Chapter 113 - I will teach her a lesson for you!
Vanessa strode through the vast platinum palace, her high-heeled boots clicking sharply against the crystal floor. The only other sound was the synchronized movement of the Holy Radiance Cross Knights., dropping to one knee with halberds in hand.
The cherry-haired girl paced steadily down the center of the hall. On either side, the Holy Radiance Cross Knights acted as her loyal followers, whenever she passed, they knelt with solemn devotion, like pilgrims worshipping a goddess.
Vanessa wanted several times to stop, but felt it would be inappropriate. She truly wasn't used to this sensation.
And more importantly, when exactly had she become Vanessa? Without her consent, just like that?
Also, where exactly was this place? Was it her dream? A world created from the Elusa Notes she had absorbed earlier? Or something else entirely??
Step by step, Vanessa approached the throne beneath the towering goddess statue. Though she had never seen this translucent platinum hall before, it gave her an indescribable sense of familiarity, as if she had once stood here in the past.
The Holy Radiance Cross Knights stood in perfect formation like mechanical statues. Each one performed the highest-ranking Holy Radiant Knight salute as Vanessa passed, their movements so perfectly synchronized it created a striking and strangely surreal sensation.
Perhaps it was because the platinum palace was too vast, or perhaps Vanessa simply wasn't accustomed to such rigid, overwhelming reverence.
When she reached the foot of the throne’s staircase, every Holy Radiance Cross Knight below, except the two standing before the throne, knelt on one knee, offering their supreme honor and respect to their Saintess.
Vanessa glanced back. The opulent platinum throne, which had been fully visible at eye level from the entrance, now loomed so high that even looking up she couldn’t see its full form.
Above and slightly askew from the goddess statue was a transparent stained-glass window of rainbow hues. Light streamed through it, and from this angle, the goddess’s face appeared wrapped in a seven-colored halo, serene, sacred, and magnificent. It was truly a breathtaking and masterfully designed scene.
On the top step stood two knights, their armor different from the others below. On either side of their helmets were wing-like ornaments.
Vanessa recalled, this was the exclusive armor of the [Champion Knight] of the Church of Radiance. Knights who earned the title of [Champion Knight] received this top-tier enchanted armor crafted by Church of Radiance artisans, along with a blessed weapon refined by the Saintess. These were the honors and symbols of the [Champion Knight].
The [Champion Knight] was the sword of the Church, the shield of the Saintess. Throughout Church of Radiance history, many leaders of the Holy Radiance Cross Knights had been the reigning [Champion Knight].
Yet the [Champion Knight] selection occurred only once every twenty years, meaning only one such knight per generation. Yet before Vanessa stood not one, but two [Champion Knights].
Since they wore their helmets, Vanessa couldn't see their faces.
She looked at them, feeling their gaze upon her filled with reverence and awe, just like the knights below. The only difference was a faint glimmer of expectation in their eyes.
Vanessa averted her gaze and lifted her heel.
Like a newly crowned Saintess, surrounded by devoted followers, she ascended the steps to her throne.
As she climbed the final step and passed the two [Champion Knights], they too leaned on their weapons, lowered their eyes, and knelt on one knee, just like the others.
“Greetings to Her Majesty Saintess.” In unison, their voices boomed across the grand hall, powerful, yet brimming with reverence.
Vanessa stood at the highest point of the hall, scanning the entire chamber, taking in every detail of the platinum palace.
The spacious, luxurious hall, the crystalline foundation, the dome and walls crafted from the same sacred silver stone as Saint Selena’s Cathedral, every inch reflected the exquisite artistry and imagination of countless craftsmen.
And below her, a host of battle-hardened, loyal knights kneeling in submission.
This was the pinnacle of absolute power, what an awe-inspiring, heart-pounding sight.
Anyone who saw it would feel their heart surge with emotion.
Yet, Vanessa gazed at it all, hands clasped before her abdomen, her expression complex, words caught in her throat.
She didn’t know how to explain.
