With the issue of fertility now handled, Arkanos straightened up and turned to Arvel and Seraphine.
"Now that the land is fertile once more, what do you say we introduce new farming methods to our people? Perhaps new crops to further strengthen our food supply?"
Arvel blinked in confusion, his monocle gleaming as he tried to make sense of what was unfolding. "Fertility settled? Whe—"
Before he could finish, Arkanos's voice interrupted him.
"It was that tremor just now," Arkanos explained. "The earth has been made more fertile. What you felt earlier was the miracle I spoke of. Now, we turn our focus to improving our farming methods."
Arvel was left speechless, his thoughts racing. 'The tremor... He wasn't joking... That was really another miracle?' He stared at Arkanos, awe creeping into his expression, but he quickly composed himself, clearing his throat to speak.
"Even if the lands have truly been made more fertile," Arvel spoke, "there is still the issue of farming itself. We have lost most of our farmers, and much of our knowledge on the subject has disappeared."
Arkanos placed a thoughtful hand under his jaw, considering the matter for a moment. "So, all we need is more farmers, then? Or perhaps someone who can teach our people how to farm?"
Arvel was caught off guard by the calmness with which Arkanos spoke.
'More farmers? Teach them how to farm?'
It was almost as though Arkanos viewed the problem as simple, dismissing the weight of the task as though it were a minor detail.
"I-Indeed," Arvel stammered, adjusting his monocle. "That would solve a significant part of the issue. If we could find anyone knowledgeable enough to teach proper farming techniques..."
Arkanos smiled, a glint of something almost mischievous in his eyes. "Then it seems I'll be summoning an aid... A legendary aid."
Seraphine and Arvel both froze at his words. Their eyes widened, and they exchanged a look of confusion before turning back to the emperor.
"What?" they both asked.
Arkanos's smile widened as he leaned back slightly, watching their reactions with amusement.
"A legendary aid," he repeated. "Using magic, I'll call forth someone capable of teaching our people the true art of farming. It's time to take our next step forward. After all, miracles come in many forms."
Arvel adjusted his monocle with a touch of skepticism, the gleam of the lens catching the light as he spoke cautiously.
"Isn't summoning magic one of the most complex branches of magic, Your Majesty? It typically requires the collaboration of multiple mages, all of whom must be at least in the Sixth Circle of mastery."
He hesitated for a moment before pressing further. "Your Majesty... do you mean that kind of summoning magic? Or is there some other method not commonly known?"
Arkanos smiled as he placed his right arm on Arvel's left shoulder. "My methods... or how they work... need not concern you, Arvel," he said smoothly.
"All that matters is that I know they will get the job done. And in the end, the empire will benefit."
Arvel paused, processing the emperor's words. His mind reeled at the implications. Was Arkanos wielding a form of magic unknown to even him? If so, the possibilities were both exhilarating and unsettling.
Seraphine, standing beside them, spoke up, her tone both curious and cautious. "But, my lord, where do you plan to conduct this summoning? Surely, you'll need a spacious environment with a sufficiently prepared magic—"
Before she could finish, Arkanos interrupted her with a wave of his hand, his tone decisive. "We'll be heading to the cathedral."
Both Arvel and Seraphine exchanged startled glances. The cathedral? It was an unconventional choice, yet, knowing Arkanos, he likely had a purpose that defied the obvious.
...
They stood before the grand cathedral, its towering spires reaching toward the skies. The structure was immaculate, its pristine white stone shimmering in the sunlight.
Arvel adjusted his monocle, his jaw dropping in awe. "By the gods… such a pristine structure. And that statue…" He pointed to a towering figure of the goddess of purity carved from stone, with scales outstretched as though she were about to pass judgment.
"It's so perfect it doesn't seem real."
Seraphine nodded; she too agreed, her blue eyes reflecting her awe. "Indeed. It's beyond what I imagined…"
Arkanos glanced at them, raising an eyebrow. "Is this your first time seeing the cathedral?"
Arvel cleared his throat, his monocle glinting as he adjusted it again. "The only time I saw it was through the window during last night's strategy meeting. Since then, I've been occupied with my duties and the task you gave me, Your Majesty. I didn't dare venture out to satisfy my curiosity."
Seraphine folded her hands neatly before her, her expression composed but touched with admiration. "As for me, this is my first time seeing it up close. I've only heard rumors of its grandeur. Since my duties keep me by your side, my lord, I never found the time... or need... to discover it myself."
Arkanos chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, we didn't come here to sightsee. Follow me. Let us make our way inside."
With that, he strode forward, his long black cloak billowing behind him. As he approached the cathedral's grand entrance, the guards stationed there stiffened as they recognized him. Together, they stood to attention, their right hands placed firmly over their hearts. Then, as though guided by instinct, they bowed deeply, lowering to one knee.
"We greet Your Majesty," they said respectfully. "What brings you to the holy cathedral?"
Arkanos's lips curved into a faint smile. His gaze flicked upward toward the towering doors of the cathedral.
"I guess…"
"A little prayer."
The guards exchanged brief, surprised glances but quickly bowed their heads lower in reverence. One of them, clad in ornate armor with the insignia of the church engraved on his chest plate, rose slightly, gesturing toward the massive cathedral doors.
"Your Majesty, it is an honor to have you visit. Please, allow us to escort you inside," the guard offered.
Arkanos waved a dismissive hand, his smile still lingering. "No need. I know the way."
The guards hesitated but stepped aside, pulling the heavy doors open.
As the grand entrance yawned open, revealing the cathedral's opulent interior, a soft glow of light spilled out, bathing Arkanos and his companions. Arvel adjusted his monocle again, marveling at the sheer splendor.
The vaulted ceiling seemed to stretch endlessly upward, with intricate frescoes displaying divine battles and celestial blessings.
Stained-glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floor, and the centerpiece... another towering statue of the goddess, her hands outstretched in a show of grace, dominated the hall.
Seraphine, usually composed, couldn't suppress a hushed breath of awe. "It's even more magnificent than I imagined…"
Arkanos strode forward, his steps echoing against the marble floor. He glanced back over his shoulder at Seraphine and Arvel.
"Focus. We're not here to admire art."
His words snapped them out of their reverie, and they quickly followed.
Arkanos, Seraphine, and Arvel continued to venture deeper into the cathedral. Suddenly, from a side corridor, a group of priests and priestesses emerged. At their center was Head Priestess Isode, her presence immediately commanding respect. Her long, dark purple hair shimmered under the light of the cathedral.
A serene smile graced her lips as she approached. Bowing her head slightly, she greeted, "Your Majesty, what an unexpected honor. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"