As Kai approached them, Hiro, Sakura, and Elysia were taken aback. The sight of him in noble attire was indeed a sight to behold. However, Sakura was the first to voice the question that hung in the air. “Umm, Kai… what’s with your hair?” she asked.
To their surprise, Kai’s hair was as it had been back in his village - long bangs and a mess of curls. They were surprised at how suddenly his hair had grown. Kai, noticing their confusion, took out his notebook and wrote, “I am sorry for this. But I am scared of meeting new people due to my past. So, I pulled my bangs forward to hide my face.”
As they read his words, they recalled the village chief telling them that Kai had been bullied due to his inability to walk or talk. Understanding dawned in their eyes, and they both hugged him. “It’s fine, Kai, don’t worry about us,” Hiro reassured him. Sakura added, “We will accept you for however you are.” As they hugged him, Kai managed an awkward smile, guilt flickering in his eyes.
A few minutes earlier, Kai had been inside his room. “Eva, can you do me a favor?” he had asked. “Of course, sir. What shall I do?” Eva gave a quick reply. Kai laid back on his wheelchair, a smile in his face, “Make me a wig, same as my hair but with long bangs, messed up.”
“Right away, sir,” Eva had responded.
After two minutes, Kai was looking at himself in the mirror, wearing the wig. “Good. I don’t want unwanted attention,” he had thought to himself as he wheeled himself out of his room.
Back in the present, Kai wrote another note, “Thank you for accepting me, but I think we should get going now.” Both Hiro and Sakura smiled at each other before going towards the carriage. Sakura helped him wheel himself to the carriage, where he sat by Elysia. As they all were ready, they headed to the church, the journey ahead filled with anticipation and uncertainty.
After a journey of about 45 minutes, they reached the church. The church stands tall and majestic, its stone facade weathered by time but still retaining its grandeur. The building is in the shape of a cross. The entrance is a large wooden door, intricately carved with biblical scenes. Above the door, a beautiful stained-glass window depicts a serene image of the Virgin Mary, the colors dancing and shimmering in the sunlight. As they entered, a priest welcomed them, “Greeting, Your Grace, The Archduke and The Archduchess.”
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Hiro and Sakura greeted him back, “Hello Alec.” Sakura added up, “How have you been?” The priest slowly raised his head, “I am doing well, thanks to the protection of our divine gods.” As he raised, he saw Elysia behind Sakura, who greeted him along with Kai in his wheelchair. Alec wondered about Kai for a moment then asked, “Are you here to check your daughter’s unique skill?” To this, Hiro came forward, “Yes, we are. But not only our daughter, our son as well.” Alec was shocked, “Son? You mean your lost child?” Sakura nodded, looking towards Kai. Alec than looked towards Kai. A smile formed, with a face of disbelief, “Such a miracle. But it’s good to see you finally found him.” Hiro smiled, “I still haven’t made it public, but I shall do that on the banquet we shall hold.” Alec nodded, while showing his hand forward, “This way, your grace.”
As they entered inside, the church is just as impressive. The nave, or main body of the church, is lined with wooden pews polished to a shine. The high vaulted ceiling is supported by stone pillars, their surfaces adorned with carvings and frescoes. Along with it, there were statues of 5 divine beings. Kai looking at the statues recognized them, “God of Magic: Arcanus starting from the left, God of Knowledge: Sapius after him, Goddess of Earth: Terraia in middle, Goddess of Love: Amara by her right and Goddess of War: Bellatrix after her at the end.” He continued to observe, when Alec brought the high priest with him. “I shall take my leave now.”, Alec said so and went out.
The high priest came forward, “Welcome your Grace.” He then noticed both Kai and Elysia. “I heard everything from Alec.” He smiled, “Please come forward.” He said so while looking at Elysia and Kai. Hiro and Sakura nodded to them, as they went forward. The high priest then revealed a crystal tablet, which he gave to Elysia first. “Looks like placing our hand over it will show our abilities.” Kai thought so to himself, while Elysia placed her hand over it. As she did, the statue of one of the Goddesses started to glow. “The Goddess of War…”, Kai thought when the high priest gasped. Both Hiro and Sakura, together with Kai looked at him, as they saw the letters in the tablet.