Chapter 1105: Chapter 268: Holy Temple Knight Promotion (Part 2)
Begning’s loss of composure did not leave any bad impression in Magdal’s eyes. What young man can remain calm upon hearing such matters? Even the Nun Princess herself didn’t believe it, not to mention that her fondness for the other party enlarged the little flaws into virtues.
However, she still remembered one thing and couldn’t help but ask in puzzlement: "Mr. Begning, I heard you came together with someone?"
Just as Begning was about to take his leave, hearing Magdal’s question, he couldn’t help but be taken aback: "Yes, I came with Marquis Youxi. On the way, I encountered this Lord; surprisingly, he recognized me in an instant. He is officially the Princess’s uncle, so I couldn’t refuse him."
"Hmm," Magdal nodded gently and hesitated, advising, "Marquis Youxi... his reputation isn’t good, and he has been close to Prince Luike... If possible, Mr. Begning, you should try to keep your distance from him to avoid malicious rumors."
Marquis Youxi is officially Oberg the Seventh’s cousin, but he’s the illegitimate child of the previous king, with no right to inherit the throne. As if defying this fate, the marquis is naturally unrestrained and wild, holding a very poor reputation in noble circles, even harboring ill intentions toward his only niece. Recently, he’s been associating with Prince Luike, the Princess’s brother, and everyone knows his unspeakable relationship with the Xifah Family’s eldest lady.
Magdal, inherently gentle, is extremely averse to such people. Hearing Sir Begning associate with them prompted her to remind him.
"I understand," the young man smiled slightly at her, "Thank you, Princess."
"No need." The Nun Princess shook her head, watching the young knight take his leave, his figure vanishing from the side hall, and couldn’t help but sigh. Secretly leaving her post, unsure whether to feel joy or anxiety, to the world she appears as a quiet, obedient princess. This first step may lead the old conservatives of the temple to harshly criticize her.
Still, Magdal’s heart was a mix of disappointment and a hint of excitement; this was her first rebellion against her duties, although just a tiny step, it made her little heart in her chest beat with excitement.
The Nun Princess turned around, as though facing a prison yard with a resolute atmosphere and went back. On the other side, Sir Begning, upon exiting, couldn’t refrain from asking his attendant waiting nearby: "Where’s Marquis Youxi?"
The attendant answered with some trepidation: "No clue, My Lord. Marquis Youxi said he hadn’t visited Ande Fulei Grand Temple, so he went in alone for a walk."
"That scoundrel!" Begning’s face darkened, gritting his teeth, he muttered.
"My Lord, should we wait for him?" the attendant asked cautiously.
"Wait for what?" Begning retorted, "Let him do as he pleases; just hope he doesn’t stir up too much trouble. Let’s return to the manor; the Princess still awaits our news."
"Yes, My Lord."
The attendant promptly bowed and answered.
...
Inside Ande Fulei’s tranquil chamber—
The ceremony of transitioning to a Holy Temple Knight is far simpler than what most would anticipate. Among the Four Great Sanctuaries, the Flame Temple inherits the style of the Flame King Gilte, valuing simplicity and practicality as virtues. The transition ceremony for a Temple Knight generally starts with the officiant asking the inductee some questions. These questions might relate to the inductee’s reasons for joining the ranks of the Temple Knights or involve knowledge about the doctrines. Brand had prepared thoroughly, having earlier elevated his religious knowledge (Erune) to level 10. At this moment, as the old priest posed questions, the answers naturally surfaced in Brand’s mind, and he responded fluently.
The elder priest grew increasingly satisfied with Brand. Since the first Holy War’s conclusion during the Cave Beast Year, the nobles’ respect for the Golden Flame has been increasingly superficial. Although the temple remains authoritative, the ancient virtues in people’s hearts have vanished. The contention for power and wealth grows more intense, with nobles valuing tactics over faith. To see a young man with such insight into the teachings of the Flame Temple is rare not only in Erune but also among the Cruz people.
He couldn’t refrain from nodding approvingly and said to Brand, "Had you not been unwilling, I truly wish for you to join the temple; I believe you would become a true Holy Knight. Your mind is clear, and your conduct is self-disciplined. I’ve traveled across many regions, and you are among the finest young individuals I’ve encountered."
Brand couldn’t help but blush; he didn’t expect to be assessed so highly by the other party. The title of Holy Knight within the Flame Temple surpasses even that of Temple Knight, nearly equating in status with the regional Chief Priests. Brand knows that if he agreed, the other party would likely recommend him to that elevated rank. A Holy Knight in Erune enjoys rights and status that are unimaginable for most, much like the Wood Main Priest, whose identity is transcendent, equating to a king.
It’s impossible for Brand not to feel momentarily tempted, however, his interests don’t lie there. If he joined the Flame Temple, he would have to accept arrangements from the central temple, unable to interfere with Erune’s affairs. Moreover, the Flame Temple isn’t as spotless as it appears, and Brand is more aware of this than anyone, hence he shook his head to reject.
"What a pity," the elder priest sighed, though he was merely enthused upon seeing such an outstanding young man. He lifted a pebble moistened with Holy Water and placed it on Brand, a hand resting on the Flame Temple’s doctrines, ready to declare Brand’s occupation.
But just then, someone suddenly emerged from the inner hall and halted the elder priest:
"Hold on."
Brand and the priest turned to see the newcomer was Wood Main Priest.
... (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes, monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
