Chapter 326: Chapter 69: Morning Star Bell

"The Morning Star Bell has rung."

"Saint Candidate, Elizabeth Stuart Purple Eagle, has passed the final trial."

As the announcement concluded, the grand hall remained deathly silent.

Adela clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug deep into her palms, her eyes filled with resentment and shock.

Rosalyn’s ethereal gaze landed on Elizabeth’s pale, sweat-drenched face, and a ripple of confusion disturbed her gray-blue eyes.

Elizabeth stood alone beside the Ancient Bell, its resounding toll still humming in her ears.

’She succeeded?’

’She really succeeded!’

’Had she fulfilled the wish she had yearned for?’

...

「Monte Territory.」

「The study.」

Murphy had just finished reviewing a plan for autumn crop rotation.

Footsteps approached from outside the door.

KNOCK KNOCK!

"Come in." Murphy didn’t look up, his gaze still fixed on a budget sheet for repairs to the border outposts.

The heavy oak door was pushed open silently.

The first to enter was the old butler, Bernard.

The man was in his seventies, his back slightly stooped with age, but his attire was as impeccable as ever. His dark brown butler’s uniform was ironed without a single wrinkle, and his salt-and-pepper hair was combed neatly.

Following behind Bernard was a young man who looked to be in his early twenties.

He was tall and slender, with a face that bore a strong resemblance to a younger Bernard, though his features were more chiseled. His eyes were calm and astute, his movements crisp and efficient, and he was dressed in a uniform identical to Bernard’s.

He followed a respectful half-step behind Old Bernard, his posture deferential and his gaze lowered, careful not to overstep his bounds.

"My lord, my lady."

Old Bernard stopped at a respectful distance from the desk. He bowed deeply, first to Murphy, then to Aurora, who was seated in a soft chair to the side, quietly reading a quarterly report on the territory’s merchant caravans.

The young man behind him immediately mirrored the gesture, not a single motion out of place.

Aurora looked up from the report.

Bernard straightened. "My apologies for the intrusion, my lord, my lady. We’ve received definitive news from the Holy City."

As he spoke, he presented a letter with both hands. It was sealed with dark red wax, which was clearly impressed with the Crescent Embracing Stars Holy Emblem of the Church Court.

Only then did Murphy look up. His gaze swept over the letter, which had clearly been expedited through special channels. He did not immediately take it, asking simply, "What was the outcome?"

Old Bernard took a deep breath before speaking, his voice clear but filled with wonder and disbelief. "Her Highness Princess Elizabeth... has succeeded. The news comes from dual channels in the Royal Capital and the Church Court; it has been confirmed. Not only did Her Highness cause the Morning Star Bell in the Holy City’s grand cathedral to toll for the first time in several hundred years, but it is said the sound echoed throughout Chenxi Hall. All three Cardinals in attendance rose to their feet on the spot... Her Highness has now been officially recognized as the new Saint."

A moment of silence fell over the study.

The only sound was the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze outside the window.

Aurora’s eyelashes fluttered, and her fingers, resting on the edge of the parchment, tightened slightly.

She looked at Murphy, a hint of surprise in her azure eyes.

Murphy’s expression remained unchanged as he reached out and took the letter from Bernard.

He did not open it immediately, simply holding it in his hand.

After several long seconds, he murmured, his tone so flat it betrayed no emotion, "The Morning Star Bell... So it actually rang."

"Yes, my lord." Bernard nodded in confirmation. "The message specifically emphasized that point. That bell... it is said it hasn’t truly tolled since the schism with the Northern Shepherd Chief District."

Murphy’s gaze finally lifted from the letter to meet Aurora’s.

Aurora met his gaze and spoke softly. "She did it. Faster than we anticipated... and perhaps more spectacularly."

"The louder the toll, the more attention she draws, and the more difficult her path ahead will be." Murphy’s voice was steady. He casually placed the letter on a corner of the desk, still not opening it. "The Saint’s Position is not the end. The internal strife of the Church Court, the prying of external powers, and even the weight of the sacred name she must now bear... each of these is harder than ringing that bell."

Aurora set down the parchment scroll, rose from her chair, and walked slowly to the side of the desk.

"At least she’s secured the all-important ’ticket of admission.’ With this status, she has a firm foothold within the Church Court, and the Vilt Royal Family will benefit as well. His Majesty William must be breathing a sigh of relief, now that he has a new bargaining chip."

Murphy gave a slight nod, acknowledging her analysis.

His calm gaze swept over the old butler, Bernard, still standing respectfully nearby, and then to the young man who stood silently with his head bowed behind him.

As if noticing the new face for the first time, he looked at Bernard and asked, his tone unchanged, "Bernard, who is this with you?"

As if he had been waiting for this, Old Bernard immediately took a half-step to the side, ushering the young man forward.

"My lord, this is my grandson, Lucian." He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Lucian’s father passed away early, but the boy has been sensible since he was young. He did not grow up in the castle. A few years ago, it was the family’s wish that he go to the Royal Capital to help out at the trading post the Monte family established there. He is literate and has handled basic accounting. As for rules and etiquette... my family and I have always been strict in his upbringing."

He took a deep breath and continued, "My lord, my lady, this old servant is seventy-three this year. Lately, I’ve felt my energy waning. These old bones... my legs are not as nimble as they once were. I am deeply concerned I will hinder the castle’s increasingly numerous affairs, and that my service to you will no longer be adequate."