In the Name of Empress-Chapter 523 - 329: Scar or Holy Mark?

The simplified emblem of the Light Badge indeed matches the scars on Christine’s face.

"This is not disfigurement, but the best reward for piety."

Christine said softly, "If you don’t believe it, you can ask the Magic Mirror from Sif if my feminine charm has diminished."

Prompted by Christine, Roland closely observed her face, imagining in his mind how these scars might fade over time.

Perhaps it was a psychological effect, or perhaps the emblem of light etched in his mind played its role, Roland gradually accepted Christine’s statement.

It’s not disfigurement; it’s a Holy Mark.

Seeing that Roland was no longer troubled, Christine put on her coat, crossed her hands over her chest, and bowed to him.

"I’m sorry I took it upon myself to disrupt the peace talks. Please punish me."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Roland glared at her discontentedly, then smiled and said, "I never expected to compromise with Sofia. She only respects sword and blade. Unless you can defeat her, who could reason with her?"

"What you did is merely speeding up the process. If you really want to make amends, then give your utmost effort to help me win this battle."

Roland’s smile faded, and his expression gradually turned serious, "Sofia’s power is indeed strong. I must focus all my energy on becoming stronger. The military strategy is up to you."

Christine looked at Roland with a complex gaze and murmured softly, "Roland, promise me, have faith in the Light, will you? You’ve never felt the might of the Goddess. You can’t even comprehend the greatness of the divine, I..."

"I believe!" Roland said resolutely.

As long as the Goddess isn’t against me, he silently added in his mind.

Christine couldn’t believe her ears when Roland agreed so readily. Her eyes brimmed with uncontainable joy, and her voice trembled slightly.

"R-really?"

"Absolutely sincere. If I break my promise, I’m willing to face the wrath of the Goddess."

Roland’s expression was devout, his gaze as steadfast as someone joining a cause.

His vow was genuine. If he betrayed the Light, he would indeed become an enemy of the Goddess.

Seeing Christine at a loss for words, Roland smiled teasingly, "Christine, I’m after all crucial to the Holy Spring of Light revival, a person favored by the Goddess. How could I achieve that if I weren’t meant for the Light?"

Christine’s thoughts drifted back to a few years ago.

When she initiated the Holy Spring Revival Ceremony, due to lack of power, Erin took advantage and took away half of the merit.

Fortunately, with Roland’s help, otherwise the ceremony would have failed.

Since Roland is connected to the Light, joining the Divine Court of Light is naturally suitable.

Seeing Christine’s delighted expression, Roland lowered his voice and said, "Actually, my heart has always inclined toward the Light, but I have a small wish—I want you to introduce me into the faith."

"Then let’s start now..."

Christine wished to immediately pull Roland over to the statue of the Goddess, pray, and complete the induction ceremony. However, since Roland was now Caesar, the Vice Emperor, the ceremony should rightly be officiated by a Cardinal or even the Pope.

She’s not officially the Saintess yet, only at the Bishop Level, so for her to preside over Roland’s ceremony might seem disrespectful.

Even if Roland didn’t mind, she wouldn’t allow it.

Christine extended her right fist and gently said, "Is this an agreement or a promise?"

"Call it a hope." Roland also extended his right fist, touching it against Christine’s.

"Believer Christine hereby makes an agreement with Knight of Light Roland to hold his induction ceremony when I become a Saintess."

Roland wished he could cover Christine’s mouth to stop her from speaking, but it was too late.

This person was frighteningly fast, a grand Flag set high.

Roland could only mockingly comfort himself; at least it wasn’t one of those have-to-die flags like going home to get married after the war.

After chatting with Christine for a while longer and seeing her somewhat fatigued, Roland bid farewell and left.

Before leaving, he mentioned that according to the Elf Race’s records, there’s a type of ginkgo flower honey that can remove scars, and he would try to find it to help Christine remove her facial scars.

As for the scars on her chest, magic probably won’t help, only technological methods might.

Roland’s suggestion was good, but Christine politely declined any further suggestions from him.

It was apparent that she wasn’t joking and genuinely regarded the scars as Holy Marks.

Devout believers are like that, impervious to words they don’t wish to hear.

Roland wisely chose to seek common ground while reserving differences, respecting Christine’s decision.

As he left Miss Saintess’s Prayer Room, he couldn’t help but smirk: Holy Marks? This is just brainwashing oneself.

Upon returning to Hansa, the first thing he did was to get Sif to check the Magic Mirror rankings.

He didn’t believe it. Could Christine’s ranking really go higher?

After watching Roland leave, Christine’s lips curved slightly upward, with a hint of a smile.

Roland is truly the best friend and leader, but unfortunately lacks faith, like a small boat adrift on the river of fate, struggling but directionless.

He probably doesn’t believe it’s a Holy Mark, does he? No matter, she has all the time to make him understand.

Just moments ago, a magnificent voice of the Goddess resounded in the depths of her soul, providing her the answer.

These are indeed Holy Marks.