.

The treeline ended giving the view of the ethereal Temple that stood in the faint, wintery sunlight. The Temple seemed like it was made of pure white snow as it stood there. The long pillars supported the high arches and the stairs led up to the ornate doors.

Ocean stood for a moment, taking in the work of art that stood before him. The last time this place was nothing but the echo of the past glory but now it seemed like it had been restored to its original form.

"It’s... beautiful." Ocean whispered.

"You might like the interior more, My Lord," Cesio spoke as they resumed walking up the stairs.

Ocean had been looking forward to visiting this place and now it seemed like it was worth it.