"I wish Laurent and everyone in the village happiness."
From then until now, her prayer had never changed. It wasn't meant for any god in particular—just a simple, heartfelt wish.
The corners of Laurent's mouth lifted into a smile, the kind that looked more like a demon's grin.
"How tragic. Not long ago, His Majesty the King collapsed from exhaustion under the weight of his duties. Sadly, he never rose again from his desk. But despite our grief, we must continue forward. Though I may still be inexperienced, I am willing to shoulder this heavy responsibility!"
On the execution pyre, Jeanne's eyes dimmed, her spirit sinking lower than ever. Listening to that familiar voice from above, everything suddenly felt foreign.
Is that Laurent?
That man on the platform, about to ascend as the King of England—is that really Laurent?
She suddenly remembered that day's prophecy.
Stop Laurent. One day he will become your greatest enemy—was that referring to now?
No. Impossible. That's not Laurent. He's just angry.
He was angry for her sake. Avenging her. Mourning for her. He believed it was all because of the gods' guidance, all because of those who betrayed her.
Jeanne had always believed in him—still did, even now.
Even if everyone else abandoned her, she trusted Laurent would stay by her side.
But now… did she even deserve that?
She had, once—but she'd lost that right.
What would happen next?
She didn't know. When she lifted her head to look at him again, her heart twisted with pain.
The Laurent she remembered hadn't had so many scars on his face. He hadn't stood so high above the crowd, known by everyone. The man who once brought laughter and prosperity to their village—she was the one who'd driven him to this path.
Ha. She was the one who'd driven him to this path…
Is this fate?
Yes, it must be. Karma coming full circle.
If she hadn't taken that first step back then, she and Laurent would've both been killed by English soldiers.
So she chose this path—but even so, she still couldn't escape the same ending.
Her cross necklace was gone. The divine guidance was gone. Everything was gone.
She hadn't even been able to apologize—to tell him she missed him, to tell him she loved him…
War had always been cruel. What people called peace was nothing more than an illusion paid for with countless sacrifices.
The Archbishop began the coronation blessing, but Laurent quickly interrupted.
"Your Eminence, there's no need for words of faith. Since I myself am a god, faith in me will suffice. Let's begin."
Such blasphemy left the Archbishop speechless. After a brief hesitation, he obeyed, though inwardly he cursed Laurent, praying Heaven's wrath would strike him down.
The priests to the left of the platform stepped forward carrying the crown. It rested on a tray lined with red velvet, held by one bishop and flanked by two others. The three knelt before the Archbishop.
The crown was gold, lined with red velvet, hundreds of diamonds set into the metal in the shape of a cross, and atop it gleamed a massive Regent diamond, larger than all the rest.
The Archbishop slowly lifted the crown. Laurent bowed his head to receive it.
When it finally settled on his head, Laurent smiled again.
He spread his arms wide.
"Alright then. Since I am now king, it's time to deal with this Holy Maiden abandoned by her gods."
The crowd parted to make way for him.
Laurent stepped forward until he stood before Jeanne, his tone filled with pity.
"Ah, such a pitiful girl. Forsaken by the gods, forsaken by her people. Those cowards didn't even have the courage to ransom you."
"But even so, I won't abandon her! Since ancient times, witches have been punished by fire, and I'll make no exception. Yet even now, her gods haven't appeared to save her."
His words carried another meaning.
"I've heard those with divinity ascend to Heaven upon death—believers too. But it doesn't matter! I love her, and since I am now the only god, I will love her forever. No one in this world can ever surpass my love!"
The crowd below said nothing, but their hearts were full of contempt for their new king.
The true Holy Maiden stood right before them—everyone knew it.
He loved her? Ha. Just empty words, the same kind of love God claimed for mankind.
But the soldiers who'd fought beside Laurent knew better.
Even if they poisoned him, he wouldn't die.
That man was a demon—one they could never kill. And the only person who might've saved them was now tied to the stake by their own hands.
A soft July breeze brushed Jeanne's hair.
Laurent stopped in front of her, meeting her gaze.
After all this time, she had grown—graceful now, a woman.
Ah, how I wish I could marry her.
Regret pierced his heart. If he'd had another chance, he would've kept her by his side, no matter the method or reason. Looking back, he even regretted not defiling that pure body sooner. Maybe then, things wouldn't have come to this.
These people aren't worth saving, you foolish girl. Look at them—even now, not one dares to save you.
Unnoticed, Laurent's lips curved in a faint, fleeting smile.
"Holy Maiden of France, even now, do you have nothing left to say?"
Jeanne lifted her eyes to his.
"Laurent, abandon me. These people aren't worth—"
"Enough of your self-righteousness, Jeanne. My name is Évigi."
His eyes were void of emotion.
"You should call me Your Majesty now. Those angels you believed in—I've already slaughtered them. So let me ask you one last time: Do you regret what you've done?"
His voice was steady.
This is your last chance.
If even now you don't waver… maybe everything I've done will have been worth it, Jeanne.
Jeanne shook her head.
"I have never wavered. I've always known my goal—though perhaps, in the end, I failed."
Hearing this, Laurent smiled at her for the first time—a smile so strained it was almost painful.
You really haven't changed. Still that same pure heart from when you were thirteen.
Stay that way forever—and leave the rest to me.
Suddenly, golden light appeared in the sky—bright, blinding, impossible.
The crowd fell silent, their eyes wide, as if witnessing a miracle.
In that stillness, Laurent whispered something. Jeanne stared at him, eyes trembling.
A moment later, a golden sword tore through the sky, breaking the sound barrier as it fell.
Boom!
With a deafening crash, the Luobishi divine sword—said to cut through all evil—plunged from the heavens, piercing straight through Laurent's heart.
It fell like a miracle, divine punishment made real.
The world turned black and white, blood blooming before Jeanne's eyes.
Time slowed to a crawl. She stared in disbelief while the others believed Heaven had struck down evil.
Laurent's voice echoed faintly in her ears.
"I won't let you fail."
Only Jeanne knew.
This wasn't a miracle at all.
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T/N: im back, did a poll on my patreon on the new schedule and releases for webnovel so yeah
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