Chapter 451: Skipping the Dialogue Options.

Chapter 451: Skipping the Dialogue Options.

Silence. Everybody inside the room fell silent at my statement. Looking between the knights standing inside the aisles and the priests looking at me with slacked jaws inside the crossing and chancel part of the basilica, I could only snort dismissively before I started walking forward, agitating the knights.

Seeing this, Tasianna, Ellaine, Yorshka, the twins, and Mirdirn flanked me like bodyguards, eyeing them with quiet hostility. The students then moved behind us upon Saoris prompting, while Neill, the saurians, Renee, Fleindia, and Theodore sighed in exasperation and walked next to me.

Y-you? One of the cardinals managed to recover from my bombshell, composing himself just enough to only frown at me. Thank you for your introduction. I am Marius von Zahbak, cardinal vicar of the Church of the Goddess inside Aureolis.

So, hes number two. The popes right-hand man.

Champion, I presume, is the correct title here. Champion Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor, a dragon and imperial princess with God Kargryxmors blood We have heard of you. News of a dragonewt blessed had circulated in the Empire, based on a report from the Lycrepth. He ignored my attempt to make Idol an actual blessed title. You say you wish to revoke the Guidance of the Popular? A decision our leaders and blessed in the past had decided for the prosperity of our church, by dividing the roles? How may blessed serve our Goddess, if they must serve our brothers and sisters in faith, as well?

It is exactly as she had demanded, Cardinal Vicar. Fleindia stepped in for support.

Saintess Fleindia? He raised a brow, but didnt look surprised at her appearance, unlike the many priests and shrine maiden around, eyeing her and to each other in confusion.

However, instead of her, Renee was the next to speak. My name is Rhea Renee Sealight, Champion of the God of Knighthood, Bravery, and Loyalty. I might be newly blessed, but I agree with Champion Hestia that the current status quo must be changed for the good of our church.

Fleindia nodded. As the eldest of this blessed group, I have given the idea much contemplation. As a survivor of the assassinations, and a supporter of the Holy Radiant, I must agree. Currently, we require a more unified cooperation amongst ourselves for the sake of Her Holiness as the war between us humans and the demonkin wages on with no ending in sight. Cardinal Vicar, we wish to speak with Pope Gwyn.

This is a major tradition you are breaking! The first to speak up against our demands wasnt the vicar, but the cardinals and bishops next to him. Unity? There is unity. We all have our roles to serve the Goddess, and we do our best to ensure that! As blessed, you have your own roles!

What would you do with all this power if we break our traditions? Will you lead our fellow followers while fighting our enemies? There is a reason why the position of pope was created!

This is

Silence!

However, before it got out of hand any further, the Vicar raised his hand.

I understand. There must be a reason for your decision, and as the blessed of the Goddess, she must have spoken with you! I would love to hear of your goals, for this is my honor as the vicar. Sadly, Pope Gwyn is still debilitated due to an unforeseen event where an intruder snuck into his bedroom. He has been unstable ever since then, as you must know from the newspaper our Heroes of the Goddess happily introduced to our world.

Noise. More gossip. The priests began whispering to each other, reminded of who they accused of having attacked the Pope. Reports have also stated that a dragon had personally attacked our Pope. Is this a ploy from Kargryx, or is this all a coincidence and the dragons have finally decided to move against the demonkin? was the quote. It was a clear accusation, but at the same time, it was left ambiguous enough to allow Folschreck to say it was all just a misunderstanding.

An attempt to diffuse the situation by siding with our proposal, but at the same time, he laid a seed of distrust to remind everybody I might be a threat. Remind them this might all be a ploy.

You must have had a tiring trip. While it is more proper for us to welcome you in a more festive manner, I can see your reason for visiting us is for a dire situation. And it shall be addressed; however, allow yourself to recuperate and be refreshed first. Also, seeing as this is your first time hereChampion Hestia, Champion RheaI would suggest you get to know Aureolis better. Let the Holy Capital be your home away from home! Now, every

I held my hand up and smiled. From the bottom of my soul, I thank the Cardinal Vicar for his generosity and patience. This must be an auspicious day, indeed. The Goddess has guided me here with her words, and to be able to share it with you humbles me greatly. I understand, I skipped necessary steps and confronted you with a proposition without allowing you to think. Alas, I am in the wrong here, as such, allow me to greet all of you properly. This is my gift.

I raised my hands in the air, quickly prompting Renee and Fleindia to do the same. As I sent a [Prayer] up to the buildings ceiling, the priests clapped their hands together and were ready to sing, but, once again, I skipped the steps.

