Reincarnated As A First Rate Villain: I Don't Know How To Play My Role-Chapter 29

The creaking of polished wheels over white stone slowed until it became a whisper.

Lucien, seated within the comfort of the grand carriage, felt the gentle jolt of stillness—signaling their arrival.

Outside, the sound of fluttering banners and soft chimes could already be heard.

A moment later, the door was opened with practiced grace.

"Welcome, young master," said Maid Marie gently, her soft brown eyes shining in the morning sun.

Lucien stepped down from the carriage.

And what met his eyes left him momentarily breathless.

Before him stood one of the Church of Elyssira's many sanctified branches—the Aurelian Sanctum, an awakening temple known throughout the inner and middle walls of the Valderian Empire.

It was...

Colossal.

The cathedral stretched toward the heavens, its gleaming spires clad in white gold and sun-blessed stone. Stained glass murals lined the facade, casting multicolored light across the courtyard. Each pane told a story—of heroes, saints, and the radiant Goddess Elyssira herself, cradling the world in her palm.

Etched into the highest banner that fluttered from the main spire was the emblem of the Church: a divine tree with countless branches, its roots encircling the world, its leaves like glistening motes of starlight. It symbolized unity, growth, and the divine watch of the goddess over all life.

Marble stairs led up to wide-open doors, flanked by soaring archways and carved reliefs of ancient battles and blessings. Holy incantations were softly chanted in the wind by unseen enchantments, making the very air feel sacred.

Lucien stood in silence.

His red and gray eyes reflected the full glory of the sanctum, his lips parted slightly.

"It's... beautiful," he murmured.

"Don't just stand there with your mouth open again," came a low chuckle. Knight Rex stepped beside him, his arms crossed. "You'll let flies in, young master."

Lucien blinked and immediately closed his mouth, cheeks tinged with a faint shade of pink. "Tch. I was just admiring it..."

"Of course," Rex smirked. "Now let's head inside before you turn to marble too."

Together, the trio made their way up the cathedral steps—Lucien, Knight Rex, and Maid Marie. Behind them, the six A-rank knights began unhooking the carriage reins and carefully guiding the vehicle to a reserved location so it wouldn't obstruct traffic or footpath.

The guards at the sanctum doors stood tall, dressed in pristine white plate armor inlaid with gold and pearl. The sigil of Elyssira's Tree was carved across their breastplates and etched on the edges of their tower shields. Each one of them radiated a serene, calming aura—a manifestation of trained holy energy, or sanctified aura.

Knight Rex gave them a silent nod.

The guards, upon seeing the emblem of the winged lion—House Velebrandt's unmistakable crest—immediately straightened and bowed slightly.

One of the guards stepped forward and opened a side wicket-door, meant for dignitaries and high-ranking individuals.

Lucien blinked.

They didn't even ask for a name.

He stepped through the threshold.

And once again, was struck by awe.

The interior of the awakening cathedral was just as majestic as its exterior. Wide vaulted ceilings glimmered with embedded crystals, radiating a soft, ambient light. Rows of chandeliers hung high, their floating lights maintained by long-lasting holy enchantments. The floors were pristine marble, layered with deep crimson and blue carpets embroidered with golden threads.

The air inside was cool and refreshing—artificially maintained by magical climate regulators.

Dozens—no, hundreds—of ten-year-olds lined up in long, snaking rows. Their voices echoed faintly off the cathedral walls, and overhead, holy scriptures were sung by distant choirs unseen. Most of the children wore plain clothing, the garb of commoners. Only a few bore noticeable family sigils or silk trims—likely low-ranked nobles.

Near the front of the long line, receptionists sat at wide counters, assigning numbers engraved in thin plates of silver. Each child, upon receiving their number, was pointed toward one of the many doors at the sides of the hall—each door leading to a separate awakening chamber.

Lucien, watching this from the back, blinked several times.

"...Are we here for a job interview?" he mumbled in disbelief.

Maid Marie stifled a laugh behind her palm.

Knight Rex raised an eyebrow, smirking. "What, were you expecting heavenly angels to carry you into a glowing pillar of light?"

"I mean—maybe..." Lucien muttered under his breath.

"And you'd be sorely disappointed," Rex chuckled.

Lucien sighed.

Looking at the sheer length of the line, his shoulders slumped. "Are we... really going to wait that long?"

But Rex and Marie shared a knowing look. The knight placed a hand on Lucien's shoulder.

"You forget, young master," he said calmly, "You're Velebrandt. We don't stand in lines."

Lucien perked up at that, eyes widening. "Right... right!"

He chuckled softly and nodded to himself, muttering, "I really did pick the right bloodline..."

As they began walking toward one of the smaller doors on the side—an ornate entrance flanked by deeper runes and extra guards—some of the people in line noticed them.

"Hey! Look at those three..."

"They're not even lining up!"

"Tch. Another brat who thinks their family name gives them a free pass..."

"Probably from some baron or viscount house trying to show off..."

Their muttering became jeering laughter.

"They'll get thrown out soon enough," one boy sneered. "The guards hate line-cutters."

But the moment they approached the restricted access door... the guards stepped aside.

Not only that—they bowed and opened the door for them.

Silence swept across the immediate rows.

"What?"

"They... let them in?"

"No way—!"

"Did they bribe the guards?!"

One of the louder teens marched up toward the nearest white-armored sentry, voice rising. "Oi! You just let someone skip the whole line!"

The knight's voice was cold, calm. "Take one more step, and you'll be removed from the ceremony. Complain again, and you'll awaken next month."

That was all it took.

The boy turned pale and backed off immediately.

Grumbling, the others went silent—but the murmurs didn't vanish.

Some muttered under their breath, some kept whispering theories, but none dared speak loudly again.

