Vol. 2 – Chapter 78 – Receiving all the blessings

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"Did you two had sex by chance?"

{Pffff, hahaha. Good question.}

*Cough*

"What happened, do you want to drink something to soothe your throat? It is winter, is far easier to get dehydrated. I had some premium liquid from the lands of the Dwarfs, it might interest you since I heard from little Jeanne that you like to drink wine."

"However, the first question still stands."

*Cough* "We still didn't have sex."

"Why not? You don't like her or what?"

"No, no, is not because of that. Simply put, she is worried that Rebecca will abandon her and her powers will be stripped."

"Hah, I guess that's her excuse now." commented Gabrils something that made Mathias to be surprised.

"Don't look at me like that, obviously I would get curious whenever I see my little sister get dressed so nicely and put on make-up.

She even forbade me from referring to her as a little brother, and that is a big deal, you probably had no knowledge. Nonetheless, you know about her curse, and weren't repulsed knowing about her past, for that I appreciate you as a man."

"It is normal. I will not judge her past."

"That's the correct approach. I will tell you some stuff but with some booze, I have to loosen up a bit."

Mathias could only laugh a bit drily, and accompany Gabrils to his shack, that was messy as it was in the past, full of empty glass bottles, with some moldy smell, clearly from the shack not being cleared or cleaned in a long time.

He wasn't in the position to comment about how lazy Gabrils might be since he knew he must be tasked with hard jobs, such as fighting the Lich that attacked the Toulmont Duchy of Duchess Basara.

Getting a seat on his bed after Gabrils pushed the clothes sitting there, like he didn't give a crap about them, and lowering himself to the floor, he went to pick from his secret stash the strong booze.

"Don't ask why I placed my stash there."

"Because of that annoying old man?" responded Mathias who knew about old Julius tendencies to suck dry any person's liquid collection.

"Yep, yep, so you know about that old monster."

"Suffered from his greediness." completed Mathias, who received a glass bottle that was full of spider silk, and even contained some small spiders on the web that he picked calmly and dropped them on the ground.

"So that old man went about to drink your alcohol?"

"He left me with only wish-wash that I could barely wash my mouth with."

"Bahahaha, taking this in consideration, and also the fact that you are the guy chosen by little Jeanne, this really makes us brothers in arms. Suffering from the same sorrow, caused by the same monster."

Then with the bottle glass in his hand, full of spider webs, Mathias casually cleaned the bottle with the bedsheets, and also picked up the small spiders on the web, throwing them with a flicker to the ground, something that Gabrils noticed, making him laugh.

"I thought you would be killing those spiders. Still, they are good for something, keeping bugs away bugs from my room."

"Even though I have my bad memories with spiders, I am not scared of spiders to react that disgusted."

Gabrils took a chair that didn't have clothes on, and got closer to Mathias, while Mathias took his winter coat, and chaperone hat, revealing his long crimson hair.

"You are an outlander?"

"Indeed, is there something wrong about it?"

"Problems? Not at all, I am always surrounded by beautiful outlander girls trying to help me around with pure intents. I can even sneak some good peeks at their assets while I laze around in the praying hall, doing whatever the old man requires of me."

"Here, cheers little brother."

"Hmm? Ohh, cheers to you too brother."

Gabrils moved his glass bottle to knock with Mathias in a custom similar to the outside, later on getting to taste the strong liquid, it was exactly like in the past, the Dwarven Beer that felt like a vodka, but had the taste of hops.

"How does the beer tastes like? This is the premium liquid I told you I have from the Dwarfs."

"Strong."

"Like how good alcohol should be."

"I don't know about that, I am not really a fan of strong spirit."

"Hoh, then what are you usually drinking? Just wine?" asked Gabrils while drinking his beer.

"Wine and Beer, that's the liquids of choice."

"I see, everyone goes with their tastes, I myself enjoy the liquid distilled by the Dwarves, as such I always make sure to visit Talima once in a while to stash up my room."

"Wasn't it forbidden to go to Talima?"

"For the general public it is forbidden? Why? You might not know, but in the Galena Mountains, there lurks a dragon, the Red Dragon Trauka.

It has been slumbering for hundreds of years, and a small select few know about this secret. This is why Galena Mountain is a Forbidden zone for the citizens of the Saharan Empire.

The border of the mountain is protected by Duke Gelder and Duchess Dehakel."

