Some time after meeting with his senior cardinal, Zaine headed to the Oracle’s personal chamber. Might be called a chamber, but it was quite a sizable and beautiful place. A large personal bedroom, kitchen, a spacious living room, and adjacent to it was her own small personal garden. A chamber that provided most of what she would need for comfort, almost like a mini house, a fitting treatment as among the most important people in the entire Holy Kingdom.

  Before going, Zaine had already made sure he looked perfect and presentable. It would be rude to appear so unbecoming in front of the revered oracle. As the messenger of the gods, and the only one that could commune with them, she deserved the proper and highest respect.

  Zaine had seen the oracle many times, although quite rarely, he actually managed to talk to her. She was not one to casually converse with. Among those to interact with her the most was the oldest cardinal that Zaine spoke with previously. That was why Zaine consulted with him first, hoping to receive answers for his questions. Hoping that he could convey the oracle’s thoughts. But that didn’t work.

  That being said, he wasn’t the only one that commonly interacted with the mysterious oracle.

  “Huh? Is that you, Zaine?!”

  A young lady called out in surprise and excitement from the other end of a corridor. Zaine paused in his tracks and turned a stoic look towards her.

  “Ah! It is you!” She rushed towards him with prancing steps.

  It was a beautiful young lady with short golden blonde hair, fair light skin, and golden bright eyes. She was a few years younger than Zaine. She wore a white and golden dress with long sleeves. Her outfit covered most of her skin, exuding an air of purity and innocence. Her cheeks were slightly red as she approached Zaine, while wearing the most beautiful smile.

  This beautiful young lady was the kingdom’s High Priestess, and the daughter of the Holy King. She was the other person that frequently spoke with the Oracle. In fact, this priestess often mentioned how she and the oracle were friends.

  Zaine bowed gracefully. “Greetings, Your Holiness.”

  “Oh come now, Zaine. There is no need to be so formal here.” She chuckled adorably.

  “Considering your position, dispensing formality is out of the question.”

  The girl pouted, puffing out her cheeks. “You’re no fun, Zaine. Sometimes it’s okay to be less stiff, you know.” She crossed her arms.

  Whenever they were alone together, she always acted this way. But Zaine couldn’t bring himself to be informal towards her. It just wasn’t in his nature to do that. Although, he did appreciate her friendliness.

  For the current situation, all he could do was smile slightly.

  “I didn’t expect to see you here today, Lady Alina.”

  She brightly placed her hands behind her back. “Well, I wanted to see my dear friend.”

  “The oracle?”

  “Uh-huh! By the way, judging from where you’re heading. Are you going to meet her as well?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then we’ll go together!”

  There was really no other way to go about this. “... Very well.”

  And with that, together, they made their way to their destination.

  “I quite expected you’d be busy today, High Priestess.”

  “Didn’t expect to see me today, I see.” She grinned. “Surprised you, didn’t I? Luckily today, I didn’t have to do anything important.”

  “I see.”

  “Well, not like I have many things to do in the first place. Other people always do the most essential work for me. Although, sometimes, I quite hoped they’d let me do them. But they don’t seem to trust that I could do it.”

  “Does it bother you?”

  “... I feel useless sometimes…”

  Zaine was quite aware of her situation. She was the High Priestess, but despite that, she was still young, and most of all, the daughter of the Holy King, a princess. There was no need for her to be working on matters that weren't necessary for her. As the High Priestess, her primary job was to interact with the worshippers, carry out masses, accept their confessions, and guide them to the righteous and proper path. She was to become the wise in a world of the clueless.

  The heart and shining light of the faithful.

  And thus, matters like leading the staff, working on budgets, and other decision making involving the church were not for her to worry about. But perhaps, whenever she saw people around her immersed in documents, she felt quite left out, and thus felt useless.

  How kind of her.

  “I understand your sentiments. But think of it this way: they are working for your sake. They are your people, that is their role. Their purpose is not to trouble you, and so, it is their role to take the work. You don’t have to be bothered because they are always working. Value their sacrifice and care for you.”

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  She lowered her head. “I see… Still… I think what I’m doing is only the tip of the iceberg for my position… It bothers me not knowing what others are doing.”

  “Then, perhaps before anything else, first learn and study about their work without intervening. That way you’ll get the wisdom you so desire without worrying your servants.”

  “... I suppose that is a good start. That’s what I’m good at anyway,” she said with a sweet giggle. “Studying and learning…”

  Indeed, that was what she excelled at. To be wise, she must have knowledge. And thus, from a young age, she was immersed in deep study. She deeply studied the scriptures and their values and lessons, read countless other books, engaged in deep discussions, and relayed her thoughts to the people. The kind and wise high priestess. But even so, she was still young. She may have a good amount of knowledge, but she did not have enough wisdom. Perhaps that was why most of the essential work was given to the others that were older and have more experience. But that caused her to lack experience in other parts of her job that may or may not need her involvement.

  Perhaps there was indeed a downside to it. Having her study the field first before going into it might be a good start. That being said, she was smart and adaptable. One shouldn’t underestimate her, she may only still be growing to be the ideal priestess, but she was already wise in a lot of ways, even using the knowledge she garnered from her books to guide those who were lost. That was why she was beloved by the people. She had tremendous potential.

  “Thank you, Zaine.”

