The gentle light dawned on the glass of the church, illuminating the hall with a soft glitter. The faces of the past saints looked very much alive and one could feel the sacred aura from the church by just looking at it.
" Father Heron, squire Seraphine is here. He is here to relay the good news."
The old priest silently put down his praying beads while raising his head. The strands of gray hair showed his age and his gentle expression showed who he truly was. He recalled the old memory of a young boy and girl playing together back in the yard while he watched them playing.
" Father! I did it. I finally passed my trials. Gabriella and I are going to Byzantine next week as a delegation. Old man Marcus was appointed as one of the envoys of the church. He is going with us."
Looking at his beautiful armor, Heron couldn't help but feel proud because he was no different than his blood. Perhaps God gifted these two children to him as a gift.
He slightly raised his hand, stroking his head like he was a child and Sera didn't refuse it. The priest was getting older and he could tell he was no longer what he used to be like in his past. His frail hands were a sign of his deterioration, yet he never changed his way.
Every day he lived with his earnest heart, helping others while doing his tasks diligently. Many people were indebted to him and they wanted to promote him to a high level, yet he refused such offers just to watch his beloved children grow up.
" You did well, my child. Tell me, are you going to propose to Gabriella after this? I am getting old and I want to see my grandchildren."
Sera coughed with embarrassment when he heard his teasing. He couldn't possibly deny his words since Marcus also always talked about seeing their children. They were well well-known couple among the squires and they were getting promoted after this mission, finally achieving their lifelong goals.
Furthermore, their children would have access to all the church's privileges since they were paladins and they would be treated like low-level noble children.
" Father always jokes about such things. Sera, don't mind his word. How is your new sword? I heard Marcus gifted you a new sword."
The nun asked with a smile, looking at the sword on his waist which was probably made by a famous artisan since even a normal person could tell it was a good weapon.
" Yes, he gifted me this. It looks good on me, right?"
Sera gently rubbed the hilt of the sword which was adorned with a simple white jewel on its end because it served both as a ceremonial and battle sword.
" I see. Good for you. I remember the time when we had to fork all the money to give you and Gabriella swords. Now, you have your own sword. I feel so proud of you."
The nun praised his achievements, reminiscing about the past when they had to buy swords for them to fulfill their dreams. She sighed with a calm face, thinking time had gone by. The two children who were always scolded by her, became big adults.
A few days had passed since their meeting and the paladins were gearing up for their mission. This mission was an important diplomatic mission where they would converse about the cooperation between the Byzantine Empire and church leaders.
However, they hadn't noticed one thing that was amiss. The meeting place was awfully close to Byzantine territory and they requested the most promising people of the church which was puzzling, yet church leaders allowed them to go to such a meeting despite the blatant situation.
" Marcus, I am afraid something will become worse. We have to prepare for the worst situation since they rarely keep their word and I don't trust the higher up. They didn't issue this order without confirmation of the Pope."
Alexis didn't hide his suspicions about the higher ups but Marcus didn't allow him to talk anymore because every wall had ears.
" We don't have much choice. We have to trust their goodwill. Otherwise, we will be punished by the inquisitors."
Marcus was helpless in this mission.