Falling Petals From the Sky

She lowered her eyes and sent a sound-transmission: "Mother Goddess, I'm sorry—it's all my fault you've been snubbed because of me."

High Goddess Vivian Lu replied, "You think I actually want to deal with those people? They're a pain! This is perfect! Best banquet I've had in years."

Lucy couldn't help but smile when she realized Vivian wasn't just trying to comfort her.

Just then, Lucy heard Qilin Divine Lord Soren Lann's sound-transmission: "Lucia, come out for a moment."

Lucy told Vivian Lu she was stepping out, then got up and left the hall.

She hadn't even reached the door when she heard the Qilin Empress Dowager ask Vivian, "How's Luna Lian doing in the Palace Guard Barracks? I heard she's really excelling..."

All these years, the Qilin Empress Dowager had never once asked about Luna Lian...

Lucy sighed softly and walked out.

Outside, a Divine Attendant was waiting to lead her toward the inner palace.

"Where's the Divine Lord?" Lucy asked.

"Just come with me and you'll see," the Divine Attendant said, leading her into a room.

Inside, four or five attendants were waiting—some holding clothes, some holding jewelry.

"What are you all doing?" Lucy asked, confused.

"The Divine Lord instructed us to have you change into this outfit," one attendant said.

"Change clothes?" Lucy frowned. "Why do I need to change?"

"The Divine Lord had the palace seamstresses make this just for you! He said, since it's his birthday, he wants to see you looking beautiful!"

What the heck?

Lucy called Soren to ask what was up with the clothes.

Soren said it was just a Divine Robe—he thought it looked great, so he wanted her to wear it.

That's all there was to it.

That's really all?

It's his birthday—he gets to call the shots. If wearing this makes him happy, then fine, she'll wear it.

She changed into the outfit.

Standing before the mirror, her palace-style gown was exquisite—she looked absolutely stunning.

Judging by the attendants' looks, Lucy knew that stepping out in this dress would turn every head in the hall.

"Where's the Divine Lord? Take me to him," Lucy said.

She'd meet him, then change out of the dress right after.

"Of course!" The attendant smiled and led her out.

They headed right back the way they'd come.

Soren Lann sat beside the Qilin Empress Dowager, smiling as he watched her approach.

Everyone else was staring at her in surprise.

"Why'd you change? And into such formal attire?" Vivian Lu sent via sound-transmission.

"The Divine Lord made me change," Lucy replied. "I have no idea what he's planning."

Just as mother and daughter were talking, petals suddenly began to fall from above.

The hall gradually filled with the intense, sweet scent of Loveblossom.

"Huh? What's going on?" the Qilin Empress Dowager asked, puzzled. "Why are so many petals falling?"

"It's me," Soren said, rising and walking over to Lucy.

Lucy looked at him, completely baffled.

"Lucia, marry me!" Soren said loudly. "I want to spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to make you happy."

Everyone was stunned—shocked, confused, and whispering among themselves.

Traditionally, proposals are made by the parents—no one's ever seen someone propose directly to a girl before.

Especially not in front of everyone.

Lucy froze, unable to react for a long moment.

Just as she found her voice to respond, someone beat her to it, demanding angrily, "Divine Lord! What do you think you're doing?"