The Valaies Holy Kingdom was a beautiful nation, brightened by the holy gracious blessings of the gods. The capital city, Valaies, was a large place. Three towering walls stood that divided the city into three sections. With the innermost section lay the zone for the religious order, where multiple grand cathedrals stood.

  These cathedrals were more or less a couple thousands of years old, maintained and rebuilt during its existence countless times. And yet, they stood strong, the pride of the Holy Kingdom whose history goes way back in the early years of humanity. The cathedrals each had different purposes and symbolisms.

  One cathedral was the Grand Cathedral of Continuance, one that stood on the southern side. It represented the church’s continuity, to express that the gods were eternal, and so must the faith in them. This one was a gigantic structure, with a dome at the center made of stained glass. Painted upon it the illustrations of the gods, which served to remind the believers of their grace. It was the church in which the normal citizens could pray and join the mass every first day of the week. It was the church for the believers.

  The second grand cathedral stood in the east, the Grand Cathedral of Veneration. Representing the absolute faith of those who directly serve the will of the church. It was where they devote their entire life, their entire existence, to their faith. Where they pray and learn the teachings. Ultimately, it was where the soldiers of the church resided, ones whose flesh and blood they would sacrifice for their faith. The paladins. It was where paladins were made and nurtured. The warriors of the church.

  And the third cathedral to the west side was the Grand Cathedral of Holy Communion. Representing the Order’s unity. The building where scholars resided, and knowledge was stored. From stories, histories, to spells. Where a grand library was built inside. Furthermore, it was where the highest members of the kingdom’s religious order stayed and gathered. Where they discuss and debate about the decisions they were to make. Where every part of the order had a voice, and their thoughts expressed.

  Once a decision was made, it would be then conveyed to the palace on the north side. It was where the Holy King resided, and the symbol of absolute authority for the church and the nation. The place where the decree would be signed and implemented in accordance with the united agreement of the cardinals. In a way, the true power laid not in the Holy King alone. The ultimate power was in the religious order overall.

  And recently, an order was given, though not signed officially. One that affected their nation’s alliance with a neighboring nation. It was because it was not a decision made by the many, but by one. Which was the core concern of the young cardinal Zaine Lucian Fernsworth. He was a beautiful man with a beautiful face. Considering his young age, anyone would be surprised to hear his position as a cardinal, where many of them would be middle-aged or older.

  At the Grand Cathedral of Holy Communion, he was in his own office, an incredibly fancy one. Luxurious ornaments all over, a precious sizable chandelier hung on the ceiling. The wide window allowed him a beautiful greenery view, which should serve to calm the mind. It could be compared to a royal’s room with how beautiful and luxurious it was.

  Cardinal Zaine combed his dark green hair as he stood by the wide windows, looking outside with his thoughts.

  “I do not understand the reason for this decision,” Zaine said with knitted brows.

  “Oh? Which could you mean?” asked his guest, a middle-aged man. An archbishop.

  He was Zaine’s friend, and the one who taught him a lot of things during his early days in the religious order.

  “You heard about the Empire’s invasion of Wisteria?”

  “Ah, that. I heard a few. But information about that situation is scarce.”

  “That’s because it is.” Zaine placed both his hands behind his back. “All we know is that the Empire had begun its attack.”

  “Hm. I see. And what decision are you referring to?”

  “If I tell you, please refrain from telling anyone else.” He turned towards the archbishop with a stoic expression.

  “If it is confidential, then would it be alright to tell me?”

  “It is not exactly confidential information. We just prefer not to discuss it with others.”

  “Alright, I’m listening.”

  Zaine walked over to his seat and sat down gracefully. He leaned sideways. “The kingdom decided not to send any troops to support Wisteria.”

  The archbishop’s eyes widened in surprise. “Is that why I see no movements among our paladins?”

  “Yes.”

  “We’re doing nothing, despite Wisteria being our ally? Isn’t that a violation of our treaty?”

  Zaine frowned for a moment. “Indeed, it is.” Wisteria had been their ally for many years. And their relationship was sound. Thus, this decision to not do anything bugged the young cardinal.

  “We are leaving our friend to the wolves. Why is there no official announcement about this?”

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  “It will be a controversial announcement. For now, the Order decided not to mention the topic about Wisteria to anyone, especially to the public.”

  The archbishop leaned back in his chair and placed a hand on his forehead. He seemed stressed. “Is this not unrighteous?”

  “Not if it is a decree from the gods.”

  “What?” He placed a hand on his mouth, shocked to hear those words. “You mean…?”

  “Yes. The order came directly from the Oracle.”

  He seemed to be in disbelief for a brief moment. “That’s surprising. I don’t recall the Oracle giving an order like this before.”

  “Indeed.”

  The Oracle, the messenger, their bridge to the gods. She was normally the way for them to receive the blessings of the divine, or receive their words, their advice. Although, communication with the gods was rare, in contrast to the blessings that were quite common. And the blessings were genuine. In fact, people that received them could feel the divinity in them. Furthermore, she was also an integral part as to why their lands were rich, their crops were healthy and animals were bountiful.

  She was the genuine oracle for the gods.

  However, they were quite surprised to see her give a political order. That wasn’t usual.

  “Any explanation as to why?” the archbishop asked apprehensively.

