Chapter 457: Our Faith and Adoration for the Goddess.

Chapter 457: Our Faith and Adoration for the Goddess.

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Todays session may begin! Representing Pope Gwyn and the Church of the Goddesss leadership, Cardinal Vicar Marius von Zahbak.

The vicar, adorned in radiant white-golden garbs, stepped away from the altar and stood in front of all of us, resting his gloved hands on the podium. Our group, along with the congregation of priests, stood up together, showing the vicar the necessary respect by silently praying for his health, although I was more occupied with how this would progress. Once everybody sat back down, the bishops announcement of the vicars arrival continued.

This is an emergency session. As we have informed everybody, there was an attack yesterday in the middle district of the laity section.

Slight grunts filled the basilicas pristine white halls, echoing off the walls, floor, and ceiling as if this was one giant cave. It felt so loud, even if I didnt have my inhuman hearing I would have probably heard all of them.

This is unprecedented. Even during the faefolk war, never once have our walls fallen. Never once has the Goddesss protection not kept our people safe. We have lived in safety behind our mana barrier for generations, for over 600 years, since the Empire was founded and the war against the demonkin began once again. The bishop clapped his hands, acting like a signal for the priests to nod and join in the fervor he was creating with this speech. With our blessing. With Aureoliss blessing. With Pope Arminsals blessing, the Empire of Folschreck was founded in the year 2000 after the Origin Gods descent, and King Karlsvenni of the glorious von Numerus dynasty was crowned as the first Holy Emperor of Mankind. Our bulwark against the demonkin!

Oh, fun. A history lesson on Folschrecks founding emperor, which I havent once touched. I glanced over at Saori who had her eyes and ears glued to the bishops word. I sighed. Oh well, better late than never.

House von Numerus was completely unknown to me, and from the way the bishop was praising it, it seems the dynasty most likely was now extinct or otherwise fell on hard times. Similar to Elyonda, where one house took over their founding house, the same could apply within the Folschreck Empire, although this would be a better guess if I knew who the Emperor was. Regardless, the name Numerus was familiar to me, as that was the name of the continent the founder of the Empire came from before BoleTaria took it over. I just didnt know his house was named after it.

It made sense.

While I was enjoying the fact I figured this connection out, the priests around me began to clap, praising this Holy Emperor Karlsvenni like a celebrity. I guess it was the same for us Americans and President George Washington. A historical founder whose name symbolized the pride of a nation.

I request silence. The vicar raised his hand, causing any rambunctious priest to settle down. I understand everybodys anger. After all, this is the Goddesss holy place. Where her religion began, and where all of us can personally connect to her spiritually. This is where pilgrims travel to worship her at the first altar that we, the Church of Aurena, dedicated to her faith. We have an obligation to protect Aureolis and her people.

Let the Goddesss light reveal the criminals! The majoritymen and women, young and oldshouted behind and in front of me, prompting the vicar to once again raise his hand to quiet them. He especially glared at the bishops and cardinals sitting at the altar who participated.

Hold on, isnt one of the cardinals missing? I tilted my head as I recalled seeing six cardinals flanking the altar, yet today there were only five. Maybe one of them got sick?

He shook his head before he started rummaging through his robes, before revealing something akin to a white metal ball with weird feather-like patterns. Holding it up high for everybody to see, the entire room gasped. This audibly shook the hall, as I saw even the knights let their guards down. Similarly, Fleindia, Renee, and Theodore had their eyes wide open.

In these times of need, the pope has agreed to grant to me, his vicar, the authority of the churchs leadership. Until Pope Gwyn manages to overcome his nightmares, or until another pope is voted worthy of this spot, I shall grant the Church of Aurena my full dedication. The orb in his hand began glowing pure-white, shining so brightly the bronze hue of the metal ball disappeared within it. In my possession is [Providences Will]. It has accepted me.

As the light dimmed, the real appearance of the orb revealed itself. The feathers opened up, forming four same sized wings, only leaving a bronze-plated spine behind from the balls original look. Behind this was an white orb with swirling fluids, looking very much like milk from this distance. I had a feeling this was a catalyst.

And my assumption proved correct when people began mumbling Goddess Andiras catalyst and asking Can it be this urgent? As the hall became louder with the vicar showing no signs of stopping it, I turned to Theodore to explain this fuss.

Goddess Andiras catalyst is a sacred object she left behind after the demon war. Created by God Istari, this catalyst is considered by all followers of the church to be the strongest holy catalyst ever created. No alchemist has ever been able to replicate it. He then pointed at the milky ball. The wings and bronze ball were added onto the white catalyst afterwards, to make it appear more divine and awe-bringing. Like a book cover, protecting the beautifully written prose inside.

