Meanwhile, after Eris left for Gracia…
She had just arrived at the Holy Nation, and upon landing, was immediately greeted by a wall of hostility from the Holy Knights.
"Who are you?! Speak!" one barked.
"State your purpose!" another demanded.
"Now!" the third snapped.
'Is this how they greet people? How tiring…' Eris thought as she rolled her eyes. She raised her hands in surrender and replied in a calm but clearly exhausted tone:
"Pardon my intrusion, but I've been sent here to assist the Holy Priestess. Here's my permit."
She handed them a letter — which she had, of course, just created with her power (not that anyone needed to know). One of the knights inspected it, glanced at the others as if waiting for confirmation, then asked:
"Which family are you from?"
Another security check? No… I can see that greedy look in their eyes. I honestly don't understand why Gelena adores them.
"I don't have a family name. Is that a problem?" she asked, feigning innocence though she knew exactly what they were after.
"Yes. A very big one," he sneered, tearing the letter in half.
'Disgusting creatures! I could send them to oblivion if I wished.' Eris kept her expression neutral.
"That was the original!! Why would you do that?!" she cried, pretending to panic.
"But sweetie," he said, smirking, "if you don't have a family name, you're just a commoner. And commoners can't enter the temple unless they pay the fee, right?" He turned to the others, who all laughed and nodded in agreement.
'Ugh, now I have the urge to burn the world again.'
"Really? How much?" she asked, pretending to be shocked.
"Like… 10,000 zents."
"10,000 zents?! I don't have that kind of money! Isn't there another way to pay? Please?" Eris begged, eyes wide and innocent.
The knights turned red and started stammering like drunken idiots.
'So predictable. But that's what makes it so amusing.' She snapped her fingers — and they turned to dust. A look of pure ecstasy crossed her face.
"Lady Eris!" a voice called out. She turned to see a young woman rushing toward her, holding up her dress.
"You took your sweet time, Lexie."
"Forgive me, Lady Eris," Lexie panted as she arrived.
Lexie Kirsi had long, fuchsia-colored fringe hair and calming chartreuse eyes filled with concern. She stood at 168 cm tall, wearing a long white mermaid-tail gown, gold accessories, and a pair of white gloves.
She paused, noticing the dust on the ground.
"Lady Eris… don't tell me—"
"Don't even say it. I'm already pissed off enough," Eris warned coldly.
"Please, I beg you… restore them to their original forms. I ask this on behalf of your faithful servant." Lexie knelt.
Eris looked down at her, unmoving, unblinking. Then she sighed and turned toward the cathedral.
"They'll be back by dusk."
"Thank you," Lexie said, rising to her feet.
"Come. Let's get moving," Eris said, using her power to lift Lexie, then opened a portal and stepped through.
The portal led to a grand gate, masterfully crafted and adorned with jewels and precious stones. Seven ancient symbols were carved in a circle: fire, tree, clock, eclipse, scroll, elements, and music notes. Lexie whispered a silent prayer. The massive gate creaked open, allowing them entry. Once inside, it closed firmly behind them.
"Let's get this over with. I'm already annoyed," Eris muttered, sitting cross-legged in midair.
"Very well," Lexie replied with a bow, moving toward the enormous statues of the Djinns. Each statue had a floral wreath at its feet:
A black rose for Eris
A peony for Gelena
A queen of the night for Evrin
A sunflower and dark tulip for Kurapika
An iris for Monica
A foxglove for ASTA
A lily of the valley for Aria
Lexie knelt before Kurapika's statue and began her prayer:
"Oh Lord Kurapika, I beseech thee to hear thy servant's voice. Grant me the honor of seeing thy magnificent face."
"Pfft. I thought it would've gotten better over the years, but it's gotten worse," Eris mocked, causing Lexie to giggle.
Suddenly, a bright light shone from the top of the statue. Kurapika descended gracefully from it—elegant and composed—
"Will you hurry up and get down here?!" Eris shouted, interrupting the moment.
"You won't even let me enjoy my entrance," Kurapika muttered.
"What?!"