Theo strode with intent, taking the largest chair in the center of the balcony, his eyes fixed on the arena below. "Sit," his deep, commanding voice growled.
Celia and Sera, sensing his silent command, took their seats to either side of him. Butler Walton moved forward, his steps precise and respectful as he went to the curtains that hid the balcony's view.
With a wave and a whisper of enchantment, Walton's fingers pushed the drapes apart, and the huge arena was revealed before them. The hugh circular edifice was packed full of onlookers, their shouts and chatter merging into a deafening roar.
But Orion's eyes were instantly attracted to the center of the arena—a high object draped in luxurious red velvet. Something about it made his blood boil. The fury raged inside him, but he suppressed it, forcing himself to stay calm, his breathing steady and controlled.
Butler Walton's voice, magnified by a spell, echoed around the arena. "People of Valeria City! Our Viscount has arrived. Let us welcome him together!"
Together, the crowd stood up, their voices blending into a single thunderous cry. "Welcome, Lord Viscount and his family!"
Theo nodded curtly, his face as inscrutable as always. Celia and Sera, on the other hand, greeted the crowd with courteous smiles, their waves eliciting more rapturous applause.
Walton went on, his tone firm and ritual. "As you are all aware, today is the Blessing Ceremony annually. A holy tradition in which our young ones step forward to be given the Will of Eldora's Blessing."
A shout arose from the audience; excitement heavy in the air.
"Butler Walton speaks the truth!" he went on. "And as each year before, today's ceremony will be conducted by the revered Lady Selina.".
The gates of the arena creaked open, drawing the attention of the entire audience.
A woman stepped forth, and her loveliness and comeliness arrested every eye. Lady Selina was a picture of otherworldly beauty, with emerald-green locks flowing across her shoulders like a sparkling cataract. Her violet-hued eyes glittered with an inner softness, yet glinted also with a quiet sharpness betraying concealed potency. She drifted along in a flowing silver robe adorned with detailed floral embroidery, highlighting her spare yet voluptuous figure.
Smiling brightly, Lady Selina walked towards the middle of the arena and spread her arms. "Citizens of Valeria City, Lord Viscount, noble guests, thank you all for allowing me the privilege to oversee this holy ritual for a second time."
Her tone was silky and musical, flowing through the air like a soothing wind. The audience's cheer was thunderous.
"Now, young ones who would like to participate in today's ceremony, go to the arena. Your destiny awaits."
The anticipation was tangible. Groups of teenagers started converging on the arena grounds through the general gate, most between fifteen and sixteen years old, with a scattering of seventeen-year-olds. The attire of the participants was as diverse as it was possible—some wore shabby clothes testifying to their lowly origins, while others wore fine robes indicating their aristocratic birth.
It was apparent that even in this so-called holy ceremony, power and influence had their say. The richer children were further towards the front, and the poor were relegated to the back. But despite all its prejudice, the Blessing Ceremony was open to anyone to attend. Nobles or commoners, they would all have a chance to receive the Blessing of Eldora's Will.
Walton's eyes moved to Orion and Elara. "Young Master, Young Miss, you both must go to the arena."
"Yes, Butler Walton," Orion said with a bow of respect. Elara echoed his words, her eyes shining with excitement and determination.
"Good luck to you both, my dears," Celia spoke with a smile.
"Do your best, my children," Sera spoke, her voice soft yet encouraging.
Theo, though, just kept looking at the arena with his aloof eyes, saying nothing to encourage or even notice. But Orion had given up on the man a long time ago.
With one last look at his mother's, Orion shared a small smile with Elara, and the two of them walked towards the special entrance reserved for their family.
As they entered the enormous arena, the enormity of the building took their breath away. The seats made of stone towered high into the air, able to seat more than a thousand people at a time. The competitors kept streaming in, making it a chaotic picture of excitement and tension.
"Now then," Lady Selina's voice rang out across the arena. "If anyone wishes to join in, sit on the ground in a meditative pose. The ceremony is beginning."
Orion looked around. Nobles up front, the commoners in the rear—an arrangement determined by privilege and society.
And the Blessing Ceremony itself, which was meant to be fair.
Lady Selina went on, her voice crisp and measured. "Before we proceed, I will give a brief overview of the cultivation system of Eldora, which is broken down into seven levels. Each level is then broken down into nine sub-levels, or Stars."
"1. Novice.
2. Apprentice.
3. Adept.
4. Magister.
5. Arcanist.
6. Mystic.
7. Divine."
Orion heard attentively, already knowing the system but aware others did not have his head start.
"Today's winners who are given the Blessing will be given funds to develop up to Novice Level Four-Star through the largesse of our Lord Viscount."
The audience erupted into whispers of awe. Orion narrowed his eyes. Since when did the Viscount get that wealthy to give resources so freely? This is the Empress's handiwork, for keep making full hold on people of Eldora by demonstrating how she and her underling are generous. He knew.
Then, Lady Selina went to the draped object. With a graceful movement, she drew back the velvet drape, and it exposed a magnificent statue of a woman of incomparable beauty and grandeur.
The audience gasped, and Lady Selina's voice was heard throughout the arena.
"Before we start, let all of us dedicate our prayers to our great Empress, who watches over this ceremony with her divine eye."
As predicted, the whole arena knelt in homage, hands clasped in reverence. Even his stoic father – his entire family, knights, and guards closed their eyes in deep supplication.
Everyone—except Orion.
He gazed at the statue, his Blue eyes blazing with cold defiance.
"I will never bow to you, Shia. Never."
Unbeknownst that no one was paying attention to his own silent defiance, Orion braced himself.
The Blessing Ceremony was about to start.