Chapter 7: Shadow Over the Banquet

Chapter 7: Shadow Over the BanquetLathel saw the System notification appear before his eyes, and inwardly, he smiled with deep satisfaction. But it didn’t stop there—two more notifications immediately popped up. ???? [Ding! Congratulations, you have received the Newbie Gift Pack.] ???? [Ding! Because the woman you married is the Main Heroine and plays an important role in the main character’s development, you have been awarded a Special Gift Pack. Would you like to open your gifts now?] Lathel smiled inwardly and replied, "No need for now." That’s right—he had already received the rewards, so there was no need to rush. At this moment, all he wanted was to enjoy this happy time. Although he married Selvia because she was the main heroine and he wanted to use her to activate the system, for a girl who loved him so much, he would treat her well. Suddenly, another notification popped up before his eyes. ???? [Ding! Selvia has been added to your Harem list. Selvia’s exp point contribution will begin at 00:00 tomorrow. You can check her information in the ’Eden Garden’ tab.] Seeing the notice, Lathel closed it, paying no more attention to the System. He leaned in, gazing at her beautiful face and her signature blue hair. Her eyes were misty, her lips vibrant and inviting. Lathel slowly bent down and kissed her lips, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her tightly into his embrace. Selvia was a little surprised, but didn’t resist—in fact, her heart felt even happier. She closed her eyes, savoring the touch of their lips, the warmth from Lathel. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might leap from her chest. She reached out, hugging Lathel tightly, as if never wanting to let him go. Catherine watched the scene with a deeply satisfied smile. She raised the sword in her hand, her magic-infused voice echoing throughout nearly the entire Kingdom of Terith. "From this day forth, I declare Prince Lathel and Selvia husband and wife, forever bound and never to be parted." BAM! BAM! BAM! As Catherine’s proclamation ended, magical fireworks shot into the sky, forming breathtaking and fantastical shapes. People all over the kingdom celebrated and offered their blessings, wishing the couple everlasting happiness. After all, Prince Lathel was known by everyone as a gentle and warm-hearted prince, often helping the poor—so he was loved by all. That’s why not just nobles but even the common folk cared deeply about their wedding. After a while, their lips parted, and Lathel saw Selvia’s cheeks flushed red, tears streaming down her face. Lathel wiped her tears away with his fingers and smiled, "Selvia, I love you." Selvia pressed her lips together, happiness overflowing in her heart, unable to hold back her tears. Hearing Lathel’s words, Selvia nodded and replied, "Lathel, I love you too—I’ll love you forever." Lathel smiled, taking Selvia’s hand. "Come on, let’s not keep our guests waiting." "Uhm!" Selvia nodded obediently. What followed was the wedding banquet, and naturally, the crowd was even larger—these guests were all high-ranking nobles or powerful officials in the royal government. Lathel and Selvia moved through the crowd together, offering wine to everyone according to noble custom. Though she was exhausted, Selvia was still bursting with energy, smiling so radiantly it seemed she could smile all day long. "Congratulations, Lathel." Suddenly, a clear voice rang out, tinged with a faint irritation. Selvia and Lathel turned to see a young woman approaching, and for a moment, both were surprised. No, only Selvia was truly surprised. The girl was very beautiful, her hair a golden blonde, her face a blend of indifference and gentleness—but the emotions in her eyes were something else entirely, filled with disdain and anger. She held a glass of wine, raising it toward Lathel. Her words were somewhat sulky, but also laced with contempt. "I never thought that after chasing me for so long, you’d end up marrying someone else." The girl turned to Selvia, smiling as she said, "Selvia, you’re very beautiful—but also very pitiful." "To be my shadow must be painful for you. But... it’s just as well. You’d better keep a close eye on him and don’t let him bother me again." Lathel’s expression showed little emotion as he listened. He knew this girl—no, to say he "knew" her wasn’t quite right. In the past, before Lathel took over this body, the "old Lathel" had been nothing but her dog. He’d been infatuated with her beauty, devoted everything to her, but all she did was treat him like a dog, using him as she pleased. He’d never even