A rythmic bell rang across the capital, signalling the begin of the Pilgrimate Festival. As part of the Pope's guards, Lux, Krulucifer and Zain was expected to arrive at the Sanctuary again, waiting at a guard room inside.
There are already people in the guard room, mentally prepare themselves for the festival, doing prayers or reading from scriptures and such. Lux was also making preparations of hs own <<The Abyss activity on the hill— can you find anything?>> <<Not yet, we need direct contact to figure out it's nature.>> <<Damn, well if the snow is good for some small area digging, find a unnoticed area and dig up the snow. So far we are the only one having the element of suprise, and I intent to keep it.>> <<I'll see what can I do. I'll reply if we got progress.>>
Right after the communication ceased, Zain's voice can be hear and addressing to him, with Kurlucifer nowhere to be found in the room. "So, Lux Arcadia, am I correct? The newly appointed Dragon Paladin of the New Kingdom merely days ago?" "That is correct."
After the confirmation, Zain anrrowed his gaze on Lux. "Why are you here?" "Hm?" "You, the Knight of the princess of the New Kingdom, are here. I would not believe your reason here is simply a favor from a ally kingdom." "Ah, I can guarantee you none of such— Kurlucifer-san asked for my company during her journey in Ymir, I simply agreed."
The Einfolk heir gave him a gaze with confusion and shock. "For such a trivial reason... what are you, a philanthropist who wish to spread your ideals? Or was it that you deem my family worthy for such a time-consuming journey?"
"My words are true— however, if you insist on favors, then it's what I owe to Krulucifer-san, who had lend me her aid many times in the New Kingdom."
Zain sneered at the statement. "Heh, and you expect me to believe this?" "It's simple as such." The room fell into a silence, even the onlookers had their attention on the duo.
His smirk did not falter. "You can keep that atitude up before she show her true self, my soon-to-be brother-in-law." By far, what Lux know is simply she being retrieved from the ruins, and casted aside for her unhuman talent and strength compared to other Einfolks. "Yet I, whom you only know as a Seven Dragon Paladin, is also a mystery in your eyes. As her fiance I will stand by her side, and brace for anything that happens."
"I appreciate it, Lux-kun, for thinking so highly of me." Zain stiffen when hearing her sister's voice, and Lux turned to nod at her with a soft smile and whispered, "Just protecting my fiance, that's all."
Her slight nod acknowledged such. "I heard the preparation is almost finished, and we are to do the same as well." And everyone in the guard room rise to the feet and head outside
"Lux-kun," Krulucifer stopped Lux softly, followed by a sigh. "I apologize for my brother's behavior." "There is noneed to." Lux replied with kind, while harboring doubts of Zain's unfitting sharp tongue for a defeat by the hands of his step sister.
She placed her hands on Lux's head, and he feel something on his head— a fur hat. "Winter clothing of the Templars. I forgot to request a set for Lux-kun." "Ah, thank you."
He fixed the hat then followe Krulucifer who exit the room. "Please do not take my borther's word for it, and... while it is true that this has not escalated to an open confrontation, it might become rality at a sooner time."
"I understand."
—————
Day one of the Pilgrimate would have the high ranking members of the church and their escorts moved to a remote temple in a forest southeast to the Holy Capital to offer their prayer.
On the journey in the carriage, Krulucifer brief Lux on the ties between Ymir and religion:
—
It's not a rare sight for faith and religions to spread by the will of the lords when mother nature brought down her wrath upon the mortals— but in Ymir, God is real, and He dispatch His winged subordinates when He grant audience, or to deliever hope to the locals— the angels formed a bridge, connecting God and His people.
These are legends that passed for generations and generations; one such legend speak of a question raised by a man when he faced the angels: "Where is God?" "He reside within everyone's heart," the angels replied, "He gave His blessings to mankinds since ancient times."
—
"- While stories and legends of similar caliber can be heard in many places, it is rare for a human to make a direct communication. Generally speaking, they would be observe from afar with awe due to their divinity."
"Doesn't that apply to the Drag-rides as well? People become awed by unknown concepts, and yearn to gain relative knowledge, and make contact when they believe they are equipped with proper knowledge to handle it."
"Perhaps." Their carriage came to an halt, and the guards began to dismount and post themselves around the temple. with the Pope and bishops enter the temple and prepare for the ritual.
Meanwhile, a few Templar patrolling outside approach the duo and greeted Krulucifer. "So you indeed partake the guardassignment, daughter of the Einfolk. It has been some time since we last met." "About a year, if my memory serves me right— we heard that you are now in the New Kingdom?"
"Yes, I am having quite a all-rounded life during my stay at the New Kingdom." Krulucifer returned the courtesy while shooting a apologetic gaze to Lux for the crrent status. On the other hand, Lux is glad to know that she is welcomed by the officers, outside of the EInfolk house, and took a step aside for she to runite with her acquaintances.
"Hello there, big brother!" And a petite figure intentionally bumped into Lux with a large smile— Mel Gizalut is here as well, whose presence is expected due to her status as the Dragon Paladin of Ymir.
"As expected, big brother is here as well. What do you think? About the Pilgrimate festival of the Ymir Theocracy." "Hmm... We are here to safeguard His Holiness to a remote temple in Day 1, so I am looking forward to the rest of the festival." Lux voiced his thought with a soft smile.
Lux have a gut feeling that whoever plant those Abyss on the snow mountain would act during the festival, but putting such aside, Lux consider this a break from the New Kingdom chores, and perhaps a nice date with Krulucifer in the process.
"Hehe, I am happy that big brother is looking forward to the festival. As for the lady over there... she is still welcomed like the past." She turned her head to Krulcifer and a lone Zain, who just happenend to be visible from their curent position.
Her little girl facade dropped, and she put back on her serious expression. "The result of the Tournament, paired with the face that she is still distanced by the House of Einfolk... The irony."
"Tournament, you say?" If she wish to drop her act, then two can play the game. "Indeed. In the past, the Gizaluts and the Einfolks are two of the few well-known martial arts practitioners. And we fought before, two years ago, during the Tournament final."
"By the way you put it, she seems to take the victory of the Tournament." "It was not only the outcome it matter, but rather-"
Before she could finish... "Sorry for the wait, the ritual is about to began. We might receive worlds if we stall here any longer?" Krulucifer appeared to Lux's side and shoot a unconcerend gaze to Mel.
"A parting word, bir brother— I will return the favor of my defeat at the Tournament during the Festival. Until then, look forward to the show." As she hopped away.
"Quite an unplesant experience to have my own's past failure to be tattled on, it would seems..." She sighed. Lux have questions, but knowing Krulucifer's, now would not be a good time to bring such matter up. Besides—
The ritual has begun with Pope Nias' praying.
YOU ARE READING
The Slayer's Chosen
Fanfiction(DOOM x Undefeated Bahamut Chronicles) During the fall of the Holy Arcadia Empire, there was a strange warrior adorned in otherworldly dark green armor, killing the Abyss in the most brutal and fastest way possible. He disappeared after the destruct...
