Levi stared at the crimson mark on the back of his hand.
"S-so..."
"It really is a Stigmata?"
The High Priest slowly nodded.
"It is."
"There is no mistaking the blessing of a Goddess."
Levi looked back at the mark.
"...So I'm blessed."
The priest smiled faintly.
"...Perhaps."
Levi blinked.
"...Perhaps?"
"A blessing..."
He paused.
"...Can also become a curse."
The room fell silent.
Levi slowly looked back at him.
"What do you mean..."
"...A curse?"
The old priest folded his hands inside his sleeves.
"The Gods do not grant their favour lightly."
"Those chosen by them rarely live ordinary lives."
"They become beacons."
"Some attract hope."
"Others..."
"...Attract calamity."
Levi swallowed.
"So..."
"What happens to me?"
The priest's eyes met his.
"I cannot say."
"Your path may be filled with joy."
"Or it may be consumed by chaos."
"Only fate knows."
Levi scratched his head.
"...Then I choose joy."
A small chuckle escaped the priest.
"If only it were that simple, child."
He slowly shook his head.
"Fate cannot be chosen."
"It is a thread already woven into the tapestry of time."
"We merely walk the path laid before us."
Levi remained silent for several seconds.
"..."
"...I didn't understand a single thing you just said."
"...But alright."
The High Priest laughed quietly.
"I expected as much."
He turned toward King Maverick and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
"I must return to the Grand Church."
"There are matters that require my immediate attention."
Maverick nodded.
"You've done enough."
"Thank you."
The priest offered one final glance toward Levi.
"...May the Goddess continue watching over you."
With that...
He departed.
The throne room grew quiet once more.
King Maverick slowly rose from his seat.
He walked toward Levi before resting a hand upon his shoulder.
"My son."
"The High Priest is correct."
"None of us may choose the fate prepared for us."
"We can only prepare ourselves for when it arrives."
His expression became serious.
"If the Goddess herself has chosen you..."
"Then whatever lies ahead..."
"...Will not be ordinary."
Levi nodded slowly.
"...I understand, Father."
"Good."
Maverick folded his arms.
"So."
"What are you still standing here for?"
Levi blinked.
"...Huh?"
"Go."
"The Knight Captain is waiting."
"And don't keep him waiting."
Levi sighed.
"...Yes, Father."
As he walked out of the throne room...
A single thought echoed inside his mind.
'Well...'
'There goes my peaceful second life.'
'I haven't even been here two months...'
'And I'm already carrying a divine blessing.'
'Or curse.'
'Wonderful.'
Outside the throne room...
The Knight Captain was already waiting.
He crossed his arms and grinned.
"...Rough day?"
Levi let out a defeated sigh.
"You have no idea."
"I heard enough."
The Captain chuckled.
"Looks like your training just became even more important."
Levi frowned.
"...Please don't tell me."
"I am."
"We're increasing it."
Levi stopped walking.
"...Again?"
The Captain nodded cheerfully.
"Again."
"..."
"...But..."
"You tripled it yesterday."
"I know."
"So now we'll add even more."
Levi stared at him in disbelief.
"...You're enjoying this."
"A little."
Levi clasped his hands together dramatically.
"Captain..."
"Please."
"Have mercy."
The Captain remained completely unmoved.
Levi even forced a pitiful expression.
"...Look."
"I'm practically on the verge of tears."
The Captain looked him up and down.
"Hm."
A pause.
"...Not convincing."
Levi dropped the act immediately.
"...Worth a try."
"It was."
"But tomorrow..."
The Captain gave him a thumbs-up.
"...Be ready."
Levi looked at the cheerful thumbs-up.
Then at the Captain's smile.
His expression slowly went blank.
"..."
'I miss yesterday.'
The Captain laughed as he walked away.
"See you at dawn, Young Master."
Levi watched him leave before letting out one long, exhausted sigh.
"...Dang it."