However, a few others—notably those from minor noble houses—peeked over to catch a glimpse of the sigil on Lucien's outfit as he disappeared through the inner sanctum door.

The winged lion.

Their eyes widened slightly.

"...House Velebrandt..."

"...A Grand Duke's household..."

"...Makes sense now."

And with that, any remaining complaints

turned to silent curiosity or reluctant awe.

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The hallway stretched before them—ornately carved, wide enough to fit a procession, and lined with gleaming braziers of white-gold flame that emitted no smoke, only light and a faint warmth. Magic pulsed subtly through the walls, woven into the marble veins like threads of divine intent.

Lucien walked at a steady pace, flanked by Knight Rex on his right and Maid Marie to his left. The sound of their footsteps echoed faintly beneath the high-arched ceiling.

Finally, the three came upon a great double door carved of silverwood—its surface engraved with the Tree of Elyssira, branches spiraling into infinite arcs, intertwining with ancient script that shimmered softly. Two guards stood watch, clad in ceremonial white armor adorned with gold vinework and polished to a mirror sheen.

Upon noticing their approach, both guards immediately straightened and bowed low.

"Honored guests," one of them spoke reverently, voice clear and composed. "Please wait a moment. We shall summon one of the High Attendants of the Circle of Elyssira."

Knight Rex gave a respectful nod. "We'll wait."

One of the guards stepped forward and motioned them inside. "Please rest within the lounge while we notify the Circle. I shall escort you."

With a silent gesture, the doors swung open.

Lucien entered the antechamber—and was greeted by a space far more luxurious than expected.

Softly glowing chandeliers of skycrystal hung overhead, bathing the room in a calming luminescence. The walls were paneled in whitewood trimmed with gold veins, and the floor was laid with sapphire-threaded carpet. Several plush chairs with high backs and divine insignias were arranged around a polished table of crystalstone. Resting atop it were sealed trays of snacks preserved by gentle enchantments—fruits, sweet breads, and cool water in glass goblets that never emptied.

Beyond the lounge, there were three more doors—one on the left, one on the right, and one directly ahead, all sealed. The one behind them clicked shut softly as they entered.

The knight bowed politely. "Please, enjoy some refreshment while you wait. I shall fetch the Circle representative assigned to oversee the young master Velebrandt's awakening." With that, he turned and entered through the left-side door, leaving them in peace.

Lucien approached one of the chairs and slowly sat down, his gaze wandering across the elegant carvings on the nearby archway. He couldn't help but let out a small breath of awe. "Even their lounge looks like something out of a storybook..."

Rex grinned. "You should see their underground vault. This is modest in comparison."

"Modest?" Lucien blinked.

Marie chuckled softly behind her hand.

Some time passed in silence—pleasant, unhurried silence filled only by the gentle hum of enchantments and the faint perfume of holy incense drifting in the air.

Then came a knock. Soft. Polite.

The three glanced at each other.

The door they had entered from creaked open once again, and the knight from earlier stepped inside, bowing his head slightly.

"One of the Circle shall arrive shortly," he said. "I will resume my post."

With that, he turned, took his place beside the double doors, and stood still like a statue.

Lucien shifted in his seat, trying to mask the growing sense of anticipation blooming in his chest. He tapped the armrest softly. "Someone from The Circle of Elyssira, huh?"

Rex glanced toward the sealed doors. "They're the upper echelon of the Church. Most of them don't interact with the public unless it concerns the realm or divine affairs."

Marie nodded quietly. "Having one monitor your awakening is... very rare, young master."

Before Lucien could respond, another knock echoed against the lounge's peaceful quiet. But this one was different.

It came not from the door they had entered, but from the left-side door—the very one the knight had gone through earlier.

The knock was gentle. Almost hesitant.

"...May I enter?"

Lucien raised an eyebrow. Knight Rex blinked once, exchanging a glance with Marie.

"...Did she just ask for permission?" Lucien whispered.

"For a Circle member to ask us—" Rex murmured under his breath, frowning slightly.

Without hesitation, Rex stood and moved toward the door.

He opened it.

And what stood beyond it was not what Lucien had expected.

A figure entered the room, gliding with practiced poise. She wore a full-length ceremonial gown woven of silken white, thickly layered yet light, and so perfectly crafted it almost seemed to flow like mist. The long robe was adorned with golden embroidery, shaped into curling branches and leaves that shimmered faintly with every movement.

Her hands were gloved in pristine white, and from her shoulders to her neck, a high-collared veil of translucent silk covered her skin—leaving only her face exposed.

And what a face it was.

Youthful, serene, and hauntingly beautiful.

Her expression was neutral, but not cold. Her delicate features held a quiet gravity, framed by snow-white hair that cascaded like moonlight down her back. Her eyelashes—white, too—curled gracefully above eyes that shimmered in gold.

Not the brassy gold of trinkets or coin. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

But a divine gold.

Like light caught in amber, layered with unknowable depth, glowing with subtle radiance.

Lucien, uncharacteristically speechless, instinctively stood up.

The woman stepped forward, and with a graceful bow, she brought one hand to her chest.

"I am Aurorwen Everleigh," she said, her voice smooth, noble, and unwavering, like flowing springwater over polished stone. "Third Light of the Sixth Branch. I greet you, scion of the Winged Lion. May the blessings of Elyssira ever guide your soul."

Lucien blinked slowly.

"...I-I'm honored," he managed.

Maid Marie curtsied deeply. Knight Rex inclined his head in respect.

Aurorwen straightened, her golden eyes never leaving Lucien's. There was something ancient in her gaze—calm, enduring, and quietly powerful. She did not judge. She simply... saw.

And in her presence, even Lucien Velebrandt—heir to one of the Empire's most exalted houses—felt as though he were standing before a saint.