The first request left everyone stunned, but the second sparked excitement throughout the Moon Goddess Temple. Almost everyone in the Empire, especially those within these sacred walls, dreamed of becoming the Pontifex.
"I've served the Moon Goddess Temple for ten years. What do you think of me?" Ignathor confidently stepped forward, sure that the role of Pontifex was already his.
Arix didn't show any reaction. She simply smiled, keeping her thoughts to herself. This silence spurred the other eleven priests to start recommending themselves, each eager to take the position.
One priest, however, hesitated and then spoke up, "But wasn't it already decided that Scion would be the next Pontifex?"
This was exactly what Arix had been waiting for. She quickly feigned surprise and asked, "Who is Scion?"
At the mention of the name, a hush fell over the group.
The priests exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to say.