PROLOGUE
"Margot Everly, the revered Saintess of the Holy Continent, stands before her people with a confession of guilt for her crimes."
'Oh, thou noble Almighty, my hands are entwined as I doth kneel before thee in all humility.'
The temple's consecrated grounds teemed with a multitude of people. At its heart, twelve men garbed in white cloaks encircled a young lady, disheveled and bearing bruises. Scornful murmurs from the townspeople pervaded the air, creating an intense atmosphere around the site.
"Today, we bear witness to the downfall of this once-virtuous being..."
May thy benevolence enfold us, wretched sinners, and may thy cherished children find solace amid despair.
Huddled in her tattered garments, the young lady shut her eyes tightly, tilted her head upward, and quietly uttered words meant solely for her ears. Even in her lamentable state, her ethereal poise remained undiminished.
"...led astray by greed and desires."
Bestow upon us thy clemency and illuminate the path of righteousness.
Her skin's pallor contrasted with her long, silver-platinum hair that cascaded down her calves. And hidden beneath the cutaneous residue lies a beauty like no other. Her face possessed a celestial and angelic allure, outstripping the ordinary.
"Saintess… or should I say Belladonna Nemesis. I command you to be on your feet at once."
Among the twelve men, one stood out, adorned in opulence, and spoke directly to her.
I do beseech thee, my loving God, Unus, to grant us thy divine grace.'
The sardonic smile of the High Priest encroached upon my sight, blurring out the periphery.
"Lychnus de Cavan…"
The man I believed would never forsake me, Lychnus, was my most cherished companion and the High Priest of the Cassus Temple.
His lips contorted into a taunting grin.
"Oh my. A little bit insolent, are we?"
His profound, and bottomless voice rang in my ear.
I grieve for the shattered companionship we once shared, the trust we painstakingly forged, and the future that no longer includes my only friend…
I blame no one but myself. I fault myself for coveting something beyond my reach, the freedom I so longed for…
"Escort the perfidious Saintess to the guillotine!"
The townspeople held their breath as the executioner's herald spoke. Some awaited the saintess' demise with anticipation; some were disheartened by the accusation of betrayal; and a few held back tears, firmly believing in her innocence.
The saintess treaded with faltering steps, akin to a child's, as her strength was gradually leaving her body. The Holy Knights, who were tasked with her escort, struggled to find the right approach.
Margot Everly was a person of deep benevolence. She embraced her people with respect and utter tenderness. With unwavering dedication and sincerity, she selflessly served God and His people, earning the admiration and reverence of those who were showered by her kindness.
"Saintess…"
As the saintess walked past, a middle-aged woman tearfully spoke. Despite her poor condition, the saintess mustered up a smile that didn't reflect happiness, but rather convey, 'You need not fret over me.'
The woman's gaze held onto the saintess' smile, her tears flowed even more. The saintess truly is a good person.
"Lie down…"
One of the Holy Knights spoke, and I perceived the sorrow in the quiver of his voice.
"…on your chest."
As I stood before the knight, I instantly recognized the young lad. He is the child of the woman I had met earlier.
"All is well, child…"
I attempted to raise my hands to pat his head but my strength failed me.
Heeding his words, the saintess lowered herself onto her chest, which kept her tearful countenance hidden away from the spectators. Embracing her fate, tears streamed down her face, akin to a waterfall's, as she could only lament her plight on her own.
The din of the world blends into the distant hum, leaving my pounding heart to be the sole sound that persists. This becomes the final instance I will bask in the comfort of my own warmth.
The saintess shut her eyes close, cherishing the humane sound resonating within her being.
"Margot Everly, the unfaithful one, meets her end."
The life of the saintess, who formerly bears the name of Belladonna Nemesis, has come to an end.
****
"My dear child…"
You are my only purpose, my sole reason, and my little beacon of hope. My wish is to bid farewell to this world after bestowing upon you all the love the world can give. My darling child, you are the most radiant star that illuminates even the darkest, deepest pits of my soul.
"Hush now, my Morningstar…"
My precious little lamb, as you embrace time's cradle, you will emerge as a magnificent young lady. Your being will be hailed by countless souls, and hymns glorifying your name will be sung across distances.
"…and when the rain comes to visit, I will be your sturdy parasol…"
My tiny little savior, my love for you shall remain steadfast, until my dying day, until the rhythm of my heart stills, and until my hands can no longer clasp yours…
According to some beliefs, as one's life is nearing its end, recollections may resurface in the guise of a dream.
However, such vividness makes it difficult to dismiss this as a dream.
And is this memory truly a part of my past?