BXBX NOVEL Chapter 323 Paladin Departs
She stopped in the middle of the temple ground and raised the ceremonial staff up in the air. The staff had a golden body with a crest on the top end. There was a deep blue gem at the core of the crest which sparkled when the sun rays reflected on it.
Standing in an astute and solemn manner, she looked up in the sky and lifted the staff up then her bright radiant voice reverberated in the air.
"Oh, you people with humble hearts…
Open your mouth and sing praises!
For the Great One is good to those who love and trust him…
But also blesses those who do not know His name.
Come! You people who seek to taste His goodness!
Tell the innocent how great He was, for His glory shall be known by every creature!"
Whoosh!!!
As soon as she finished uttering her call to praise, the cool wind blew which instantly gave a refreshing feeling to the people around.
Then little cluster clouds formed slowly, but the sky remained blue and the sun still shined bright. Slowly, tiny little droplets fell onto the temple grounds and gently fell on the patients that were affected by Carolina's curse magic.
The tiny drops became a light gentle drizzle, falling to the people like it was cleansing every one of their impurities. Even those who went to the temple to witness the scene felt that their minor sickness was immediately healed and that their moods were immediately enlightened.
If it was not amazing enough, everyone saw that the patients who were on the verge of losing their vitality instantly became healthier and better. Some of them now managed to get up from their beds and look up to the sky to express their gratitude and praise.
"Ahh! Long live the Paladin!"
"Thank heavens for the Paladin!"
"Thank you for saving us!"
But Eli replied with a humble and sincere tone, "This is the power of the Great One in heaven, who called and giveth me the mission to do this… I call upon you to thank Him instead!"
And so the people knelt and prayed to the heavens instead at Eli's reminder.
Seeing this happen, the High Priest could not help but let out a peaceful smile. Seeing many brothers and sisters turn to the Creator once again has made his heart feel relieved. For he was really worried that the people would stay far from the Creator because of the chaos that happened.
Now, the faith of the people was restored and the Empire is on its way to recovering. The peace of the Empire will slowly come back as hope arises with these small steps to getting back on track.
Soon the cleansing rain started to fade away and the skies finally cleared from the tiny clouds. The one that was only left in the air was Eli's priestly figure looking gently at the people with relief in her heart.
Then her eyes subtly darted in Leon's direction, to which the other felt. Without getting anyone's attention, Leon triggered a portal that was similar to the one he triggered during the war albeit a little bit smaller and without the appearance of the Spatial Spirit King.
The people gasped at the sight of the portal, for they were surprised that the Paladin was already departing from the Capital. Their expressions were of shock and sadness for they were not really prepared to see the Paladin depart.
Helpless as they were, they realized that the Paladin's role was not something that affords her to stay in one Empire for a longer period.
Before stepping into the portal, Eli bowed to the High Priest as a sign of respect and then to the people. Then everyone watched as she silently entered the portal, disappearing to who knows where.
On the ground, the High Priest and the rest of the key people who knew Eli's plan clenched their fists and prayed earnestly. They hoped that Eli's exit would give the Empire time to breathe and recover.
'Heavens… please show mercy on us and let the enemy be blind until we are able to get back at our feet…' This is the prayer that they uttered in their hearts.
On Eli's side, she was directly teleported into the cottage, which was still located in Silver Dew Forest.
"Whewwww… Finally done!" She took her mask and the priestly garment as she sighed in relief. After changing, her eyes darted at the plushie playground which was looking empty and bleak because it has not been used for a long time.
"My baby…" Eli entered the plushie playground and hugged the plushie which Little Han liked to drag around. It was a fluffy white dog plushie that was cute and adorable with its dark round eyes. "I miss you my Little Han…"
Now that the fight was already settled down, Eli's longing for Little Han became stronger.
How was he?
Is he doing fine?
Is he not crying because he realized that we were not around?
Is he eating well?
As she thought these things, she slowly turned sullen and fatigue also started to invade her body. Feeling her eyes become blurry and heavy she felt the warm tears rolling on her face as she called out Little Han's name longingly.
When Leon arrived shortly after, the sight of her crying like an aggrieved child, hugging his son's toys instantly broke his heart into pieces.
"Eli…" He walked towards her briskly, his arms moved to slowly wrap Eli's trembling body with his warmth.
He did not say any words to comfort her, for, in reality, he was also as sad as her for being a way for Little Han. He allowed Eli to cry in his embrace as she channeled the longing he had for their son.
Day and night they worked tirelessly almost to the point of complaining to the heavens, why were they the ones who were in this position.
He envied the families who had no idea of what was coming in the empire. They continued to live their lives in bliss, with their loved ones on their side. They had no power, no money, and no prestige, but they were one complete family in a home full of love and harmony.
But for them…
They had to sacrifice and work hard so that they could attain peace not only for themselves but for these innocents who were oblivious of the dangers roaming around.
After a while, Leon could feel that Eli was now starting to calm her emotions down. He brushed his hand on her damp cheeks and started to plant flurry kisses on her forehead, her eyelashes, and her lips.
"Eli… we're almost done… Do you like to visit the realm and get Little Han?" He asked her gently as his hands worked on her back, trying to completely soothe her emotions.
"I want to… but the trial still awaits…" Eli leaned on Leon's shoulder and her hands wrapped around Leon's body. She buried her face into Leon's neck, letting her nose smell the subtle scent of the baby powder on his body.
"We need not wait for the trial. I and the rest of the Imperial Family could already manage it. Also, we still have time to celebrate Little Han's birthday in two days." Leon rubbed the back of Eli's head and trailed her long silky black hair.
The two did not know that if someone were to come and see them right now, they would feel embarrassed about their display of intimacy. However, their minds were not filled with anything but the thought of their son, who has been away from them for a month.
"Yes… Little Han's birthday… I want to be there Leon… even if we are no longer able to prepare a good party for him… I just don't want him to be alone on his first birthday…" Eli replied, it dawned on her that Little Han's birthday was in two days.
"No, we will still celebrate even if there's only the three of us. I'll prepare for it… but first… you need rest." Leon replied as he immediately moved to carry the unguarded Eli in his arms and brought him towards their room.
"Leon… put me down… I can go on my own…" Eli's heart pounded hard because of Leon's sudden gesture. But Leon seemed not to hear her pleas but instead hastened his footsteps.
When they reached the room, Leon gently put her into bed. Bending down to kiss her forehead, Eli saw the trace of fatigue and battle on Leon's face.
'He was more tired than I was.' Eli thought as she observed Leon's appearance.
He was still as sinfully beautiful as he was before, but one cannot deny that man needs to take care of their health and rest.
She finally noticed that beneath the strong facade and the gallant clothes that Leon was wearing, his body was full of wounds and bandages from the battle that happened!
When these things sunk in Eli's mind she immediately got up from the bed and pulled Leon down with her. She initially just wanted to coax him to bed but the gesture was too fast and sudden.
Their position turned out to be so ambiguous and dangerous because Eli was now lying on top of Leon!