Six months had passed since Noah had been assigned as Euphemia's knight, and in that time, the quiet rhythm of their lives had changed. The distant, guarded knight had grown attuned to her moods, her preferences, and even the subtle sparks of mischief that danced in her golden eyes. He knew the streets she longed to see, the foods that brought her delight, the small joys she treasured.
That morning, Euphemia crouched over a Cammilia flower, its delicate petals pale as moonlight. She brushed her fingers along it, almost reverently.
"Did you know," she said softly, "that this flower symbolizes love and devotion? It's said to be the favorite of the female Angel of Harmony, Raphael. I wonder if she approves of me keeping it here."
Noah's voice was calm, steady, almost amused. "Then it seems only fitting that you care for it."
Her golden eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked up at him. "And do you approve of me keeping you around, knight?"
"I endure," he said evenly, though the corner of his mouth twitched just slightly.
She laughed lightly and shook her head, the sound bright and musical. "One day, I shall teach you to laugh properly, Noah. It suits you far better than that permanent scowl."
Noah's gaze softened slightly, though he quickly masked it. These months had changed him in ways he hadn't anticipated. He no longer ignored her jokes or playful jabs; they had become threads that wove warmth into his otherwise disciplined life.
By mid-morning, they left the estate, heading toward the Church of Eena, where Euphemia's baptism would mark her as a blessed child of the Elohim of Love. The city was alive: merchants hawking wares, children darting through narrow streets, and sunlight glinting off tiled rooftops. Euphemia skipped along the cobblestones, eyes wide with delight.
"You must look like an ogre with that armor," she teased, glancing at him over her shoulder. "Do you really think anyone notices you beneath all that metal?"
"I am here to protect, not impress," Noah replied, though his lips betrayed the faintest twitch of humor.
As they passed a fountain, Euphemia paused to watch the water glitter in the sun, her laughter mingling with the gurgling spray. "It's funny," she said, "how the world seems so different when you actually walk through it, instead of just seeing it from a carriage window."
Noah watched her closely, noting every expression, every flicker of wonder. He realized that her happiness was something fragile, rare in her life, and he felt a quiet determination to guard it fiercely.
Finally, the Church of Eena rose before them, its white spires catching the sunlight and casting long, serene shadows across the square. Priests awaited them inside, their robes whispering against the marble floor as they prepared the ritual.
The moment the golden light of the ritual spread through the church, the priests froze, heads tilted upward. Even the bishop of Eena, a stern man whose life had been devoted to maintaining the sanctity of the church, felt his breath catch.
"This… this cannot be…" the bishop murmured, voice trembling slightly as he adjusted his robes. His eyes, usually sharp and unshakable, widened at the sight of the statue of Eena spreading its wings, luminous and majestic.
Noah, kneeling beside Euphemia, let his gaze sweep over the church. He had seen many wonders in this world, many tales whispered of divine power—but nothing struck him with the intensity of this. The letters floating in the air, shimmering in radiant gold, spelled out the recognition of Euphemia as the reincarnation of Raphael, the female Angel of Love and Devotion.
Euphemia's hands clutched his slightly, though her wide eyes were fixed on the miraculous scene. Her voice was barely a whisper, full of wonder: "Noah… she… it's really happening…"
The bishop stepped forward, staff in hand, and bowed his head reverently. "By the grace of the Elohim… the Angel of Love herself has appeared. The prophecy… it is true. Lady Euphemia, you are chosen." His voice, usually firm and commanding, wavered with awe.
The other priests, following his lead, fell to their knees, murmuring prayers of reverence. Candles flickered as though moved by an unseen breeze, and a warm glow enveloped the altar, bathing Euphemia in light that seemed almost alive.
Noah's hand remained steady around hers, though he could feel her trembling slightly. "You're extraordinary, Euphemia," he said quietly, his voice firm but low, a grounding presence amidst the celestial spectacle.
She looked at him, golden eyes shining with both awe and a hint of her usual playful spark. "It's… terrifying. And beautiful. All at once."
The bishop, still kneeling, whispered to one of the priests, "Never have I witnessed such a direct blessing from the Elohim. To mark a mortal as a reincarnation of Raphael… this is a once-in-a-millennium miracle."
Noah's gaze swept across the church again, noting the reverent faces of the clergy and the trembling hands of the attendants. It was clear: Euphemia's divine blessing would not only change her life but would send ripples across the empire and beyond.
As the light slowly faded, leaving Euphemia bathed in a soft, lingering glow, the bishop rose and approached her carefully, staff tapping lightly against the floor. "Rise, Lady Euphemia," he said, voice steady now, though still awed. "You are chosen by the Elohim. From this day forward, the eyes of Heaven watch over you. Remember that your path is no longer your own alone."
Euphemia rose, taking a steadying breath, her hand still lightly resting on Noah's. She smiled faintly, whispering, "I think… I'll need a guide for that."
Noah inclined his head, voice firm but gentle. "Then you have me, Lady Euphemia. Always."
The bishop nodded solemnly, and for a long moment, the church was silent except for the soft rustle of robes and the steady beat of two hearts, one mortal and one divinely chosen, standing side by side.