I thought the nobody able to replicate it part was a bit of an exaggeration at first, but apparently the catalyst was made with the essence of the defeated Light Elemental Emperor. Similar to Yeostar receiving his arena or how his bloodline was sanctified as a gift upon joining Aurenas pantheon, Andiras reward for following Aurena was this catalyst. If that was the case, then yes, the statement was probably true.

It has restrictions, though, Fleindia added. Considering that a mortal should not possess the power of a demi-god, for the sake of the worlds balance, through an item, [Providences Will]s full potential has been sealed since Goddess Andiras ascension. No blessed of Goddess Andira has been documented to have unlocked it.

I raised a brow, looking around the hall and how literally everybody was clapping. Then why are people so excited about it?

Because even if its potential is restricted, it now acts as Aureoliss symbol of defense. Even weakened, the catalyst empowers holy mages to the point theyre at the offensive power of a master mage. If the mage is actually competent, then Fear me, oh, my arrogant enemies. Woe to thee and thy allies, for divine power cometh before thee. The light beckons, and the light taketh the darkness within thy soul. Thats what Popess Gwynevere said as she slew two armies of Aureoliss invaders before she succumbed to arcane corruption. She was our second pope. Fleindia held her hands together, praying.

Renee turned her head around, looking uncomfortable. And I heard the vicar is a strong mage. A master mage, in fact, who has access to [Sacred Magic Lv. 8].

Eight? So, he has [Heavens Sword], too. Geez, and this guy is supposed to be our enemy

If Saoris information could be trusted, then the vicar was working with the Prince of Envy. Considering how much he looked like a stereotypical wizard with a long grey beard and how a high bishop like Rasheid knew [Major Heal], I could very much believe his competency. This was the center of Aurenas faith, meaning this catalyst was the holy grail for every holy mage.

So, what did this mean? What was the vicars intention here? Considering it surprised Fleindia and Theodore, it meant they never once considered it. They never told me this catalyst existed, after all.

I request silence! Having heard enough, the vicar raised his hand. As you must understand, it means Aureolis and its city are in danger. 39 laity died yesterday; even more would have fallen if Saintess Fleindia hadnt intervened. Bless her soul.

Praise the Saintess! Praise Goddess Erithia! the priests yelled.

And what about me? Huh? Urgh, how untasteful. They know I cant speak up!

Although we couldnt apprehend the two terrorists responsible for this insanity, Champion Hestia and her partys effort to capture the bandits working alongside this attack allowed us to interrogate them. Naturally, nobody cheered for me, so the vicar continued without an issue. The Knight-Commander managed to extract the location of their hideoutinside one of our towns, unfortunately. As per Saintess Fleindias testimony, the people who attacked her yesterday were demonkin. Meaning, BoleTaria and their otherworldly gods have finally decided to intrude into the Goddesss holy place!

But you support the demonkin, so of course you would know something even before the commander finds anything! I was really keeping myself from saying anything. If the damn Prince of Envy would show himself already, I could stop this entire farce with [My Darkest Thought].

Sadly, the enemy knew plenty of things about us already. The fact that I could stop demonic powers, that our party had access to [Room] due to my concertsalthough they probably didnt know the exact method or that I was the casterand that somebody could usurp demonic influences. It was sooo much easier when nobody knew what I could do.

Knowing nothing about the situation, nearly every single priest inside cheered for this moment, expressing how the demonkin will suffer divine punishment. I did look around the room a bit to notice a few people not celebrating. Fleindia and Theodore both explained the few people looking at the situation stoically were their allies.

Hopefully they can do something, then I grimaced.

They will. Would you like me to remind you that we just arrived four days ago? You wanted this warto revolve around faith, so give us the time to execute this plan! Theodore chastised me. Patience, Lady Hestia. For the Goddesss sake. You wanted to navigate this through diplomatic means and our associate will ensure people will be familiar with your deeds. That I assure you. Considering our partnership against House Chezaic, I had assumed you would trust my capabilities more.

Nobles did understand politicking more than I would, and Fleindia and Theodore were the perfect pair for the job. Maybe I was getting impatient here, but who could blame me? The vicar was twisting words together to create the perfect narrative for their side, feeding it to everybody inside this church as if they were hungry pigeons, unaware their crumbs were filled with deceit.

This felt infuriating.

As such, upon my discussion with the other cardinals, I will issue a church Quest to Champion Hestia and the Heroes of Aurena. He turned to me, staring down with these judging eyes.