Hearing that comment from Gabrils, Mathias stroked his chin, finding out that he was missing his large beard to fit an philosopher look, yet, he made sure to check this information with Haycien.

'Is it true what he says?'

{Let me remember about Trauka …}

{I see, so the rule I instituted since my rule has been kept in place.

I didn't want to allow stupid fools to mess in the Galena Mountain, and by chance stumble upon Trauka's Lair and steal some of his treasures, in doing so waking that annoying dragon.}

'You have a history with that dragon?'

{Obviously, but my relationship is frosty with that piece of shit.

A degenerate, constantly throwing a tantrum whenever losing his duels with his kin and destroying my empire. It has been a pain in the ass to fight that damned dragon.

Hah, the only dragon I could say I enjoyed its company and hoped he too enjoyed was Nevartan.}

'Good to know, who the possible friendly dragons could be.'

{Indeed, Nevartan is the type of dragon to roam the human world, having been integrated and even starting a family with his dragon mate, right here in my lands.

I wonder how he is doing, if he is healthy and if he managed to knock up his mate.}

'Let's leave it for another time, the dragon talks.'

{Whenever you are curious, I can tell you some stories.}

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Turning his attention back to Gabrils, the two as if they knew each other for a long time, began talking about random stuff, with Mathias taking out from his inventory a bottle of champagne that he managed to fish out from Elder Morlk.

Showing off the premium taste after doing the bottle cork explosion, that hit the sealing.

After opening the bottle, he took out glasses made alongside glassmakers that were specifically for drinking wine, which looked rather unique compared to what Gabrils was familiar.

"That looks like pee. Are you sure it tastes nice?" asked Gabrils seeing the color of the liquid as Mathias poured for him, starting to check it around.

"Brother, first go take a sniff of the wine before tasting, and after taste it bit by bit, don't do it as if it is some cheap beer you would drink as an alternative to water.

*Snif* "Whoa, you aren't wrong, it does smell quite fragrant, I get the grape and also some apple, and other fruity smell. Yea, good stuff. Let's see if it's mouthwash or not.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Taking a small sip, Gabrils remained surprised at the popping sound that was going on his mouth as he ingested, the taste was pleasant, containing a variety of tastes, from citrus, cherry or even peach, having this exquisite subtle aroma to it.

"This stuff is great! It isn't your strong liquid, but the taste and experience kind of beasts them."

Saying that Gabrils downed the glass, making a silly smile and asking Mathias for more.

"Why you did that? Drink it as if it is your cheap vodka?"

"Out of habit, but the taste is on my tounge even now. This is some premium stuff that could barely be seen at the tables of kings and high nobles."

"And this is why you don't just go about drinking it as if is water. Understood?"

"Aye, little brother, I'll try to take it slower and enjoy the process. Since you treated me so nicely with such unique liquid, I will also help you with what you might need."

"How is it, it is true you didn't have Jeanne yet because of what she told you? Being afraid that she will lose her powers?"

"Something along those lines, and I will not go about forcing her."

"Tsk, little brother, wait let me set up something." saying that, Gabrils got up and walked toward the corner of his room, where he picked up some charcoal like ash that he began sprinkling around the bed, as if it was in some exorcism scenario.

"What's that for?"

"So some people don't listen to things they shouldn't be allowed. This is between us brothers."

'Block Rebecca?'

{Yea, most likely, I can feel this isn't some common ash, it holds divine power.}

"Don't worry little brother, I am vigilant at times since I got a dream about some scum wounding me heavily. Now, let me tell you something."

"I am all ears, but if you want to tell me I should force Jeanne, please don't, I don't want her or myself to regret this if I push myself on her."

"Heh, you sure are a nice guy. Most could only dream about that little meek.

But you have to listen to your elder. Little Jeanne will not lose her powers if she loses her virginity.

Rebecca doesn't have chosen people, so if you think that Jeanne's power are because of Rebecca, then you are mistaken for the Church under Father Julius with the one under Pope Devigro."

"Wait, so you are telling me that the two of us worry over nothing?"

"Yes, you silly kids. If the two of you love each other, why boil yourselves without taking the next step.

Trust me, I only want that little meek to be happy, and we can both approve that women feel also the ecstasy of going places when you bring them pleasure."

Gabrils started laughing as if he was your average drunkard, not a member of the Church, who he thought were celibate.

The older guy noticed the expression Mathias was giving, and while patting his shoulder he told him.

"I have a good saying to keep professional life to personal life.