Prayer.

[Blessing of the Goddess of Light (Major)] inflicted on [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]

As warm, white particles basked everybody around us, empowering them with the Church of Aurenas most iconic buffing spell. I did not allow anybody to donate mana to showcase mySorry, ourpower here. Just as Theodore mentioned, a Champion had to invoke a feeling of reliability and trust. Either through their strength or deeds.

With practically back-to-back casting one of the most mana intensive spells, I showed everybody that I was strong.

Oh gods two [Prayer] in a row where I had to spend the mana for a major buff. Ahh, my body hurts. Too much mana in too short of a time. I complained internally as I felt aches in my chest and arms, as if something was tearing on them. This is the price for acting arrogant. Urgh, did I overdo it? Didnt want to seem too unlikable

The halls full of baffled priests left us as we walked out of the main basilica, with every step we took on the fairnite ground as loud as a bomb. Once outside, I let out a long sigh, followed by the students as all of us were a bit too overwhelmed by the atmosphere. It was a short meeting, far shorter than anybody could have expected, but it felt like my lungs had shrunk from how hard it was to breathe.

Lady Hestia Theodore came over, squinting at me, making his usually sleep-deprived eyes come to life. You are lucky everybody followed your improvisation. Could you not have spoken about it to us beforehand?

No, no, I think it was good. Saori scratched her head, looking troubled as well. Let us not speak about it here. The Vicar mentioned we should stay, right? Let us find our accommodations first and then speak.

I can help with that, Fleindia spoke up. Ive been here enough to know who is usually responsible for assigning us.

I dont think most of us would be too welcomed. Yorshka giggled a bit. I have some things to speak with others about; catch up. Ill bring the wagon to the stables and feed the equerochsen.

Oh, well come with you, Tamae prompted with the other students. We would like to avoid a few people before we get settled in.

I will join you later on, Saori replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I am curious about this place after they took you guys in for all those months.

Is that some hint of anger? I guess that would make sense, considering everything.

After we separated into two groups, Fleindia led our half around the church ground. Although I was feeling slightly nervous since I wasnt sure who was an ally and who was an enemy, I still took the time to look around the area, starting with the gate we came through. As the students described it, the entire church ground was walled off from the rest of the city, creating something similar to the lower and upper city system Artorian cities had.

Area-wise, it was like a university campus with all the facilities all concentrated into this area. There was a large expansive garden in the northern parts, while an entire building was dedicated to the Knights Order, including their training grounds. Everything was here to make the lives of the clergy as comfortable as possible, and with an entire lower city dedicated to production and farming, it was clear this entire place was made to assure Aureolis was self-sufficient.

Didnt you mention there is a [Season Regulator]? I asked Fleindia as my foot stepped on snow, making a loud snow crunch. I felt passing through the mana barrier, so why was it still so cold on church ground?

In Aureolis, every man and woman must work to assure Her Holinesss city runs smoothly. Nobody is above her, and shall not be treated as such, she quoted. The commoners who live in this city are here to assure Aureolis keeps thriving, which means they have a certain level of religious interest. Otherwise, why else live here, when there are towns with fewer religious restrictions within the country? The clergy must do their part to support them, meaning, they must buy coal, produce, furniture from the locals. As such, everything they buy must go through the local merchant guild. They manage the citys economy alongside one of the cardinals.

Ah, coal. Master nodded, having figured it out. So, the reason why we must endure this freezing cold is because all the rooms use coal and wood to warm everything up. The regulator isnt needed, so that is why snow still coats the ground.

Correct, yes. A merchant being able to sell to a priest means they are directly supporting the city, which is quite the honor, of course. What use is coal and wood for kindling, when a catalyst can solve everything? Nobles who become priests here learn this lesson pretty early.

It is certainly different from Artorias, Theodore noted. It is an honor for lowborn merchants to do business with nobles, whether they are clergy or not. However, nobles arent obligated to aid the lower city monetarily. Not to the point you have to inconvenience your own living conditions, at least.

As the law states, nobody here is higher than the Goddess. If you live in Aureolis, your life is dedicated to her and our Holy Capital. You are to support your fellow followers. Nonetheless, what I said was the truth. They do have a regulator, and it is used for important events or when it is far too hot or cold for everybody to properly work. In fact, the orphanage and the grey priest dormitory can even be used to harbor the city in case of an emergency.