Naturally, there were people who openly argued against it, mentioning how it wasnt right for me to be included in it. Supposedly, I wasnt worthy since I had left Saintess Fleindias side. Some even reminded people about Eshe and how I had failed her, leaving her to die against the demonkin. To my chagrin, these were the exact old coots who denounced me within the admin building, telling me how I was unworthy to serve the church at my current capacity.

While I was ready to just ignore it, strangely enough, a few people did raise their voices in my support. Current capacity? Then teach her, instead of complaining! and Her lizardman master spoke the truth, and youre just disregarding what she did to our training field! I could hear Master complain about being called a lizardman.

Silence! The vicars powerful voice drowned out any discontent. I am willing to hear a proper council from all of you, but we cardinals have made our wishes clear. The Champion deserves a chance to show off her power in a more fitting setting. It is a duty of a Champion to serve the Goddess, and now, Aureolis, Her Holinesss center of faith, is in danger from the scheming demonkin. Destroy them, Champion.

I squinted my eyes. His intentions with this plan were clear. What about Saintess Fleindia and Champion Rhea? Are you only sending me and the otherworldly heroes?

That is the idea; you will go with candidate Asaka. You must show your power and so do the Heroes of the Goddess. They have traveled for nearly two years now, and it is beyond time for them to show their achievements. After all, only by defeating the demonkin king will the Goddess allow them to return to their world!

Praise to the Goddess! Praise to her heroes!

May Saint candidate Asaka bring the criminals to justice!

There was jubilation, but not for our group.

Not the right place. Yeah, I remember that line. So they want to isolate Asaka, the students, and me from everybody else to attack us. Hmph, would get me to the prince faster, but I dont want to fight him in his trap.

Leaving Yorshka, Master and the saurians, Midirn, Saori, Tasianna, the twins, and Neill behind meant Fleindia and Renee would be extra safe from any attack they launched at them. Only sending the students with me into a far-off place was a clear sign they wanted to get rid of all the problematic people. If the students and I were dead, this entire faith war would be over.

I see I am beginning to understand the whole picture. I understand, then I must say that your suggestion would be fitting, Champion Hestia. However He leaned forward. You are not fit to lead the church.

Pardon?

It is as I said, to make your idea work, you will require a blessed to properly lead the church. Someone who is acquainted with its in and out, including our culture in Aureolis and also how other lands will think and function. As the leader you are the center of faith for countless people and priests! He raised his hands up dramatically, holding up that winged catalyst, before lowering them. You might be a talented field captain and a fearsome combatant as a dragon, but are you a good leader for a faith? Do you know our rituals? The cardinals of other nations, aside from Cardinal Theodore?

I remained silent.

As I thought. Neither is Champion Rhea worthy of the role. For both of you are too young and unfamiliar to the lives of us clergy. However, there is one amongst you who I believe is fully worthy of the role. A priestess who has lived and learned the way of the clergy, who understands Aureolis as much as her own home city.

He was right. From the point of view of the church, I was practically an outsider who knew nothing more about the church than the surface-level I have heard and seen, but a single day of Fleindia and Theodore trying to teach me how priests worked wouldnt be enough. In fact, I wasnt a ruler or mayor-type person. Being stuck in Aureolis would be something I could never get into purely cause of my idol dream.

Even now, when it came to managing things, I was leaving that stuff to everybody else. Money, resources, even ordering people around was delegated to people with the proper expertise.

The only person who was a blessed and had an inkling of administrative talent was Fleindia. I looked over to her, noticing her grimace as the vicar led us into this answer. He then smiled and announced this very fact, letting everybody understand Fleindia was the only capable candidate.

He just cut Renee and me out of the equation! Also, what is he doing here? Is he actually on our side here, or why was he making this process easier than I thought?

He clapped his hands. With that, I say this meeting is over. Considering this new revelation, I must speak with the Knight-Commander on the demonkin issue. As such, I ask all of you to stay safe and report any suspicious activities to the knights. Speaking of Champion Hestia and her party rest.

The way he said that only made it more ominous. With that uncomfortable feeling in my chest, we left the basilica where a congregation of priests immediately began to swarm around Fleindia, showering her with praise after the Vicars speech. Almost as if they had forgotten about Asaka, Renee, and me once the Vicar agreed a change had to happen, but that I was the wrong person for it.

Was this jealousy? No, I didnt want to be in the middle of a group of stuck-up priests and manage a place like this, though I would call this suffocating feeling more frustration. It felt annoying how the vicar diminished my entire revelation with a Nah, youre underqualified.

Even if I was.

Fleindia gestured for us to go on ahead, leading to Midirn telling us he wanted to say something so we went to a nearby open area and began to whisper amongst us.

