Far from the crowded capital and celebration below, within the sanctified depths of the Hue Shrine, a rare assembly gathered under the shrine’s crystalline dome—its sacred Sanctum Hall. Moonlight filtered through panes of enchanted glass, refracting into shimmering arcs that bathed the chamber in divine hues.

Around the marble table sat the highest nobility beneath the crown—the Six Dukedoms of the Bahaghari Empire, each bearing the sigils and power of their ancestral lines.

At the head stood High Priestess Celesti Fae Delfin, her flowing robes imbued with light magic, casting soft glows with every movement. Her eyes, both regal and restrained, passed over each representative of the realm.

"This meeting," she began, her voice laced with divine authority, "concerns not only the future of our newly chosen Saintess, Seraphina Ivory—but the future of the Empire itself."

A scroll was unfurled before them on the table.

"Seraphina cannot remain rootless. While she is guided by the shrine and protected by the gods, she must now walk among the people. She must have a home—one that gives her identity, grounding, and unconditional love."

She turned her gaze to each noble house. "This is not a contest of politics. It is a matter of heart and spirit. She will choose… but it is we who must first offer her a worthy path."

A low murmur filled the room as the lords and ladies exchanged glances.

The first to speak was Duke Zavien Viremont of Pulla Dukedom, his eyes gleaming with ember-like intensity. "You speak of heart, High Priestess, but let’s not forget the reality. The Saintess holds great power. And where there is power, there will be threats. She would be safest where fire answers to command. Pulla’s volcanic terrain and mastery of pyromancy will shield her."

"To house fire with light may smother both," said Duchess Selene Delvaux of Leilla Dukedom, her tone calm, her voice like wind over water. "What she needs is not walls of flame, but open skies to breathe. Leilla’s winds do not only carry power—they carry peace."

Beside her, Duke Zade Callahan Delvaux added, "Our windmills harness arcane air for healing and life, not destruction. We offer not just protection, but serenity—and the love of a family who has known recent loss."

There was a pause. The grief in his words hung like a feather in the air.

Across the table, Duke Emrys Aurelthane of Azulle swirled a goblet of crystalline wine. "And what of calm seas? Of crystal tides and icy stillness? Azulle is the heart of reflection. With us, she will learn clarity. Control. She may live without constant eyes upon her."

"Or hide behind them," muttered Duke Allaric Evergreen of Lunthian, whose earth-toned robe blended with the vines embroidered into the seat behind him. "Nature has never hidden from truth. In Lunthian, she would walk barefoot upon sacred soil, learn to hear the land, and grow roots where the divine meets the mortal."

"And how would she defend herself with leaves and trees?" came the clipped tone of Duchess Callista Fayrith of Kahelle Dukedom, sharp-eyed and graceful like the hawks she summoned. "In Kahelle, she would walk among beastmasters. She would never be alone—our creatures protect what we cherish."

A light scoff came from the other end of the table.

Duke Florian Elaris of Deillao Dukedom, robed in glinting silks of gold and storm-blue, leaned forward. "You speak of creatures and wind and soil as though they are enough. But the Saintess is touched by divine light. It is only fitting that she stay with those who wield light and thunder. Deillao pulses with divine resonance—our deserts shine with the sun’s own gaze. She would find her strength among kin."

"She is not just light," Celesti interrupted firmly, her voice like a bell. "She is compassion. She is presence. And above all… she is still a girl."

The room hushed.

She folded her hands before her. "She will visit each of your homes. She will see with her own eyes what your lands can offer—not just in might, but in meaning. In three days, she will choose her adoptive family."