I see. I nodded, having a clearer picture of the place. So, can I presume there are no wandering orphans or impoverished people?

Considering the church took in orphans to give them a home, even though they had to become grey priest in their adulthood or be sold off as noble servants, meant that the lower city had to be pretty free of crime and suffering. It should be like Carine village, where people were able to live relatively peacefully.

However, Fleindia couldnt answer, as she never visited it in depth. As a Saintess of the Goddess of Nobility and Wealth, my primary role was to ensure peace between noble houses and to ensure they hold their actions accountable Which more-or-less took up most of my time, she explained. It was usually the duty of a blessed of Andira to take care of the lower city, while Erithias blessed handled matters concerning the aristocracy, diplomacy, and economics.

I will deal with that, Saori stated after getting an answer. [As planned, I will do most of the recon.]

[Do it after you get a chance to rest, Saori. I know you want to know more about this place after hearing everything from Tatsuya and the others,] I tried to calm her down. [Im happy youre taking up responsibilities, but we have time. If they try to do anything too early, then we deal with it, plain and simple. Even though they have Yorshka looking out for them, I think having their teacher around and letting them vent some of their anxiety from living here to you would be great.]

[No worries, I understand. I will]

[Well find that bastard who nearly killed Gael, Saori,] I quickly interjected, leaving her speechless before she nodded.

That left Tasianna, Ellaine, and Midirn with me. I had a separate matter I wanted to address today. Although Ive never been here before, there were people I just had to visit, and I hoped both were healthy. After drinking some dragorade to recuperate from spending that much mana, we left the guest manor and walked over to the orphanage, where the grey-priest dormitory also was.

Where are Krim and the others? I did wonder when we exited the building and didnt see them, but decided to ignore it for now. They might be rowdy, but they werent mischief makers.

Hey, Midirn. Before we entered it, I wanted to speak with my bodyguard. We havent spoken much up until now, but I just wanted to tell you in advance that Im probably not going to act as you might think I should.

Why would you say that?

Its just Pradreo and Skardrvo, you know? They are really sweet with how they worry about me, but they also get a bit weird with their bloodthirsty side. You know my sister, and, to be frank, I am nowhere close to her in personality. My feral side is reserved for mortal enemies alone.

Ellaine laughed as I made that explanation. If you want a good example, then imagine how Tasianna was during the expedition.

A bit uncouth, no? Tasianna pouted.

Rahaha! I get it, I get it. Like mistress, like maid, right? Midirn straighten his back and raised his tail. Understood. If that is the case, then I will adjust. Also, Princess, you already heard this enough from Yorshka, but your dragonewt clan has your back. My decision to come here isnt exactly purely for your cause, but you are family.

Not purely? Will that be a problem? Well, I cant ask him now after just spouting all that privacy stuff. Maybe later.

With the air cleared from before, we entered the building, overhearing some of the grey-robes recognizing me and having heard about me from their masters. Scary dragon princess, powerful priestess, avoid unless addressed, those were the sorta words that reached my ears, and some of them quickly realized they shouldnt be saying anything since I had improved hearing. Well, a bit too late for that, but I didn't pay them any mind anyways.

Amadeus Chezaic? A grey-robe working inside an office tilted his head as I asked him about my quarry.

I nodded. Yes. A former aristocrat. Had to give up his house name. Pale blight syndrome. If you dont know that name, I am also looking for a wolfkin with dog-like ears named Lily.

I-I apologize, grey-robes come and go from here, either serving a master, being sent to another church, serving a noble, or they return when their master releases them. We do not have a roster of every one. The orphanage director has one, but she is currently visiting her family for New Years Eve, my lady. He bowed, looking a bit nervous. I could ask around if you wish.

That would be very helpful, thank you.

Then, please, make yourself comfortable. I will have some tea and treats readied.

As us girls sat on a nearby couch, Midirn kept watch and stood next to the door, prompting Ellaine to do the same. Since she was technically my knight, she was peer pressured into acting like one right now. It was amusing to watch her act like this, but at the same time, it seemed to be making the other grey-robes inside the room nervous.

After a while, the tea and treats arrived and we tasted everything, although it wasnt really top-tier. It was decent and serviceable, but to my palette, it was a bit lacking. Nobody could beat Tasianna when it came to tea, after all.

[Dont forget, the grey-robes who stay behind at the orphanage or away from their masters are usually less qualified attendants,] Ellaine reminded me, also dissatisfied with the taste.

