Chapter 9
David Abra Akedan.
Also known as David IX.
The face of the King of the Kanan Kingdom, a middle-aged man who has ruled this country for the past 30 years, was filled with an overwhelming mix of emotions at this moment.
One of his most trusted knights and the hero known for thwarting the invasion of the undead army.
Eva Gellion.
But at this very moment,
As the hero who led the victory, the words coming from her mouth at the national council were things King David had not anticipated.
“So… what you’re saying is that the Baal Church is behind this incident?”
“That’s correct. Here is a ring of the Church, their emblem. I obtained it from those who attacked me at the last moment.”
The emblem of the Baal Church, stained with blood.
At this, a heavy shadow began to fall over the faces of King David and the nobles.
The Baal Church, which many nations, including the Empire and various states of the central continent, believe in.
However, several border nations, including the Kanan Kingdom in the north, had replaced the Baal Church with a new state religion due to the Church’s continued tyranny and corruption.
Naturally, the Church would harbor resentment toward these ‘heretics,’ including the Kanan Kingdom, and it was anticipated that they would attempt retaliation someday.
Just like now.
“Hmm… Even so, for them to come out so openly…”
“This is a serious matter. We’ve been unable to pay much attention due to the ongoing war with the demons, but now they seem to be gearing up to directly subdue us.”
“Perhaps… the worst scenario we feared, a war, might break out.”
Although the Baal Church’s influence had weakened due to internal corruption and the war with the demons, it was still the most powerful force on the continent.
If they declared a crusade and mobilized their armies by allying with rival states across the continent, it would be impossible for a small nation like the Kanan Kingdom to withstand.
Of course, a war would not break out so easily, but in this situation, where no clear solution is available, the atmosphere within the council began to grow chaotic with anxiety and concern.
At that moment.
“Everyone, calm down!”
In the atmosphere filled with anxiety and fear,
Eva raised her voice with such determination that it seemed to clear away the tension.
“Indeed, the current situation is not to be taken lightly. Although this is just the beginning with them targeting me and the order of knights, they might truly declare a war next. However! Through this ordeal, I have seen something! Hope! A clear sign that the divine has not abandoned this country, which strives to walk the path of justice!”
“E-evidence?”
“Lady Eva, what are you talking about? Please explain in detail.”
Although Eva was a holy knight who followed the divine, she never spoke of fanciful things.
Thus, her mention of hope and salvation for the first time captured the attention of the king and the people.
“Many of you present here may believe that the Eden Knights defeated the undead army. Thanks to that, our order returned safely, except for one member, and the surrounding cities were not attacked by the undead. However, this is far from the truth.”
“No, what are you saying?”
“What do you mean… that you didn’t stop them?”
The king and nobles expressed their confusion.
Looking at them, Eva spoke with a tone that conveyed even reverence.
“My comrades and I fought with all our might to stop the undead, but we were ultimately defeated. Our allies fell one by one, and I also thought everything was over. But… at that moment, I saw. The one who descended from the heavens. A great being who turned thousands of undead to ashes with sheer brilliance… The noble divine being who introduced himself as the representative of the absolute god!”
“What… what did you say?”
“Devotion to the Divine?”
Eva spoke of tales that seemed straight out of mythology or legend. If an ordinary person had made such statements in a normal situation, they would have been dismissed as mad. However, this was a battlefield where no jokes were allowed, and Eva, who was speaking, was someone who, even in her usual demeanor, was serious and far removed from nonsense. Most importantly, the sudden uprising of the Undead Army and its subsequent disappearance was a fact everyone present clearly understood. They could not help but believe the words of the person directly involved.
“The Seraphim, who descended with six wings spread wide and a brilliant light… possessed a form that transcended human knowledge. Although there was no beauty to admire as described in the scriptures (Isaiah 53:2), the great power, mercy, and justice that eradicates evil were exactly what we had been expecting from the deity. That being is the one we have long awaited, cherished, and wept for, and have thirsted for over the long years…”
Eva’s fervent praise of the Seraphim continued for nearly 30 minutes. Observing this unusually excited behavior from her, and being captivated by the surprisingly clear and engaging way she spoke, the king and nobles could only listen dumbfounded.
