NOVEL WEB Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Cristiano wiped his blade clean as the last goblin fell. His army cheered and their victory echoed through the battleground. Still, his sharp eyes were fixed ahead and his thoughts were uneasy as the army began their journey back to the Palace.
Then, the sky changed.
It started with butterflies. Countless silver and black wings filled the air.
Rainbows stretched across the heavens.
And a soft drizzle began to fall as if the world were weeping beauty.
"What is this?" a knight whispered, staring in awe and confusion.
Cristiano didn't answer. His gut churned with unease as he recognized the direction this strange phenomenon was coming from. Without hesitation, he broke into a run while his soldiers followed after him in confusion.
Back at the palace, Queen Charlotte stood beside the king on the balcony while gazing at the surreal sight. "What is happening, my king?" she asked, her voice trembling in confusion and fear. "It's beautiful... but it feels so wrong."
The king's face was grave with tensions as well. "This is no coincidence," he said firmly. Turning to his knight, he commanded, "Summon the high priest now!"
While the capital watched in stunned silence at the otherworldly sight while one figure moved with purpose.
Seraphina, the Grand Princess, ran barefoot towards a particular place.
"Grand Princess, where are you going?" a maid cried, trying to keep up.
Seraphina looked back briefly. "Stay back. Don't follow me and make sure no one else does!"
Ignoring the maid's calls, she headed straight for the royal graveyard.
When she arrived, her breath caught in her chest. The silver rose garden which was usually alive with magic had now changed. The roses were now pure white and their glow was gone. The black marble monument of Emperor Cristiano Lockwood had turned gleaming white. And there, at the centre of it all, lay Portia.
Portia was sprawled unconscious atop the grave while her silver hair spilled over the stone. Blue stood beside her, barking loudly and circling her protectively.
"Portia!" Seraphina gasped, dropping to her knees. She checked for a pulse and sighed in relief when she found one.
Seraphina knelt by Portia, holding her unconscious body. She turned to Blue who was growling aggressively and spoke gently, "I'm going to protect her. If anyone finds her here, her life will be ruined. Let's work together to save her."
Blue paused, his growls softening into whimpers. After a moment, he stepped back and began guiding Seraphina and also watching for any danger as she carefully carried Portia out of the graveyard.
Just as Seraphina disappeared with Portia, Cristiano, the king, the queen, and other members of the royal family arrived. They froze in shock at the sight before them. The once-magical silver rose garden had turned into an ordinary patch of white roses. The dark sombre graveyard had changed as its eerie black tones were now transformed into pristine white marble.
"Your Majesty, the priest has arrived," a guard announced.
The priest who was the only one with a calm and composed demeanor stepped forward and greeted the king and queen with a respectful bow.
The king wasted no time and asked. "Your Eminence, what is happening here? What does this mean?"
The priest studied the transformed graveyard before turning back to the king with a serene smile. "Emperor Cristiano is freed."
The king's face reflected disbelief. "Freed? You mean he accepted Heaven?"
The priest shook his head, his smile deepening. "No, Your Majesty. He chose reincarnation."
The royal family gasped. The younger members looked puzzled while the older generation stood silent as their faces were heavy with unspoken knowledge.