Well, I didnt want to act like a posh, snobbish little lady but, I had to admit that Ive become a bit more picky with my tastes. Man, somehow, I missed the days when I ate rocks just cause I was curious. Was I becoming spoiled? No, no, as an idol and a responsible person, I shouldnt think of eating more rocks.

Rocks are friends, not food. I mean, even if Gravy doesnt have the emotional capacity to feel any dread, he is still my pet rock. Eating rocks is wrong.

Gladdened I managed to make that distinction clear to myself, the grey-robe eventually returned and informed us that some could remember a wolfkin called Lily, but couldnt remember where she had gone. Fortunately, he mentioned Amadeus was picked by a reputable high bishop to be his musician.

You are looking for High Bishop Rasheid of Sarkafiina.

Sarkafiina?

You may usually find him inside the library or in the classrooms. He teaches the new lords and ladies of cloth, my lady. Uhm, but if you wish to speak with the grey-robe personally without his masters awareness, you may find him inside the white-robe dormitory. As a high bishop, he lives on the upper floors.

I thanked the grey-robe, gifting him a basket full of fruits before we left, walking towards the dormitories instead of speaking with the high bishop. I just wanted to see if Amadeus was all right; after all, I was kinda, sorta responsible for him being here, even if it was his own actions that led to this.

A former noble lord born with the Pale Blight, also known as albinism, and Raffarsons Debilitation, a genetic disease where your mana paths were too fragile to transport mana around their body. He was trapped inside his room for most of his life as his skin was too sensitive to the sun, while the mana he was born with was actively trying to kill him. Sadly, to heal him, his father became complicit with the onnikai incident in Firwood as he personally funded the research of the alchemist responsible for it, Davison.

For their crimes, his father and step-mother were executed, his half-sisters banished to their maternal sides family, while he was exiled and forced to join the clergy as a grey-robe. Suffice to say, for an ill person like that, it was practically impossible for him to perform the strenuous duties of a grey-robe.

I was worried for him, but as time went by and all the other disasters happened, I mostly forgot about him. Until I talked with Theodore again and all those memories resurfaced, and here we were.

Talk!

Hmm?

As we were about to arrive at the dormitory, my ears suddenly picked up a conversation to the side, behind the admin building. It wasnt loud enough for me to pick up the rest of the conversation as the noise of the priests around us with their stomping feet drowned the rest. I shrugged my shoulders, ignored it and continued walking, until I heard somebody else raise their voice.

nt know her! My lord, please, allow me to go. I need to clean

This is a matter of our Church, you imbecile! We need to know more about this Champion!

Located. My ears finally managed to pierce through all the noise, pinpointed where the people were on my [Detection Sensor]. Considering a man mentioned a Champion, then they must be speaking about Renee or me, right? Well, now I really couldnt stop my curiosity especially with how loud they were.

You think this is some joke? Lord Rasheid cant protect you when the Vicar comes over to ask for you! So, do me and the High Bishop a favor and tell me what you know. That way I can give it to the cardinals, and then we can leave you and your master alone. Understood? Its that easy.

Rasheid? Vicar? Info? A threat?

Following the voice, we ended up in the large garden, noticing large wall-like shrubbery blocking our view of the entire place. Snow had completely covered every inch of green, making me want to just lay down and make a snow angel, but I kept moving forward until I found the men responsible for the noise.

Two white-robes, four knights, and two grey-robes were ganging up against a single grey-robe pinned against the wall. The latter had a hoodie covering his head up until one of the knights pulled it off, shoving the man forward onto the ground.

This is your last chance, grey-robe. This is for the sake of the Goddess! Speak now, or we can leave you to the vicar, one of the white-robes growled.

Leaving the man to lower his head and beg, I dont know anything! Please, let me go! I need to finish Lord Rasheids laundry. Please, my lord priest!

He changed, looking slightly healthy and more fed, but that pale skin was still as ghostly as I remembered it.

Amadeus.

Excuse me, I raised my voice, pushing my anger back. There is a limit to just how much you can use our Goddesss name to excuse your shameful deeds.

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A note from AbyssRaven

Man, I really love this title I gave this chapter. The benefits and consequences of skipping dialogues. Hestia, this isn't your second play through! Stop skipping cut scenes!

If you guys want to support me, Hestia and "A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale" (or just read up to 20 advance chapters + any Patreon-only chapters) please check out my Patreon: Rawr!

For two dollars, for the cost of a coffee, you can read up to four chapters! You will have my eternal gratitude for any support you can give me! Please.

Thank you for reading this chapter.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.