Chapter 83: Recruiting the Duke (Patreon)

It was utterly unbelievable that we were left unattended in the gatehouse's makeshift conference room while the trio scrambled to release the others. Relias, on the other hand, seemed not only at ease but quite pleased with himself, as if he found the situation rather amusing. Well... now's probably as good a time as any to get this over with.

I inhaled deeply. "I hope you're not too upset with me. I never intended to ruin the plan. It was pitch black, and there were rats- well, mice really, but they were everywhere and..." I mentally stumbled, groping for excuses that weren't there.

"It is of no moment," he replied with an absent shrug, keeping his gaze transfixed on the doorway. "Your preparation for the role was not adequately seen to, and our path has since been realigned. I will personally ensure that we partake in a banquet with the King, regardless of whether those minstrels join our company or not."

"I hope they do, though... I owe them an apology, too." Whew, it seems I'm not in trouble with him...! Guilt, be gone!

Relias's right eyebrow shot up. "One might argue that it is they who owe you amends, considering the manner in which they trivialized your profound sacrifice in their absurd, theatrical display."

"But I kind of enjoyed being part of the story, until the fall, anyway. Oh, you don't mean filling in on stage..." It's not like they knew who I was. And the whole thing was clearly meant to be entertaining. Artistic license and all.

"Such blatant misrepresentations trivialize our suffering and misalign Euphridia's sacred message to the world. Perhaps in some way, this is karma for their impudence." Her message? Be good and do what you're told, or she'll send someone to deal with you? I thought that was already pretty clear.

Rather than expressing my perspective on the matter, I resorted to avoiding an argument, this time by changing the subject. "So, I take it that you know Father Irijah..." I started carefully, unsure if I would evoke a second wave of his righteous wrath.

"A vocal antagonist of mine and sycophant of Pravum," he replied simply as he folded his arms. "No doubt he profited from his assignment here in Amantia over the years. However, such gains are devoid of any spiritual enrichment."

Something unpleasant curdled deep in my thoughts. If he knew what Father Irijah has been up to... and that he was here this whole time... Wouldn't a simple confrontation with said coward serve as a more efficient means to an end? Why bother taking the long way around?

After watching one of the flames in a nearby oil lamp dance with a tiny breeze for a few minutes, I finally worked up the courage to ask, "Why didn't you ask to see him yourself?"

He turned slowly, making sure to catch my gaze in his. "It was essential for him to bear witness to the unadorned truth in its full splendor. Had his initial sight been of me, I am certain he would have sought swift refuge, vanishing into the merest of crevices to evade the light of revelation." He hit me with a winsome smile. "I must, however, extend my deepest gratitude for your assistance in the salvation of his soul."

I was too confused to acknowledge his thanks. "You think we somehow rescued him?"

Relias nodded. "He will relive his moment of enlightenment many times over in the coming months, and I am overjoyed to welcome my lost brother back into our house. My earnest prayer is for such a serene return to the path of virtue for all wayward members of the cloth, free from any acts of violence or bloodshed."

He looked smug, to be sure, but I had thought it was simply for his successful intimidation tactics. Even I find a selfish sense of satisfaction in petty revenge schemes... can I really be considered a hero here?

With a mournful exhale, I put my head down face first on the table. "I'm sorry... I had you all wrong again... I thought you were just messing with him, to be honest."

"Well..." I felt his fingertips lightly brush through the hair on the crown of my head. "Perhaps it did thrill me a little to see him scurry..." He leaned in closer and whispered, "Will you hold my confession a secret?"

I turned slightly, giving him a pensive look from the tabletop. "Hmm... How much is it worth it to you?"

"Before entering into final negotiations, you should know all of my confectionaries were confiscated..." he hedged, withdrawing his hand slowly.

A small laugh escaped me before I sat upright, relieved he was up for simple banter. "Maybe you could explain how I was able to hear you in my head earlier?"

He also sat up with a nod, turning a little more serious. "My confinement was such that I was not only within earshot of your proclamations but also in a close position to project my thoughts," he explained. "The better I know the recipient of my mental words, the clearer they are conveyed."

"And you heard my reply, uh, such as it was?"

"No," he shook his head. "It would indeed be a blessing if this ability were reciprocal by default, but it is circumscribed to the domain of the priesthood."

