The Coronation

So, what is this coronation about? Why is it significant? Well, the coronation marks the coming of age for the imperial children. Upon reaching 21, they’re bestowed with a crown symbolizing their imperial bloodline, granting them full authority to implement laws and execute orders.

As part of the tradition, the Imperial family will march first, followed by the Imperial prince or princess undergoing the coming of age ceremony. The priest will stand in the center holding the chalice with holy water. They will drink the holy water and offer prayers.

However, even the priests don't know the proper use of the chalice and holy water. This ignorance led to the belief that the imperial bloodline couldn't wield imperial power. By imperial power, I refer to the Mana (magic energy) inherent in their bodies.

According to the spin-off novel, the imperial bloodline should undergo the imperial baptism. It's not the typical temple baptism where priests immerse you in water; it involves placing a drop of blood in the holy water to reawaken Mana, NOT BY DRINKING IT. This Varala Imperial tradition faded over time.

Drinking the holy water merely symbolizes the coronation ritual for the Imperial children’s coming of age ceremony.

Ah, he’s entering.

“The crown prince is entering. The 1st imperial prince of Valerosa Empire, Gavino Maximilliano Honesto Benevolencia.”

Standing here on this platform stage, I can see the faces of the traitors mentioned in the novel. Especially you, Mariana Angelica Honesto. The deceptive character masquerading as innocent, plotting the Imperial family's downfall.

The Overdramatic female lead

As the crown prince strides towards the stage platform for his coronation, a slight nervousness flickers across his face. Yet, he maintains his elegance. His tall stature, well-built body, and handsome face evoke the image of princes from fairy tales. Adorned in a dark purple cape with a silver tree logo, symbolizing the Varala Kingdom's heritage before it became the Valeroso Empire known today.

In the novel, during the high priest's chalice offering, Mariana, the dramatic female lead, adopts a kneeling posture on the red carpet below the platform stage, clasping her hands in prayer, gazing skyward as if privy to unseen sights. laughs

Subsequently, a white butterfly manifests before the crowd, transforming into a stigmata on the back of her right hand.

There’s a motive behind her actions. She foresaw receiving the stigmata that day because she's a “Regressor.”

The priest commences his speech.

“We are gathered here today to witness the Empire’s crown prince coming of age.”

Unlike other novels I’ve read, the Temple priests in this narrative aren't portrayed as corrupt. However, they blindly follow the Honestos, considering them the messengers of Bathala, the supreme god of the Valerosan Religion called Bathalan. They prioritize the Honestos over the imperial family.

Well, I’ll ensure the tide shifts.

“The Temple, give credence to all your achievements. For the new countries you made diplomatic ties with, building the largest hospital in the empire for the poor and unfortunate, and aiding the empire's economic growth. This silver crown is a symbol of your imperial bloodline, signifying purity, clarity, and the strength to endure trials. The tree engraved on the purple diamonds symbolizes our roots with the Varala Kingdom, though regrettably, we lost that power. May it signify the strength we once held.”

This priest is grating on my nerves. 'May it symbolize the power we once held?' It's almost as if he's implying that the Benevolencias never possessed that power in the first place. Oh yes, I recall this priest, 'Sinag'—that's his name. Bathalan priests all have traditional Filipino names. His name means 'Ray from the sun.' Ray from the sun, my foot. He staunchly supports the Honestos and believes they should claim the throne. He even backed Mariana’s schemes.

“This is the chalice with holy water. Drink it and pray before Bathala, the supreme god. May he bless you, protect you, and grant your prayers.”

Finally, Mariana is sprinting towards the platform stairs to feign a celestial vision. This is overly cliché. It's almost comical. Priest Sinag’s expression—haha! He seems disturbed by Mariana’s antics. 

Crown prince, brother, please heed my advice before that woman grabs attention.