The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

"YOUR Highness, may I speak to you in private after this?" Ellis asked.

Astrid wasn't really that surprised when the other requested that. So, he didn't say anything. He just went ahead and sat down on the couch. Putting down the box of pastries beside the big bowl of popcorn.

Wulfric also understood why Aster's agent would want to talk to him, so he didn't ask much and just nodded.

Both of them then sat down on the couch as well.

Wulfric tried to sit beside Aster, but the agent lady beat him to it. If this was a normal circumstance, he might have complained. But since he's trying to show that he's a mature and rational. Complaining because he didn't get the spot he wanted was definitely the height of immaturity.

So, he calmly sat beside Reas. In which the other gave him a side glance. As if asking 'why are you sitting there?'. He ignored it, of course, and just looked at the screen.

ndαsvεl m

-----

The episode began with the main character, Caesar Warwick, facing another problem. At this point in the story, he had already built a small, dedicated group that would be supporting him on his perilous journey.

At episode five, Caesar had already met Oscar Ashelad, played by Yujin Wells. They were now at the stage where they were starting to build trust with each other. In this episode, their partnership would finally solidify.

The progression of their relationship was one of the main points of this episode. But the other main point was Luan Escanor being ordained as a Bishop. He would be the youngest priest to ever be ordained in the history of the Church of Jaya.

This was all because of his charity works, not to mention his unbending will to help others. He embodied all the teachings of the church. And everyone in the main church knew about that. So, even if some were jealous, they couldn't really say anything about it. Especially when one of the archbishops was backing him up.

Every ordination ceremony usually had a bit of grandness in them. But Luan requested just a simple ceremony. So, the only ones there were the other bishops involved in his ordination and some of the priests that had been close to him.

=====

As Luan approached the cathedral's grand entrance, he could hear the faint echoes of hymns and prayers from within. The sound filled him with a sense of both anticipation and humility. He took a deep breath and pushed open the heavy wooden doors.

Everyone inside looked in his direction, and some of them gasped at the absolute beauty they're seeing.

The consecrating bishops, dressed in their flowing robes, awaited him at the altar. Luan walked down the long aisle, his footsteps reverberating through the hallowed space. He felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but also the joy of fulfilling his divine calling.

Reaching the altar, Luan knelt before the primary consecrator, a venerable bishop known for his wisdom and piety. The co-consecrators stood alongside, their hands extended in prayerful support.

The primary consecrator began the ancient liturgy, his voice resonating through the cathedral's arches. He invoked the presence of god, asking for guidance and consecration for Luan's sacred journey.

As the prayers continued, Luan felt a profound sense of connection with god and the rich history of his faith. The bishops then laid their hands on his head, one by one, in a solemn gesture that signified the apostolic succession, passing on the authority of the church.

The fragrance of the incense intensified as the moment of anointment approached. A small silver vessel held the holy oil, a symbol of god's blessing and consecration. The primary consecrator dipped his thumb into the oil, then gently traced the sign of the cross on Luan's forehead.

Luan felt the cool touch of the oil, a tangible sign of the grace he was receiving. It was a moment of divine connection, as if god's love and guidance were flowing through that simple gesture.

=====

This scene looked so holy that it felt like they were watching an angel that was about to fly to heaven and meet god.

The stark contrast to this scene and to the next one was so big that one might think that the one involved was not the same person.

It was the scene after the ordination.

Luan decided to listen to confessions from the believers visiting the church. Many priests praised him for his dedication.

As the sun was about to set, the last confessor of the day walked inside the confessional.

=====

Luan looked through the screen. It was a woman covered from head to toe. She was even wearing a veil, as if she's afraid of being seen.

"Welcome, may the peace of the holy lord be with you," he said in a gentle tone. "How may I assist you today?"

"Father, forgive me, for I carry a heavy burden upon my soul," the woman said in a trembling voice.

Tears welled up in the woman's eyes. "It's my husband... he's- he's been hitting me and our children. The beating has gotten worse as the day passed by. I fear for our safety every day. I know that marriage is sacred, that we made a vow. But I couldn't- I really can't take it anymore. "

Luan was silent for a moment. "My child, marriage is indeed sacred, but life is even more so. If you truly felt that you and your children are in danger, then you should make the best decision for yourself and for your children."

"If we leave, he- he will definitely come after us. And... and... oh!" the woman burst out crying.

The veil she was wearing fell, revealing her face. It was swollen and discolored. Her eyes were reduced to mere slits, surrounded by shades of deep purples and angry reds. The left cheek, puffed and mottled with various shades of black and blue, seemed to bear the brunt of the assault. The nose, now misshapen and crooked, hinted at the force of a devastating blow.

A flash of darkness crossed in Luan's eyes, cold emanated from his whole body.