After a moment, she slowly spoke, her soft, melodious voice quiet but audible to all. “I am not the Saintess.”
“Then who do you believe yourself to be? We are the most faithful and devoted followers of the Goddess of Radiance, the strongest defenders of the Church of Radiance. No one but the Saintess of each generation could make us kneel.”
One of the Champion Knights beside her lowered his head.
“Not even the Popes of past generations could command such reverence. And certainly not today’s Pope.” The Champion Knight's voice was firm and resolute.
“But the Church no longer has a Saintess. And I have no desire for the title.” Vanessa had mostly pieced together what was happening.
Being transformed into Vanessa without awareness, the strangely familiar platinum hall, these ancient-era Holy Radiance Cross Knights, it was clear this place was connected to the Saintess Notes she had absorbed.
“So, are you choosing to abandon your duty?” the Champion Knight asked respectfully.
“I’d rather just live as an ordinary person.” Vanessa placed her hands before her collarbone, bowing her head.
“Then why did you risk your life to stop the descent of the Demon God Pillar?” The Champion Knight challenged.
“I… ” Vanessa fell silent. She hadn’t expected these Holy Radiant Knights to know about that.
“I understand the Church and the Varelis family have undergone great upheaval, leaving your heart conflicted. But the continent of Terraria still needs the Varelis family, more than that, it needs you, the last surviving descendant of the Varelis line.”
“No one else can bear this burden. Only you can. If you refuse, tragedies like the descent of the Demon God Pillar Erunes will happen again and again.” The Champion Knight spoke solemnly.
Vanessa remained silent.
“Please, take your rightful seat upon the throne.” The Champion Knight continued. “Though this is merely a projection of the Church of Radiance’s Platinum Holy Hall, we believe that one day, you will truly ascend this throne.”
“Our lady, the previous Saintess, has been waiting for you for a long time. Go, perhaps she can answer your doubts.”
The previous Saintess??
Vanessa looked at the silent Holy Radiance Cross Knights, then turned to face the throne behind her.
Which of her ancestors was it? Could it be... Elusa?
She stepped forward, hesitated for a moment, then finally sat.
In an instant, the scene shifted. The platinum hall vanished amid spatial distortion, replaced by a sunlit white courtyard blooming with flowers.
Vanessa blinked, realizing she had somehow risen to her feet. Her eyes immediately locked onto the cherry-haired figure seated in the courtyard, sipping tea.
A woman with long, braided hair styled like a Saintess, her features strikingly similar to Vanessa’s, seven parts alike.
“You've finally come,” said the cherry-haired beauty in classical Saintess attire, setting down her teacup with a gentle, pleasing smile, elegant and full of grace.
Vanessa’s heart fluttered, her gaze momentarily dazed.
A single smile that captivates a hundred charms, perhaps this was exactly what that meant.
“Though I've seen you before, this is our first formal meeting, isn't it?”
“Come here, my child.” The cherry-haired woman beckoned with a wave. No healing spell needed, her serene smile alone seemed capable of curing any ailment in the world.
“Forgive the intrusion, but who are you?” Vanessa stepped forward hesitantly.
Though she was nearly certain of the woman’s identity, Vanessa still needed confirmation.
“You're being too formal, little Vanessa. Meeting your ancestors shouldn’t be so stiff.” The cherry-haired woman chuckled. “Besides, you’ve seen my portrait before, haven’t you?”
“Are you… Saintess Elusa?” Vanessa asked.
“Why are you still calling me ‘Saintess’? Naughty child. And I’ve long been the previous Saintess. Though there is no Saintess now, I can still determine who the next one will be, can’t I?” Elusa gazed at Vanessa with warm affection, smiling.
So it really was Elusa.
Yes, she looked very much like the image on the card, but ultimately, the card lacked the true vitality of a living person, so Vanessa couldn’t be entirely sure.
How to put it… This wasn’t the first ancestor she’d met. The feeling was completely different from Selena.
