The arena, usually used for preliminary matches in combat tournaments, was now filled with spectators for a different reason.
Most of these spectators had gathered to witness rare spectacles that they wouldn’t normally get to see.
During a time when the arena was typically used for combatants to display their strength, a demonstration involving divine tools was currently taking place.
Unlike the unpredictable nature of combat, the current event was a spectacle that had been discussed to some extent beforehand. Nevertheless, the audience was clearly enthusiastic.
The mock battle unfolding was, in fact, more visually engaging for the audience than a regular match, with movements designed to captivate them.
These flashy movements were what were exciting the crowd.
The demonstration currently happening in the arena was to decide the owner of a divine tool.
While the audience wouldn’t be the ones to make the final decision, their cheers would likely play a role in determining the outcome.
At least, that’s what Horace, watching the performance from the audience seats, thought.
“It seems failing to touch the weapon beforehand was a blow, but they’re managing to hold it together, aren’t they?”
“Yes, it seems we can breathe a sigh of relief for now.”
Horace nodded with satisfaction at the Chief Priest’s words.
Having seen other divine swords in action, Horace felt the current performance was somewhat lacking.
However, it appeared to be used much better than when Samuel had handled it.
This was understandable.
The people currently performing in front of them were priest warriors permitted to wield divine swords and engage in combat at another temple.
They had gone to the trouble of summoning him specifically for this occasion.
The delay between the disturbance at the bar and this performance was also due to this.
The success of this endeavor was evident from the audience’s reactions.
“Now, the question is what *they* will do,” Horace said, turning his gaze toward two women adorned in surprisingly elaborate attire.
The two women were undoubtedly Silvia, the shrine maiden he had interacted with at the bar the other day, and another woman observing from her side.
Silvia was not wearing a simple shrine maiden outfit suitable for an adventure, but rather the formal attire known as ceremonial dress, adorned with patterns of the gods.
The other woman, on the other hand, wore clothes with frills that seemed completely out of place for an upcoming battle.
“Just what are they thinking?”
Hearing Horace’s involuntary muttering, the Chief Priest chuckled softly and replied, “They probably just dressed up because it’s an occasion like this. Someone else will be doing the fighting, won’t they?”
“Indeed. To come out dressed like that, it’s as if they’re underestimating the situation.”
The High Priest echoed the Chief Priest’s sentiment, but Horace, for some reason, felt a growing unease looking at the two women.
He had a feeling they might have made a grave misunderstanding.
Shaking off his premonition, Horace stood up to greet the priest warrior who had finished their performance.
As Horace descended to the combat area, the priest warrior, holding the divine sword, approached and respectfully offered the sword to return it.
The fact that he could handle this with such grace indicated that the priest warrior had been thoroughly trained to fight under the name of the gods.
Accepting the sword from him, Horace nodded once before offering words of praise for the performance.
“Thank you for your efforts.”
“No. All is as the gods will.”
“Indeed.”
With this exchange, all the temple’s performances concluded.
Horace surveyed the audience seats once to signal this, and applause spread, primarily from the temple officials.
Horace, having received the divine sword, headed towards Silvia.
It was now Silvia’s turn to perform next.
Although it was just a handover of the sword and no actual battle was expected, the audience quieted down as they saw Horace approach.
Since a clear explanation had been given about the purpose of this event, everyone was focused on the conversation that would take place between the two.
Responding to the audience’s anticipation, Horace, holding out the divine tool, spoke to Silvia.
“Even now, do you still intend to defeat us?”
Horace, deliberately smiling to mask his unease, was met with an equally bright smile from Silvia.
“Of course. Or rather, aren’t you beginning to realize it yourself?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, I wonder? That’s something you should consider for yourself.”
Silvia met Horace’s sharp gaze by simply tilting her head, offering no further explanation.
Floria, who had been focused on the upcoming event and had barely heard their exchange, called out to Silvia.
“Is it about time?”
“Yes, it is.”
Silvia replied briefly to Floria, whose eyes were solely fixed on the stage where she was to perform.
“Wait. Are you saying *you* will be the ones fighting?”
Silvia turned back to the Chief Priest, who asked with disbelief.
Floria was already walking towards the center of the arena.
“Who said I would be fighting? I merely stated I would utilize the divine tool appropriately?”
“Wh-what are you saying!?”
Silvia sighed and replied to the bewildered Chief Priest, “Are you not realizing it even now? It’s fine, just watch what we do from there.”
With that, Silvia quickly followed Floria, leaving the Temple Head and others watching in stunned silence.
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At the center of the arena, Floria and Silvia bowed to the audience.
After that, only Floria remained in the center, while Silvia moved to a spot a short distance away.
Floria would be performing a martial routine with a sword, and Silvia’s presence nearby would be a hindrance.
Silvia, having confirmed the appropriate distance with Floria, withdrew to her designated spot and took out a certain item from a luggage bag.
The item Silvia took out was a transverse flute, used by shrine maidens and priests.
By that point, even the Seichun temple officials likely understood what Silvia and Floria intended to do.
Silvia could see the color drain from their faces.
But it was already too late.
Silvia took a deep breath and then immediately exhaled, producing a note from the transverse flute.
The transverse flute’s distinctive sound spread throughout the venue, captivating the audience.
Silvia, having received elite training as a shrine maiden princess, could play a variety of instruments proficiently enough to offer music to the gods.
Among them, the transverse flute was her specialty.
The music she played had been pre-arranged and discussed with Floria.
Silvia played the transverse flute in time with Floria’s sword dance.
Silvia’s performance preceded Floria’s martial performance.
However, Silvia’s performance this time was merely an accompaniment to Floria’s.
By the way, the outfit Floria is wearing is inspired by what Roma (Gypsies) wear. (Since she’s being watched by priests, a specific description is intentionally omitted.)
