The Princess' Harem
Chapter 144: She Changed The Future Once More

Chapter 144: She Changed The Future Once More

The next morning, after the long day of reports yesterday, Viana felt she needed to go to the temple. Besides thanking Kaley, she wanted to see the preparations for the Spring Offering Ceremony.

And so she decided, today, she would go to the Temple of Light, where Kaley resided, the only temple in Elysia. The journey through the streets of Elysia offered a new experience for her, with her new abilities.

Viana could sense whatever feelings the animals in the streets felt, from the pigeons pecking at breadcrumbs given by some elderly people in the city park, or the dog chasing a cat, in one of the city’s alleys. She smiled happily, what she could feel from the animals brought a sense of peace, amidst the hustle, and bustle, of human life around her.

The Temple of Light stood majestically in the city center, its ancient architecture emanating a peaceful aura, that extended into the streets. As soon as she stepped onto the temple grounds, she felt a very noticeable difference.

The noise from the city faded, replaced by a peaceful silence, and she could feel spiritual energy flowing through every stone pillar, and statue of a god there. The air, too, felt so clean, filled with the soothing aroma of incense, and jasmine flowers.

In the front courtyard, the young temple maidens, wearing pure white robes, were busy with the ceremony preparations. They moved calmly, and gracefully, placing baskets full of fresh flowers on the altar, and arranging trays filled with freshly baked fruits, and bread, as well as lighting candles.

Viana observed them, a faint smile gracing her lips. They were the sacred virgins, who had been prepared since childhood for this task.

She walked further into the temple, no longer as a maiden performing duties, as she had last year, but as an observer, merely as an honored guest.

After asking a few people, she found Kaley meditating in the small garden behind the temple. His eyes were closed, and she could feel the aura of peace emanating from this man.

She remained silent, sitting not far from where he meditated, not wanting to disturb him. After a moment, Kaley opened his eyes, immediately noticed Viana’s presence, and smiled at her.

He then rose, and walked towards her, then bowed respectfully. "Your Royal Highness Princess Viana. It is an honor, that you would visit our temple."

She returned his bow respectfully, a courtesy. "Greetings, Kaley. I came to see the preparations, for the Spring Offering Ceremony."

They then walked slowly along a path in the garden, between rows of willow trees. Kaley chattered about how this ceremony felt different, the sense of gratitude very palpable, after the blight, and the war, that had occurred.

He also spoke about the temple’s efforts, in helping heal those affected by the blight, and the war, mentally.

As they passed a small pond, reflecting the blue sky on its surface, he suddenly turned towards Viana, his purple eyes staring at her deeply, and for a long time. The smile on his face faded, replaced by an expression that was more precisely, surprised.

Viana, as the one being observed, felt uncomfortable being scrutinized by one of the handsome men, in her supposed harem.

"Your Royal Highness, there’s... there’s something different about you..." Kaley whispered softly.

Viana’s heart pounded, but she decided to tease this innocent man slightly. Kaley was a powerful priest, who would one day become the High Priest.

He already possessed an extraordinary sensitivity, and mastery over spiritual energy. Viana smiled secretly.

"Different?" She asked, trying to sound as if she didn’t understand. "What do you mean, Kaley?"

He stretched out his hand hesitantly, and felt the air around her. "The light emanating from you is different. And this time, this light is connected to nature."

His eyes followed one of the threads of light, within Viana’s body, which connected her to a willow tree near the pond. Seeing the direction of his gaze, Viana understood, that Kaley could truly see the ’Forest Blessing’ within her.

"Wait... I’ve seen something like this before... similar to the Elves..." he murmured to himself, as if unaware of Viana’s presence before him.

Then his gaze suddenly fixed directly upon her. "Your Royal Highness, since when did you become an Elf?" he asked innocently.

Hearing his question, Viana couldn’t help but burst into laughter, bending over as she laughed. Kaley, seeing her laugh, had an expression between confusion, and also pleasure, at seeing the Princess, who always seemed so tense, laughing.

Meanwhile, for Viana, Kaley’s ability made her ponder a bit, that people with high spiritual sensitivity like him, could perceive what she possessed, even the Elves themselves, and he simply didn’t know what it was.

"This... is something I gained yesterday, while in the Elven Kingdom," Viana finally explained to him, feeling a little pity, seeing his confusion.

And he smiled hearing it. "I’ve known for a long time, that you have a heart, and soul strongly connected to nature, Your Royal Highness."

Kaley’s words, for some reason, made Viana remember that in her past life, Kaley would become the new High Priest before winter arrived, after the current High Priest retired due to illness.

But this time, of course, she did not want the current High Priest to fall ill. "Kaley, is the High Priest alright? He’s not sick, is he?"

Kaley looked at her with a slight confusion. "Of course, Princess, he was just a little startled by the blight, and the war. But he is fine now, even excited, because everything has returned to normal."

Viana nodded her head, more out of a sense of relief. The High Priest’s illness in the past, would have led to his death, and would have affected the other priests, including Kaley, who became more isolated, unwilling to meet many people in her past life.

This was one of the impacts that occurred, a change that happened, because she had altered the course of destiny. And Viana hoped, that this change, would have a positive impact on everyone.

Their conversation continued, touching upon the importance of maintaining the balance of nature. Kaley began to speak more boldly to Viana, becoming more open, to show a wisdom that transcended his age.

When Viana finally excused herself, to return to the palace, not forgetting to thank him, and all the priests who had helped the Elysia Kingdom during the war, Kaley bowed deeply to her, much of his childish, and nervous demeanor beginning to disappear.

"May your steps always be blessed, Your Royal Highness. Elysia needs someone like you," Kaley said meaningfully.