Brettania was founded 700 years ago, comparatively young when compared to the kingdom of the elves, dwarves and other demi-humans in the continent. However, the unimaginable strength and perseverance mankind shown when they join hands together is truly a wonder to behold. Brettania quickly became a major power in the continent, boasting military and commercial strength that surpass its neighboring elders in the span of just a few hundred years. And at the heart of the prospering kingdom is its capital city and pride, Camelot.
Behind the imposing wall has been protecting the city for many hundreds years, house 250.000 citizens, more than double the population of Reynes city. Here one can find the finest artisans, the wealthiest merchants, the wisest scholars and the strongest knights in Brettania. If a poet were to write about this city, then by no doubt he would compare it with a beautiful gem that represents the prosperity and prestige of mankind.
The four main gates from city leads to every major city in the kingdom and also constantly welcome merchants from foreign lands, making Camelot a melting pot of talents and cultures from various corners on the continent. The human kingdom however stay faithful to its two main religions. The now diminished faith of Tuatha De Danaan and the much wider spread faith of the Holy Spirits. Few kilometers away from the royal castle is a large ground that stood a humongous white temple. This here is the head temple of the Holy Spirits where believers come to worship, as well as being the primary building reserved for high ranked priests, the Bishop and the Dove.
In the deepest chamber of the temple, where no man, not even the Bishop are allowed to set foot in. A certain girl emerges from a massive spring while being surrounded by maidens in white.
“With this, the cleansing ceremony is finished” –Lydia
“Yes, congratulation on becoming a Dove, Lydia-sama” –Maid 1
“Lydia-sama, you’re beautiful…” –Maid 2
The girl that is being dried and dressed up by the women around her looks to be a young girl that’s still in the middle of her teens. There’s however a certain air of elegance and dignity around her that doesn’t suit her age. It’s not something that can simply be learned through education or putting in effort. It’s the kind of atmosphere that shows the prestige of in-bred nobility, which is to say much weight about her true lineage. She has hair that seems like fine threads of gold that extend down he waist, emerald eyes that shines as if crafted from the finest jewels, ample bosoms brimming with femininity and fair, smooth skin as if they were silk. Leaving aside the men, even the female attendants around her would gasps in admiration for her beauty.
“Lydia-sama, will you be okay?” –Maid 3
“Because it has been a long time, you might experience some unpleasant feelings, but please stand tall and be brave” –Maid 4
“Yes, we’re always behind supporting you, Lydia-sama” –Maid 1
“Thank you every one, I’ll be alright” –Lydia
Once in a few decades, there are human born with extreme sensitivity to the spirits that flows around the world, much like that of an elf. Sometimes, such talent even has higher sensitivity compared to the normal elf. If they’re boys, then they might become scholars or priests. If they’re girls, then from a young age they might be taken in by the temple and study in the deepest chamber, avoiding contact with the outside world in order to raise their power, since female has much higher potential than male. Lydia herself has been taken in at the age of 7 and just now has finished the ceremony to become a full-fledged Dove. The title given to a priestess with such high connection to the spirits that she sometimes is able to glance at the spirit world and hear their voices. During the course of history many times the kingdom was saved by what the Dove hears from the spirits.
“Lydia-sama, this way please. Bishop-sama and SwordSaint-sama is waiting in the outer chapel” –Maid 2
“Yes, please lead the way” –Lydia
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In the outer most layer of the ground floor, there is the chapel that opens to public. The floors and walls inside are layered in beautiful white stones, as divine as they’re modest. To each side of a five meter carpet lies neatly arranged wooden chairs. The furniture aren’t showy, nor do they have any decoration, but one can tell that they’ve been crafted with care, by masterful hands.
The interior is wide and can easily host hundreds of people, but currently all of the seats are empty. At the entrance there’s a platoon of 16 armored knights, who aren’t wearing the temple’s sigil standing guard.Nearby are two middle-aged men sitting opposite of each other, between them lies a simple wooden chessboard.
