The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 45.1

Under the leadership of the high priest, all the nobles went to their places. Judith, her husband and brother headed towards the column. The open air baptistery is divided into two parts: internal and external. And divided by a pattern on the floor.

An altar was always installed inside, above which a cross and a candlestick were erected. Outside there are dozens of pillars and comfortable chairs. In this place, the nobles could wait for the ceremony itself, as well as their turn. Sitting in her own chair, Judith watched the Emperor’s consecration. The high priest took out clear holy water, which he applied to the man’s forehead, chin and both earlobes. After that, he raised his hands above the Emperor’s head and began to mutter something.

And at that moment, energy like the sun gushed out from his palms. Although Derrick said that staying in the temple was absolutely safe for him, the Duchess was still not completely calm. After all, if she still has a bad influence on demons, then Judith could handle it on her own today. But the only thing that calmed me down was that if it had a negative impact on Derrick, it would also have a negative impact on Hannibal.

Despite Judith’s desperate wishes, the Emperor’s ceremony ended peacefully. The beam of bright light that leaked from the palms of the high priest was completely absorbed by him.

“I sincerely hope that God’s grace will continue to be with His Majesty the Emperor until the end of his days, as well as illuminating the entire Empire.”

The ground rang with a dull thud, after which the choir sang the anthem. Through the temple fence, commoners watched the ceremony and shouted every now and then:

– Long live His Majesty!

The atmosphere of what was happening was so warm and homely, as if nothing could go wrong.

The Emperor’s hair fluttered in the wind, and he looked around at everyone around him, breathing evenly and measuredly. And now he could choose the next person to bless. This is something like a special privilege, in which the Emperor showed complete trust and recognition.

And it was no secret that this person had always been Derrick. Today, as usual, everyone was waiting for the obvious choice.

– Now is it my turn to choose?

With his red cloak draped over his shoulders, he looked like a true Emperor.

— Duchess Weisil.

All eyes instantly turned to the girl, who immediately blushed from so much attention.

A shiver ran down her spine and a cold sweat broke out when Judith also felt Derrick’s gaze on her. She couldn’t seem to look him in the eye.

“The Emperor is interested in you.”

Judith had a lot of thoughts running through her head in an instant. She even thought about refusing such an honor, but she understood that she was not endowed with such power, because the Emperor and his words are omnipotent. No matter how high the position, Killard will always be head and shoulders above. Now the Duchess could only obey and surrender.

The body practically did not move, as if it was petrified. Squeezing the hem of her dress, Judith was about to get up, but suddenly something warm covered her hand. It was Derrick, who didn’t say anything, but the Duchess understood everything in his eyes:

– If you don’t like it, don’t go

Judith really wanted to do just that, but she couldn’t. This is not an easy request from a friend that can be turned away. This is the Emperor’s order. And even if the Duchess does not understand what is happening, she must obey. Holding the demon’s hand tightly, Judith smiled and stood up from her chair, then walked up the stairs to the ceremony site. The whispers of the nobles behind him became louder with every step.

The inner baptistery turned out to be more intimidating than the Duchess could have imagined. Judith grabbed the hem of her white dress again and felt something very strange, remembering the wedding. Again the high priest, this white dress and the forest in the distance. Quickly pushing away these ridiculous thoughts, the girl approached the Emperor.