The view the kids from the Orphanage had was one of the better views of the parade. The streets were full to the brim with people everywhere other than the brick roads where the parade would happen. Except for The Church, or members of particularly wealthy families who donated generously to The Church, you were not allowed to reserve a spot to see the parade.

On the way to their spot, Kazius spotted people wearing shabby clothing and rags. Common people, or ‘Peasants’ as High Priest Jordan liked to call them. They stood so far towards the back to the point that Kazius wasn’t sure those people would even be able to see anything. Then again, they did not have the luxury he did.

By being in the Orphanage, the kids had the privileges associated with being affiliated with The Church. So, they were right at the front in one of the main streets.

Once in their spot, where High Priest Jordan waited. Kazius could see other sorts of people. Even Elves and Dwarves. It amazed Kazius, he had never seen any before.

The children’s outings were rare and few between and even under normal circumstances seeing the two races was nearly impossible. Most of them did not live in Ratier, except for rare circumstances.

The Kingdoms of Zelphar and Thimdur were allies with Ratier. Each country was founded by one of the 3 Great Heroes that stood up against the greedy Demons who wanted to enslave the world. They succeeded, despite the betrayal of Monster kind. Because The Oracle willed it. Which was why even though Zelphar and Thimdur had their own beliefs, they greatly respected The Oracle. Or so Kazius had been taught in his lessons from The Church.

That respect, their relationship with Ratier, and the rarity of a Royal having a Coming-of-Age Ceremony meant their presence was far from unexpected despite their scarcity.

Still, it was strange seeing them. They looked so much like Humans, but also were different. The pointed ears of the Elves and elegance… The shortness and proportions of the Dwarves… It was something Kazius found very interesting.

It made him wonder about many things.

‘What did the 4 Monster Traitors look like? They were supposed to be Heroes once, just like the 3 Great Heroes, but ended up switching to the side of The Demons. Were it not for their betrayal, would they also have people here, sent to watch the parade today? What do Monsters in general even look like?’

Of course, Kazius would never voice such questions in words. Asking things like that would likely be one of the Greatest sins he could commit. Something that would result in more than just being sent to Priestess Rosette.

Kazius would attempt to shoo such thoughts away as High Priest Jordan would speak up.

“Pay attention, children. The parade is starting.” High Priest Jordan stated. It was clear that not paying attention to the parade would get you in trouble.

The parade started with a group of Priests leading the way on foot. The one in the front holding a crystal ball on a cushion. It was meant to represent The Oracle God who took the form of an orb. Of course, the one in the parade was not the real one.

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The Priest was followed by a slow-moving open carriage with solid gold ornaments and lining. On the carriage sat two Priestesses at either side of a woman wearing incredibly elegant garb, practically dripping with gems and jewelry. The two Priestesses were singing in the background while the woman in the center sang a song about how incredible The Pope was.

This greatly confused Kazius.

‘Shouldn’t they be praising The Oracle and not The Pope?’

Kazius did his best to not show his confusion on his face. After all, yet again it seemed like he was the only one that had a problem with it, since everyone else seemed to cheer and clap.

Of course, Kazius understood, the Importance of The Pope. Were it not for The First Pope, the betrayal of the Monster Heroes would have never been anticipated and the traitors would have succeeded. Every Pope was said to be a descendant of the very first one. Of course, Kazius had never seen the Pope himself in person. He never left The Cathedral.

As the parade went on, the more it praised The Pope to the point Kazius could really not justify the strangeness of it. Not one song about The Oracle? Really? What about The Princess that this whole parade was supposed to be for? Did she get a song? Or at least one about Ratier, who she was a descendant of? There was definitely not a lack of famous songs about him.

The parade had Priests in high positions pass by and not far behind them was usually a singer or two dressed from top to bottom in gold and gems throwing praises at The Pope and The Church.

‘You would think The Pope was making his first appearance or something with how much they’re sing about him…’

The parade went on and on to the point Kazius was starting to wish he was anywhere but here. Then finally, all the way in the back of the long line was a carriage. It was an elegant wooden open carriage, but there was not a drop of gold or gems on it.

There, in the carriage sat a girl that looked to be Kazius’ age. Her pink hair was incredibly long and arranged elegantly around her face. Her violet eyes seemed to shine quite beautifully. Both features were truly worthy of being the trademark features of those of the Royal family shared without exception.

Her dress was a plain white and all her jewelry was silver. It was simple yet elegant, but also awkward. Like she was uncomfortable in such clothes. She sat in the carriage, smiling and waving to the people as she went by. Despite her smile, Kazius felt she was not happy. Her smile reminded him a lot of his own when he just played along with the things he did not agree with. When he felt alone…

But then again…

Why would someone in her position feel that way?

This whole parade was for her. Maybe it was just his imagination.

Then again…

Rather than feel like this event was praising her… It almost felt like a complicated and veiled public humiliation… After all, her carriage was last and only praises to The Pope were uttered. Almost as if The Princess and The Royal family were not important. Purposefully placed last. Perhaps Kazius was over thinking things, but such anticks were ones he was sadly familiar with. They were not rare in The Orphanage…

Such a thing left Kazius feeling quite conflicted. The Church was good and protected Truth… Their power and wealth were earned… Because it was all with pure intentions for the sake of The Oracle… Kazius whole heartedly believed that. He owed a lot to them due to their kindness… But it would be a lie if Kazius said this realization was not something that deeply troubled him.

Soon the music was out of ear range… And The Princess was out of sight. She would have to make her way through the main street and likely receive her Oracle… A vision of her future… But as someone from The Royal Family… And the only child of The King… There only was one future for her… To be Queen.

“Come, Children.” Priestess Merilyn stated.

“Time to go, move it.” High Priest Jordan stated with a small smile on his face.

It was something surprising. Kazius didn’t even know he was even capable of smiling… Had he enjoyed the parade that much? Something about his smile worried Kazius.

He felt very uneasy.