CHAPTER 64: THE TRIAL, THE NUN...

The next day began on a bright note. Dawn’s first rays filtered through the grand windows of House Valemont, golden light spilling across polished marble floors and velvet drapes. By the hour of nine, everything was in order, the household already alive with movement.

Lyold, surprised Xavier, as he turned out to be the ever-efficient butler as he moved briskly through the halls, issuing commands to the servants. His deep voice carried authority as he supervised the loading of offerings onto the carriages — sacks of confiscated grain, sealed crates of wine, and silken bags of coin meant for the Church of the Moon.

"Ensure everything is accounted for," Seraphina instructed him with her usual calm but sharp tone, standing near the entrance in her flowing silver dress, the faint embroidery of moon sigils glinting under the light. "While I am away, you’ll handle all matters of the estate. If anything occurs, delay it until I return. I expect nothing less than perfection."

Lyold bowed deeply, one hand across his chest. "As you command, Milady. Rest assured, the House of Valemont will not falter in your absence."

Her gaze lingered on him for a heartbeat, then she turned. Behind her, Xavier stood like a shadow, her constant guardian — tall, commanding, his dark attire only emphasizing the sharpness of his features. The servants whispered among themselves, not used to seeing their Lady accompanied so closely by a man so striking.

Today was no ordinary day. Today Albert, along with the other corrupt farmers, would face judgment in the sacred halls of the Moon.

By the courtyard, the procession was ready. At the front, a carriage laden with offerings. Behind it, another carrying the captured farmers, guarded heavily. Finally, Lady Seraphina’s personal carriage, marked with the Valemont crest, its interior lined with soft cushions and enchanted to glide as smoothly as air.

As the doors opened, Xavier followed Seraphina inside. Though guards flanked the other carriages, he alone rode at her side — her personal guard, closer than any other.

The envoy departed. The hooves of the magical horses barely made a sound on the stone roads, enchanted to muffle the clatter, their speed steady but unrelenting. Villagers stepped aside to watch as the carriages passed, some whispering of the spectacle, others bowing reverently when they caught sight of the silver sigil of Valemont.

Inside the carriage, the journey was quiet save for the soft hum of the enchantments. Seraphina sat composed, back straight, though her eyes softened when they flicked briefly toward Xavier. He, meanwhile, watched her as he always did — with the unyielding attention of a man who found more beauty in her than any scenery outside.

Hours passed, and the towering spires of the Church of the Moon soon appeared in the distance, gleaming pale white under the sun. Its architecture was elegant yet imposing, carved with moonlit motifs and runes of silver that shimmered faintly with divine blessing.

When they arrived at the gates, the bells of the church tolled three times. A group of nuns in flowing white robes emerged, leading a cadre of church servants who approached in unison to receive the Lady.

At the forefront, the head servant — a woman in her early thirties with neatly bound hair and a practiced smile — stepped forward. She bowed deeply, her voice clear and reverent as she spoke:

"Welcome, Lady Seraphina of House Valemont. The Church of the Moon is honored to receive both you and your noble envoy. The Goddess smiles upon your diligence, for through your hands corruption is revealed and justice brought to light."

Seraphina inclined her head slightly, her voice smooth and steady. "It is my sworn duty to the Emperor, the Empress, and to the Goddess herself. I only walk the path expected of House Valemont."

The head servant straightened, her smile widening. "House Valemont remains a shining example to all nobles — steadfast, incorruptible, and devoted to the Goddess. Your name echoes proudly in these halls, Milady."

Her eyes flicked briefly to Xavier, and for the first time her composure faltered ever so slightly. With a hint of warmth, she added, "And I must say... your guard is truly as striking as he is vigilant. Handsome, even by noble standards."

Xavier raised a brow faintly, lips curving into a small, amused smile. Seraphina’s gaze slid toward him, sharp for a moment — though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her hidden reaction.

