The Letter

Prince Gavino’s thoughts

Before the coronation began, Gonzi (Gonzalo) handed me a letter. Initially assuming it was a congratulatory note for my coming-of-age ceremony, its contents left me incredulous.

“Kuya (older brother), last night, something peculiar happened to me. I had a vision of the future; Bathala (Supreme god) appeared in my dream. I'll explain everything after your coronation. Please follow my instructions now. Prick your finger as the priest delivers his speech. Put a drop of your blood in the chalice. DO NOT DRINK IT. We haven’t lost the imperial power; we’re just not executing it properly. When a stigmata appears, don’t be startled.

PS: Beware of Mariana; she's going to act strangely in front of everyone. Please follow my instructions immediately once you have the Chalice and then look towards me.”

Mariana? But why? And why must I look at him after putting a drop of my blood in the Chalice? I’m bewildered. However, I trust my little brother.

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

Should I put a drop of my blood now? Wait, why does the priest seem startled? He's glancing behind me. Mariana? Why is she approaching the stairs?

Suddenly, I caught Gonzi's urgent expression. I read his lips. “Put a fucking drop of your blood in the Chalice.” Wait, what? Why is my cute and innocent brother speaking like that?

He's signaling again with widened eyes. “Fucking Hurry.”

When did he become so intense? Alright, alright. Here it goes!

The Stigmata

Yes, dear brother, that’s how you do it. smiling

Just before Mariana reaches the stairs, a brilliant white light emanates from the sky, akin to a spotlight, signifying that all attention should focus on him. Black and purple butterflies descend from the heavens toward him. He looks regal, almost like a divine entity. Radiant, with his purple eyes gleaming brightly. Finally, his Mana awakens. People gaze at him in awe.

The pope is in tears, witnessing a manifestation previously only read about in scrolls. The Benevolencias are the rightful heirs to the throne.

The crown prince glances at me, raising his pricked right hand. Another beam of light appears above me, accompanied by a swarm of butterflies. I wear an innocent smile, though my intentions are far from pure.

I feign a headache and shout in front of the crowd, gazing skyward as if in communion with some divine being. See, Mariana, this is how it’s done. laughs

“Bathala (Supreme god)? Yes, Bathala, I’m here.” Looking towards the sky, I simulate levitation to imply the supreme being's imminent possession of my body. Then, I close my eyes to feign unconsciousness. Upon opening them, I manipulate my Mana to attract more spirit butterflies.

How do I know all this? “The Novel spin-off,” I told you. I’ll explain later.

I modulate my voice to resonate, ensuring it’s heard by everyone present.

"I AM DISAPPOINTED BY YOUR ACTIONS, ESPECIALLY THOSE PRIESTS WHO PREFER THE FAVORS OF A MERE NOBLE HOUSE OVER THE IMPERIAL FAMILY, CHOSEN BY ME TO GUIDE THIS NATION. ONLY THOSE BORN OF THE IMPERIAL BLOODLINE DISPLAY BLACK AND PURPLE BUTTERFLIES AS THEIR STIGMATA."

They might wonder, “Purple and black butterflies? Weren't we told one butterfly sufficed? And doesn’t a white butterfly represent holy power?” haha, they’re partially correct. A white butterfly signifies holy power, but solely for healing curses—nothing more, nothing less. Let’s add this to my speech. This is thrilling!

“A WHITE BUTTERFLY INDEED REPRESENTS HOLY POWER, BUT ONLY FOR HEALING CURSES. THE BLACK AND PURPLE BUTTERFLIES POSSESS A GREATER SIGNIFICANCE. THEY SYMBOLIZE THE SUPREME POWER GRANTED TO THE VARALAS.”

I'm eager to see Mariana’s expression. Oh my, she looks terrified! Seems she might cry. HAHA! If I were a regressor like her, I'd surely be shocked, as this doesn’t align with the past. Poor Mariana, you won’t defeat a transmigrator who knows every nook of this novel, who hails from the modern world.

With a cold smile, I gaze at Mariana and release my Mana to exert pressure on her. Get the message, don’t cross the line.

“POPE OF THE HOLY TEMPLE, DISMISS THOSE PRIESTS AFFILIATED WITH NOBLE HOUSES. THE SCROLLS SPECIFY THE HOLY TEMPLE SHALL ONLY SUPPORT THE IMPERIAL BLOODLINE, WORKING IN UNISON WITH THEM.”

Alright, time to feign unconsciousness—or sleep; this day is exhausting. I’ll never let the two protagonists triumph in this realm. That prestige you’re about to gain... I’ll seize it from you.