The woman who emerged out of the colorful feather was a breathtaking beauty. She appeared to be in her late twenties to early thirties and donned in an attire fit for a queen. She had spring green eyes and black wavy hair that was partly tied up. And, even though the aura around her was remarkably calm, Izroth could sense a dense source of power contained within it.
"It is because you are the one teaching the manners that I cannot rest easy," Ierosni responded.
Her lips curved into an elegant smile as she walked forward.
Frous immediately moved to the side, not daring to block Ierosni's path.
"Frous, go and inform the others in the Sanctuary that our guests will be arriving momentarily," Ierosni said as she halted her steps right before Ilioreas while sending a meaningful gaze in Frous' direction.
"By your will," Frous responded respectfully as he raised his hand to his chest.
Then, in the blink of an eye, a ray of light encompassed Frous, causing him to disappear. It was as if he were swept away by the light.
After Frous took his leave, Ierosni set her sights back to Ilioreas.
If someone were to show up and see those two standing there face to face, they would think that a confrontation was about spiral into play. However, that was far from the case.
"This little one receives the Son of Light and the Progenitor of the Sun," Ierosni said politely as she pressed the palm of her hands together a few centimeters away from her face.
She slightly tilted her head forward and her hands back, allowing the tip of her fingers to meet with the center of her forward.
"Aye, it has been a long time since I have been called by those names. There is no need for such formalities, little girl. Or, could it be that you no longer see me in a favorable way?" Ilioreas commented.
Ierosni lowered her hands and lifted her head as she replied, "How can that be? You have left the Sunstone Cave to come to our aid in a time of need. If I do not do at least this much, I am afraid I can not bear the shame in the future. But, seeing as how you insist, how can I refuse your request?"
"It is pleasant to see you again, uncle," Ierosni said with a warmful smile.
Ilioreas gave a small nod of satisfaction and commented, "This greeting is more suitable."
After exchanging greetings with Ilioreas, Ierosni turned her focus to Izroth.
"Judging by your appearance, you must be the one called Izroth. But, pardon me if I have erred—the one I know as Izroth should be a mortal who carries a Breath of Gaea. The Breath of Gaea is bound to you; however, the Ethos flowing through you is unattainable for mortals. You are certainly descended from the Protogenos." Ierosni stated as she sized up Izroth.
Izroth could not help but inwardly shake his head. Of course, he was not descended from the Protogenos of this Secret Realm. And, it was true that he possessed no Ethos when he first met Astratis. But, that changed the moment Astratis circulated some of his Ethos through Izroth.
After detecting the new energy source in his body, the system rewarded him Ethos for being the first to "discover it".
'Right now is still not a good time to reveal that I am from the Mortal Realm. Astratis may be an exception from what I've seen so far, but… There is no telling how the other celestials will react to an outsider. I can't risk putting Sychia in potential danger in a place where there seems to be no escape.'
"I am indeed Izroth. I have some special circumstances that I am unable to reveal at this time. However, I am sure my actions speak for themselves." Izroth said without mincing his words.
"Do not be mistaken. It is not that I am doubting you, I just wanted to make sure I am thanking the correct person." Ierosni said as she took Izroth's hand and held it up between her palms.
Izroth sensed no hostility or ill intentions from Ierosni; therefore, he did not try to stop her.
"Izroth, you are the reason my husband has come back to me safely. On my name, Ierosni, bearer of the title, Daughter of the Eternal Vow, you have my gratitude." Ierosni said sincerely.
〈System Alert: You have received the skill «Blessing of Ierosni»!〉
Izroth was surprised when he acquired a skill. Even more so when he discovered that it was a blessing-type skill!
Izroth knew that without a doubt, even if Ierosni was powerful, it was impossible that she had stepped into the divine realm, which was a requirement to grant blessings to others.
The only time Izroth obtained a blessing through the means of someone below the divine realm was from the Seer Tererestiaa. However, Tererestiaa was a devoted follower of the All-Seeing Goddess and often acted as an extension of her will. Therefore, she may have given Izroth the blessing, but, in the end, the power of the blessing originated from the All-Seeing Goddess herself.
However, Ierosni's blessing was different. She was the original source!
Though when Izroth read over the skill, he obtained a better understanding.
Skill Name: Blessing of Ierosni
Skill Level: MAXED
Skill Rank: A
Passive: Women of all races will find you more appealing, You are not easily charmed by women, +1 Luck
Special Note: A pseudo-blessing bestowed by the Daughter of the Eternal Vow, Ieorsni. This blessing contains no traces of divinity.
For one, the skill itself held no divinity, which meant the blessing was not hiddenly linked to someone in the Divine Realm.
The one point of luck was also an unexpected yet pleasant surprise. That being said…
'So these types of passive effects also exist? Is there even a need for them?'
Izroth did not know whether to laugh or cry as he inwardly shook his head. Was this system trying to turn him into a philanderer?
As for not being easily charmed, how could someone like Izroth-
〈System Alert: The passive skill «Blessing of Ierosni» has activated.〉
〈System Alert: You have resisted Guardian of the Ambrosia Tree, Thanasia's «Deadly Adoration».〉
'…I suppose this kind of skill has its uses.'
Earlier, when Izroth and Astratis first confronted Thanasia, she used Deadly Aodration on Izroth. However, Izroth partially resisted most of the effects. Though it seemed that there were still some lingering effects left behind.
Izroth did not know whether or not Ierosni detected this and intentionally took action. Either way, it appeared this passive was not simply for creating philanderers.
"Your husband has also helped me a great deal," Izroth replied in a carefree manner.
Ierosni released Izroth's hand and shook her head.
"No, your actions hold a higher significance than you realize. If not for you, Izroth, we would have been forced to take action and ruin countless years of planning in the process. But, thanks to your efforts, we did not have to reveal ourselves before the right time." Ierosni stated.
The next moment, Ierosni turned around and began to walk off.
"Follow me. You arrived just in time. The gathering at the Sanctuary is about to commence." Ierosni said without halting her steps.
Izroth glanced over at Sychia, who could not fully hide the displeasure in her eyes.
Though Izroth did not blame the Thousand Blossom Maiden. Being completely ignored and treated as if your existence was irrelevant—it would be strange if someone did not feel any sort of discomfort.
Regardless of Ierosni giving Sychia the cold shoulder, she did not go out of her way to insult or chase her away.
In the end, Sychia was Ilioreas' guest; therefore, even if she thought nothing of the Thousand Blossom Maiden, she would not do anything distasteful and risk offending the one behind her.
"Do not let it bother you, young lady. This kind of outlook—I am afraid it is commonplace among those from a different time. Time is forever changing and often works to change people. It is just that it may take a little longer for some than it does for others." Ilioreas noted.
He then continued, "But, you can be at ease. As long as I am here, they will not dare go too far."
After he spoke, Ilioreas followed after Ierosni, accompanied by Izroth and Sychia.
…
A few minutes later…
"Outrageous! We must strike with haste! If we delay any further, it will only complicate things!"
"Battle hungry fool! Is the only thing on your mind war?! We should avoid bloodshed as much as possible!"
"Then, what? Should we all hold hands and just get along? Do not be naive! Do you think it's possible to get along with them?!"
As Izroth entered a spacious hall along with Ierosni, Ilioreas, and Sychia, the first thing that welcomed him was a fierce discussion was taking place within.