held her hand, but like a fool, the "old Lathel" continued to act as her loyal dog, lavishing her with endless resources. That’s right—she was none other than the Saintess of the local branch of the Church in the Terith Empire, Viviane. As soon as Lathel’s eyes fell on her, a System information panel popped up before him. ... Name: Viviane Solenne Role: Supporting Female Age: 27 Beauty Score: 87 Talent: Radiance Veil (Rank B+) Detailed Description: Viviane is the Saintess of The Radian – Church of Elandriel, branch in the Kingdom of Terith. Outwardly, she appears pure, gentle, and angelic—always preaching the compassion and love of the church. However, beneath the surface, she is ambitious and power-hungry, always scheming to climb higher in the church’s hierarchy, willing to use any means necessary. Relationship with Lucien: When Lucien returns to the Kingdom of Terith, having undergone hardship, acquired new talents, and harbors deep hatred for House Vortan, Viviane quickly recognizes his extraordinary potential and power. She schemes to draw Lucien in and use him as a tool to strengthen her own position within the church. However, her scheme fails: Lucien neither accepts nor loves her, using her only as a temporary stepping stone. Though she is beautiful and possesses the Radiance Veil talent (useful for Lucien in concealment, charm, and healing), she is never able to become the heroine of his story. Ending: After her failure, Viviane is forgotten, returning to being an ordinary Saintess—locked away in the church, with no place in the center of power. She still exists, but like a forgotten flower, bearing a heart heavy with unfulfilled ambition and hopeless love. ... Lathel glanced at her information panel, inwardly sneering: ’A forgotten flower, destined only to wither—a fate even more pitiful than the "old Lathel."’ Of course, Viviane had no idea what Lathel was thinking. Seeing that he didn’t speak, she assumed he didn’t dare respond. "You’re wrong!" Selvia suddenly spoke up. She pressed her lips together, looking anxious but still doing her best to stay calm: "I... I truly love Lathel, and he loves me. That’s why we... we’re married." "I don’t care about what Lathel did in the past. All I care about is... he... he loves me, and he’s my husband. That’s enough." "I... I won’t allow anyone to insult him." Lathel was a bit surprised; he hadn’t expected such a shy and gentle girl like Selvia to show this kind of strength. Although her words were shaky and stammering, it was clear she was determined to protect Lathel and the love she’d dreamed of for so long. He noticed her hands clutching her dress so tightly that her knuckles had turned white from worry and anger, and it brought a satisfied smile to his face. "You..." Viviane frowned, a trace of killing intent in her eyes. She snorted contemptuously and said, "Huh! You’re just his substitute for me and you don’t even know it?" At that moment, Lathel also spoke up: "Saintess Viviane, it seems the Church never taught you how to behave like a proper Saintess." "Why would you speak such negative words about me in front of my wife, especially on the most important day of our lives?" As he spoke, Lathel gently squeezed Selvia’s hand, as if to reassure her. Selvia’s small hand was held tightly and warmly in Lathel’s, filling her with a deep sense of safety, and she couldn’t help but smile softly. Lathel continued, "Saintess, if you continue this disrespectful behavior, I’ll have to ask you to leave." "You..." Saintess Viviane gritted her teeth, her eyes tinged red, as if a fire was about to ignite in their depths. "Very well... Lathel..." Viviane took a deep breath, then spoke, her voice full of barely suppressed rage: "Who was it that used to chase after me, give me gifts, and swear he only loved me?" "Seems you’re no different from other men—all talk, no substance." Lathel didn’t get angry. He simply smiled and said, "That’s right. You’re noble, you’re beautiful, you were always out of my reach, so I gave up." "Lathel!" Viviane shouted furiously. "Since we’re here, I’d like to take this opportunity to announce some news to everyone," Lathel immediately said, raising his voice and cutting Viviane off. Everyone turned their attention to Lathel at his words. Lathel smiled and said, "We are currently facing a drought; in the South, the farmers have lost their crops, and livestock are dying from disease." "To the East, along the coast, fishermen are suffering from terrible storms." "That’s why I’ve decided to suspend all subsidies to the church indefinitely, and instead redirect those resources to aid the people of our Kingdom."