“Check-mate, SwordSaint-dono” –Bishop
Said the man wearing a white robe and a blue decorated scarf hanging from his shoulders. He seems to be around 50 years old and has gentle features, but at the same time he carries a dignified atmosphere of authority.
“… That was quite a move, Bishop-dono…” –Callaghan
The other man who’s scratching his head in frustration is in his early forties. He has a stern looking face and wearing a set of plate armor. Looking at his bulging steel-like muscles one can hardly believe that he’s already past his prime.
“Well then, do you give up, SwordSaint-dono?” –Bishop
“Wa…Wait a minute, I’ve not lost yet” –Callaghan
“I’m fine with waiting, but lady Dove should be arriving at any moment now” –Bishop
At the mention of the “Dove”, the man in armor wears a difficult look on his eyes, but his expression unchanging.
“I can never understand you priests.
Is being a Dove so important you have to lock up a young girl for 9 long years?
Just by being a Dove doesn’t mean one will hear a “message” in their life time. And even if they do, not like a single whisper from the spirits is going to change anything” –Callaghan
“Fumu… SwordSaint-dono doesn’t believe in the significance of a “message”?” –Bishop
“If anything has a significance, it’s our own hands” –Callaghan
Calmly brushing his hand on his white beard, the Bishop asked in a calm voice.
“Well then, may I ask, what is it you believe in the most?” –Bishop
“That’s a hard question…
But if I have to answer, then it’d be the man standing next to me in battle” –Callaghan
“Oh? I had thought you would surely say it’s your own sword” –Bishop
“Kahaha, certainly I believe in my sword.
But in the end it’s just a weapon. There’s only so much one person can do, even if he’s the SwordSaint.
It’s always the man who stands next to me that I give my greatest trust to” –Callaghan
“Fumu, then SwordSaint-dono, you are also no different from us” –Bishop
“Oh? How is that so?” –Callaghan
“It’s in human nature, we always find it easier to trust something other than our selves” –Bishop
“Hoh…” –Callaghan
“And if it’s something that’s outside of our comprehension, then all the better. Therefore, here I am, and so is lady Dove” –Bishop
“Kahaha, is that okay Bishop-dono? Someone of your position really shouldn’t say that about your own religion?” –Callaghan
“I don’t mind, SwordSaint-dono. I choose my words depend on who is hearing. Surely you aren’t someone whose mouth loosen with just a few drop of wine?” –Bishop
“Well now, I’m flattered by your praise.
Then may I ask a question as well?” –Callaghan
Even though there’s no change in Callaghan’s atmosphere, the Bishop was on the receiving end of a piercing sharp glance like that of a hawk.
Yet he was not even a little fazed.
“Surely, if it’s within my ability to answer” –Bishop
.
.
.
“What do you want, Bishop-dono?” –Callaghan
A strange question.
Simple and straight forward.
But still strange either way.
Whether it be the location, the person asking, the person answering.
Those were words that seemed unlikely to come out considering the circumstances.
From a clergyman, a normal answer would usually be something about honoring the gods, or maybe saving the poor. One may ask back why is Callaghan asking such an obvious question? Or even becomes offended because the asking party is implying something rude.
However, the Bishop only answers back as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
“The only thing I want is peace” –Bishop
__________________________________________________________________________________________
“I’ve kept you waiting, Bishop-sama, SwordSaint-sama” –Lydia
A bell-like voice cuts the two men’s conversation short and a beautiful girl dressed in white elegantly enters the chapel.
“It is of no importance, it’s we who should apologize for making you handle this task right away after your ceremony” –Bishop
“Ooh, so you’re Lydia? You’ve grown into a beautiful woman since the last time I saw you” –Callaghan
“Thank you for your compliments, SwordSaint-sama” –Lydia
“Hahaha, that’s so stiff! Just call me Gray-jiichan like you used to!” –Gray
“N…no, that’s abit…” –Lydia
“Callaghan-dono, please leave the teasing till later. It’s her first time outside in 9 years so go easy on her, can’t you see that she’s troubled?” –Bishop
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“Ayaya, my bad, my bad.
