Inside the superstructure of the Holy Light Empire expeditionary fleet's flagship, the Glory, two Throne Grand Archbishops and five grand archbishops from the Scepter Archdiocese, all from the Holy Light Empire's Eastern Diocese and participating in this expedition, were enjoying their breakfast in the dining hall...
At either end of the long dining table sat the two Throne Grand Archbishops, while the other five grand archbishops from the Scepter Archdiocese were seated at the two ends as well, three on the left and two on the right.
Upon the snow-white velvet tablecloth lay an array of golden tableware. In the glittering gold goblets studded with gemstones, freshly delivered deer blood was steeped with top-grade Fire Dragon Crystals, carrying a strange warmth...
The Holy Light Empire was a place with a hierarchy so strict it was terrifying. Thus, wherever two Throne Grand Archbishops were present, the other five grand archbishops from the Scepter Archdiocese, even though they were Knights, could only eat breakfast solemnly and silently, listening to the conversation of the two Throne Grand Archbishops. Unless a Throne Grand Archbishop mentioned their name, they would not utter a word.
"Deer blood taken from within a pregnant doe's womb is still the most nourishing. Breakfast without fetal deer blood really does take some getting used to..." The Throne Grand Archbishop seated at one end of the table was slightly plump and appeared to be in his sixties. His skin was as delicate and fair as a young girl's. As he drank the deer blood from his goblet, he gently shook his head and commented on that morning's breakfast.
After drinking the deer blood, the Throne Grand Archbishop's lips were stained a vivid crimson. Together with the delicate, snowy skin on his face, that contrast of red and white sent an inexplicable