Chapter 432: The Shakaie-Narn Alliance’s Tyrant Idol.

Chapter 432: The Shakaie-Narn Alliance’s Tyrant Idol.

I have witnessed the Prince of Envy transform into Pope Gwyn. The Goddesss Divine Quest has enlightened me! That was what our Holy Radiant told usthe person appointed both a Champion and Saint, Saintess Fleindia began. Lord Leamerx is our Holy Radiant, the leader of the Pantheon of Light blessed inside the Empire. Due to the size of the Folschreck Empire, having a central figure for us blessed was important to hold our different opinions together. So many cultures, personalities, and, especially, patron gods comprised our blessed that it is hard to keep everybody united when all of our opinions vary.

Right, and the lot of you rarely receive a proper message from your god, which makes it hard to follow the correct path. You have to follow what you think is the correct one even if its wrong, VifiYok commented, causing Fleindia to scowl at her. The former just shrugged, but, thankfully, decided to drop the matter.

Fleindia closed her eyes, before opening them up again. Holy Radiant was the title given to the church of Goddess Aurenas first pontifex, and it has been a tradition ever since to make the one most worthy of becoming both Champion and Saint our leader. However, over time, the church leadership split apart into the Holy Radiant, the leader of the blessed, and the pontifex, the elected leader of the church. That is why we call him pope, as in for the most popular person for the role.

Ive heard about the Holy Radiant, King Drangleic stated. However, the common person probably hasnt, as the local bishop would be the leader theyve in mind. To most in the western countries worshiping the Goddess, the Holy Radiant might as well just not exist.

It is also a human concept, King Elutis interjected. Both champion and saint? The first was, but isnt the current Holy Radiant only a saint? That is how the leadership between the blessed and church split apart in the first place, as the Goddess of Light had decided not to nominate another with both roles.

Fleindia brows furrowed slightly, but she nodded nevertheless. Correct. It cannot be helped, but we still require the Holy Radiant as a role for those in the Empire. The Champion of Yeostar guides us in battle, while the Holy Radiant maintains peace between us, as we are the Pantheon with the most blessed. I understand Saint Ynagar has no need for them, though.

I see youve met our Pantheon of Light saint. King Elutiss eyes slightly widened. Yes, that traveler of ours is too independent to follow behind any man or woman for any reason. Saelariel hasnt heard from him in a long time, but he is most likely still traveling around as a human to preach the Light Goddess words and granting healing to the needy.

So the elves do have a Saint of Aurena? And he travels around, hiding as a human to help others? Wow.

Fleindia continued, Nevertheless, Lord Leamerx is still the one closest to the Goddess and as such, was chosen as our Holy Radiant Well, until Champion Hestia was born. In any case, it was through him that weve become aware of the Prince of Envy for ten years now.

I hadnt exactly heard from Aurena how long the Prince of Envy took over the pope position But how strange that it coincided with the fact Davison, that alchemist we met in Firwood who captured faefolk for his experiments, also left Estralia and ventured into Artorias to build up his reputation and cause the near extinction of the Belzac garms during this exact time. He had a Master and even used a refined demonic potion.

When I brought this up, King Drangleic and King Elutis nodded to me. Theyve come to the same conclusion when they heard this information.

How curious that it all connects to this main point, again. Elutis looked over at Reajaen for a moment, causing the foxian to nod.

She rummaged through her notes, bringing up a piece of parchment. Davison and OBloom were both demonkin sympathizers. The former only joined up with the latter after we had our disagreement, but I always found it weird how they joined forces so quickly. Maybe they were already in contact before the poaching blew up in our faces?

King Drangleic massaged his temples, looking perturbed by this revelation. How insidious. So the diplomatic scandal Davison almost caused with his actions was probably also part of the demonkins plans, or, it wasnt and just a side effect of his partnership with the Prince of Envy or whoever.

Regardless, the result would have been similar if Princess Hestia hadnt stopped him for you. Elutiss words were harsh, prompting Drangleic to nod. I expect you and your people to uphold our alliance this time, my fellow king.

And I will assure my heir and theirs will remember this pact. I swear this on my grandfathers and fathers names.

Yes, your father would be immensely proud of you. This is one sin we Saelari, myself especially, will hold on our hearts. For the good and well-being of this alliance.

