Chapter 5 : The Bishops Visit

At the Alaric castle inner grounds, were a group of uniformly standing priests and paladins. The priests wore a face of pious grace and humility. They held golden badges engraved with the sun symbol. The collective badges radiated warmth and cleansing to the surroundings emitting divinity. The paladins stood tall in silver armor and swords adorned with holy script engraving. There was a sun symbol on their helmets. This group was the middle-ranked echelons representing the Church of the Sun Goddess, the Kredorah Kingdom's main religion.

With such a pressuring assembly, Elias Alaric didn't back down but stood forward on higher ground with two Howell family elders behind him. He emitted mana-filled pressure mainly to dispel the repulsive divinity emitted from the group in front of him. His silver eyes surveyed each person leaving cold sweat on their backs.

A middle-aged man stepped forward. His face was solemn and opened his eyes for the first time, revealing his golden eyes shimmering like the sun. He didn't have any special features besides his eyes and was pretty average-looking. His long hair reached his back and unlike the rest, he held an emblem with more intricate details of the sun and other engravings. It was hard to look directly at or pry its secrets. It hung on a chain when he relaxed his previous pious stance. He was a well-known Bishop, Clement Saul. 

"Howells and Alarics colluding? I never would have thought. Aren't you opposing factions? It is such a pathetic sight to find you scrambling like this," said Clement Saul. 

His gentle features and melancholic voice were just irritating to both the patriarch and the two elders. They stood dignified despite their uncertain hearts about their children's outcome. On top of that, they were very far from home. This fueled their resolve to deal with the current matter but not go against the church. It would only serve to complicate things. If there was a chance in the future, they wanted their children to have a place to return to. 

That future was currently uncertain!

"What brings us the honor of your sudden visit, your esteemed Holiness?" Elias' deep voice resounded. 

It was a question filled with thorns similar to the one said before, only structured to sound less so. It was common courtesy to make an appointment before a visit.

"You are aware of the implications of the declaration you made and the prophesy that was announced. Why do your actions seem to contradict the greater good?" The priest asked as if in genuine curiosity while pointing out the reason for his visit.

'We are here to assure you don't do anything against that!' is what he was saying.

"We made the declaration with our family name on the line! Are you questioning our honor, your holiness?" Elias Alaric's voice caused the ground to vibrate by the sheer pressure. 

Clement Saul said nothing in response. His eyes made it clear he was waiting for an explanation. The nerves of the guy even more vexed Elias. 

He sighed.

"We took it upon ourselves to send the so-called bad omens away, far away, to keep our kingdom safe. After all, the church has yet to make a verdict on the prophecy or a clear clarification of its details. I was only doing what I thought was best for our kingdom. Wasn't that greater good the intention, your holiness?" Elias Alaric spoke in all seriousness and pride. 

Not a trace of guilt emotion was visible on his face. He twisted his actions to make it seem like he was doing the church a favor. All that was needed in the great scheme of politics was validation after all. He had a sufficient reason and logical factor behind his actions, thus no one would hold it against him unless proven otherwise. Not that the church would openly admit to having spies within the major families.

Elias Alaric's eyes flashed with a trace of provocation as a smirk formed on the corners of his lips. 

"...Your dedication is most enviable. I shall pass on this to the church and your good deeds shall be written down in history." With a twitch to the corners of his mouth, Clement Saul responded. The Bishop knew nothing good came of offending the two major families with such huge influence within their domain. 

Clement Saul closed his eyes and sent a wave of divine power in all directions. He confirmed that the presence of the four in the topic was not within the Alaric or Howell castle neighboring grounds. Things would be much easier with them outside the family's protection. With that thought, Clement's smile became more fond.

"It is expected of us. You are welcome to stay. Let us treat you to refreshments. You have come a long way." The patriarch said with a smile.

"No need. We have just dropped by to ensure your safety. Seeing you are fine is our greatest satisfaction. We shall excuse ourselves," said Clement Saul. The Bishop motioned the group to the exit.

The patriarch's smile vanished when they were far from sight.

"Those bastards. Invading and leaving as they wish." The patriarch was furious. "I want every mole found and brought in front of me. Dead or alive!" He declared.

His voice boomed within the castle halls and ground but not a sound left the castle. The Howells watched the entire conversation in fury but they had no say. They didn't have full authority to represent their whole family. Their standing was also lower than Elias who was a patriarch. Their mind was already planted with longing for power.

Regarding the actions taken by Elias, Sagar and Adelina didn't have any qualms. They knew the same would happen at their family grounds. That was a day purged by the blood of traitors on both family grounds, being both a saddening and gloomy place filled with terror of the parents who seemed to have suddenly lost their humanity. The little goodwill they showed before, vanished on this day and they became emotionless, impartial leaders of their respective functions. It truly was a catastrophe.

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