As Father Demetri had speculated, the punishment had indeed already begun.
Not from the Goddess, but from the murdered Saintess.
It was mid morning and the church halls were crowded. Many noble families had already arrived and taken their seat on the pews. Today's service was met with both wariness and anticipation. They had gathered only a week ago to witness the execution of Felicia Viviane Del Montague.
In this same cathedral.
They were hoping to lift their spirits with a far happier sermon this time. Some of the attendees still felt a chill as they recalled the vicious curses the witch had flung at them.
All eyes were casting curious and sympathetic glances at the Del Montague family. Though they were free of their burden, the stain on their reputation would take generations to cleanse.
If ever.
People pitied them.
The Del Findel family, which included the Young Marquis Liam approached them and asked them how they were faring.
Grande Duke Roelle was cold and expressionless. He had already moved on and wished to eradicate everything about that girl from his mind. He had more important matters to focus on.
Saintess Helena kept up a morose attitude and wore black saying that she still mourned the loss of her sister and wished things could have been different. Tyren and Liam both admired her ever kind heart.
The family seemed quite content and harmonious without Lady Felicia.
Or at least...they should have.
But something was wrong.
Or rather, someone.
The Duke's heir and only son Alexander looked very pale and unwell. He did not seem to hear what anyone was saying or even take in his surroundings. An expression of tension was on his face and his fists kept clenching and unclenching.
Alex had woken up feeling very weak with a throbbing headache to pair. Even after Helena had healed him with her holy magic, he only felt temporary relief.
The pain was no longer just in his head.
His entire body was aching!
Liam looked at his friend with concern. His little sister, the Lady Cordelia Del Findel, who had taken an interest in the Del Montague heir also looked at him with concern. Before they could voice out their worries, Alex stood up and gave Liam a brotherly hug.
Then he placed a kiss on Cordelia's hand. She blushed.
"I am perfectly fine. Just a little exhausted. A lot of the stress from recent events has taken a toll on me. Also, I'm preparing to take over for my father in a year, so...."
Liam's parents sympathized with him. Their son too would have a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders in a few years. Thankfully, Liam was a prodigy and excelled at everything he was tasked to do. He was already ready to take over for the elder Marquis.
The only problem now was finding him a wife. Marriage needed to take place before he took his father's place. They needed to ensure his wife would be able to harmonize with the family and uphold the position of Marquess.
Unfortunately, Liam was very picky man who'd refused every woman his parents introduced to him.
He much preferred to spend his leisure time horse riding than trying to get close to a woman.
My mare is the most charming lady in the kingdom. She is all I need.
His mother suggested he marry his horse after growing frustrated over his stubbornness.
Liam had felt how hot Alex's body was when they'd hugged and looking at his flushed face he could tell his friend was coming down with a fever.
The elder Marquis noticed as well. "Alex, you should have stayed at home and remained abed. You look very unwell, son."
The Duke's head turned in the direction of his son.
Cordelia offered him her handkerchief, which Alex gently took and used to dab at his watery eyes.
Both the Duchess and Marquess looked at him with motherly concern.
"Brother, let me heal you again," Helena chirped, placing her hand directly over his heart. "I will use more magic this time. It pains me to see you in pain."
Tyren smiled at her daughter. So too did the Duke.
"You're such a good sister to him, Lady Helena. Alex is lucky to have you in his life," Cordelia chimed.
"Indeed, Saintess." An approaching priest added. "You are a blessing to us all."
Helena blushed and beamed as yellow light emanated from her hand.
Everyone watched in awe and admiration.
The Pope walked into the hall as well.
Helena quickly ran off to meet him after she was done healing her brother. Those who had seen her power were entranced.
The Saintess truly was a marvelous being! How could anyone not love her? To be near her was to be drawn to her.
As the Pope took his stand in front of the statue of Goddess Kartara and raised his arms, Helena stood behind him wearing her veil. Those who were still standing took their seats and the hum of conversation died down.
"Greetings to you all on this blessed Day of Prayer! It fills my heart with joy to see you all gathered here today so soon after the ugly incident that took place only a week ago. As worshippers of Goddess Kartara, we must not allow any demonic presence to lead us astray or dampen our spirits. We must always remain steadfast in our devotion and persevere through the evil which aims to harm and disharmonize. As such----"
"Oh!"
The Pope's words broke off as Helena suddenly cried out from behind him. She pointed up at the statue of the Goddess, which was shedding red tears once more.
A lot of red tears.
The Pope turned around and followed her gaze. He gritted his teeth. The bloody tears had halted an hour before the sermon and he thought that would be the end of it.
Several more cries of shock echoed.
"Your Holy Eminence! What is that?! Why is the Goddess crying red tears?!?"
Father Demetri smirked from where he was standing.
Go on. Show me which falsehoods you will spout this time, blasphemer.
Alex felt a sharp pain in his stomach when he saw the red tears. He only looked at the Goddess briefly before grabbing his abdomen and doubling over.