The massive doors of the Church of the Moon creaked open, and the air changed instantly. From outside, the morning was bright and warm, but within the church, it was cool, solemn, and touched by an aura that seemed not of this world.

The interior was vast, the ceiling soaring high above, painted with scenes of the Moon Goddess descending upon the world. Silver chandeliers hung in rows, their light not from candles but from enchanted crystals that glowed with soft lunar radiance. The marble floors reflected the pale glow like a pool of moonlight, and every pillar was inscribed with runes that pulsed faintly as if alive.

As Seraphina and her envoy entered, a chorus of nuns began to chant. Their voices were soft yet chillingly harmonious, echoing through the chamber like a sacred hymn. The sound pressed gently against the hearts of all who heard it — a reminder that this was no court of mortals, but a hall where the Goddess’s eyes were believed to watch directly.

The corrupted farmers, still bound and subdued, were led forward by guards. Their steps faltered as they reached the center of the church, where a great circular sigil of silver was carved into the marble floor. When they stepped onto it, the runes flickered, as if weighing their presence. Some tried to avert their gaze from the towering statue of the Moon Goddess at the far end of the hall — a figure of flawless stone, serene yet unyielding, her hands outstretched as though judging all who stood before her.

Seraphina herself advanced with steady grace, Xavier at her side. Her presence, radiant in her silver dress, seemed to match the glow of the church itself. Servants of the church lined the aisles, bowing as she passed.

The head servant who had greeted her earlier stepped forward once more, speaking formally so all could hear.

"Today, by decree of the Emperor and Empress, and under the holy witness of the Moon Goddess, the sins of corruption shall be weighed. Those brought forth by Lady Seraphina of House Valemont shall be judged in this sacred place, their fates sealed by divine law."

The words echoed through the church, the nuns’ chanting pausing only to resume again, this time deeper, more solemn. The guards pushed the trembling farmers to their knees upon the silver sigil, their eyes wide with fear.

One of them — Albert — dared to lift his head toward Seraphina. His face was pale, his lips trembling. He opened his mouth as if to speak, perhaps to plead one last time, but under the weight of the Goddess’s statue and Seraphina’s cold gaze, his voice caught in his throat.

The head servant gestured toward the altar, where incense burned in tall silver stands, sending pale smoke curling toward the vaulted ceiling. "Lady Seraphina, please step forward. The offerings from your house will be received, and the trial of the accused shall begin."

Xavier leaned slightly closer to her as they walked, his voice just low enough for only her to hear. "They’re already broken," he murmured. "The Goddess hasn’t even spoken, and they look ready to collapse."

Seraphina’s lips curved faintly, though her eyes never left the altar. "Fear makes men crumble faster than any blade."

With that, she ascended the silver steps, the soft glow of moonlight falling over her like a blessing as the great trial of judgment prepared to begin.

The grand hall grew silent.

Every servant, guard, farmer, and noble present rose to their feet in commemoration as the head nun of the Church of the Moon made her entrance.

She was breathtaking — white hair cascading down her shoulders like strands of silk, her skin fair as porcelain, her lips full, and her eyes gleaming with serene authority. Her nun’s garb was spotless white, embroidered with silver moons along the hem. Yet, for all its sanctity, it did little to conceal her curves — her busty, milky breasts strained tightly against the fitted fabric of her robes as though yearning to spill free.

Even Xavier, disciplined as he was, felt his throat tighten. For a fleeting moment, he imagined what it would be like to have such a woman beneath him, her body arching, those heavy breasts bouncing with each deep thrust. The thought burned hot before he forced it down, jaw tightening.

But then—

The head nun paused mid-step. A faint pulse of divine energy rolled across the chamber, her aura flickering like a ripple of moonlight. Her brows knit faintly as her gaze snapped toward a single direction.

Xavier.

’This...?’ Her pupils narrowed, a sharp frown touching her lips. ’How can one man possess such an intense concentration of moon energy?’