Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Gods had an aura all their own.
Even without removing his ceremonial crown, he left me shaken by that invincible beauty and power.
Seeing me struck speechless with fear, the figure slowly walked out of the hall.
Yes-though there had been a full thousand meters between us, he seemed to cross it in only two steps, appearing before us in a robe of seven colors, a feathered crown upon his head. A dazzling, entrancing glow lingered around him, and even his voice was as fresh and pleasant as snow falling through pines and cedars.
“Answer me.”
The young man beside me bowed deeply. “The Divine Lord knows all. Why ask in person?”
“Even gods can be curious.”
As he spoke, the Divine Lord Di Ku looked at me again, his tone warm and gentle.
“You were born in Youtai… What sort of place is that?”
I lowered my head, not daring to look directly at him. “In summer, torrential rains. In winter, blizzards. It is a land full of hope and suffering.”
“Oh.”
Di Ku gave a soft reply, as though savoring the words.
“Then do you like music?”
“…I do.”
The elegant lips visible beneath the mask curved slightly.
He seemed to consider for a moment, then raised his hands to remove his ceremonial crown. The gesture appeared to carry some special meaning, for the young man beside him cried out in alarm, “Divine Lord!”
Seeing that he meant to stop him, Di Ku merely lifted one hand and pressed it down lightly. Then he removed his magnificent crown and gently placed it upon my brow before turning and leaving without another word.
No one could sway a god’s decision. Inside and outside the hall, among the sea of people, the silence was so complete one could have heard a pin drop.
My heart filled with panic.
When I looked again at the young man beside me, he was clearly unwilling, but he had no choice but to take my hand and lead me to the divine throne inside the hall. Then, facing the people below the steps, he raised his right hand high.
A sudden clamor broke out all around us, everyone whispering and arguing at once.
“My Lord has made his decision. Jiang Yuan of the Jiang clan shall be his Primary Consort.”
The four fields fell silent.
What followed was a roar of acclaim from below the steps, so loud it nearly shattered my eardrums.
They sang praises of his sagacity, lauding Di Ku as an emperor for the ages who possessed both benevolence and might. They also praised the newly appointed Primary Consort, extolling me as the most beautiful, kind, and wise woman under heaven.
Even though none of them had known me before.
Perhaps the atmosphere was too exalted, too dazzlingly splendid. My mind was still reeling when I suddenly felt warmth beneath me. I hurriedly grabbed the young man’s arm beside me.
“Wait! I-I think my water just broke!”