"Thank you for answering my questions, Pope Altheran."
Kael smiled, and the Pope smiled back.
"This is the least I could do for you, Hero Kael. Please take care and..."
The Pope's expression then changed as he momentarily glanced at Selene before turning back.
"Don't take everyone's words seriously."
Saying those words, the Pope left, and Kael raised his eyebrow.
From what he knew, the Church of Feraos was a neutral faction.
Yes, it had its own base at the very north, quite a large one at that, but as the sole religion of Nerathis, it remained neutral in conflicts.
The Pope... shouldn't be showing such apparent antagonism towards Selene.
Was he dissatisfied by the scene she caused?
No, as mentioned, the Church of Feraos was a neutral faction, and this possibly couldn't be the first time Selene had done something . Everyone here expected something to some extent.
Was the Pope standing up for him?
That was one possibility.
To get another perspective, he turned towards Elira. Once again, the Court Mage realized what he was thinking and nodded lightly.
[On paper, the relationship between the Church of Feraos and Xenthalor is neutral since the people of Xenthalor are all Tamers and believe in Lord Feraos. But...
Xenthalor is ruled by Mages. Almost every person in power there is a Mage, and by nature, Mages are curious beings who thrive on doubt, possibilities, and stubbornness.
Can this be done this way? Why can't it be done this way? I can make it happen this way.
This is how Mages grow, by doubting and challenging everything. And since they doubt everything...
Lord Feraos isn't an exception.]
Kael turned towards Elira and raised his eyebrow. The Court Mage, however, wasn't done yet.
[Does Lord Feraos actually exist?
Yes, he blesses humans with talent, relics, and other gifts, but... who is to know if the one doing all this is Lord Feraos or something entirely different?
Is Lord Feraos conscious?
Is Lord Feraos truly on humanity's side?
If he is, then why does evil exist? Why doesn't he purge all the evil? Why is it the good that suffers and the evil that thrives?
Why doesn't Lord Feraos intervene with wars, genocides, and other natural disasters where countless lives are lost?
All these questions are often asked, especially by the curious Mages. And while there are some counterarguments and things that cannot be explained without believing in the existence of Lord Feraos, looking at it from the Mages' point of view, believing in an entity that has never once revealed itself is... foolishness.
For the Empire that is run by Mages, it is not difficult to assume the its stance on the Church of Feraos and Lord Feraos.]
Elira explained, and Kael turned silent.
This... made some sense.
Actually, it was similar to how things were back in his own world.
The existence of God is doubted even in a fantasy world.
Kael muttered inwardly, then suddenly, another question popped into his head.
"What about you? What do you think?"
He questioned as he glanced at Elira. The Court Mage paused for a moment and then,
[I understand their line of thought. In fact, most Mages in the Drakthar Kingdom do.]
Kael frowned at those words. The relationship between the Church of Feraos and Drakthar was quite close, so he didn't expect it.
[But unlike Xenthalor, our Kingdom isn't run by Mages alone.
Opposite to Mages, most Warriors believe in the existence of Feraos. They like to believe there is a force above, a being stronger than anyone, a being... they would like to surpass one day.
Quite a brutish thought, but in one way or another, it is their way of showing their faith in the Lord. Because of this, Drakthar Kingdom is more on the neutral side.
Well, maybe we are more inclined towards believing in his existence than doubting it. After all, at the end of the day, we are all Tamers.]
Elira smiled, and Kael nodded in understanding. He glanced at Cedric, the Commander from the Kingdom of Warriors, and Elira nodded.
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[Yes, this is also the reason Eryndor, the Kingdom of Warriors, is considered closest to the Church.]
Kael nodded in understanding.
As for the Grand Council of Gold, he didn't even have to think about their stance. They wouldn't care. As long as Lord Feraos's name made them money, they would believe in him. If not, they would not.
'Heh, why do I like those money-grubbing bastards the most out of everyone here?'
Kael laughed inwardly, then a meaningful look appeared on his face.
'Maybe because they are the only ones I can somewhat trust, huh...
After all, me being a Hero is great business for them.'
Kael glanced at Dorian, and the merchant, who sensed his gaze, smiled flatteringly, doing everything he could to get in his good books.
Kael just smiled back.
Then suddenly, the drums rolled again, this time, much louder than before, and in an instant, Kael's expression changed.
He, together with all the others, stood up, showing their respect for the final figure that was about to arrive.
"His Majesty, The King of Drakthar, Alden Dragonborn!"
The Herald announced, and silence fell all over the place. Not a single being dared to interrupt the entrance of the King.
And then, a tall, broad-shouldered man walked in. He wore a regal black-and-red tunic lined with golden embroidery, a deep crimson cape flowing behind him. His presence alone radiated absolute authority.
The King stared at Kael. The Hero straightened up. Even now, the King's Aura intimidated him. Alden, however, just smiled gently and nodded at him.
Unlike others, he didn't stop to greet him. He strode forward with powerful yet measured steps.
The air became heavier as the King reached his seat at the head of the banquet hall. Then, he picked the goblet of wine presented to him.
"Today is a grand day..."
And the long speech started.
Kael held his urge to yawn. His resolve becoming even stronger.
This was definitely the last time he was attending a party.