I do not like this, the dragonewt announced. Its clear from yesterdays attack that were on the defensive right now due to a lack of information. Weve spent some days here, but have found nothing. Your Graces, I recommended we stop this and start doing a full sweep. Overstepping some boundaries is required here.

I winced. Midirn, I told you already that

Yet, he interrupted me. Your Highness, if I may be so bold to say, I believe your plan will not work if you keep yourself restricted to this faith war plan. You are not just a priestess. You are a Champion. We must stop acting reactively unless we wish to face the consequences.

He was right. I knew it from my core.

Agreeing with my thoughts, Theodore nodded. Without a doubt. The Vicars speech had made me think about our situation, reinforcing my idea that we still have to support Lady Hestias position within the clergy. Did everybody notice? How much the Vicar is propping up Saintess Fleindia? Completely ignoring Champion Rheas and your contributions, Lady Hestia.

Its almost as if he was putting her in the center, Ellaine said, turning her head around to see Fleindia still within the crowd. Her brows furrowed. I think I should stay with her a bit.

Well help. Tatsuya raised his arm. The clergymen and women know us enough. They probably wont scowl if were around her for protection.

Targeting Fleindia, Renee, or me would be the ideal strategy for the demonkin, since we were needed for the final plan to work out. If something were to happen to Fleindia, any support directed towards me might vanish since people might blame me for failing my Champion duty, again. Renee might face similar complications.

I was surprised I had only now figured it out, but something still irked me.

Should we start our own offensive? Midirn proposed.

I agree, Sir Midirn. Theodore squinted, looking a bit gloomy with his eye shadows. We should track down Cardinal Wendell.

Who?

Oh, you two noticed it as well? Saori stopped pondering, having stayed silent this entire time.

Master, Midirn, Theodore, Yorshka, and Shay all nodded, explaining to the rest of us that there were supposed to be six cardinals but one was missing. I had also thought it weird, but didnt bring it up since I thought he might be sick or something, yet Theodore rejected that idea. Instead, he pulled a hand-sized scroll from his pocket.

From whom? I asked.

Theodore leaned his head to the side, pointing at the group of clergy people. You work with people, you get them to side with you, and this is the reward. A good speech, my lady, it won over some neutrals. A list of targets and how somebody noticed the missing cardinal removing himself from the dormitory yesterday. It is really hard to leave the basilica unnoticed, I heard.

Just as he promised, Theodores and Fleindias contacts gave us some valuable information, specifically concerning suspects they believe might be traitors. No knights were mentioned, only white robes, with a good majority being from the empire. The six names at the bottom of the lists belonged to the six cardinals, with a special mention on Wendell, since he went missing.

I will track him down, Saori said. Or, we can have one of the shadow pack do it. Regardless, I need to get access to his room but the insides of the dormitories block out dark spells. I did the tests; the darkness-blocking ward only works within the rooms.

Let me guess, we cant barge in since itll only ruin Siss reputation, right? Neill slouched, looking impatient. How about a distraction, then?

She then pointed at the leaving knights, noting Royce in particular.

Get everybodys eyes on us, which also doubles as a way for us to know who is keeping an eye on us, aside from the people on the list, right? If they come too close, the wolves should sniff them out, so lets go! Neill moved towards them, only for Yorshka to stop her with a smile.

Neill shrugged and let her continue, so we followed Yorshka who followed the knights back to the orders building. There, we also noticed that the Vicar had entered the building, keeping his word of wanting to speak with the Commander. Yorshka nodded and approached the entrance, only for Royce and other knights to stop her.

Are you only here to annoy us? Royce snarled. You saw and heard Lord Vicar, Yorshka.

What? Yorshka played dumb. Sorry, I didnt really look, but cant I go in a bit earlier? I need to talk with Kuornig a bit, you know, since were old friends and so on. Cant you let me have a chat?

You! Royce raised his voice, looking like he was about to explode, only to suddenly notice me and the others. He groaned, gritting his teeth. What is this? Your princess made her point and now shes making good on her word by storming over everything Aurolis has built up over the past 2000 years? Here I thought you would understand it at least, as a former knight.

I do but you have no right to admonish me for anything, Royce. She leaned her head closer. You tried to kill our Matriarchs daughter. Do you think I would forgive you for that?

Yorshka then spread her arms out, flaunting them around at all the knights in the surrounding area.

Look at me, my dear former compatriots! I am a dragonewtYorshka Sirris Nordor! A dragoon and now a knight for Champion Hestia. By her will, I am requesting an audience with Knight-Commander Kuornig of the Knights of Aurena for an important matter. Make way, or I will remind all of you why I was the Commanders right-hand woman.

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I do hope everybody is awaiting the next installment of the story, rewritten and polished!