Chapter 206 Holy moly
[Alver's POV]
Year: 1738
Date: 14th
Month: Astralis
Time: 4:32
I looked at the stack of papers on my desk, chewing on the sweet gum-like concoction one of the chefs had invented. It was chewy, juicy, and stretched elastically when pulled – a fun jaw exercise with enough sugar to keep me awake.
Knock*
"Come in," I groaned, banging my head on the desk. Astrid walked in, placing a tray on the table.
"Brother, you should rest. It's only been a day since you came back from the Reva Kingdom," she said with concern.
"Whatever, just go," I scoffed, spitting the gum onto the wall where it stuck.
Taking a sip of tea, I looked up and cursed internally.
"Why do you have to be so rude?" Astrid teared up, pointing at her cheeks, resembling a pouting squirrel.
"Astrid, I don't have time for this. I leave tomorrow and need to fix the paperwork and appoint guild masters for the guilds I acquired on this trip," I replied hastily, savoring the soothing aroma of the tea.
"Muu," she pouted, leaving the office. Astrid had always been clingy, even following me when I left home like a small child.
I chuckled, reminiscing about those days. I wondered what Mother was doing now, probably making...
"Sir Alver, are you done with the paperwork?" Gramps, with his composed demeanor and polite tone, walked in.
I looked at the bespectacled old man, who remained calm even though his home country was in civil war – a fact known to few.
"Nope, not yet, but I'm trying. Many of the adventurers are strong, but..." I sighed, leaving the sentence unfinished.
"...aren't fit to be guild masters?" Gramps finished my thought.
"They lack that shine," I sighed again, realizing I had been sighing a lot lately.
"..." Clay raised a brow, which made me do the same.
"What?" I asked.
"No, nothing. It's just that you initially handed guild master titles to anyone strong, but now you're looking for something more – quite a peculiar change," he noted, though he knew the reason behind it.
It was all because of that one guy.
"Anyways, I'll finish this by the end of the day and pack my things. Make sure to book a good carriage with unicorns. I have to go to the Hestia Empire," I said, watching Clay pick up the empty cup and tray as he muttered on his way out.
"Be safe... Kiddo," he said with genuine concern, as he always did.
After Clay left my office, I returned my attention to the stack of papers before me. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders. I had always been known for my decisiveness, but lately, every choice seemed to bear greater consequences.
As I sorted through the guild applications and considered potential candidates for the position of guild master, I couldn't help but think about the journey that had led me to this point. The adventures, the battles, and the allies I had met along the way had shaped me into the person I had become.
But there was one person, one memory, that stood out above the rest – the reason for my newfound criteria for guild masters.
"Dude just seemed a bit off, not special, but wrong in the head – those eyes were flicking in and out between life and death, which was quite fascinating."
"Gramps!" I called, and Clay immediately ran into the office.
"What happened?" he asked.
"What academy was he going to again?" I asked, realizing I had forgotten the name.
There were like five different prestigious academies in the Hestia Empire – one of which I had attended before dropping out, or rather, getting kicked out.
"Who?" Clay asked with a confused look.
"Oh, him – Ren Hilton is... in the Imperial Academy," he answered. Imperial Academy? It would be challenging to reach him inside there.
"That hottie is here!?" A squeal came from the threshold as I saw Astrid. "Hottie?" Wait!
"Hey, Astrid, you better stay away from that guy," I warned. I might be interested in him as a person, but I wouldn't allow that guy near my sister.
"Aww, but he's so cute," her eyes practically sparkled.
"No means no. Now, get out," I ordered firmly.
Astrid pouted but eventually relented and left the room, her fascination with the mysterious "hottie" momentarily set aside.
"Impact on one's psyche, indeed," I muttered to myself as I sifted through the guild applications, pondering the implications of my choices.
With the paperwork nearly done, I began the preparations for my journey to the Hestia Empire.
I packed my belongings and made arrangements for my departure, I couldn't shake the feeling that this trip might not be like any other.
As for why I am going to the Hestia Empire? Offcourse to buy things and increase the business.
"I'll be at the top even if it means to become bottom of endless pothole." I am sure I can do this.
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[Days later]
Year: 1738
Date: 7th
Month: Embera
Time: 6:00 AM
"Sir, your destination," the carriage rider said.
"Hm?" I looked around in shock as I rubbed my eyes to wake myself up. This trip had mostly involved contemplation, eating, and sleeping, making it easier than traveling in Reva Kingdom. There was also no animosity towards humans here, which made it much more pleasant.
I pulled the curtain away from the carriage window and looked outside. The world was bathed in otherworldly light, with both suns in the sky. Dawn had always been my favorite time of the day.