"The... domain of the priesthood?"

"Even then," he continued, not knowing I had already been left behind. "It eludes the majority with insufficient skill."

"It's a... high-level, role-restricted spell?"

Relias frowned for a moment. "The wording sounds strange, but I believe your understanding is correct."

I rolled my eyes. "I wish I understood the system behind all of this." I mean, there has to be one, right?

"System? It is quite simple. We dutifully pursue the Purpose divinely ordained for us, and those who fulfill this sacred duty with utmost dedication are moreover recompensed, if not in our current journey, then certainly in the next life to come."

"That's not..." I took a deep breath. "You just said it would be a blessing if I could reply, right? So why can't I learn the skill? It uses amity, right?"

"Yes, but you are not a priest because that is not your Purpose."

Before I could say something testy about tautology, Father Irijah, the two guards, and all of my companions filed into the room, every one of them looking quite confused.

"Duke Chadwick will be joining us shortly," Father Irijah announced to Relias with a subservient bow.

"What was his reaction when you told him?" Relias asked calmly.

The priest anxiously smoothed his silvery page-boy haircut with his hand. "I only spoke of you, and even so, he thinks I'm mistaken."

"As expected," Relias replied with a subtle nod towards the door again. "Please announce and escort him in when he arrives."

Father Irijah frowned almost hatefully before he bowed again, turning to leave with the two guards. "Let's await his Grace out in the hallway." I think it's too early to trust his sudden about-face.

"Hey, what'd I miss?" Nora asked as she plopped down in the chair next to me. "You thrash someone while I wasn't looking?"

"I don't go around starting fights!" I replied indignantly before reconsidering my statement. "Not if they don't deserve it,

anyway..."

Nora grinned. "I know that second part well enough. But why is that priest acting like a scolded puppy?"

I gave her a quick low down while the others listened in.

Tetora snorted in frustration as he pounded the table. "All this trouble over nothing. Wood burns. Investigation over!"

"The Duke might still try to hold us here despite revealing ourselves," I fretted aloud. "How many guards did you see on your way here?" They took our stuff, so we'd be at a disadvantage-- Oh, maybe I do go around starting fights nilly willy...

Vernie laughed. "Nothing we can't handle as a team, but it's not going to come to that, right, Relias?"

"Indeed," Relias said with a shrug. "On this occasion, it shall fall upon me to enlighten him. Worry not, Dear One." Why is it when someone says don't worry, I can only do the opposite?

"Father Irijah," I heard the Duke proclaim from beyond our door. "Far be it from me to brand you a perjurer, but I do think recent burdens may have exacted a toll on you. Prudence dictates a period of repose once our capital's festivities conclude. In his fervor to commemorate our annual celebration of faith, King Saulus has indeed tasked us all too rigorously."

"Your Grace, I implore you not to provoke him or anyone else in there, if not for my sake, then yours."

"Again, your stress shows itself," Duke Chadwick replied airily as he opened the door on his own. "I shall simply see his face for myself and prove to you that--"

"Will you accept my blessing?" Relias inquired of His Grace before adding with a mental broadcast,  "Nimrod."

My eyes widened at Relias, stunned he would start off with a direct insult. "Why would you call him that?!"

Duke Chadwick's complexion appeared rather pallid as he carefully cleared his throat. "Nevertheless, my birthname is a matter known solely to His Holiness. I pray you, My Lady, utter it not, for my skills in the hunt are admittedly somewhat lacking..."

"...Oh! Uh, yes, of course..." I agreed haphazardly. Whoops.

The duke dropped to his knees, his mustache aquiver. "Forgive my lack of faith, Your Holiness. Gladly would I accept your blessing."

"Rise, old friend. I believe bestowing my benediction within the sacred environs of the Royal Sanctuary would be of greater merit, in the presence of all my companions as a testament to the act," Relias advised. "Moreover, it is fitting that King Paulus be in attendance, thereby extending the reach of such divine blessings to all those who have fervently anticipated the resurgence of our savior." Relias then gestured at me with an open palm, causing Duke Chadwick to stare slack-jawed.

Savior...

That hated word echoed in my mind like a terrible taunt, mocking me with a level of responsibility I could never hope to meet. As soon as I have a chance to speak with him one-on-one, I'll demand that he never, ever call me that again.