Read Novel Full Chapter 578: Temple of the Sun God
Chapter 578: Temple of the Sun God
Two days later...
"A ceremony to worship the Sun God, huh? Nolan, I didn’t think I’d be able to come too," Evalyn said with a giggle.
Nolan let out a small chuckle. "That’s good. When you go home, you’ll have a story to share with your father."
Although Evalyn was the heir to the Lionheart family, she still lacked knowledge and experience.
That was why he chose to take her to the Eastern Continent instead of asking Seira to come.
At least this would give her a valuable experience she could remember for the rest of her life.
"You’re right." Evalyn smiled. "Then I’ll go to my room first to get dressed. You should go too."
Nolan agreed, and the two of them returned to their respective rooms to get dressed.
Since the ritual was extremely important and sacred, they had to wear special attire.
Coincidentally, the maids and makeup artists were already waiting in their rooms.
An hour later...
Nolan stepped out of his room looking completely different. He was wearing a white men’s kimono with a fiery red motif on the back.
His black hair was combed back, enhancing his mature charm.
A small, fire-shaped tattoo rested beneath his eyes, almost invisible. It would disappear once the ceremony was over.
He sighed helplessly and whispered, ’I didn’t expect it would take an hour just to put this on.’
For someone who lived as lazily as he did, an hour was precious. That time could have been spent napping.
Instead, it was wasted on dressing up. Even so, since it was a special day, he had no complaints.
"Hahaha! You look so handsome, my dear grandson!"
"You’re right. He really is very handsome."
A man’s and a woman’s voices sounded from ahead. Nolan looked up and saw his grandfather and grandmother.
He cupped his hands and bowed slightly. "Greetings, Grandfather and Grandmother."
The two stopped in front of him, smiling warmly.
Ryuuten patted his shoulder. "Stand up straight. Today, you are the main character."
The offering ritual was a special ceremony held twice a year.
Since Nolan happened to be in the Eastern Empire of Izanagi, he would be the center of attention for this ritual.
He straightened his back and gave a slight nod. "I understand."
Just then, the sound of footsteps came from behind him.
"Nolan, do I look pretty?"
Evalyn’s shy voice caught him off guard. When he turned around, he saw her dressed in a white kimono that matched his.
However, the back of her kimono was blue, as if symbolizing water.
Her silver hair, usually tied in a ponytail, was now styled in a loose bun.
A red, flame-shaped hairpin was pinned at the back of her head.
Evalyn normally carried a tomboyish air and exuded heroism, but now she looked elegant and charming.
Nolan couldn’t hide the surprise and admiration in his eyes.
"You’re beautiful, Evalyn," he praised sincerely.
She felt both embarrassed and happy. Then she noticed the two people standing beside him.
Her eyes widened, and she quickly lowered her head toward Ryuuten and Ayamori.
"G-Good morning, Your Majesty the Emperor and Your Majesty the Empress," she said nervously. "I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were here."
Her fingers clenched tightly as embarrassment washed over her.
If she had known they were present, she wouldn’t have revealed that vulnerable side of herself in front of Nolan.
Ryuuten and Ayamori chuckled softly. Ayamori waved a hand and gently helped her straighten up.
"It’s alright, dear. I’m actually glad to see you show your feminine side to him. After all, that’s what we talked about earlier, isn’t it?"
Ayamori gave her a subtle wink, and Evalyn felt her embarrassment gradually fade.
"You’re right, Grandmother—I mean, Empress," she replied shyly.
Witnessing their closeness, Nolan remained silent. He didn’t understand how the two of them had grown so close.
Had they become close without him realizing it?
"All right, Nolan. Let’s go to the offering hall. Everything is ready, and we’ll begin shortly," Ryuuten said.
Nolan gave a slight nod. "Of course."
...
The ritual to worship the Sun God was first performed by the imperial family, followed by ministers and other officials.
Normally, the three great clans—Ashikaga, Inuzuka, and Takeda—were also required to attend, along with second- and third-tier families.
However, Nolan had asked his grandparents to limit the ceremony to the imperial family and the ministers.
He did not want his presence to be noticed too soon. Otherwise, it might interfere with the plan he had prepared to help Elina in the battle for the throne.
Ryuuten and Ayamori had no objections. Although they were overjoyed by their grandson’s arrival at the palace and wished to announce it to the entire empire immediately, they respected his decision.
As a result, the ritual was held privately, attended only by ministers and relevant officials.
The worship hall was located within the palace complex, but it was not connected to any of the five palaces.
The building stood alone, about a hundred meters behind the main palace.
The courtyard was vast, and the structure looked magnificent, rising more than twenty meters tall.
It resembled a temple, adorned with neatly arranged ornaments dedicated to the Sun God.
Nolan entered alongside Evalyn, Ryuuten, and Ayamori.
As soon as they stepped inside, a bright and solemn atmosphere greeted them.
Hundreds of people sat on the floor with their legs neatly folded. The hall had two floors, and the upper level was occupied by palace servants.
At the far end stood a large stage, and at its center towered a giant statue of a woman.
The statue held a golden plate in her left hand and a sword in her right.
Ryuuten and Ayamori guided Nolan and Evalyn to the section closest to the statue.
Prime Minister Mikazura and another man Nolan had never seen before were already seated there.
The man wore a black kimono. His face was handsome yet stern, framed by neatly styled black hair.
His golden eyes, similar to Ayamori’s, carried a cold gaze.
When he noticed Nolan and the others, he turned and stared at him intently.
"You’re finally here, my dear nephew. I’m glad to see you healthy and well," he said calmly, though his tone carried veiled hatred.
Nolan immediately recognized him—the First Prince of the Eastern Empire of Izanagi, Ryuusei Taira.
"It’s good to see you, Uncle. Thank you for your gift the other day," Nolan replied with a faint smile.
Ryuusei fell silent for a moment. Anger flared within him, but he quickly forced it down.
He turned his face away, as if unwilling to continue the conversation.
Ryuuten frowned at his childish behavior.
He was about to reprimand him, but Ayamori gently stopped him.
"Control yourself. We are in the Temple of the Sun God."
Her words eased Ryuuten’s irritation. Without another word, he took Nolan and Evalyn with him and walked past Ryuusei.
Seeing his father’s reaction, Ryuusei clenched his fist tightly.
"Damn it..." he muttered under his breath.
Mikazura simply smiled and shook his head.
’It seems he won’t be able to hold back much longer,’ he whispered.