Killing Your Sweet Breath - Chapter 46
Chapter 23.2
“Servants of God, reveal yourselves.”
At the priest’s command, Winter and Van made the sign of the cross and stepped forward.
Slowly, yet without hesitation, they placed their white roses into the holy water. Miraculously, as soon as the roses touched the water, white flames—something they had never seen before—erupted before vanishing without a trace of ash.
It was an ancient ritual, symbolizing the offering of their first love and purity to God. Winter’s red lips curved into a small smile.
Though she was silently laughing at the absurdity of this ritual, those watching would no doubt believe she was smiling out of joy for affirming their purity to each other.
“These two who have revealed themselves to God must now prove their innocence through blood. God will peer into your hearts. Pride, greed, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, sloth! Should even a trace of these sins reside within your souls, Niella’s power shall punish you!”
The priest’s voice rang out as he proclaimed the beginning of Niella’s trial.
Those who understood the gravity of this trial began murmuring quietly among themselves.
Some felt honored to witness such a sacred trial in their lifetimes and closed their eyes, whispering soft prayers.
Finally, the last part of the ceremony began.
Two priests standing nearby handed both Winter and Van a short silver knife.
Together, they positioned their hands above the holy water and, almost in unison, made a small cut on the tips of their ring fingers.
Crimson drops fell into the water. Their blood mingled, as if seeking each other, and slowly, the red color faded until the water returned to its original clarity, revealing the sculpture’s base.
In that brief moment, no divine punishment descended upon them.
Their innocence had been proven.
“O brave lovers who have come to stand before God, seeking to prove yourselves to each other. God has acknowledged your pure hearts and grants you the honor of being the most noble couple in all of Niello.”
With the priest’s declaration, the ceremony concluded.
The choir, which had stood silent like statues, began to sing praises to God.
Only then did the guests quietly make the sign of the cross, offering a silent blessing on the couple’s union.
This moment of celebration, devoid of applause, only added to the ceremony’s sanctity. Some guests, devout believers, shed tears of gratitude as they offered thanks to God.
Winter and Van turned and began to walk down the white-carpeted aisle.
Van pulled Winter close, wrapping his arm tightly around her waist. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, and at a breath’s distance, they whispered to each other, defying even the divine.
“It seems even God acknowledges that our revenge is not a sin.”
“No, Winter. This is proof that there is no God.”
* * *
At a typical wedding, a banquet with guests would follow, but such luxuries were not permitted in a temple ceremony.
As soon as the ceremony ended, the guests dispersed after a brief prayer, while the newlywed couple had only enough time to change clothes before sitting down for a modest dinner with the priest.
Since young people with “sacred souls” were rare, the priest, as God’s representative, was obligated to host them.
As befitted of the temple, the food was simple.
Coarse rye bread, light soup, and flour cookies served as dessert. That was all.
“When I first received word that Duke Van Helgram would be holding the wedding ceremony here, I was quite surprised.”
“Were you?”
“I thought to myself, what an audacious man.”
The priest said, stroking his snow-white beard as he began a conversation with Van.
Winter had expected a dinner with God’s representative to be filled only with scripture or matters of faith, so the priest’s direct remark took her by surprise.
“If you’re that certain, then I suppose I’m left with no grounds to make excuses.”
“There’s no need for excuses with me. God has already given you Her blessing. What right does a mere representative have to question you?”
“Well, perhaps it’s not about that. The emperor may be unaware, but surely you know of Niella’s secret.”
The priest’s brow furrowed, as though he already knew exactly what Van was about to say.
“While carrying out my mother’s last wishes, I stumbled upon an intriguing story. There’s a legend in the Helgram territory that doesn’t align with the one told here in the empire.”
“…Stop.”
The priest attempted to stay calm, though his voice betrayed a tremor. Winter watched him closely.
His face was clouded with shame, as though a disgraceful secret of the god he served had just been exposed.
“How could humans once wield the mysteries of God’s powers? Why can’t they now? Does God truly exist? Why were miracles so common in the past, yet absent now? What do you think?”
“If you wish to discuss such profound matters, I can arrange a more private meeting.”
“Is it possible for God to die?”
“Stop! If you need time, I will guide you to my chambers at once.”
“There’s no need. My wife is a woman who would willingly walk through hell at my side.”
As Van finished speaking, the priest turned to look at Winter. A flicker of recognition crossed his face. Her red hair and violet eyes brought back a memory.
He remembered now. The woman he once shared a final prayer with in a dim dungeon cell.
“Ilisias…?”
The name left the priest’s lips in a stunned whisper.
How could he ever forget that name?
It was the name the woman had cried out, drenched in her husband’s blood, as she lay dying.