The next day, Gino stood at the palace gates with proof that Orizio had lost his virginity, waiting anxiously to be summoned. I knew this day would come sooner or later.
Soon, the solemn and magnificent palace gates slowly opened. Gino's respectful voice rang out. "Gino, attendant from Tesca, on behalf of his highness Orizio Lumen, pays respects to his majesty Sol Lumen, almighty sun god. I humbly request an audience with your majesty."
After Sol motioned for the others in the hall to withdraw, he asked, "Who is the girl who took Orizio's virginity?"
Gino broke out in a cold sweat, clenched his hands, and forced himself to say, "She is human."
For a moment, the palace fell completely silent. After a long while, Sol's majestic voice sounded again. "Did he bring back the human sacrifice offered to him? Is she a priestess with special powers? Is she the woman described in the legend?"
The string of questions left Gino completely bewildered. He instinctively blurted out, "Please say that again." Then he immediately came to his senses and hurriedly explained, "She is absolutely not someone from the legend. She seems to be only a priestess with weak divine power. I believe she has no connection whatsoever to the legend. Your majesty, you don't think his highness Orizio intends to rebel against you, do you?"
"My son Orizio is still of value to me, despite his arrogance and rudeness. Change her, so that everyone will think she is a courtesan from the imperial palace."
Hearing this, Gino asked in confusion, "You don't mean for me to—"
But Sol interrupted him. "I am certain Orizio will only appear briefly and then return to Tesca. That is very likely. While they remain here, others must believe that this human girl came from the imperial palace. Once Orizio loses interest in her, we can dispose of her. Before that, I will keep this matter sealed. I, Sol Lumen, have no intention of going to war with my third son."
Luciana remained unconscious for an entire week. During this time, her previously ruined and weakened body gradually recovered. Even the brand of a runaway slave that had been burned onto her since childhood completely disappeared. The smooth, unmarked skin before her eyes made the girl understand that all of this was because of Orizio.
Looking at Nicole, whose face was full of worry because she had been unconscious, Luciana hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly said, "I'm a little hungry. Could you help me get something to eat?"
Nicole was instantly so excited that her face flushed red. "I'll go get you something right away."
After quickly finishing two large basins of food, Luciana stretched contentedly. "I don't know why, but I feel lighter than ever before. It was only a single kiss, and yet it made me feel this energetic." She suddenly laughed at herself. "You know, I'm not a priestess at all. Before I came here, I was actually just a slave. The slave mark reminded me every moment that I was someone at the very bottom of society, but it disappeared because of one simple kiss. It feels as if everything is too fleeting."
Hearing this, Nicole looked deeply disapproving. "Please don't say that. Your life will absolutely not be fleeting. In the heavenly palace, everyone except the gods is equal. That means your past is meaningless here. And no matter what others think, his highness Orizio chose you to be his woman, which means everyone must respect you."
Hearing this, Luciana froze at once. She turned to look at Nicole. Nicole looked like an angel as she said, "You are also the first lady I have ever served. To me, you are very special, and I am also very happy to serve you."
Those warm words completely melted the resolve that had always been as hard as steel. Luciana, who had never felt such warmth before, finally could not hold back her tears of happiness. At that moment, she was completely relieved. In her heart, she softly said to herself, You must think this through carefully. This may be your last lucky chance.
Looking up at the dazzling sun, the girl's ears suddenly echoed with Orizio's whisper. She abruptly turned around, but did not see the man's figure. But Luciana merely smiled faintly.
If my life is in Prince Orizio's hands no matter what, then I will follow the guidance of the gods and make good use of everything I have been given.
Then she walked to the papyrus Orizio had sent, preparing to make full use of herself. After a burst of busy work, in only half a day, she filled the palace of Tesca with papyrus, leaving both Orizio and Gino dumbfounded.