Killing Your Sweet Breath - Chapter 29

Chapter 15.1

After the Antherdens’ banquet, Winter attended two more events in quick succession.

At the banquet held at the imperial palace, Winter worried that Antonio might cause trouble again, but he didn’t even show up once.

The emperor also wanted to demonstrate that he wouldn’t interfere unnecessarily, so he kept his distance, speaking to them only in formalities.

The banquet hosted by the Zien family, known supporters of the emperor, also went smoothly. Now that they had made enough public appearances, it was time to start preparing for the wedding.

“Winter, where do you think we should hold the ceremony? I’m leaning toward the temple, but we can choose someplace else if you prefer.”

“I don’t mind. Anywhere is fine. Choose whatever works best for you.”

“Are you sure?”

Van tilted his head, flashing a grin at Winter.

Winter watched him closely, sensing something was off. His brows were slightly furrowed, and he avoided making direct eye contact.

There was something subtly different about his smile, which meant he was hiding something.

“If there’s something you’re not telling me, now’s the time to come clean. I don’t want to be caught off guard.”

“I was thinking we could undergo God’s Trial at the temple.”

Winter’s eyes widened. She wondered if she had misheard him say, “God’s Trial.”

God’s Trial. Ancient texts often referred to it as “Divine Judgement.”

The omnipotent power of Niella would read a person’s heart before delivering appropriate punishments.

Those who lusted after another’s spouse would go blind, and those who coveted others’ belongings would lose their hands.

Anyone who intended to kill would have their life taken.

However, the problem with Niella’s judgment was that it punished people for merely “having the intention,” even if they never acted on it.

When the emperor’s authority began to surpass that of the religious order, the empire’s third emperor, Felicus Niello, deemed this unjust.

He opposed the temple and refused to enforce Divine Judgement. He argued that it was unreasonable to punish crimes that had not been committed, solely based on intentions rather than actions.

In response, the temple changed the name from “Divine Judgement” to “God’s Trial,” recommending it to knights pledging loyalty or couples preparing for marriage.

But despite the change in name, the essence remained the same, so very few chose to undergo the trial voluntarily. Yet here Van was, willingly offering to take God’s Trial.

“Even if the emperor himself suggested it, wouldn’t it be best to avoid the whole thing? Are you confident you can pass?”

“I can’t explain in detail, but I can assure you nothing will happen. Passing the trial would help lower the emperor’s guard. After all, he’s a devout follower of Niella. But I don’t intend to force you.”

Van explained calmly, lifting one corner of his mouth in a smile. If he was that confident, then he must have something up his sleeve.

However, Winter wasn’t about to blindly trust Van without knowing the details. God’s Trial wasn’t something to be taken very lightly.

It’s said that even the slightest impurity in one’s heart would result in divine punishment.

In fact, historical records listed those who had passed the trial and those who were burned alive on the spot.

In just the past hundred years, aside from one couple who passed the trial thirty years ago, everyone else had been punished.

“I haven’t even gotten my revenge yet, so I’m not about to gamble. I don’t care where we have the ceremony, as long as it’s not at the temple. It could be at the imperial palace, for all I care.”

“Very well. It is our wedding, so I should respect your opinion as well. I actually like how cautious you are.”

Van nodded with a look of resignation, but he didn’t seem disappointed.

It looked like he had never expected to convince Winter with such a weak argument.

“Were it not for God’s Trial, I’d actually like the idea of having the ceremony at the temple.”

“Because we wouldn’t have to hold a pointless banquet?”

“You know me so well.”

Winter responded to Van’s statement as if it were the most obvious thing.

Aside from God’s Trial, having the wedding at the temple was a good option.

It required less preparation, which meant it could be done quickly, and as Van had pointed out, there wouldn’t be a banquet, making the ceremony itself simple.

Since their marriage wasn’t based on love, skipping unnecessary formalities seemed like the best choice.

Besides, she was already so exhausted from so many banquets that her lips were twitching from fatigue.

“Then, it looks like we’ve covered everything that needs my input. If you decide on the temple, they’ll arrange everything as long as we make a donation. That part’s your job, by the way.”

Just as she stood up from her seat, Sianna opened the door.

“We have a guest.”

The butler announced, arriving at just the right moment.