I Thought I Had Married A Poor Knight, But…!

The Crown Prince Ceremony (3)

I learned for the first time during the explanation of the ceremony that we usually only know the Almighty God and do not pray to any other gods, but in reality, there were many gods. Octavia prayed to spirits when using magic, but when using stronger magic, she borrowed the power of the gods.  In a broad sense, a ceremony is a type of magic, and the tedious rules were necessary to borrow the power of the gods.

By the way, only the Emperor can borrow power from the Almighty God, who we usually pray to, and making a contract with the Almighty God means becoming the Emperor. I wonder if about 90% of the people in the country don’t know that.

The ceremony for appointing the Crown Prince is held in the Grand Temple, just like the funeral. We moved from the imperial villa to the main building of the palace, then Cermiane and I rode in a carriage to the Grand Temple. Just like during the funeral, the carriage slowly passed through a column of knights holding magnificent armor for ceremonies and fluttering flags, which were dazzling bright blue, symbolizing the Imperial Family.

When we entered the Grand Temple, aristocrats of earl rank or higher were lined up in ceremonial dress to greet us. Only the heads of each family and their spouses were present, and my father and mother, who were technically a former Marquess and former Marchioness, were allowed to attend as my parents.

As we slowly walked into the Grand Shrine, over two hundred aristocratic couples bowed deeply and didn’t stand up until we reached the altar. I was so incredibly embarrassed, but there was no helping it.

Escorted by Ceramiane in formal attire, I advanced through the nobles. Ceramiane had a stern expression, but whenever he looked at me, he smiled faintly. I did the same. It’s strange, isn’t it? Even in such a tense situation, Ceramiane and I could still smile at each other.

Before the altar stood the High Priest, who sprinkled us with holy water and drew a holy seal in the air.

“Thou art the descendant of the noble bloodline that conforms to the will of the Almighty God,” the High Priest chanted loudly. At that moment, a gentle breeze swirled around Ceramiane and me. Ah, magic was at work. If I knew nothing about magic, I wouldn’t have sensed it.

“Thou art the one who inherits the great blood. Thou art the one who possesses the power of the blood that manifests the Almighty God’s power in this world. Thou art the one who prays to the heavens and the Almighty God, and brings prosperity to the Empire by receiving His power,”

After receiving the High Priest’s blessing, Ceramiane recites the prayer loudly..

“I am the one who inherited the great blood. O Almighty God who reigns in heaven, respond to my prayers, respond to my blood covenant, and lend me a portion of your power. I offer my prayers and my life. Please fulfill my wishes in accordance with the ancient covenant,”

I felt like Cermiane’s body was glowing softly, and something swayed and rose up like a heat haze. It was probably magic, just like the magic Octavia used to control spirits. By chanting prayers and releasing magic, Celliemane was probably connecting with the almighty god at the moment

Only the Emperor can wield the power of the Almighty god. In that sense, Cermiane should not be able to wield the power of the almighty god yet, but perhaps to become the Crown Prince, it requires a strong bloodline and magic to connect with the almighty god. Cermiane was sweating on his forehead. Keep going, Mia. I was unconsciously cheering for him.

Eventually, when Cermiane stopped releasing magic, a mysterious particles of light rained down from the sky, and the aristocrats in attendance cheered. The High Priest nodded and announced loudly, “The Covenant of the almighty god and the Great Bloodline has been revealed.”

Then, my older brother, Marquis Caliente, was the first to clap and shout, “Crown Prince Cermiane!”

Almost at the same time, Father and Mother shouted loudly.

“Long live Crown Prince Cermiane!”

“Long live the Crown Prince!”

Then, the upper-class nobles in attendance called out Celliemane’s name and cheered. Cheers and applause filled the Great Temple. Cermiane smiled widely, raised his right hand, and responded to the cheers. At this moment, Cermiane was recognized by the nobles as the Crown Prince.

Wow, amazing! My husband is amazing! I almost clapped my hands too, but I managed to restrain myself. According to Cermiane, he knew that he had enough magic, but I still think it’s amazing that he succeeded under such pressure.

After the ceremony in the Great Temple, we left and got back into the carriage, heading towards the Cathedral. The Cathedral was located at the center of the Emperor’s palace, on the highest point of the hill where the palace was located. Although it was within the palace, it was situated in a dense forest, and I almost felt like observing it from the perspective of a hunter, but I wouldn’t hunt in such a sacred place, even if I’m an avid hunter. It’s true.

The cathedral is a simple and rustic structure compared to the grand temple. It is old, with the altar at the entrance, followed by the burial area, and finally the innermost chamber. During the funeral of the former Crown Prince, we were allowed to enter the burial area, but this time we were only allowed in the altar room.

The Emperor and Empress were waiting in the altar room. Unlike during the funeral of the former Crown Prince, there were no attendants, ladies-in-waiting, or knights guarding us this time. The Emperor’s tone seemed relaxed, perhaps because there was no one else around. His expression was also happy.

“Good job. Cermiane, Ralphine.”

The Empress was also smiling. She seemed to be in a good mood, despite the solemn atmosphere of the grand cathedral. I wonder why? I heard that the ceremony here is just to receive the Crown Prince and Crown Princess crowns.

“Well, let’s get started. We have a busy schedule ahead of us.”

The Emperor urged us cheerfully. Two crowns were placed on the altar. Unlike the grand temple, there was no statue of the almighty god, and the altar was plain. Flowers and incense were offered.

We knelt down and recited the oath to the Emperor.

“To the representative of the Almighty God, the great sun of the empire, the shining glory, the ruler of the four corners of the earth, the protector of the sword and the scales, the beautiful Emperor, I, Selmiane, swear to dedicate all my strength as the Crown Prince to the Emperor and the empire.”

“I also swear to support my husband as the Crown Princess and dedicate all my strength to the Empire and the Emperor.”

The Emperor nodded gracefully, and first placed the crown of the Crown Prince on Cermiane’s head. Then he opened his eyes wide in surprise, looked around, and smiled a little sadly.