Woshhh—
Sol slowly opened his eyes as he found himself once again inside the church's special teleportation chamber.
This meeting was private—just between him and Camelia—so he didn't bother wearing anything extravagant. Still, he dressed neatly in a white suit with a black-and-white cloak over it.
'I didn't feel sick this time.'
A wide smile spread across his face. He had always hated teleportation because it made him nauseous, but now that problem seemed gone.
"Welcome, Your Highness."
Aside from him, ten others stood in the room. One person in particular drew his attention—a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, dressed in armor.
'Blonde hair and blue eyes… and armor?'
Those colors weren't genetic—they marked someone blessed by a goddess. And the armor confirmed she was either a paladin or training to become one.
But what caught his attention more was her gaze. It wasn't hostility exactly—more like sharp curiosity. Still, Sol didn't mind. No true enemy could stand here without consequence. The churches were sacred ground.
"Good evening, everyone. May I ask where Camelia is?" he asked politely, smiling as several young women blushed at his presence.
Only the blonde woman remained composed, though her frown deepened. Sol noticed and asked, "Is something wrong?"
She hesitated, then said coolly, "I don't like how casually you refer to her without her title—but I suppose it's not my place to correct you."
Her tone intrigued Sol. She clearly didn't see him as superior, meaning she was either incredibly bold—or came from an equal rank.
'She must be from another great church or royal family.'
From her mostly human features and aura, he guessed, "Heh… So you're an angel? I must say, it's my first time meeting one. Pleased to meet you."
Her stunned expression was priceless.
---
The number of races in the world was countless.
For instance, beast-kin alone had hundreds of subspecies, as did demons.
But overall, seven great races ruled seven kingdoms.
The angels resided in the floating islands of the Slotsthein Kingdom, governed by the Church of Industria and the royal house of Acedia.
---
Chloe walked beside Sol with a barely restrained frown, irritated by his smug smile.
'Calm down, Chloe. Breathe.'
She was genuinely shocked that he had guessed her race so easily—and even more so when he explained his reasoning as they walked.
'At least he's not just a flirt…'
Among angels, diligence and wisdom were the most respected virtues. Scholars held high prestige in Slotsthein, so much so that even a crown princess needed to excel in academics to be respected.
A lazy red-haired girl tinkering with machines came to her mind, and she sighed.
"So," Sol said, clearly eager, "since we have time before meeting Camelia, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?"
His enthusiasm wasn't just because she was an angel—he was thrilled to finally meet someone on his level.
Sol had no real friends.
He had lovers, subordinates, and loyal knights—but not equals.
As the heir to the Lustburg Kingdom, only another royal or holy heir could truly match him.
Chloe hesitated, sensing the genuine curiosity behind his voice. She wasn't the most perceptive, but she understood his loneliness.
"My name is Clover Industria," she said. "Daughter of Iris Industria, paladin in training, and holy daughter of Industria. My original name was Chloe, which those close to me still use."
Her earlier dislike of him faded slightly—though she still couldn't forget seeing Camelia bleed so much.
Sol nodded. He knew that all holy or supreme daughters had to abandon their birth names and take a flower-related one after sanctification. Likewise, the royal heirs of the seven kingdoms all bore names linked to stars or planets.
"You probably already know me," he replied warmly. "Sol Luxuria, crown prince of the Lustburg Kingdom. But my friends call me Sol. It's an honor to meet you, Chloe."
He extended his hand. After a moment's pause, Chloe clasped it.
"Nice to meet you too, Sol."