But I’m really glad to see you again Lydia.
Really, those inflexible priests just had to lock such a good kid in for 9 whole years. Do those senile old fools not understand how precious youth is?”–Gray
“T..thank you for your concern..
Umm.. Gray-sama” –Lydia
“Yes yes, we’re sorry for being senile oldmen.
The carriage is ready, Callaghan-dono and the royal knights will escort you to the castle. There’s nothing to worry as long as you keep calm and conduct your behavior according to the Temple’s teachings” –Bishop
“Yes, Bishop-sama. I won’t shame myself as a Dove” –Lydia
[Lydia POV]
The carriage shakes lightly as it carries us through the paved road of the capital. It’s been years since I’ve been on a carriage so even though the road in the capital is as comfortable as a travel road can be, I still can’t get used to the vibration and the cramped space.
This time I was called to the royal palace to have an audience with his majesty as soon as I finished my ceremony is because of a certain whisper I received from the spirits a few weeks ago. The king wants to hear it directly from me and it’s also a custom that the Dove reports “messages” with their own mouth.
“Still, to think that the tomboy princess from 9 years ago has turn into such a lady” –Gray
“Swor...Gray-sama, I’m not a tomboy”
“Hoh? Then what do you call an ojousama sneaking out of the castle every day and come back covered in mud? Or picking a fight with a boy older than you and then make him cry?” –Gray
“That’s a story from years ago! Also, if he didn’t want to cry then don’t be so weak…
…Ah!”
Realized what I’ve just done, I hurriedly cover my mouth.
“Kahahahahaha
Looks like the inside hasn’t changed that much I see” –Gray
“Uuu… bringing up the past like that is unfair…”
To be honest, I was glad that the person they sent to escort me is Gray-sama. He is my father’s friend and when I was a child he would often visit and bring me toys from the places he traveled. He also taught me a little in the sword as well, hidden from my father of course. I didn’t have much interaction with my father so Gray-sama was more of a father figure to me. Thanks to him I could calm down and prepare myself a little for what is to come.
Frankly, even now my legs are shaking slightly but I’m trying my best to not let it shown. I doubt it’d be able to fool Gray-sama eyes though. He’s after all the Sword Saint even at this age. The title is only rewarded for the strongest swordman in the country and at any time one can lose that title to another. Yet he has been undefeated for 20 years, even when he’s past his prime. It speaks of how abnormal an existence Gray-sama is. Rather than a swordman he’s more like a hero from legends of old.
The carriage stopped in front of the main gate and we’re greeted with lines of maids and knights standing in orderly fashion. The castle servants wear a dark brown corset and light yellow skirt. They’re of simple design and subdued colors but all are clean and neatly worn. The knights wear plate armors bearing the proud lion crest of Brettania. They arranged their selves in parallel lines, making a path from the main gate to the castle’s inner gate while holding their sword in front to honor the castle’s important guests.
Looking at them one can see just how well disciplined the servants of the most prestigious location in Brettania are.
A group of maids guides us through the majestic walls of the castle. Far away to the left there is a large practice ground with what looks like the royal guards and knights doing training drills. The warrior’s spirited shouts, the clashing of metal and the sound of company of soldiers stomping the ground can be heard even from here. The stone paved corridor that we follow continues and leads us through various buildings which I assume to be the chamber of high ranking nobles. Flowers of the season were grown and arranged neatly along the corridor, and on the other side of the buildings is a beautiful garden with a huge grass maze in the middle that adds a feeling of tranquil and luxury.
Before long, we arrived at a three meter tall iron gate, adorned with various carving of dragons and heroes in Brettania history. A work from the most skilled of artisans. It doesn’t just look majestic but also tells weight of the history of this country. In front of the gate are two royal knights in armor standing tall.