Compared to that certain twin-tailed who constantly muttered about debuting as a Church idol and singing for believers, and who insisted Vanessa call her by name rather than “ancestor,” Elusa’s private demeanor clearly fit the image of a “Radiance Saintess” much better, graceful and dignified.
Though both maintained their Saintess personas in public, their true personalities only emerged in private family moments.
If one had to compare their private selves, clearly Elusa’s was far more reliable than Selena’s.
Now that was more like a proper elder.
That was what Vanessa thought, until she took small steps toward Elusa, only to be suddenly pulled into a tight embrace, left utterly bewildered.
“My adorable little Vanessa, I’ve finally met you. I can finally hold you. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment~” Elusa wrapped Vanessa into her warm, ample bosom, stroking her hair over and over, her gentle words overflowing with endless affection.
“Uh?!” Vanessa felt like she couldn’t breathe. “Ancestor Elusa? P-please, let me go.”
“Oh, sorry, sorry, little Vanessa. Are you alright? I’m sorry, you’re just so incredibly cute, I couldn’t help myself.” Elusa loosened her grip, but not completely.
“Come, little Vanessa, sit on your ancestor’s lap~”
“W-what? I must decline. There’s no need, really. Standing beside you is fine...”
“No way. Standing beside me is for reporting duties, isn’t it? Little Vanessa, you’ve worked so hard all these years. I haven’t held a cute junior descendant in such a long time. Come on, let me hold you~”
Elusa patted the soft thigh beneath her skirt. Her voice was gentle and doting, yet carried an irresistible force, as if any further refusal would only prompt her to find another excuse to pull Vanessa into her arms.
Wait… So Ancestor Elusa just hasn’t seen a new descendant in ages and wants to use me to satisfy her craving??
Without even looking closely, Vanessa could feel the overwhelming affection radiating from Elusa.
Ah, come to think of it, the Saintesses of the Varelis family all had strong maternal qualities. Could it be that Elusa was the ultimate embodiment of that trait??
Vanessa’s suspicion was confirmed immediately. Seeing Vanessa still hesitating, Elusa grew impatient. With a flick of her finger, Vanessa suddenly felt weightless, floating in the air, then was smoothly pulled into Elusa’s arms from behind.
“There, isn’t that better? Little Vanessa.” Elusa gently settled Vanessa onto her lap.
“I, I’m not a child anymore, ancestor.” Though no one else was around, being held like a little girl gave Vanessa an indescribable sense of embarrassment.
The older-looking cherry-haired woman happily cradled the younger cherry-haired woman, who slightly lowered her head in shyness. The scene was nothing short of beautiful.
“I know, I know. Little Vanessa, you’ve truly lacked love, haven’t you? Don’t move, don’t move, your ancestor will make it up to you properly. Come to think of it, the ones who caused little Vanessa to end up this way… besides those little brats in the Church, it must be your great-grandmother, that child Sophia, right?”
“That child Sophia really… Though it’s our Varelis family’s duty, and she fulfilled her responsibilities as Saintess, to abandon her family like that and pass away… Most importantly, to leave behind my adorable little Vanessa, causing her so much pain and neglect, truly, that was just too much.” Elusa spoke in defense of Vanessa.
“If I ever get the chance to see her again, I’ll have to punish her properly. Little Vanessa, tell me, how should I punish your great-grandmother?”
“Ah? Th-this… Ancestor Elusa, that really isn’t necessary. Great-grandmother didn’t do anything wrong. If I were in her position, I might not have done any better,” Vanessa replied.
“Oh? I’ve got it! Little Vanessa, next time we meet, I’ll spank that child Sophia’s bottom for you, how about that?” Elusa ignored Vanessa’s protest entirely, speaking in a tone meant to coax a delighted child.
Vanessa was momentarily speechless.
Her great-grandmother… being spanked by her great-great-great-great, great-grandmother? The image was almost too absurd to imagine.
And… would they even get the chance to meet?
Vanessa was deeply puzzled.