Aurelia felt goosebumps forming over her skin as she felt the crackling of the holy energy produced by [Divine Zeal].
His divine presence, while scary to others, only made her more comfortable and in a way, more excited.
Her cheeks flushed red for a moment before she slapped herself.
'No, stop it.' Cedric had reassured her that she was on a very good path and that he didn't mind marriage.
She would be damned if she ruined it because her lust.
She pushed air through her nose as her mind went into a meditative state of prayer.
Cedric had drilled it into her head that she needed to pray whenever she had an opportunity; the duration did not matter as long as she spent moments devoting herself to God.
God truly was great, he was the reason she was in such a formidable position as she was now. He was the one who sent her the hero she loved with all her heart.
If someone like Granny Anna willingly converted as soon as she heard of such a God, then there was no question.
Only one faith was true, and Chrunus stood in its way.
A minor obstacle that her beloved shall cut with a swift motion.
She stopped for a moment.
"I think... I am becoming like Cedric..." She muttered, her lips forming a slight smile.
So what If she was becoming like him?
He was a great hero to humanity, and her beloved.
It would have been more strange if she didn't adopt his ways.
"I do not mind... I do hope I rubbed off on him at least a little bit too..." She muttered in a whisper as she made her way inside the underbelly of the Cathedral.
'Once I rescue granny, I shall rub on him quite literally!' She squealed a little bit before her ears perked up at the sound.
"I heard the bishop himself was coming to punish that old woman who managed to kill so many of our Paladins." The masked man spoke with pride while holding his hands on his hips.
Other Paladin chuckled, "Still, it's rather embarrassing to die to an old woman... Chrunus is probably laughing at them."
"Still... She was no joke; if it wasn't for Walter, more of us would have died." Obviously nervous, Paladin spoke as if still afraid of death despite serving Chrunus.
"She just surrendered when he appeared, didn't she?"
"Even a heretic has some sense in her; he is feared for a good reason." Laughter echoed through the halls as the duo slowly approached her position.
'Walter...' Aurelia bit her lip.
She never had the opportunity to meet him, but he was said to be one of the strongest Paladins serving Chrunus.
Even someone like Paladin Drale was an ant to him that would only require a slight flick to be erased.
Which meant his death would merely hasten the destruction of the church.
Her fingers wrapped around Zenith's hilt.
She would find him later on; however, now she wanted to merely vent some anger on these two unfortunate Paladins.
'If your actions made it so that I lost my chance to be alone with Cedric, you better take responsibility for such an action with your pathetic life.' Their death wouldn't be painless. Anyone who worshipped Chrunus deserved the hell she was about to put them through.
She gripped her blade before slowly and dramatically walking out of the corner, her blade in hand and face twisted in fury.
Her appearance shocked them as she tilted her head and smiled in a sadistic manner.
"You two boys were very naughty~ And you know what happens to naughty boys~" She wanted them to feel fear; they deserved nothing less.
"Apostate queen! What is she doing here?" Paladin shouted before withdrawing the sword.
They knew that she had gained immense power, but they dared not stand down without a fight.
Their hands trembled as Aurelia's blade's edge dragged across the ground, cutting it like a hot knife through butter.
"I had it all planned out, you know... I was looking forward to that date all day... And then YOU come along and not only disturb it but kidnap Granny Anna?!" She spoke casually as she lifted Zenith.
Two Paladins looked towards each other before turning and running.
"Where are you going? If you run into my hero, you would die quickly... I won't allow that." She dashed forward before using her palm to knock the Paladin down.
"Monster!" Paladin shouted.
"Monster? Ah, to those dwelling in darkness, God's light indeed looks monstrous, doesn't it?" She approached the fallen Paladin.
They couldn't speak; they were paralyzed by shock.
Her finger's sunk into a struggling man's armor.
"EH!" He attempted to crawl back.
The other Paladin drew his blade before swinging towards Aurelia.
"Do not touch my dress." She grumbled.
Crack
With a squeeze, the sword shattered, leaving a mere hilt. Before Paladin could even process what happened, Aurelia grabbed the fallen Paladin by his deformed chestplate and launched them both into a wall.
"There is no mercy for people like you." Her eye twitched from sheer anger she felt towards Chrunus.
She reached for the Paladin before lifting him up.
"Please forgive us, Queen Aurelia! We were only acting according to our orders!"
"Ïs that so, however result is the same." Straightened her fingers before plunging her hand into a man's chest.
"AGHHHH!" He screamed loudly, his cry echoing through the halls.
She hesitated for a moment, her hand caressing his rapidly breathing heart.
Their cries never reached her ears.
'No, I can't torture them. It just isn't me' She sighed before she pulled her hand away, together with many of his organs, killing him instantly.
The surviving Paladin's expression was something to behold.
The sheer brutality baffled him.
This was not the Princess of Fools.
"Fortunately for you... Not even in my anger would I be able to torture my enemy. Goodbye." She raised the Zenith above her head before swinging it at the cowering Paladin, instantly turning him into dust.