As Askyros passed through the doors, he stood frozen, paralyzed by the eyes of the one before him. The path led to a flight of stairs, just beneath the feet of the kingdom's most powerful person.
"The Sovereign of Faith…" [Askyros]
The Sovereign of Faith sat upon a golden throne, decorated with gems of unparalleled beauty. The man himself didn't fall short. Hair the mix of gold and silver, eyes that sparkled like emeralds, and clothing made from the finest silk. The crown that sat on his head hovered over him like a halo, and shone like one too.
"Come forward." [Sovereign of Faith]
"..." [Askyros]
Unable to speak, his body moved by itself. Askyros took slow steps, enough for him to notice the people on the sides whispering.
"What clothes is he wearing?" [Gossiping Man]
"To think he would show such disrespect…" [Gossiping Woman]
"Heh, as expected of someone of low birth." [Self-important Nobleman]
As Askyros traveled down the red carpet, a knight in blue armor stepped out beside the Sovereign's throne.
"Halt. You must now kneel before your lord." [Blue Knight]
"..." [Askyros]
Though he heard the order, Askyros did not kneel. Even when he could feel an imposing amount of presence from the Sovereign, the knight did not stick out as much.
"...I repeat, kneel before your lord." [Blue Knight]
Askyros did not kneel.
"...In accordance with the law, you will be punished if you do not kneel. This is your last chance." [Blue Knight]
The knight placed a hand on his sword, ready to draw at any moment.
"..." [Askyros]
Even with the intimidation of the knight, Askyros did not kneel.
"...I see. You refuse to kneel." [Blue Knight]
The knight began to draw his blade, but then immediately stopped by a movement out of the corner of his eye.
"..." [Blue Knight]
A hand was raised by the Sovereign of Faith, indicating the blue knight to stop.
"...As you wish, my lord." [Blue Knight]
The knight sheathed his blade, all the while returning back to his place behind the throne.
"Sir Askyros, Sir Ryse, and Madam Tida. Your feats on the field are commendable." [Sovereign of Faith]
A deep voice resonated within the room. It seemed that the Sovereign's voice had somewhat of a soothing effect, but also had a feeling of command within.
"Thank you for your kind words." [Ryse] [Tida]
("What?") [Adam]
Before Adam had noticed, Ryse and Tida were kneeling beside Askyros.
"I have summoned you three to reward you for your efforts, but before that, I have a question to ask of you." [Sovereign of Faith]
"Yes…? [Ryse]
"Sir Askyros, why have you chosen to attend with that attire?" [Sovereign of Faith]
"..." [Askyros]
Askyros wore very simple clothing. All he had on was a plain tunic, brown trousers, and simple black shoes. After taking a look at himself, he gave out a very blunt answer.
"It's comfortable." [Askyros]
The onlookers went silent with disbelief. They thought the Sovereign of Faith would be angered, so they turned their attention to the throne.
"Comfortable... is it?" [Sovereign of Faith]
The Sovereign went silent. As everyone watched the Sovereign in anticipation of his next action, he simply smiled.
"Interesting. Then may I ask why you did not kneel?" [Sovereign of Faith]
"Because I was told to kneel before my lord, and you are not my lord." [Askyros]
The onlookers gasped at his words. Surely the Sovereign would become enraged they thought.
"...Then who would your lord be?" [Sovereign of Faith]
Contrary to the onlookers' expectations, their ruler was not displeased. In fact, he was curious.
"No one. A knight serves a lord, but I am a simple craftsman. Only brought into war out of necessity." [Askyros]
"...Keh. Kehehe…" [Sovereign of Faith]
The ruler began to chuckle to himself, amused by the one before him.
"What a strong soul. I've decided on your reward. Someone, bring "it" out." [Sovereign of Faith]
He waved towards one of the servants, causing one of them to nod and leave. Moments later, they returned with a cube-like structure presented on a red pillow.
"Take it, it's yours." [Sovereign of Faith]
Askyros took the cube into hand, inspecting it as he fumbled with it.
("Wait, that's…!") [Adam]
The cube was very familiar to Adam. He could not forget how a single cube had put him out for a week.
"...What is this?" [Askyros]
"An ethereal blade. Only a strong soul with an unfaltering will can fully harness its power. Should you give it your mana, it will respond in kind." [Sovereign of Faith]
"..." [Askyros]
He wasn't sure of what the Sovereign meant by ethereal blade, but he kept the ruler's words in mind.
"I thank you for this gift." [Askyros]
"It is thanks for amusing me. Your true gift will be… Hm… I will give you the rank of Hestatus Cefalis." [Sovereign of Faith]
The onlookers began to whisper once again, surprised by the generosity given to Askyros.
"Bring him his cape." [Sovereign of Faith]
Waving to the servant once again, they brought out a blue cape decorated with the symbol of a cross.
"Wear it. Due to the unfortunate death of our previous Hestatus Cefalis, Sitros, you will take his place. You now have control over a troop five hundred strong." [Sovereign of Faith]
Askyros accepted the cape, tying it around his neck and letting it hang over his back.
"I thank you once again." [Askyros]
Lowering his head just a bit, Askyros thanked the Sovereign.
"Now, Ryse. For your feats in battle, what is your wish?" [Sovereign of Faith]
"Huh?" [Ryse]
Startled by the sudden question, Ryse was unsure of what to say.
"I uh… wish to be a part of Askyros' troop." [Ryse]
"...Is that truly what you wish?" [Sovereign of Faith]
"Yes." [Ryse]
Steady unlike before, he answered with confidence.
"Then, Tida, what is your wish?" [Sovereign of Faith]
"I also wish to be in Askyros' troop." [Tida]
She winked at Ryse and Askyros, just before turning back to the Sovereign.
"It appears that you both wish to join Sir Askyros' troop. Then so be it. Sir Ryse shall now be appointed as Askyros' right hand, Restatus Urae. Madam Tida shall now be appointed as Askyros' left hand, Lestatus Urae." [Sovereign of Faith]
Just like before, servants left and returned. This time, they brought out red capes for Tida and Ryse.
"I hope you do well on the field. May the gods bless you all." [Sovereign of Faith]
And just like that, the three received their rewards and were dismissed.