As the gentle breeze wafted through the air, bringing a sense of tranquility to the world around him, Sebastian, who'd been taking a shed under the tree, was consumed with the vivid image of the priest carved in his mind. The melodic pitch of his enchanting voice and the innocence of his face stirred a smile upon his lips.

"I have never seen his face before."

Sebastian stated as he got a cigarette case in his pocket.

"Must be a newly assigned priest—Ha!"

A grin spread across his face. 

Well, it doesn't matter. He has nothing to do with me!

Just as he placed the cigarette between his lips, Sebastian then realized that his pocket lighter was nowhere inside his pouch, even though he remembered putting it inside the pocket of his suit.

With a frustrated sigh, he then raked his fingers through his hair.

"Careless."

He muttered as he took the cigarette from his mouth, putting it back inside a cigar tin before heading back towards the temple, when a servant suddenly blocked his way.

"Where are you going, Milord?"

Politely asked by the servant though, Sebastian brushed past the man without hesitating to take a step back or stop; he just casually passed by at him like an air as he uttered a word from his mouth.

"If Father were to find me, tell him I left something I must get inside the temple."

"Yes, my lord."

The servant replied, bowing again with both arms positioned between his back and stomach.

As he slowly walked towards the temple in a dignified posture, he couldn't help but criticize and curse the pope, thinking how the pope had deceived countless people to make the temple appear much more luxurious than the palace.

'How bold of them to use the name of their so-called God to robe the people of this empire!-

His thoughts were interrupted as he caught sight of the same priest who had made his mind at peace, calmly standing in front of the altar. Even the way he stood there left him mesmerized, unaware that the priest had slowly walked towards him.

"Is this yours?"

"....."

Sebastian didn't answer, which made Julianne look confused.

It could even be seen on his expression, anxiously waiting for him to get the lighter in his hands, but as soon as he got it, he flinched the moment his hand touched his, making Sebastian frown, as he felt an indescribable warmth from his touch.

"Ah! My apologies! your grace!"

Julianne panicked seeing the cold expression on his face.

He was undoubtedly anxious, thinking that he had done something to displease the young Duke, especially when looking back earlier; he also had the same confounded expression on his face when he was praying for his blessings.

"Did I do something wrong? Your grace?"

He asks calmly, though his mind states the opposite.

What is this?! Am I getting punished?! 

His thoughts were puzzled while showing different expressions of panic, startling him as Sebastian broke the silence with his playful laughter.

"Pfft! Hahaha- Adorable!"

"Pardon?!"

Juliane was shocked, which made his face flush in red seeing the so-called ruthless, cold-blooded commander of the empire to be far different from what he had heard from the rumors.

"I-I....

"I apologize for my late introduction."

Sebastian cutted as Julianne stuttered before him.

"Sebastian Leopold Ashbourne. A pleasure to meet you."

He then paused, leaning over Julianne's ear as he whispered in a gentle tone. 

"My priestess..."

He then kissed his stoles, leaving Julianne in utmost shock, frozen like a statue on his feet.

His face was red as a ripe tomato; he would not have been able to move if he had not been called by the Pope, looking for him.

"My greetings, your grace."

The pope bowed as he headed toward the baffled priest.

"The high priestess has been looking for you."

He then gets a chance to excuse himself.

"I. the-then must leave now, your grace!"

Julianne then followed the pope as he dashed towards the door, but before reaching a step outside the doorstep, he gently looked back at the young Duke with a captivating, bright smile on his lips.

"Ah! It was also a pleasure meeting you. Your Grace!"

It was then, that Sebastian felt a burning sensation in his chest, seeing him form the brightest smile that must have been already carved in his mind.

"...."

He smirked, covering his mouth as his gazed lingered outside the window. Although the Grand Duke wasn't foolish enough to point out the changes in Sebastian's demeanor, especially with the genuine smile on his lips that was so unlike him.

******

Please ADD <19TH CENTURY LOVE: HOLY POSSESSION> to your LIBRARY to be notified when an update is posted. Thank you! :)