The Apostle marks are an integral part of the world’s faiths and power structure, playing a pivotal role in the story of Light’s Conquest. These marks, unique to the twelve gods, symbolized divine favor and were said to be bestowed upon a chosen few at birth. Each god had a distinct Apostle symbol that represented their nature, and the individuals bearing these marks were regarded as living embodiments of the deity’s will.

  The marks were rare, appearing in only 5 to 8 percent of the population worldwide. Those who bore them were granted honorary priesthood in their respective faiths, bypassing the rigorous training required of ordinary priests. The presence of the mark alone was considered proof of divine blessing and was enough to grant them a position of reverence and authority within their faith.

  It was widely believed that the Apostle marks reflected a person’s intrinsic nature. For instance, Solious, the Goddess of the Sun and Light, was said to bless individuals of just and virtuous character. However, the faiths also agreed that mortal lives were subject to corruption. Even those favored by the gods could stray from their path, which was why mortal laws remained above divine favor in practice.

  In Light’s Conquest, Eugene, the protagonist, was the Apostle of Solious, and his mark symbolized his role as the champion of light, hence the title of the novel. However, Ravenna’s case was an anomaly—a contradiction so profound that it had shaped her life in ways she could never escape.

  Ravenna had been born with the Apostle mark of Herptian, the Goddess of Indulgence, despite being a direct descendant of Solious, the Virtuous Goddess of Sun and Light. This single fact had rendered her a problem within her own family.

  The imperial family, deeply entwined with the faith of Solious, could not afford for such a scandalous truth to become public. The descendant of the virtuous goddess marked by Herptian, a deity known for her indulgent, lustful, and hedonistic nature? It would have shattered their reputation. To protect their image, they had kept Ravenna’s mark hidden, distancing themselves from her as much as possible.

  For Ravenna, this rejection had been a defining feature of her life. The court whispered of her as a walking disaster, a living stain on the imperial family’s reputation. This is why she adapted into a ruthless and spoiled personality as she grew up making the mark’s judgement true.

  Ravenna’s lips curled into a smile as she sat across from High Priest James in the meeting cabin of the Herptian Church. The dim candlelight cast flickering shadows across the room, and the air was heavy with the scent of aged wood and incense.

  James, visibly shaken, stared at her in disbelief. “Wh... Why reveal it now?” he stammered, his voice trembling with both curiosity and apprehension.

  Ravenna leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs with deliberate ease. “Because it doesn’t matter anymore,” she replied, her tone light but undercut with a trace of mockery. “I’ve already been exiled. They’ve cut me off from the family, stripped me of everything that tied me to them. Whether the world knows I’m an Apostle of Herptian or not, it won’t change my position. I’m already the disgraced princess who killed her own mother. What’s one more scandal at this point?”

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  James lowered his gaze, nodding slowly. She was right. The imperial family had already written her off. If the truth of her mark were revealed now, it would merely add fuel to the fires of gossip and scandal, but it wouldn’t change her fate—or theirs. She was no longer a contender for the throne, and the palace no longer cared for her existence.

  As James remained silent, Ravenna’s thoughts drifted.

  “Emperor Andrew must have thought he was clever,” she mused internally. “Sending Ravenna to Jola Island for exile, assuming that the Herptian Church would take care of her once they discovered she bore Herptian’s mark. But how could he have guessed that William had poisoned her before she even left the palace? In the original novel, Ravenna never made it to Jola alive. She died before she could claim her place among Herptian’s Faith and live a quiet life away.”

  Returning her focus to James, she allowed a small, sly smile to tug at her lips. “So,” she began, her voice smooth and commanding, “if we reveal my mark and use it strategically, do you think the ritual might succeed after all?”

  James blinked, the question snapping him from his reverie. For a moment, he considered her words. Then, a slow smile spread across his face. “It just might,” he admitted, the tension in his shoulders easing.

  As the meeting concluded, Ravenna rose gracefully from her seat. The Herptian Church’s meeting cabin, modest but dignified, stood silent behind her as she stepped out into the warm evening air. The scent of salt from the nearby coast lingered, carried by a gentle breeze that tugged at her.

  Waiting outside were two familiar faces Sarah and Marie flanked by a few knights in armor. Their presence was an odd sight, Ravenna’s sharp gaze quickly took in the scene, an absence. Raising an eyebrow, she addressed them.

  “Where is Alice?” she asked, her tone calm but laced with curiosity.

  Marie, perked up immediately. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she stepped forward. “Master,” she began, practically bouncing on her heels, “she went to greet the crew returning from the northern coastline! Ser Hughes and his knights have just returned!”

  The enthusiasm in her voice was unmistakable, and Ravenna couldn’t help but chuckle softly. It was clear Marie was eager to join her. The girl’s habit of tagging along on such occasions had become something of a tradition, and Ravenna saw no reason to break it now.

  “Well,” Ravenna said, her lips curving into a faint smile, “it’s about time they returned.” She turned to Sarah, her expression shifting to one of composed authority. “Sarah, there are some preparations that need to be made. Speak with His Holiness James and ensure everything is handled properly. I trust you’ll take care of it.”

  Sarah bowed deeply, her voice steady and respectful. “Yes, Your Highness. I’ll see to it immediately.”

  Ravenna nodded before turning her attention back to Marie. The young girl’s eyes were practically shining with anticipation.

  “Come on,” Ravenna said with a slight tilt of her head. “Let’s see what Hughes and his crew have brought back. Get in the carriage.”

  Marie’s face lit up, and she beamed with delight. “Yes, Master!” she exclaimed, her excitement spilling over as she hurried to climb into the waiting carriage.