4.5

All those attending the award ceremony were duly rewarded and now formed a long line in front of the emperor on the red carpet, kneeling one behind the other, as if they had reached the end of the road as soon as they entered, hand on their chest and waiting for the words of your emperor. Such a sight was magnificent, all the war chiefs were in such a position just for one person, as well as the nobles were preparing for the end of the ceremony and paying their respects after the Emperor's last words for now, to anyone who saw it.

The emperor was standing in front of the throne, with the statues of the Gods behind him, with everyone's eyes on him, while his face remained serious and unaltered, dignified just as he entered and remained the entire ceremony. A true head of state, majestic and admirable. The medals on his coat rattled as he took his first steps and began his speech.

"The award ceremony draws to a close and honor is given to the heroes of our empire. Today is the day your achievements become recognized by all, in the eyes of the people and the Gods. May Trian shine and guide you into your future." With his words, all exclaimed 'Glory to the empire. Glory to the Gods.' in unison.

The emperor, seeing this, nodded and dismissed everyone with a raise of his hand, taking a few steps back and turning as he entered, being followed by the main heads of the temple and the royalty. He didn't even look back and wouldn't attend the after party, he still had things to do and details to do for the evening's feast and the aftereffects of the war. Furthermore, his presence only hinders the nobles and their guests from interacting with the awardees and each other, creating a tension that neither he nor the others like.

The audience soon got up from their seats and headed towards the large door of the main hall, going straight to the next room where the post-ceremony party would take place. The guests of the nobles were the first to discuss among themselves to create connections, talking about the most diverse subjects, from those who had just been awarded, to the great statues of the Gods in the temple and all its decoration, with the current affairs of the empire and academic creations. The mages among them were the most in demand, some to dig and others just to have the contact.

The Miller family was not much different from them. They were in the party room and the earl and countess soon left to socialize with old friends and acquaintances once they reached the room, leaving James to Brandon to look after. The engaged couple and Irvin naturally also spread out with the same purposes. The only ones left in a corner were the two of them, just because James didn't like and wasn't used to these parties, the tie around his neck was irritating and consuming his patience, and Brandon wasn't much of a fan of smiling and interacting with all these nobles. and distinguished guests.

It was different when he was at the manor and had to receive and converse with those who visit the estate, but in this case he is not obliged and does not do much of his duties. If someone comes to talk, he will talk in the same way, but he will not take the initiative. And the good thing about staying with James is that he has someone who is like-minded.

"This annoying tie." James huffed, a little crossly, after once again touching the tie around his neck. "Brother, can't I take this off anyway? Even for a second."

"If you want to face the lady." Brandon smiled at him, knowing he wouldn't dare. Just as he thought, he saw the boy get frustrated and laughed a little. "Why don't we take advantage of our being here and get something to eat? There's food and drink on the table nearby." Suggested to him.

James turned his head and saw the table Brandon said and agreed with the other's suggestion. She was stuffed full of desserts for the occasion that could be said and had a few favorite treats that he made a point of eating every chance he got. So it didn't take long for him to have a few of them on his plate and eat with all the gusto he could muster.

"This is delicious." He commented, licking his lips. "Try the chocolate sauce cupcake, you won't regret it." He pointed to the round dessert, with cream on top and a square chocolate chip cookie on top.

The decoration was beautiful and delicate, bringing almost a regret for wanting to take a bite and eat it as much as it looks delicious. Brandon brought it to his mouth and took a bite, experiencing the luscious flavors dancing on his tongue.

"This is really good." He took another bite. Brandon has a sweet tooth and he has to say this is one of the best he's ever had.

Suddenly, he turns his head and looks in one direction, not seeing anyone, just people talking to each other, but nothing that would lead him to feel something watching him. James noticed his awkwardness and looked at him with strange eyes and a slightly furrowed brow.

"What it was?" Asked.

"Anything." He shook his head, biting some more. James ignored it and grabbed a candy.

"Could you pass me one? Sounds good." Someone spoke beside him as he approached and it was someone they both knew. James' eyes twinkled and Brandon smiled at the one who came to talk to them. "Please."

"Brother!" James smiled at the man in the same ceremony outfit, not noticing the chocolate stain at the corner of his mouth.