Somehow the atmosphere has really changed as I feel myself becoming smaller in front of this spectacle. Behind this door is the king of Brettania and just the thought of having an audience with the highest authority in the kingdom makes my legs want to give out.
“The Dove from the temple of the Holy Spirits and the Sword Saint seek an audience with his majesty” –Guard 1
One of the guards that came with us loudly declare in front of the gate with a clear and powerful voice.
“Audience granted” -???
A voice came from behind the door and the two guards open it slowly. With a creaking sound the door starts to move and from beyond there appeared a great wide hall with roof as tall as 20 meters. There’s a red carpet in the middle leading to the throne and standing to the sides are various nobles factions, dressed in luxurious garments and accessories. Behind them are royal knights standing in wait.
“Lydia” –Gray
“Ah..y..yes”
The pressure was overwhelming as even though I’m the daughter of a Duke I haven’t been in contact with the nobles for much of my life. Even as a child I never went to the royal capital and only time I left my house in the Duchy was to be taken to the temple as a priestess in training.
Bracing myself I remember the teachings of the temple, how to act and how to carry oneself in front of nobles and royalty. I cannot fail here and bring shame to the temple name and also to my house name.
Walking on the carpet slowly, I was bathed in inquiring gazes from the gallery.
It’s unpleasant.
Has other people gazes always been this unpleasant? When I was a child I never really noticed such a thing but right now it’s like I can feel that their gazes are either filled with contempt or physically licking all over me… It’s as if I’m being undressed by their stares…
Is it only because I’m not used to be in the center of attention, or lacking contact with the world for many long years? I’m not so sure…
“Welcome, our beloved Dove, what message do you bring us today?” –Arthur XIV
From the throne situated higher than anyone, a man in his forties speaks out with a dignified voice. Even though he’s a monarch he looks like warrior that wouldn’t even lose to Gray-sama in term of physical strength. No, compare to Gray-sama gentle demeanor there’s an aura of overpowering coming from him.
What is it I wonder? Though a little different from the nobles, the way he’s looking at me makes me feel uncomfortable. It’s as if a lion is staring down on a prey it knows that has no chance to resist.
This feeling… could it be fear?
I feel like I could be crushed under the pressure he’s exerting.
“Lydia, His majesty has asked you a question” –Gray
Gray-sama voice pulled me back to reality.
That was close… I almost showed disrespect by spacing out in the middle of an audience.
Knowing that Gray-sama right next to me is reassuring, even though I’m still sweating behind my back and my knees are feeling weak. I mustered all the courage in my body and put on a pretentious mask like I was taught to.
“I am honored to be granted an audience, my king.
Though as inexperienced as I am, I bring news that was whispered among the spirits.
Months ago, there was a sudden change in the stars.
Many new lights appeared, shining brightly.
That which was not supposed to be has now been”
“Hmm... And what exactly does that means?” –Arthur XIV
“What referred to as star lights in the sky are not actual stars. They are the spirits and souls that flow around this world. Throughout history, whenever a star light that would be talked among spirits, there would appear someone of unparalleled talent who would leave their mark in history”
“So you’re saying an amazing individual has been born in Brettania?” –Arthur XIV
“It is not one, but in fact, several of them.
To make it worse, it seems that these lights were not meant to exist. They appeared out of nowhere and greatly disrupted the flow of the world’s mana”
“I’ve heard of heroes in history being referred to as star lights in the faith of the Holy Spirits.
Are you saying that several people like the dragon slaying heroes and the magicians that can move mountains have appeared all at once?” –Arthur XIV
“I do not know of their nature, whether they are heroes or devils, or can they move mountains and slay dragons. But no doubt there’ll be a great storm in the future”
“Interesting, so what do you suggest? If such individual exist we should find them and deal with them accordingly, yes?”
“It is not my place to say, your majesty.
I am but a messenger, I dare not to voice my uneducated opinions on state matters”
Regardless of what action we take, a storm will brew when it does. I can only hope that humanity will persevere through it all.