The demonkin only wish for humankind to splinter. Fleindias words caused VifiYok to pout for a split second, before she turned away again.

Meanwhile, Klea could only giggle. [With how everything went in Griffonpeak, Estralia, and in Yeos, I would be more surprised if humanity didnt splinter. Theyve prepared for so long, after all So, let me guess, it took you this long to actually execute your plan to kick out the prince and, in the end, it all failed?]

Fleindia scowled, irritated by Kleas words. She closed her eyes and opened them again after she took a deep breath. Yes demon. Lord Leamerx and the blessed back then tried to expose the pope, but during the night before we made the announcement, Lord Learmerx suddenly told us to stop.

Eyes widened, pale face, and twitching handsthose were the characteristics as Fleindia remembered back then, which surprised me mostly cause I didnt think Fleindia was that tenured of a Saintess. She didnt look as young as my blessed mentor, Eshe, but she also didnt look like she was in her forties or so.

In any case, Learmerx was a stern and prudent cardinal before he became a blessed and the Holy Radiant, as they called him. Consequently, his change in attitude caused an uproar within the blessed, prompting the blessed to try to pray for wisdom from their gods, but they were met with silence.

The gods cannot intrude too much into mortal affairs. As you can see, the Head Goddess herself will punish even Origin Gods if this law is broken, King Elutis commented, referring to the penalty on the Pantheon of Light.

Whether the gods couldnt speak or it was cause of this divine law, the damage was done. A Divine Quest was given to this Leamerx and he had told everybody to bide their time until the time was right to strike back against the pope. Time went by as they watched the pope rise in power, while the blessed began to lose their influence as corrupt clergymen and women rose in status.

Closely monitored by the popes people, the group of blessed had begun to splinter apart as the pressure and wait strained on them. Patience like a saint sure wasnt preached amongst everybody in this group. It was exacerbated by the fact they knew the Empire was changing and that they couldnt do anything about it, all while the gods couldnt advise them on this matter.

I was one of the many who joined the insurrection. Our rebellion against the pope. All this time while I was performing my duty as a Saintess, all I could do was watch over my shoulder as shadows snuck outside my bedroom. The lycerepth had become more stringent, His Holy Majesty, the Holy Emperor of Light, believed the false pope over the Holy Radiant, and it felt like everyday the faith towards the church of Aurenas Goddess was rising, while our real Goddess was left to lament about our inability and incompetence As such, I agreed to fight back, to banish the shadow enveloping the light and hope within our home!

And that led to the news of multiple blessed being assassinated, correct? Ellaine stated, remembering what I told her.

Fleindias fervor vanished, the light in her eyes disappeared for a moment, as if she had momentarily lost all hope. Tears began to seep from her eyes. Saints are usually accompanied by Champions, as long as there was one available. Mine, Champion Cleionvall, had been both my mentor and partner since I became a Saint During that despicable night, we were all ambushed by multiple demonkin assassins, including one fighter we hadnt expected to appear a Warbringer.

The second seat. The left-hand man of Lord Wrath, Vifi answered. I had only heard the sin heirs of Lord Gluttony and Greed had participatedweak fighters, more schemers like Envy. The first seat would never leave Lord Wraths side, while I was in Estralia during that time; it had to have been the second seat.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

A monster. Fleindias words unnerved me, as I knew myself how powerful Vifi was. How much stronger were the three people standing above her? I did not watch how my fellow blessed were cut down, as we were all separated during that moment. I only learned everything later. Champion Cleionvall charged into my room in the middle of the night, informing me we had to escape, only for that Warbringer to appear I could never forget the blood tainting the muddy water covering his body, nor the horns and tail he showed.

Yeah, thats him, all right. Vifi nodded, confirming her guess.

I ignored her comment. How did you survive?

Fleindia sighed, looking exhausted at this point. Retelling the story had drained her, but she continued, My Champion died during the battle to protect me, but before the demonkin could kill me, Light appeared. Hero Light, whom you may know as Franz, appeared just at the right moment, scaring the demonkin away with his party.

Franz?