"It is clear." Brandon replied, picking up another muffin and handing it over. "It's a recommendation from James, he has great taste."

Ferion laughed at his brother and stroked his hair, messing it up, took the scone and ate it. He also liked it a little, although he is not a big fan of sweets. His brother really had good taste, he should have taken after their mother, as he never saw his father eating candy on his own initiative, without being given it by his mother.

"It is good." He spoke, cheering his brother up.

"Well, congratulations on the award." Brandon said, smiling friendly at him. James quickly walked away when he heard Brandon's congratulations.

"True! Brother congratulations, you looked amazing there." He exclaimed to his brother. It was true, he thought it looked great, from the look to the ride.

"Thank you both. This means a lot to me." He replied with a little pride in himself.

"And how do you feel after being rewarded by the emperor, brother?" The young man asked curiously. "Did you have a cold stomach at the time?"

"I admit I was. But I'm fine now." He told the younger brother. "Did you see the mother and father? I didn't see them coming in."

"You and the lady said they saw some acquaintances and went to talk. We don't know where they went."

"What about Phillip? Didn't he come with Johannes?"

"They also left. I think for him to introduce her to the other nobles."

"Right." He nodded. It's a good thing his brother's bride is getting used to upper-class life, as such events happen almost every month and Phillip is doing the bare minimum as a groom. "Are you all right here? Do you want something? I can ask one of the priests for a room to stay in if you don't want to get involved in the party."

"Brother, there's no problem. Nobody's going to come and bother us. And we're not leaving the table." James spoke, the brown of his eyes conveying confidence.

"And I'll be taking care of James. Don't worry." Brandon said.

Both had an idea that he would be busy due to the party and having participated in the awards as one of the outstanding captains. Even though he wasn't as famous as the first three who entered, someone who was a captain recognized by the emperor himself was something that brought him to prominence and increased his status and influence, as well as his fame throughout the court. So, I didn't want to bother you, plus socialization is important in your environment.

Ferion looked at their faces and nodded. "All good." He said, before turning around and leaving.

With Ferion gone, Brandon took one last look and turned again in a direction he was sure he felt something watching him. But he was weak and, again, he didn't see anything else in the scene, as if it was just an impression of him. And whatever it was was watching them talk to Ferion. That may have been the reason, after all the Miller heir drew a lot of attention. It wouldn't be unusual if it was some girl who was eyeing the knight in an enamored way, as even Brandon admits he's handsome and the outfit Ferion came in that day is enhancing his good looks.

'Ferion is really getting so much attention. I remember seeing some girls sighing when he walked in.'

The more he thought about it, the more it seemed logical. The sensation he felt must have been some girl looking at the newly awarded captain in a discreet and shy way that he caught by chance. If it's really the way he thinks it is, engagement proposals for the earl and countess to see will arrive every day.

"The brother really is too much." James said and saw Brandon let out a low chuckle. "What is he laughing at?"

"Nothing, just…" he drew out the finale, bending down to James. "I imagined Ferion's face when she saw the marriage letters in the pile in her office."

James guessed and laughed too. "It sure will be funny."

The composite image of the two was of Ferion's office, with him sitting in his padded green chair, looking at the pile of letters from every family or lady proposing marriage with a black face and drooping eyes. The tiredness in his eyes and the usually serious expression, except when he was with his family, devastated by the discomfort of having to see this again. Surely, in their view, it will be a bit comical, as it is not his usual.

Both Brandon and James knew they weren't going to be accepted by the earl and countess if it wasn't Ferion's wish, so he would have to decide whether to accept or not.

And they laughed again as they looked at each other, with Brandon handing a piece of cake to the young man with purple hair.

*

The black eyes were watching the scene of the redhead's dazzling smile and the emerald eyes shining in that white and pretty face towards the purple haired and brown eyed child analytically and coldly, studying the one that piqued his curiosity with the mark that continued a bit warm every moment I stood looking.

He was concentrated, focused, trying to understand or grasp something that his investigation or his mind left out that would explain why the Mark of Celestia, a symbol given by a God to his chosen one, can get hot every time he sees it. His search yielded nothing, no matter how hard he looked. The investigation determined that he was a normal person and his senses didn't feel anything special about him and he definitely didn't have anything special.