“I still vividly remember the commander protecting the girl with that noble form… it was as if… umm…”
After a long, passionate monologue, Eva finally realized she had become too excited and took a moment to calm her emotions. She then looked at the nobles and the king, who were staring at her blankly, and resolutely continued speaking.
“Anyway, given the circumstances so far, it is clear that the deity has chosen us, not the Pope. This means that if we show a bit more devotion here… if we demonstrate our service to the true deity, the Seraphim, rather than the false god of the Baal Church, surely that being will save us from the clutches of the vile evil!”
“Hmm…”
“Indeed, there is some validity to… what you say…”
King David nodded in agreement after hearing the storm of her words. Gods traditionally grant power and grace to those who serve them. This was true in the past as well as now, though the level of devotion might vary. Records of deities directly manifesting themselves were known from ancient times, but even in the present era, clear traces of deities were evident everywhere.
The divine magic or blessings of the paladins, including Eva herself, were visible here and now. Furthermore, the magic of divine possession used by races like Orcs also fell under this category. The way in which the deity’s grace is given might differ depending on whether the deity is evil or good, but at least from Eva’s story, it could be cautiously predicted that the being was not an evil deity.
‘Yes… if it is Eva’s words, it must be significant. If she truly wiped out the Undead Army and even the assassins of the Baal Church, she certainly wields great power…’
Moreover, the Kanan Kingdom had been showing signs of religious instability after severing ties with the Baal Church. Although they had developed doctrines based on the scriptures, there were many shortcomings compared to the Baal Church, which had been rooted for over a thousand years.
In such a situation, having a clear, trustworthy being to follow, a ‘god’ who could lead them directly, could alleviate this anxiety.
“Eva, can we truly trust what you have said so far?”
The king asked this final question to confirm. Eva spoke with a sincerity that left no room for doubt.
Even in this very moment, she could feel the vivid presence of the divine being through her eyes.
“I swear on the life of the lord. I swear that these words are true.”
With a response that was both clear and resolute, King David looked at the officials before him and spoke with determination.
“I understand. Then I will also believe your words. We will prepare to welcome the Seraphim.”
Thus, the worship of the new deity, Seraphim, was decided on the spot. Those present were naturally plunged into new concerns.
What is the most necessary thing to serve a deity?
Naturally, it is a sacrifice.
This is common knowledge across all races of the continent, including humans, elves, dwarves, and orcs. Mortals express their faith by offering beasts or valuables to the gods, and in return, they receive strength and miracles from the deity. It is entirely natural that the more valuable the sacrifice, the greater the expression of faith in the deity.
“How about offering gold and treasures? If we donate half of the national treasury, it should demonstrate our sincerity.”
“Isn’t it better to offer around 100 cattle and pigs? It was a common practice when serving the Baal Church, wasn’t it?”
“Hmm…”
As various opinions were exchanged, King David found it difficult to make a decision.
At that moment.
“Your Majesty, may I speak the thoughts of the young lady?”
“Oh… Of course. If there is a good opinion, please share it.”
The sudden voice drew everyone’s attention. The person who had remained silent until now, observing the situation closely, was Princess Solomon of the Kanan Kingdom. With her blue hair and blue eyes, and a small tiara on her head, she was a beautiful woman. As the eldest daughter of King David and renowned for her exceptional intelligence, she spoke with a serious expression as soon as the king gave permission.
“Of course, there is merit in the opinions of the other officials. Livestock and treasures have historically been regarded as good sacrifices to the gods. However, that is merely good; it cannot be the best. The best sacrifice must possess a value beyond that.”
“Hmm…”
“So, what does the princess consider to be the best sacrifice?”
The king, with curiosity and a hint of foreboding, asked the question. In response, Solomon continued with a meaningful tone.
“Doesn’t Your Majesty already know? Without needing to look far, there is a top-tier sacrifice currently honoured in the Baal Church. For the first offering to the deity, it should indeed be of that level, shouldn’t it?”
“Could it be…”
At those words, the expressions of those present began to harden. And on Princess Solomon’s face, a hint of a smile began to form.
“Human.”
“!”
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