After discussing our plans to deal with the Dawn Church's priest . Jeanne and Louise spend their time here to catch up on old times with mother in the kitchen. They talked about major events that has occurred since my mother left the Luminous Church. Mainly about the current status of the factions within the Luminous Church.
The first was about the death of several Holy Knights under the power of the 400 Year old Levantine. The Levantine is one of the several descendant species or the sub family of the Legendary sea creature Leviathan.
The Levantine is the evolution form of the Sea serpent monsters. The Sea serpents evolved to becoming the Levantine after living for at least 100 years and after they either go through certain conditions to evolve or by receiving the powerful blessings of the Mythical Sea Gods.
A Holy Order made up of paladin knights were dispatched to deal with the Levantine. After a long and gruesome battle they managed to slay the Levantine. However their victory was less than satisfactory since they managed to obtain victory at the cost of over 40 Paladin Knights and at least 300 Holy knights were killed in the process not to mention the 15 healers injured during the process.
Not long after the Levantine subjugation , another problem emerges. The villages at the frontier of Tire were slaughtered down to the last child. By an army of monsters under the order of the devils. Four Holy knight Order and One Paladin Knight Order was dispatched to deal with them. However after 3 months of harsh battle , they haven't managed to subdue the demon. Forcing the Luminous Church to send Two Holy Knight Order to reinforce their numbers.
Till this day they still haven't reached a conclusion. All that they had achieved were securing the Tire Frontier after taking substantial casualties in the process. With supplies dwindling , they are forced to encamp within the vicinity of the villages to ensure the enemies won't attack them again. With blizzard conditions , things are looking grim for the Holy Knights. The opposite could be said about the Monster army.
Since the monsters were brought up from the darkest regions of the Frontier , they were immune to the cold. While their enemies cower within their camps to stay warm. They lay in wait within the dense forest surrounding each of the villages, waiting for an opportunity to present it self. With their enemies immobilized, they stalked upon their preys in the middle of the night waiting to pounce and kill them all.
A few weeks later another problem occurred. A growing power emerged on the other side of the continent. They called them selves the Arkests. They made up of highly trained mercenaries . Banned together under one goal , that goal is to take the Lost Ark and use it to plunder the riches of the world.
The Ark is a flying artifact in the shape of a gigantic flying machine. Its completely invisible under the naked eye , its cloaking technology is second to none. Most importantly its ability to teleport long distances with ease. Making for a perfect device to steal , plunder nor pillage. The Lost Ark became a legendary artifact amongst those who seek wealth through conflict and speed.
Its reported that they have 5000 members so far searching for the Lost Ark around the world. Although they haven't found the Lost Ark yet they are making rapid progress. Their numbers increasing ever larger by the day as more mercenaries , bandits, thieves and many more outlaws and brigands joined their cause.
This events worried the Luminous Church more than most since an artifact of an ancient race was found a few years ago, is kept within their treasury. It could detect magical waves of artifacts. Making it easier for those who seek mystical artifacts to try and steal it. The News regarding the detection artifacts skills were released to the public from an unknown source.
The Arkest sparred no efforts in obtaining that detection artifact . Causing more and more problems for the Luminous Church. Who were already stretched thin amongst the fast territories. The Luminous Church is obligated to save guard all of those who followed the Luminism doctrine. As such with the ever growing number of followers comes a great deal of reputation and responsibilities.
If that alone wasn't enough to exhaust the upper echelon of the Luminous Church trying their best to handle the situation at hand. Just a few days back before they came here , a political strive took place within the nation Erask. Between those who support the many Princes of the Royal Lineage. Although this political strive can be seen as a big opportunity to spread their influence and religion amongst the Erask populace.
However on the other side , if they've chosen to support the wrong candidate. It could create a whole new enemy towards the Luminous Church. So several ambassadors were dispatched to observe and report the current situation back to the Holy Emperor.
So far amongst the 12 candidates, the most prominent candidate would be either the Second Prince or the First Princess. The Second Prince has the backing of the nobles and has a good reputation with the people despite the controversies between the nobility and the common people. The First Princess on the other hand has the support of their Elder Counsel, The Right Wing Military General and most importantly the support of the Merchant Union.
So the Nation is divided between the Reputable Second Prince and The Well Funded , Well Armed, And highly intelligent First Princess. Both sides wielded powerful weapons. Each of their conflicts could cause the destruction of the kingdom and the death of thousands.
Other then the Two of them only the Youngest Princess remains as a key player in this succession crisis. Despite being the youngest of all the royal siblings some might say that she is the most intelligent person in the entire kingdom . She Was born into a state of peace , however she never forget the possibility of war.
All her live she had lived within her secluded home in the mountains behind the royal capital. With 6 of the Kings Most trusted aide taking care of her daily needs. The People thought that the King was ashamed of the Youngest Princess. So he exiled her to keep her away from the court intrigues.
However they were wrong. The King favors the Youngest Princess above all of his Children. Although his actions proved otherwise in the eyes of the people. While She was exiled within the Mountains . She read books and learned various skills to perfection. While also keeping up with the current news of the world.
From what I can tell she's more than just a bird in a cage. Up there , she's more like a scheming mastermind waiting in the shadows of disbelief ready to strike at her enemies. I believe the Youngest Princess will turn up victorious in the end. Whilst manipulating every person like a pawn to fuel her ambitions. Of course that's simply my opinion of the matter.
She could be just an ordinary little girl trapped in the mountains longing for warmth and adventure outside of the walls keeping her in.
Thus far there hadn't been any news of the other candidates besides the death of the Seventh, Sixth, Fourth and Fifth prince in a small skirmish in the castle. Although they were not even considered a competition against the others. They're still candidates vying for the throne nonetheless. So either way they have to be either eliminated or subdued.
The Holy Emperor wanted to support the Second Prince since he have the hearts and minds of his people. Making it easier for the Luminous Church to convert their fates , since they supported a character with a good background in the first place. The mass conversion won't be recieved in a negative light.
On the other hand the Four Cardinals wanted to support the First Princess . They spoke greatly about the skills and majesty of the First Princess despite not meeting her personally. Its obvious that the Four Cardinals wanted the financial backing of the First Princess. The Cardinals talked about Honor , Faith and Majesty, they're just lies spouted by them to gain riches for them selves.
After a long day of conversing about political strives. They , ended their talks and move on to talking about menial and personal things before going to sleep for the night.
I climbed on top of the house . I sat down on top of the roof . Gazing upon the night skies wondering .
What will happen in the future?
Will I be forced to choose a side ?
Would I have to join these vast conflicts in this world or would I just stay here and have a peaceful life with my family ?
But then what would happen to my family if I go towards a bigger world ?
Can I still protect them knowing how small I really am in this vast untamed world ?
I pondered long into the night.