'That doesn't take away from being a candidate.'

A candidate is called one who can be chosen by a God to become a Celestia and is not much different from an ordinary person. They are usually people with great physiques, exceptional talents, a personality very compatible with the God, without marks and divine power, but being able to exert other forces, until they are chosen. They catch the divine's attention in some way that makes them special, so it's not possible to distinguish them entirely.

His theory has reached this point, as if he's been concentrating on what might be most likely, but even that can't explain why his mark looks the way it does and it's bothering him, as if something has some effect on him that he can't. control or have some control, besides not knowing what it is exactly, just an idea that it's something with him. It was a bad feeling to have something out of his reach and with little knowledge for someone of his position and who takes into account the order and control of his living environment. For someone like him, from his status as a noble and captain to lifestyle, this is indeed disturbing.

However, it infers that the redhead, even though he may be a candidate, is not doing it willingly, that is, it is unconsciously. If he had been aware of its effect on him, he would have looked at him a few times during the time of the celebration, but even then, it was as if he didn't exist. With the exception of when he made it obvious that he was looking at him, he never gave him another look at any point.

This, for some reason, leaves him a little disconcerted as the brand continues its effect. And, of course, he did not go unnoticed in the eyes of a certain prince who has been friends with him since childhood.

Prince Aiden walked away from a marquis who was talking to him politely and approached Cédric, a smile on his face showing all his teeth. Noir saw him but ignored him, taking a sip of his drink, a champagne, to distract him.

"Why is my friend like this today?"

Aiden asked, standing next to him, looking at so many nobles. He didn't dislike the sight, but he didn't love it. For him, they, for the most part, only seek benefits to line their pockets and ignore their responsibilities, with only a few exceptions.

"You didn't regret turning down the proposal, did you?"

"No." Cedric spoke firmly.

"So what's up? I don't see you getting upset about having to participate now." Aiden watched him closely.

Beneath the indifferent facade that screens all of Cédric, he sensed discomfort from afar, but what would it be? It's really something if it can make your childhood friend affected in any way. Usually, he doesn't let anything show.

Cédric ignored him and continued his observation of the redhead. He only saw him interact with James, keeping his distance from those who struck up a conversation with either of them. And Aiden followed his vision, until he broke away with Brandon beside James eating another piece of cake.

"I don't remember him among the nobles. Is he a guest?" His gaze drifts to James. "The boy is James Miller. The one next to him is one of his guests. It looks like they both have a good relationship."

Cédric averted his attention for the first time since Aiden walked up and glared. The coldness on his face was expressed to his friend who looked at him curiously. He obviously knew why he was getting into the subject of his investigation so naturally, and Aiden was not at all embarrassed that the other knew his intentions.

"Why are you looking at him?"

"You're welcome." Cédric said, hesitating a bit before continuing. "Do you feel anything when you look at him?"

"Feel what?" Aiden didn't understand the purpose of the question. This confused him and took him a little by surprise.

"Does your brand act differently? It stings and it hurts."

"No."

Cédric analyzed him and concluded that he did not, in fact, lie. Did that mean it was just him?

"Why? Does this happen to you?"

The Grand Duke does not answer, but this is not necessary for the prince, as it is a silent affirmation for him. The blonde puts his hand on his chin, as if he was thinking about something and looked at the indifferent Noir, in an attempt to catch any more details. If this really affected Cédric's brand, then that's reason enough for him to be like this.

"So that's why you're looking at him."

Cédric says nothing again and Aiden lets out a sigh. His friend didn't share things and even knowing that this is part of his personality, it irritated him a little. Good thing he at least asked him, which meant he trusted him enough to get information and advice in a covert way.

"I don't know what's going on with you. But I suggest asking some priest. They are obsessed with all things divine and know about Celestial facts more than we do." Aiden put his hand on the other's shoulder and slapped twice. "If you'll excuse me, I will continue my work."

Cédric watched him walk away with a smile on his face and all the sociable aura a crown prince should have. He didn't understand how he managed to talk to the court so much even though he didn't like to act like that. Aiden's acting was really the best.

The prince who acts but hates acting, ironic he finds.

With his eyes on his drink, his attention fell once more on Brandon, thinking that going to ask a priest was the last option, but it looked like he'd have to go anyway.