TFSAWE - Chapter 257: "Oh, Holy Maiden!" (Patreon)

In a moment of collision between the flames unleashed by Aslan and the barrier of the temple, the world trembled as if struck by an earthquake. The towering pillars, seemingly impervious to any deviation even after a thousand years, swayed, causing the ceiling they supported to begin showing signs of weakness.

The murals that famous painters had once adorned the walls with started cracking, sending up clouds of dusty debris. The people inside the temple, who had been praying towards the deities, all screamed in terror and rushed outside.

However, what greeted them beyond the temple's threshold was not a divine miracle meant for their salvation but a colossal manifestation of power that seemed poised to engulf them all in flames and bring about their demise. The flames of this power spread unchecked, consuming the vicinity of the temple and enveloping the neighboring city.

Those who had swiftly evacuated since the arrival of Aslan watched from a distance as their homes went up in flames and cried out in despair, desperately seeking solace in the gods. Meanwhile, those who had remained in their homes, believing in the sanctuary of the temple, clung to their burning bodies and cried out to the gods.

In one single assault, the world had descended into a state akin to hell. Even the sanctuary of the Holy Maiden was not exempt from this catastrophe.

"Oh, Holy Maiden! Save us, please!"

The priests who had stood guard outside now discarded all notions of ceremonial decorum. They opened the doors and prostrated themselves before Iris. In the midst of their actions, a deafening roar reverberated through the sky above the temple, shrouding it in flames. Anyone with eyes could perceive that the barrier of celestial power was rapidly weakening.

Now, there was only one person upon whom they must rely and throw themselves at.

"Oh, Holy Maiden, protect us!"

"Holy Maiden, please, we beseech you!"

Iris gazed upon the supplicants stretching their hands towards her with a weary countenance, her heart heavy with dismay.

She had no idea what she could possibly do or how she should proceed.

Carl, the high priest, had forcibly brought her here, insisting that the Holy Maiden must always remain within the temple. He claimed that this temple alone was a place for the Holy Maiden, where she could lead a life of safety, peace, and abundance.

Since her arrival at the temple, Iris had indeed been treated with utmost reverence. She was welcomed with lavish and expansive chambers, opulent garments, and feasts that seemed to gather every delicacy in the world. Luxuries she had never even dreamed of were laid out before her.

On the first day, she was taken aback by the overwhelming opulence and simply thought it was good.

Buried in soft, warm bedding within the cozy room, she drifted off to sleep, satiated and content, experiencing a level of comfort she had never known in her life.

It was an unprecedented occurrence for Iris.

The following morning, she realized that she harbored a desire to remain within the temple for a long time. If she truly was the Holy Maiden and this power remained within her, could she not continue to enjoy these pleasures?

However, such thoughts vanished before half a day had passed.

Without Iris's consent, Carl summoned the other priests, claiming they wished to greet the new Holy Maiden. Dozens of priests entered and bestowed their salutations upon her, but as they did, Iris felt a chilling sensation creep up her spine.

They all stared at her with desperate eyes, and it was clear they expected her to immediately employ her power. In that moment, Iris realized that everything provided for her was centered around the power bestowed by the gods. What if, like the last Holy Maiden Evelina, one day her power just vanished?

That night, Iris couldn't sleep, no matter how full her stomach was, how fine her garments were, or how she nestled beneath the soft and pristine bedding.

Images of the priests she had encountered during the day, as well as the desperate pleas of the people who had prostrated themselves as she passed by, continued to haunt her thoughts. And then she realized—no one had asked about her name, her family, or her story. All that mattered to them was the return of the power that would protect them.

"Oh, Holy Maiden!"

As the other officials burst open the door and entered with a rough manner, Iris regained her composure. In the meantime, the barrier surrounding the temple, visible through the window, was gradually weakening.

"The High Official said that only the Saint could save us, hurry!"

Saying so, one of the officials grabbed Iris' arm and pulled her along. Such impertinence would have been unimaginable under normal circumstances, but now no one dared to criticize the official's behavior. In fact, there were even those who sent resentful glances, questioning why nothing had been done until now.

Iris was dragged to the central square, unable to properly rebel. There, numerous officials were gathered, looking up at the sky with fearful eyes. Iris, too, lifted her head to see where everyone's gaze was directed.

In the distance, two figures were floating alongside a colossal demon. Although they weren't clearly visible, Iris could discern the identity of one of them.

"Aslan."

The overwhelming and intense aura she had felt when she first saw him washed over her. As Iris watched Aslan, she looked at the woman he was embracing. At that moment, someone shouted, pointing towards the sky.

"How dare that corrupted saint bring a demon into the temple!"

"What abomination did she use to summon the demon with such a filthy and wretched existence!"

Foaming at the mouth, they screamed towards the sky, their bodies writhing in the grip of fear, the fear that they might perish soon.

Carl walked out from among them and approached Iris, bowing his head.

"Saint."

"This barrier is maintained by holy power. Now is the time to show who is protecting this land from that arrogant demon and who is the mightiest being loved by that power. Please, demonstrate your strength for our sake."

"Saint Evelina!"

Due to the distance, the rushing wind blowing from afar, and the flames of magic enveloping the barrier, Evelina's face, nestled in Aslan's arms, was not clearly visible.

Amidst the commotion, Iris could only feel a sense of regret.

I am aware that Evelina is the original owner of the holy power I possess. However, does that fact alone make me curious about everything concerning her?

Iris recalled the question that had plagued her from the beginning.

Why did this power suddenly come to me among countless people on the continent? Is this merely a coincidence?

Her mother's final words, which she had forgotten for a while, came to mind.

"Iris, to you... the temple... your sister...."

Passing through the people holding onto her, Iris took a step forward. Then, she reached out her hand towards the woman in the sky and murmured.

"Could it be... sister?"