Sudden Sickness

As Father Demetri had speculated, the punishment had indeed already begun.

Not from the Goddess, but from the deceased Saintess.

It was mid morning and the church halls were crowded. Many noble families had already arrived and taken their seat on the pews. Today's service was met with both wariness and anticipation. They had gathered only a week ago to witness the execution of Felicia Viviane Del Montague. In this same cathedral. They were hoping to lift their spirits with a far happier sermon this time. Some of the attendees still felt a chill as they recalled the vicious curses the witch had flung at them.

All eyes were casting curious and sympathetic glances at the Del Montague family. Though they were free of their burden, the stain on their reputation would take generations to cleanse. If ever.

The Del Findel family, which included Marquis Liam approached them and asked them how they were faring. 

Grande Duke Roelle was cold and expressionless. He had already moved on and wished to eradicate everything about that girl from his mind. He had more important matters to focus on.

Saintess Helena kept up a morose attitude and wore black saying that she still mourned the loss of her sister and wished things could have been different. Tyren and Liam both admired her ever kind heart. So too did the priests who came to get her to lead the prayer.

The family seemed quite content and harmonious without Lady Felicia.

Or at least...they should have. But something was wrong.

The Duke's heir and only son Alexander looked very pale and unwell. He did not seem to hear what anyone was saying or even take in his surroundings. An expression of tension was on his face and his fists kept clenching and unclenching.

Alex had woken up feeling very weak and with a throbbing headache. Even after Helena had healed him with her holy magic, he only felt temporary relief. The pain was no longer just in his head, his entire body was aching.

Liam looked at his friend with concern. His little sister, the Lady Cordelia Del Findel, who had taken an interest in the Del Montague heir also looked at him with concern. Before they could voice out their concerns, Alex stood up and gave Liam a brotherly hug.

Then he placed a kiss on Cordelia's hand. She blushed.

"I am perfectly fine. Just a little exhausted. A lot of the stress from recent events has taken a toll on me. Also, I'm preparing to take over for my father in a year, so...."

Liam's parents sympathized with him. Their son too would have a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders in a few years. Thankfully, Liam was a prodigy and excelled at everything he was tasked to do. He was already ready to take over for the elder Marquis. The only problem now was finding him a wife. Marriage needed to take place before he took his father's place. They needed to ensure his wife would be able to harmonize with the family and uphold the position of Marquess.

Unfortunately, Liam was very picky and refused every woman his parents introduced to him. He refused to meet them saying he's much rather spend time horse riding. 

My mare is the most charming lady in the empire. She is all I need.

His mother suggested he marry his horse after growing frustrated over his stubbornness.

Liam noticed how Alex's body was very hot, even under the clothing. Strangely, his face was not flushed. Was it a fever or a weakness caused by stress? His symptoms were odd.

"Brother, let me heal you again." Helena placed her hand on his chest. "I will use more magic this time. It pains me to see you in pain."

Tyren smiled at her daughter. So too did the Duke. 

"You're such a good sister to him, Lady Helena. Alex is lucky to have you in his life," Cordelia chimed.

"Indeed, Saintess." One of the priest added. "You are a blessing to us all."

Helena blushed and beamed.

The Pope walked in and she quickly ran off after the light faded from her hand. Those who had seen her power were in awe. The Saintess truly was a marvelous being. How could anyone not love her? To be near her was to desire her?

As the Pope took his stand in front of the statue of Kartara and spread his arms, Helena stood behind him wearing a veil. Those who were still standing took their seats and the hum of conversation died down.

"Greetings to you all on this blessed Day of Prayer! It fills my heart with joy to see you all gathered here today for so soon after the ugly incident that took place only a week ago. As worshippers of Goddess Kartara, we must not allow any demonic presence to lead us astray or dampen our spirits. We must always remain steadfast in our devotion and persevere through the evil which aims to harm and disharmonize. As suc----"

"Oh!"

The Pope's words broke off as Helena suddenly cried out from behind him. She pointed up at the statue of Kartara, which was shedding red tears.

A lot of red tears.

The Pope turned around and followed her gaze. He gritted his teeth. The bloody tears had halted an hour before the sermon and he thought that would be the end of it.

Several more cries of shock echoed.

"Your Holy Eminence! What is that?! Why is the Goddess crying red tears?!?"

Father Demetri smirked from where he was standing. 

Go on. Show me which falsehoods you will spout this time, blasphemer. 

Alex felt a sharp pain in his stomach when he saw the red tears. He only looked at the Goddess briefly before grabbing his abdomen and doubling over.