She continued, You mention him being your cousin from your past life, correct? You should be proud. Jumping right in front of a Warbringer who killed a Champion. Indeed, even if he is a false hero, his actions were heroic. He saved my life. After the demonkin escaped and the guards arrived, I learned that nine champions and saints had died during this encounter. I wouldve been the tenth although

I bit my lips. Saintess Eshe

She nodded, looking like she was about to cry. W-we all heard about you from the Goddess. We couldnt leave the Empire since we were monitored, so when we heard Saintess Eshe was able to leave Sarkafiina, we were elated, as she would escape but we didnt think her tenure as one of the blessed would end so quickly and abruptly.

Im sorry.

One of the largest wounds in my heart re-opened as I remembered finding Eshes body during the Griffonpeak siege, murdered by a demonkin. Just like the blessed in the Empire, the demonkin sent to Artorias were meant to kill Eshe and me, all to finish their coup dtat. I managed to avenge her afterwards, but seeing one of my friends dead before I could even help her

Hearing this once again made me grip my hands into a fist, but I held myself back from even tearing back. In fact, all of this only steeled my will even further. Eshe, that benevolent person who loved orphans and risked her life and status to save them was made a Saintess cause of that. Instead of saving herself, she sacrificed her life to save the people from Griffonpeak.

Would that person want another huge war? Would that person want me to lead people to kill people from her homeland?

His eyes widened once again, speechless as he realized what I was aiming for here.

Correct. I smirked. I dont need the latter three in this, all I need is to destabilize your capital through my reputation and songs. Make sure the people understand what you are doing here, and I can tell you, I will persuade your dukes into supporting me. How about Shaturein? Do I need to remind you that you two swore an oath of friendship with me?

I then turned to Reajaen and Renee. Gleisvale in Estralia know me, and I can perform once again. Estralia is a merchant state, and they follow what is most profitable right now, and that is my knowledge from Earth. I dont need to say anything about Yeoss Elyonda, right, ReRhea?

She chuckled, shaking her head with a wide smile. No, you dont, Your Grace. The people of Elyonda and the refugees love you for granting their most severe wounds the white grace. Even if they hate the Empire right now, our knights and soldiers will feel apprehensive about fighting them, especially if you were to make your opinion public.

And I only serve your will, Princess Hestia. My life is in your hands until I have to face judgement. Reajaen then turned to King Elutis. Until she deems me worthy to die, I will only support the one who saved my son. Who granted him a second chance on life.

King Elutiss hands twitched, almost clenching them into fists.

You were chosen by God Yeostar! Markval, surprisingly, spoke up. You saved numerous people when we were all stuck inside that arena. The nobles and knights will not forget your actions, Your Grace. Your mother defeated Karhanlantheel and your allies saved our city. You defeated the demonkin who attacked our capital.

Hes right. Vifi sneered. No political power might be correct, but you have public sentiment on your side for three, no, four nations, right?

Shes right, Neill agreed, leaning back on her chair as she looked over at the dragonewts of Loatryx.

Father, Midirn in the back whispered.

Before Maelexus could speak, I drilled the dagger deeper. There is something Kramps has told me when I first met him in his divine realm. The dragonkins are supposed to be the defenders of the world, that was his part of the oath to Goddess Aurena. What has Kargryx done? What has Loatryx done? I am not suggesting you to go to war here, as Kargryx and my sister wont support that opinion, but the fact remains that you are agreeing to join a war like this without really considering your role in Krampss eyes.

I pointed at my clan Kargryxmor emblem on my dress, before raising my hand up to the ceiling. Choose one: do not wage war, or do what is correct and help change the world for the better. Assure that lives wont be wasted because this war has a wrong target. Your enemy isnt the Empire as a whole, it is the corrupt nobles, priests, and such. Your war target, on the other hand, is BoleTarias leadership!

I rose from my chair.

This isnt just a war, this is a faith war. A war between Goddess Aurena and the Pantheon of Light against the ruined church of Aurena and their Goddess. This isnt one where blood will change anything, no, the only way to change animosity is with words and belief. This is the war that I will lead, until our military prowess is needed to push the demonkin out of the Empire. That is my Divine Quest! I declared. Have I made myself clear?

We lower our tail in your presence! Maelexus and Midirn both rose from their chairs to kneel before me with their tails placed in between their legs.

Elyonda supports the ChamNay, the Idol of the Goddess! Renee and Markval stated.