I looked down and saw the stone building, the church. From up here, it looked beautiful. I felt a slight change in direction as I saw the large wings of a unicorn. We were landing now.
The carriage came to a gentle stop in front of the magnificent stone church. As I stepped out onto the cobblestone path, I couldn't help but be captivated by the ethereal beauty of the early morning scene. The dual suns in the sky painted the world with surreal light, casting long shadows and creating a sense of enchantment.
The church itself stood tall and imposing, its architecture a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders. Stained glass windows depicted scenes of religious significance, their colors vibrant even in the early morning light. The air was crisp and carried a sense of tranquility that washed over me.
I took a moment to appreciate the serenity of the surroundings before turning my attention to the task at hand. I had come here with a purpose, and it was time to seek the guidance within these sacred walls.
I entered the church, and its large wooden doors swung open with a heavy creak. The interior was equally impressive, with high vaulted ceilings and rows of polished wooden pews leading up to the ornate altar. Sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the stone floor.
A soft murmur of prayers and hymns filled the air as a small congregation of worshipers bowed their heads in devotion. I walked silently, not wanting to disrupt their reverence.
Approaching the altar, I noticed a cleric standing there, his robes adorned with intricate designs and symbols. He looked up from his prayer book and met my gaze with a calm and welcoming expression.
"Welcome, traveler," he said, his voice gentle and soothing. "How may the Church of Ellora assist you today?"
I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling a bit nervous. "I have a request," I began, choosing my words carefully. "I seek guidance and assistance with a matter of great importance."
The cleric nodded and motioned for me to follow him to a quieter area of the church. We entered a small side chamber, adorned with religious paintings and lit candles.
"Please, tell me your concern," he said, his demeanor patient and understanding.
"No, I wanna meet the pope," I smiled.
The cleric's expression remained calm, though a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes at my request. Meeting the pope was not a common occurrence, even within the Church of Ellora.
"The pope is a revered figure, and meetings with him are typically reserved for matters of utmost importance," the cleric explained. "May I inquire about the nature of your request? Perhaps I can assist you or guide you in the right direction."
I considered my words carefully. While my request was important to me, it might not meet the criteria for a direct audience with the pope.
I looked around before slipping a silver coin toward him. "Even with this? Dude, I'm in a hurry," I whispered.
"Blasphemy-!" His voice, which was initially a bit loud, ceased as I immediately changed the coin to a gold one.
"You gotta do what you gotta do," I've learned something throughout all of my life:
Everything has a price.
[Five minutes later]
"Ouch," I winced, "they didn't have to push me out like this."
I found myself back outside the church, the heavy wooden doors closing firmly behind me. It seemed my attempt to meet the pope through unconventional means had been swiftly thwarted. I couldn't help but chuckle at my own audacity.
"Well, that didn't go as planned," I muttered to myself, glancing around the churchyard. The serene beauty of the place remained, but I was left wondering about my next course of action.
As I stood there contemplating my options, a voice from behind startled me.
"Sir, if I may have a word?" It was the cleric who had entertained my request earlier.
I turned to face him, somewhat surprised to see him following me outside. "What is it?"
He offered a kind smile. "I apologize for the abrupt dismissal. The pope is indeed a busy figure, but your request has piqued his curiosity."
I raised an eyebrow. "Curiosity, you say?"
The cleric nodded. "Indeed. He has agreed to meet with you briefly. However, please understand that his time is precious, and your audience will be brief."
I couldn't believe my luck. It seemed that the gold coin had indeed opened a door for me, even if just a crack.
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I appreciate this opportunity."
The cleric led me back into the church, and this time, I was met with less resistance and a weird route for a few minutes as we soon.....We walked through the grand hall and eventually reached a door guarded by two solemn-looking knights. They nodded in acknowledgment as we approached.
Beyond the door was a chamber where the pope of the Church of Ellora held audience. It was a simple room with a grand throne-like chair at its center. The pope, dressed in elaborate ceremonial robes, sat there, his expression a mix of curiosity and solemnity.
I took a deep breath, realizing the gravity of the situation. This meeting could potentially change the course of my journey and my life.
With measured steps, I approached the pope and knelt before him, a sign of respect and reverence for the spiritual leader of the church.
"Your Holiness," I began, "I come before you today seeking guidance and assistance in a matter of great importance. I am Alver, and I hope you will hear my plea."
The pope's gaze, sharp and penetrating, met mine as he nodded for me to continue.
"Alver, rise," the pope said, his voice carrying a weight of authority. I stood up, maintaining eye contact with him.
He studied me for a moment before speaking. "You have traveled far, and your presence here suggests that your request is indeed of significance. Speak, and I shall listen."
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment.
"Sell me this place.....and all the land you have under the name of church,"
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