Aurelia and Cedric made their way inside the palace, taking a slow, leisurely walk instead of running.
'This is the second time I looked like a peasant while walking through a city...' Aurelia sighed; she couldn't help but feel the smallest tinge of shame.
Admittedly, the dress was a horrible choice of apparel for a sparring session, but in Aurelia's defense, she had no idea what Cedric planned.
'I hope it doesn't damage his reputation...' Aurelia had no good reputation to preserve anyway despite her attempts, but to damage Cedric's would pain her heart more than anything her family had said or done to her.
She was dirty, and she stank of sweat, blood, and dirt. She had no chance to properly clean herself in days.
While she did not mind Cedric making her dirty, it was unbecoming of her to walk through the capital looking like a cheap prostitute.
'I am supposed to be a regent now... I still can't believe it.' She went from being a nobody, a princess only in name, to being de facto queen of Valar due to her beloved's actions in a matter of hours.
'Ayano will definitely come looking for trouble...' She was sure the first prince would come knocking at the palace's door the moment the mention of father's sickness reached him.
Ayano was always greedy, always seeking a way to usurp Father and scheme against everyone. Now, it would have been the perfect opportunity for him to remove Aurelia, who was, frankly, the least popular royal by every conceivable margin.
At least in higher social circles.
Commoners who were abused by the royal family did not hate her as much as other royals; some even approved of her. However, commoners did not have any say in electing a royal, only the major noble houses could promote one of the royal children to be a monarch.
Valar was, after all, a Patriarchal Elective Monarchy with male heirs taking precedence over any female, even if the female was better fit.
While it was rare, nobles may vote a younger child, however, only males were eligible to be voted in any case.
If no male children existed but there were female children, a Noble house might force a marriage, changing the ruling family.
If no children existed, then one of the noble houses would become royal, while the old royal bloodline would die out by lack of heirs.
Her gaze fell onto her beloved hero.'I doubt he would allow our political system to interfere...'
She didn't need to fear assassination or any form of physical injury, however, she worried about her future rule. She had no training and no expectations before.
And now, she was suddenly struck by the responsibility of wearing the crown.
'Do I truly have what it takes?' She looked at her hands.
That Question gnawed at her. What if she disappointed her people? No, she didn't care about that.
What if she disappointed her hero, who had granted her everything? She owed him her entire life; if she had disappointed him, she would have no reason to live.
'I just might use Zenith to end myself if he abandons me...' This was her greatest fear; she had fallen too deeply in love. She even wanted to learn about God because of him. He had rescued her so many times, and she owed her life to him and him alone.
He had been angry at her behest, he had granted her godlike power, and he had protected her from death on many occasions.
'I just love him so much agh! Common reciprocate it!! God I pray that you let him see me in the same way soon!' She screamed in her head as she walked behind her hero.
Despite her desire, she had to take her time. She needed to prove herself worthy of the great hero.
They walked into the palace. path leading towards the throne room was still covered by ash and dust.
Approaching the throne room, she saw her Archangels standing in front of a group consisting of around 70-80 people whom Guardian Angels protected.
Group easily took more than half of the available space in the throne room.
"We are looking for the First Star. Could you point us to her?" The small girl spoke confidently, the same girl saved by Cedric's act of charity.
Ladios spoke, ascension eliminating any trace of roboticism. "Please wait. The First Star will arrive shortly."
'They are searching... for me. WHY!?' She looked at herself, she was in no position to receive anyone.
She sneakily ran away while apologizing to Cedric, "Sorry! I will be right back."
They called her by her new title, and they were accompanied by Angels, which made it clear they were here by Cedric's instruction.
She needed to look presentable.
"Ah, you found your way, I see," Cedric spoke, getting the attention of the large ragtag group.
"Lord Cedric! Yes, we did." The girl knelt, closely followed by others.
'A natural born leader.' Cedric nodded. small girl was born leader clearly demonstrated by even elders following her lead.
They looked around, they were surprised by their uninhibited entrance.
"What happened to the guards, Lord Cedric?"
"There was a major change in power, Aurelia is the regent currently. You will meet her soon. Do not worry about the lack of guards. The entire palace is empty."
Cedric was aware that they wouldn't be able to hide what had happened in the palace forever, but he didn't need to do it. It was only temporary until Aurelia was able to acclimate to her new position.
The group murmured between themselves, their surprise clear.
How could they not be surprised? Cedric had killed everyone in the palace, soldiers and staff, using [Divine Zeal].
He looked over them, not interrupting their shushed conversation.
'God truly is wonderful. They will be able to replace the lost workforce. And they are Christians.' He praised God in his mind, he truly did not need to fear anything with God guiding him.
They continued for minutes before Cedric noticed Aurelia approaching him. She quickly cleaned up her face and put on a new dress to greet the guests.
It was a gaudy blue dress, with fur adorning the rims, and long white gloves were hastily put over her arms. Her hair was clearly disheveled, but it was much more presentable.
"Hello, what may you require? I am Regent Aurelia." Aurelia tried to look as regal as she could, despite her lack of formal training.
However, her demeanor changed once she noticed what they wore; they were clearly misfortunate beggars despite their physical appearance being incredibly healthy.
"Regent... we..." Before the girl could even speak, she was interrupted.
It wouldn't be Christian to turn them away.
"Of course, you may stay here! I will even give you work!" She exclaimed with pride as she rushed in front of the group, with the only assumption being that they were here to beg for help.
The group had different expressions plastered on their faces, from happiness to complete bafflement.
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Cedric could swear his eyes were going to pop, Aurelia had just gained two virtues by accepting a group of beggars without any shred of doubt or hesitation; she hadn't even let them explain why they were here.
'She... is a true Christian. However, her naivety might cause issues for her monarch duties.' Cedric smiled; this was what his work as a Crusader was all about: people would find happiness in one true faith, and his duty was to cut out the rot that prevented others from finding that happiness.
Cedric interrupted them,"Many of the Palace staff are no longer available. Aurelia, if you plan to let them work, make sure to assign them according to their skills."
Aurelia nodded.
"First of all! Let me give you all a room, the palace has many empty guest rooms after all! Also, since you met Cedric, I'm sure you know of God. I will tell you everything while we are walking." Aurelia gestured for the confused group to follow her.
'I guess this is fine... However.' Cedric connected to Archangels.
[Ladios, Rayn, and Lucious make sure her kind nature isn't exploited. You are authorized to commit execution on the spot if someone attempts to do so.] With those words, he cut his connection to Archangels.
Cedric wouldn't allow her naivety and kindness to be taken advantage of as long as she had a duty to fulfill in God's Plan.