House Resclave will serve Princess Hestia, and will mobilize Estralias resource to our mutual benefit. Reajaen bowed to me.

King Drangleic, on the other hand, hesitated and looked over to his wife and advisors. They were whispering with grimaces, understanding the situation was dire enough to fully dedicate, what felt like, five minutes to finish their talks. After they were done, the king looked in pain, while his queen pushed him to speak with a nod. He took a deep breath.

Under these circumstances He gulped, his eyes darting around the room. Artorias will continue to support Saelariel and Ankor-Nazta.

Crap.

Artoriass whole reason to betray the Empire was to reconnect with the dwarves and elves. This was the wish most of his dukes desired, so I understood why he had to take their side on this matter. It was not an easy decision for them, as King Drangleic was the initiator of this summit. Betraying his friendship with me, or betraying his diplomatic pact with Ankor-Nazta, which he had been working on for years now.

This created an impasse. I sat back down. I stared at King Elutis and King Fugnarus. Fleindia did thank me quietly for supporting her, but she was now wary of the two strongest factions in this summit.

None of us said anything.

I suggest we dismiss this topic until the next day. As I was no longer the mediator, King Elutis stepped forward. There is also the subject of the Earth Elemental Emperor and the dragonslayer leonid.

You may have him. I took out the orb with the elemental from my storage and threw it over to King Fugnaruss bodyguard, having him inspect the catalyst before giving it over to his king. He hasnt spoken much, but just remember that Goddess Crustacia didnt wish him to die. She told me to keep him, but I believe he would be better in your hands.

Thank you very much, Princess Hestia. Queen Tragaya bowed for her husband. The church of Crustacia abandoned our father for the Earth Mother, but we wisewoman will still treat him with the dignity of our former god.

There still has to be consequences for what he did to our land, though, King Fugnarus added. He might have been affected by demonic influence, but he still stole many lives through his actions.

I agreed, and it was best for them to deal with this subject. I didnt need to know about it now, but I could see the results later on. As such, it brought us to the dragonslayer topic, and to summarize it, the dragonslayer leonid, Rikara, only mentioned what Fleindia said and then how we were encouraged to seek out the dragon in the newspaper.

To the losers, only death awaits them. You will get no answer from me, haha! she said, followed by a ton of coughing, according to the interrogation report. The guards tried to get even a crumb of information from her, but the leonid had too many mental fortification skills to be broken down.

Unless you wish to speak

I stopped King Fugnarus. No thanks. I dont need to know every single detail of the life of my assassins. If she is to be executed, then have Neill do it or somebody else.

Uurgh, tired.

The discussion hadnt been long, but I was already at my mental limit. Freestyling that last part had garnered me support from our two weakest members and one top tier in Loatryx. Sadly, the three other leading members of the alliance hadnt budged. That was headache inducing, and I just wanted to stop it here.

Princess Hestia. However, King Fugnarus wouldnt let me. Why exactly are you trying to do this the hard way?

Because it is the correct way. The war between the humans and demonkin has to stop, otherwise one side will be annihilated. No race deserves to go extinct.

Do you think you can win against the pope, though? To my surprise, Fleindia asked. To go on a religious war, you have to convince our holy capital to acknowledge you as a blessed and that your way is the correct way, including exposing the pope. Can you overcome years upon years of religious upbringing, and then do the same for their loyalty to the Empire? If you cant, then there will be an actual war.

Ha! I laughed in her face as my mouth curved into a smile. A cute girl with the Goddess backing her while she sings and helps people sounds more charismatic compared to a grimy old man sitting on his religious throne surrounded by sycophants? No contest. Besides, I now have you, and our memories of Eshe. I wont let her down and if an actual war happens, then we have plan B.

I pointed at the alliance. As I said, a war has to be waged, but that doesnt mean you need to start it right away. There is time to ready yourselves, muster your forces, and craft gear. You dont need to charge right into it the moment the casus belli is called upon, or at least, that is what I think.

We shall consider it. King Elutis stood up and adjourned todays meeting.

Heh. Consideration is better than nothing.

Yup, politics was hard so I guess it was time to recharge my batteries with some fun moments now! Time for the monster room, loot appraisal, and unique Job time!