  “No reason was given.”

  “No one tried to even probe into it?”

  Zaine let out a sigh. “None of the cardinals questioned deeply into it. They just regarded it as a decree from the gods.”

  And that was unquestionable. One that they would never go against. Who would even disobey the will of the divine? That would be akin to heresy.

  “Oh? But you are still curious?”

  Zaine lowered his head. “I’m afraid so.”

  The archbishop smiled. “That’s what makes you different from the rest. You have something that others lack — curiosity. The power to wonder.”

  “But my curiosity can only get me so far.”

  “But it brought you this far.”

  “I have read many books, studied history, our creeds… And I have to say, leaving our ally in our enemy’s hand is not favorable.”

  “Do you think Wisteria will persevere?”

  “I do not know. But I am certain if they do not receive support, their odds are against their favor.” Considering the Empire’s position, Wisteria shouldn’t hope for Myra's help so soon as well.

  It would take some time before the Holy Kingdom could learn more about the current situation.

  “You’ve been to Wisteria, right?” the archbishop asked.

  “Yes.”

  “How was it? I’ve never been there before.”

  “It is a beautiful land. As bountiful as our plains. Unfortunately, their city was still in a state of repair when I arrived.” There was an attack on their city before he arrived, which was also one reason he went there in the first place.

  “I see.” The archbishop looked through the window for a moment, in thought. “... So, what are you planning on doing now? I’m sure you would like some answers.”

  “... I intend to meet with our eldest cardinal. Perhaps he may give me an answer. Personally, I am conflicted about this. We teach compassion, to help our fellows… And now… we are to abandon our ally?”

  “Everything turns with the word of the gods.”

  In a way, that statement was true. The word of the gods carries true weight more than any man.

  “By the way, I noticed,” said the archbishop. “Is it just me, or does the Oracle rarely walk outside anymore? She had not visited Continuance for some time now.”

  “Hm. Ever since the sky disappeared for a moment, she had been acting a bit different.”

  “Did we ever get an explanation of that?”

  “I’m afraid there is none. But only she can answer what truly happened.”

  “I see. Anyhow, I should get moving. I have matters to attend to.” He stood up.

  “In that case, I will also leave to meet with Cardinal Ailwyn.”

  “May you have fortune for your endeavor today, Zaine.”

  The archbishop left first before Zaine got out of his office. As he walked through the hallway ornamented with precious gold, young men and women in white garb paused their work to bow to him as he walked by. They were the sacristans, religious volunteers that maintain the church. Zaine kindly smiled at them, grateful for their work in keeping the church clean.

  Sometime later, Zaine arrived at the room he was heading for. He gently knocked on the door.

  “Cardinal Ailwyn. It is I, Cardinal Zaine. Do you have time?”

  A moment later, a reply came from the other side of the door. “Come in.”

  Zaine entered inside and closed the door. Sitting behind a desk was an old man, around eighty years old, wearing the same religious garb as Zaine. The old man was bald, with a long white beard. He directed a neutral look at the young cardinal.

  “For what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “Good day, Cardinal Ailwyn.” Zaine stood in front of the desk. “I am here regarding the affairs of Wisteria.”

  The old man let out a short sigh. “Perhaps I should have expected this. So, what do you wish to know?”

  “I do not understand the reason for not supporting Wisteria in this war. What benefit do we get by letting the Empire do what they want?”

  The old cardinal rested his elbows on his table and clasped his hands together, directing a stern look at him. “We do not know the reason. But, whatever it may be, the gods certainly have a good reason.”

  That just wasn’t enough for Zaine. No matter how much he thought about it, there was just no benefit of letting the Empire win, or the benefit of gambling for whatever result that may come from this war. The Empire was not friendly with the Holy Kingdom as well.

  “Has the Oracle not explained the decree further? She had not given a reason for this action.”

  “She has not. And she didn’t seem to have any intention of doing so. Or perhaps, the gods gave no reason.”

  What a vague answer.

  And that was a bit frustrating.

  “I just don’t see the justice in this. We have an agreement with Wisteria. That agreement was for this reason, to defend against the threat of the Empire. One who seeks to conquer the continent. And now, the moment we need it most, we break it.”

  “I understand your doubt, young cardinal. However, the decree of the gods overrules any agreement made by man.”

  Zaine resisted the urge to groan in frustration. His faith in the gods was strong, but even he couldn’t help but question this decision. It just didn’t make sense. There was something he was missing, something he didn’t know.

  “Wisteria’s fate is dire and uncertain. What will we do when the empire succeeds? And they stand before our gates?”

  “That is a bridge we must cross when we have to. For now, the empire is of no concern. If the gods deemed Wisteria to fall before them, then so be it. We will respond to the situation accordingly.”

  This is an incredibly risky path to take.

  “I just hoped the Oracle shares what all of this is for.”

  The old man narrowed his eyes for a moment and tapped on his table a couple of times, as if pondering. “... Hm. If you must, you are free to consult with her.”

  “Consult with her…? Me?” He was a bit surprised to hear that suggestion.

  “You are full of doubt. To settle it, perhaps the Oracle may provide you with answers. If she does not, then it is not your place to know.”

  Zaine closed his fists. “I understand. Then I will go and see the Oracle. May I have your permission?”

  “You have my permission.”

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