Leonard's body, which continued to increase in rank, was a rare and valued thing. Such valuable items cannot be hidden for long, and despite Beatrice only returning recently, Leonard could guess that she had her ways.
Absolute submission—something only those with power have over people. Such power filled Leonard with immense desire.
The two went to the dining hall together and had a meal; after that, they went to bed but didn't engage in any extra activities. The reason the two had not officially married was due to Caesar's age of seventeen, while Melissa was nineteen. Caesar was to turn eighteen this year and officially marry Melissa, but currently, they were not officially married, and sexual intercourse between them would have been considered immoral. Although both of them didn't truly care about this, both were simply too shy to make the first move.
***
The next day, both Leonard and Melissa rode in a carriage.
Melissa was wearing an elegant black dress which had the symbol of the Servant Class on the back; she also wore black gloves. She was holding a cup of tea, which she brought to her mouth to take a sip. Opposite her, Leonard was seated. He was wearing a black suit with black gloves featuring the symbol of the Servant Class. His long blonde hair was combed neatly, reaching all the way to his waist.
'I should cut it,' Leonard thought while glancing at his hair. For some reason, he had always enjoyed having long hair; Caesar also shared such a taste.
"Are you considering cutting your hair?" Seeing Leonard glance at his locks, Melissa asked.
"No, I'll just tie it up." Despite its length, Leonard decided against cutting it.
Leonard grabbed a teacup and took a sip. The aroma of a sweet lemon tea assaulted his nose, helping him clear his throat.
"Say, Mel, what do you think the top of the moon is like?" Leonard asked, turning his gaze toward Melissa.
Melissa was slightly stunned by the question but soon found a reply. "I've never really thought of that. There are some legends that claim a Witch might be on the moon."
"You should really get more reliable sources," Leonard said, rolling his eyes as if mocking her.
"Huh... like you're one to talk about sources. You wouldn't even know which side the sun rises from if not for me."
What Leonard found shocking was how Melissa's expression remained perfectly normal. 'Some might even think you're a doll,' Leonard thought, though he didn't say it out loud.
"Why do you ask about the moon?" Melissa asked, curiosity finally showing on her face.
Leonard looked at her, then out the window. There, he saw carriages move and people carrying on with their lives; the scene was quite peaceful. In the slums, despite there being no such luxury, there was an occasional peace once a common subject of hate was found.
Both places had people living their lives to the best of their abilities. However, the peace they shared was only built on the premise that the Witches wouldn't attack again. After all, humanity once had thirty continents but was reduced to the pitiful number of seven. This showed how powerless humans were against Witches. Even now, humans desperately fought to reclaim their continents, but they hadn't made progress in a long time. The most important thing about this was that the Witches hadn't even interfered with the humans; it was as if they couldn't care less about their futile attempts.
"I ask because I find the moon to be a throne," Leonard replied, still looking out the carriage window.
"A throne?" Melissa asked, wondering what he meant.
"Yes, a throne. To me, the top of the moon is a throne where the King would look down on his subjects, not bothering with their affairs," Leonard replied, his gaze holding a strange light. "Melissa, I would like to sit on such a throne."
As Leonard said this, his golden eyes reflected the world he saw. To him, everything he saw was something he desired.
"Such greed will get you killed," Melissa said, her brown eyes fixed on him.
'I already died once. This time, I'd rather die chasing my greed.'
Leonard didn't reply to Melissa's comment. He closed his eyes for a second, seeing only darkness, then opened them, hoping to see light.
'I wonder why you keep following me.'
Close to Melissa was a burning body; however, this body didn't affect the carriage or Melissa.
"Are you happy?"
"Caesar, why don't you and Melissa join us?"
Like a whisper on the wind, the words vanished along with the figure.
Clop, clop, clop.
Leonard heard the sound of the carriage stopping.
"My Lord, my Lady, we've arrived at the church," Silas said.
Both Leonard and Melissa stepped out of the carriage. Outside was a crowd of people heading into a massive church: The Cathedral.Both Leonard and Melissa were about to attend services in the very same cathedral where the Pope preached—the father of Ariana.
The two walked side by side until they entered. Glances were cast their way. Leonard looked like an elegant youth, his long blonde hair and golden eyes giving him a unique, striking aura. Melissa was like an untouchable statue; she carried herself gracefully with an unreadable face.
Upon entering the cathedral, most seats were already taken, though the service had yet to start. Leonard and Melissa walked to a specific section reserved just for them. Leonard offered his hand to Melissa to help her into her seat, to which she agreed. Soon, they were seated.
On the stage, an old man wearing a white robe with green stripes walked toward the center. He walked slowly, but no one was offended; his black eyes seemed to provide a unique light, filling one with hope for the future.
'The Pope.'