The grand hall of the Imperial Castle gleamed under polished chandeliers and golden accents. Courtiers and nobles bowed low as Alisa Yurica, the newly appointed Saint, entered the throne room. Her calm presence immediately commanded attention, yet she moved with humility, nodding to those around her, acknowledging both high and low with equal grace.
Sho sat quietly near the edge of the hall, leaning against a pillar, observing everything. He noted every subtle gesture — the way Alisa's hands stayed relaxed yet poised, how her eyes met the gaze of the king and queen, and how even the smallest of her movements radiated authority.
The Saint approached the royal family.
> "Your Majesties," she began, her voice soft but steady, "I am Alisa Yurica, honored to serve and protect this kingdom as the new Saint."
The king and queen rose, nodding with respect, and exchanged a few formal words. Alisa responded with perfect courtesy, her tone respectful but confident, every word measured, her energy subtly reassuring the court that she was more than capable. Sho watched intently, his system quietly registering her aura, which was calm, steady, and unusually potent for someone so young.
> She really is exceptional… Sho thought. The former Saint must have seen something extraordinary in her.
The conversation continued, with Alisa acknowledging nobles, offering blessings, and responding to ceremonial questions. Sho stayed quiet, taking mental notes — the movement of her mana, the rhythm of her speech, the slight fluctuations in energy as she subtly reinforced protective wards around the throne room.
But as impressive as Alisa was, Sho's thoughts drifted to Liyana. He had felt her presence earlier, a silver thread in the chaos of the capital, and now that he had watched the Saint greet the court, his curiosity grew stronger.
> It's time I find her, he decided. I can't just let her disappear into the crowd again.
Sho rose quietly from his spot, careful not to draw attention. His eyes scanned the crowd for the faint glimmer of silver hair, the one sign that would reveal her.
> Where are you hiding this time, Liyana?
As the Saint finished her greetings and moved to speak with the nobles, Sho slipped through the side corridors of the castle, he want to observe further more