In the grand office room of Sandeph Kingdom's palace, adorned with rich tapestries and gleaming chandeliers, King Girsal awaited the arrival of Head Priest Dielle.
Footsteps echoed as Dielle, dressed in his signature pink robes with red markings, entered and bowed solemnly. "Your Majesty," Dielle spoke formally, "you summoned me urgently. How may the Church assist our kingdom in its time of need?"
Girsal, seated on his ornate throne, looked troubled. "Dielle, I'll forgive your former insolence back in the throne room, but we are losing ground against the demons. Our healers are overwhelmed. I need the Church's aid."
Dielle's expression remained neutral. "How many priests do you require?"
"One thousand," Girsal replied without hesitation.
Dielle raised an eyebrow. "That's a significant number. Our resources are stretched thin as well."
Girsal frowned. He knew the Church had remained impartial during the kingdom's war with the demons, although their services were highly sought after in these turbulent times. Understanding the hidden meaning behind the shrewd man's words, Girsal responded, "Name your price."
"Fifty thousand platinum coins," Dielle stated matter-of-factly.
Girsal's eyes widened in disbelief. "Fifty thousand? Aren't you getting greedy!"
"Of course I am," Dielle affirmed. "Our costs have risen, given recent… circumstances."
The King's tone turned sharp. "What circumstances?"
"With the Saintess' decision to stay in this kingdom, my understanding is you truly don't need our services. After all, a Saintess is the most capable mage and healer of her era," Dielle replied coolly. "Additionally, the Church of Beauty is at war with the Church of Light."
Girsal's voice hardened. "So you want to extort me over this? Over Aurianna making a decision as her own person?"
"Her own decision? Don't make me laugh. I'm no fool. You whispered in her ear, told her things about us which are untrue. Otherwise, coming to the Church would have been a given for her."
King Girsal fell silent, letting the accusation hang in the air. The room was empty, devoid of the usual knights, as the King had demanded complete secrecy for this meeting.
Dielle continued, his irritation subsiding and replaced by a calm rationality. "It is also a matter of principle. The Church of Paige and demons have been sworn enemies since our inception. We maintain a delicate balance. Unless Saintess Aurianna is delivered to us, I'm afraid our assistance is out of the question. It is far too great a risk to take."
"You're being ridiculous," Girsal scoffed, rising from his seat and standing before Dielle.
"No, Your Majesty, this is far from ridiculous," Dielle replied evenly. "Concede to our terms, and your kingdom will receive our aid. Refuse, and you face this threat alone."
Girsal's jaw clenched in anger, his hands gripping the armrests of his throne. "You would let innocent lives be lost over this?"
"The Church has its own responsibilities," Dielle said firmly. "We cannot afford to be compromised. And I know too well that you don't care whether people die. You only care about what gives results. So, drop the facade of the caring king. I know you too well to be fooled."
"Oh, calm down, Dielle. As cruel as I am, I still care about my country," Girsal chuckled, an evil grin spreading across his face.
A heavy silence hung between them.
"And you know you can't go against me, Dielle," Girsal continued, his grin widening. "I have a deal with an apostle of the Church of Beauty. You wouldn't want to anger her over our petty feud, would you?" His tone was cold, the threat clear, causing Dielle to become visibly nervous.
"Two Arc Humans is all I shall offer," Dielle replied, his voice steady despite the tension.
"Good. At least they won't die," King Girsal grinned. "Now deliver this message to Apostle Gray: She'll love her new toys, so she should come and get them."
Dielle bowed again, his expression unchanged. "As you wish, Your Majesty." Though his tone was cold, Dielle turned, his face filled with hatred. No matter how much he tried to change the situation, it barely worked, and he could only stall for some time.
"Another Saintess falls victim to the cruel cycle. I'm sorry, child, but you're now this country's slave, a pawn of the Goddess of Beauty," Dielle sighed as he teleported to his airship.
Back in the throne room, Girsal cursed, his face red with fury. The audacity of Dielle! First, his behavior during Aurianna's Saintess verification, and now this. It was one slap in the face after another.
"Dielle, you bastard. I should have killed you when I had the chance," Girsal muttered, as he walked back to his seat to sit down. "But it doesn't matter. He can't stop me anyway. Everything is now perfectly planned."
"She's growing up too quickly. I thought I had suppressed her magic thoroughly, yet when she awakened, she managed to kill several demons. How is this possible, Lauren?" King Girsal asked, his voice tinged with frustration as Lauren emerged from the shadows and settled herself on his lap.
"Well, it's clear she's not entirely human. She's capable of defeating demons many times stronger than herself," Lauren replied with a chuckle. She was a striking figure—bronze-skinned with long, flowing black hair that cascaded to her ankles. Her form was voluptuous, and she wore a jumpsuit that accentuated her curves.
"All she's been taught are weak spells, but in her hands, their potential exploded. She's a natural-born fighter," Lauren continued. "If she had actual training, she'd be a monster. It's a pity."
"And I can't let that happen," Girsal said coldly.
"Still working on your plan?" Lauren asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course I am. These pesky demons are becoming a nuisance. They just refuse to accept their fate," Girsal responded with a sharp edge to his voice.
"I suppose all living things resist, even us," Lauren said with a chuckle.
"That's why I will crush every last drop of their battle spirit!" Girsal declared, his grip tightening on his glass until it shattered in his hand.
"And the people of this country have grown a bit too arrogant. I need to teach them why they enjoy their privileges. Fear and death will be ingrained in them, and our knights will save them, ensuring their loyalty," he added with a smirk.
"Won't they question why you couldn't save them earlier despite all your manpower?" Lauren wondered.
"They wouldn't dare, for I am their King."