  “You are welcome.”

  “I knew I could rely on you,” she said with a chuckle.

  And they arrived at the doors to the Oracle’s chamber. A pair of paladins in armor stood guard.

  Alina turned towards Zaine. “You should go first. I’ll be okay waiting here.”

  “Thank you, High Priestess.” And he proceeded to address the paladins. “I am Cardinal Zaine Lucian Fernsworth, here to consult with the Oracle. I have permission from Cardinal Ailwyn.”

  “Yes, we know who you are, Cardinal,” said a paladin. “Come in.”

  The paladin opened the door, letting Zaine inside. Zaine scanned the room as the door was closed behind him. It was indeed a wide chamber with the most fancy decorations. The glass table was empty, the chairs were ornate with gold. A sweet aroma lingered in the air. He turned his head to the side to see the small garden, a single tree sprouting at the center as a ray of light shone down from the transparent glass roof. Clean, short grass filled the ground, and an assortment of flowers bloomed in neat arrangements.

  And kneeling on the grass, looking over the garden, was the Oracle. She was wearing an extravagant ceremonial dress in the color of white, blue, and gold, with wide sleeves and a long skirt that covered her feet. Her hair was adorned with intricate accessories made of the finest and rare materials, like gold and diamond. She wore cupped earrings that glistened in the light.

  The Oracle was an incredibly beautiful young woman, looking the same age as Alina. Her face, her skin, everything was without flaw. As she faced the garden, her eyes were closed, as if she was in prayer or meditation. She had an air of mystery about her. Zaine slowly approached her, but then she turned her head slightly in his direction, eyes still closed.

  “You are Cardinal Fernsworth.” Her voice was both gentle and soft, yet held some tone of power deep inside.

  Zaine paused, getting rid of the nervousness growing in his heart. Sometimes he wondered how Alina could even act casual around this person. “Yes.”

  “You are allowed to come close.”

  Zaine walked over to her until he was a couple of steps away.

  “So, for what purpose have you come here?” she asked, as she turned her head forward.

  “It is in regards to our ally, Wisteria.”

  She kept facing the garden as she responded, “I had sensed your conflict regarding the decision. You dislike not supporting the neighboring nation.”

  “I don't quite understand the reason for the decision. Wisteria has been our ally for a long time. And together, we prepared for the Empire’s inevitable invasion.”

  “You mean you do not understand the gods’ decision?”

  “... Yes.” He had to admit it that way, for it was the truth.

  “The faithful, mortals, cannot always understand the intentions of the divine. They ask for answers, but often find them incomprehensible. Meaning, it is not their place to understand. That is why we have faith, Cardinal.”

  “... I find it conflicting abandoning our long-time ally. To leave them to their suffering. To their potential demise.”

  “Potential…? You do not believe they will lose?”

  “Nothing is for certain.” Personally, he wouldn’t want them to lose. “That is why I seek answers. Why do we break our agreement with them? Why do we not help them?”

  The Oracle was silent for a short moment. “... Cardinal, which is more absolute? The word of the gods, or the word of men?”

  “...”

  “Which words carry uncertainty? Which is fleeting? Which is eternal?”

  “... The world of men is fleeting. And the gods are eternal.”

  “Indeed. As such, the words of the gods are more valuable than any of those uttered by mortals. They are absolute.”

  “... What I seek is a reason. I seek to know why.”

  “I have told you the answer.”

  Is she saying that I should not know? Or she does not know herself?

  “If this is how it should be, then it is for the benefit of all,” she added.

  “And what will we do when the Empire succeeds and they seek to conquer us next?”

  “We either resist, or submit. If they seek to destroy our culture, our ways, our faith — then, what choice is fitting, Cardinal?”

  Zaine clenched his fists. “Resist.”

  “Then it shall be our choice.”

  “But Wisteria’s downfall will put us at a great disadvantage.”

  “If the gods wills it, we will emerge victorious.”

  “But—”

  “Cardinal,” she said in a low voice and she slowly turned her head towards him. “You with so little faith.” And she opened her eyes.

  Zaine held his breath, and he involuntarily stepped back the moment he beheld her eyes.

  “All is by design. If one nation falls, then it is determined by fate. If one nation triumphs, it is the will of the divine. And fate is designed by those above.”

  Zaine felt like he was crumbling under that powerful gaze. It was like he was facing a great authority that compelled him to bow before it. It was a gaze that made him show his place, that he was beneath it, nothing but a miniscule existence. He was but a dust before this absolute power.

  Those blue eyes with swirling countless stars, as deep and as beautiful as the night sky, a glimmering and spiraling cloud that replaced her pupils — it was the first time Zaine had ever seen them. Aside from the normal eyes, he had heard that she also had unique eyes, but he didn’t expect them to be like this. It was like a glimpse into divinity and the universe itself. And it was a drowning thing to perceive by man.

  “If you hold faith, then all will be good. Even in the most trying times. Even in our most dire. It is up to fate if Wisteria falls, and it is up to the gods if we live on for hundreds of years more. Thus, have faith, and the gods will favor you.”

  Zaine strengthened his grips on himself. He had never imagined that the Oracle could hold this much power from her gaze alone.

  “... I understand, Oracle.”

  The gods work in mysterious ways, huh?

  But then he wondered, what exactly was this Oracle?