The things you do outside of one's sanctum doesn't mean it would taint your spirit. Instead, one can reach a deeper state of mind once they explore life and all that it can throw at you.

We are not perfect beings, and as such I also enjoy the company of ladies when you don't see me fighting the Yatan scum or other dangerous beings."

"So, do you have a family?"

"No, unfortunately, I don't have a wife or children, but I plan to make a family once the old man steps down, or who knows, maybe I will find that lady to smite me.

As the Apostle of Justice, the lifepath that my predecessor Father Julius shared to me, I also have to pass it to my son or the one I deem worthy."

"Your title sounds pretty cool, Apostle of Justice, is not bad at all. I thought you were simply a more powerful Paladin."

"That is also something I am, being the Apostle is more like a duty to protect the simple people from wrongdoings and serve justice.

But as you might have noticed from the situation of the Empire, I am limited. I don't have the authority to bring to justice those nobles that committed atrocious crimes."

"Hah, let's not talk about those things on such occasions. I am thankful for you sharing this information about Jeanne with me. It means a lot."

"Little brother, no, Mathias. I also want to warn you about something. I might be seen as easy-going, and this is who I am, but once I see little Jeanne hurt by your actions, you'll be talking with the Apostle next time we meet. However, you shouldn't worry since you have my blessing."

Gabrils sounded dead serious at the beginning, but he mellowed down at the end, even remarking with a laughter.

"This blessing is expended to also having a lot of children with little Jeanne. I hope I see my nephews soon, and who knows I might pick from one of your children to pass my powers and allow the Mantle of Apostle to stay alive."

*Cough* "Thanks, but also no thanks. Do it with your own kids.

Still is early for me to have kids, and this could be said for Jeanne too."

"You do you, but as for me, is unknown if I manage to knock some chicks. Because my body has reached another stage that doing with simple women will no longer do it for me. They are unlikely to get pregnant and is not that I am infertile, this is the consequence of my training.

Once you grow stronger, the harder it will be to have children."

'What the? Old Hay, does what he says has some truth to it? You should know since you are the First Emperor.'

{Unfortunately, this junior is correct. The stronger you are compared to your mate, especially when you reach the transcendence state, the lower the chance of procreating gets.

It is the balance of the world because people who break the nature of their bodies have their lives extended, meaning one could be said to be Immortal.}

{If you want to have children when you are a transcendent being to have your chances higher you have to do it with people of the same status or closer to getting there. But as you are right now, you can always knock up your lovers. It is something you should be thankful for and cherish early.}

'I see, I didn't know this.'

{I guess, is better to have you prepared early before starting to grow at an alerted rythm.} remarked Haycien after confirming that what Gabrils told him was to a great extend correct.

Beside this, Mathias nodded at Gabrils, approving with what he mentioned, even thanking him for his advices, and staying until the two ended the champagne bottle and his own opened bottle.

Talking about other things, such as what Mathias path was, which made him smile a bit, remembering that it was exactly Gabrils that was the catalyst to his entire journey in Satisfy.

Getting done with his drinking, and telling Gabrils that he should get going, not making Jeanne wait, he got encouraged to the end in a comical way even at the shack doors.

"Mathias, the faster you knock them, the easier it will be for the three of you. You will not have to worry about descendants."

"Brother, please leave me be. I can't promise you anything. Until then, see you next time, and don't break my bones if Jeanne tells you bad things about me."

"If you bring more of that bubbly wine, I might ease up."

"Tsk, you are just like that old man." said Mathias in a sarcastic way as he exited, looking at Gabrils who began laughing out loud, leaving him to go with that point.

Mathias departed, but inside the shack Gabrils kept laughing finding funny the association with the old man antics, and he even commented out loud.

"There's no drop of resemblance between me and the old man. I have some consciousness at least and don't drink all the people's booze."

"What you are laughing so foolishly about you idiot. Also, who are you accusing for not having a conscience? This is what your teacher deserves after picking you up from the mud stained place? From that hellish place where they treated you worse than slaves."

Gabrils when hearing the old voice, turned toward the door and saw old Julius enter wearing his Archbishop clothes, full white with small golden decorations.

His expression was easy going, but when he saw the bottle in Gabrils hand, the old man instantly disappeared from the door and appeared beside Gabrils with his hand on the bottle, but the young man also did not wish to let go.

"Don't you dare, you old thief! This is my gift from my little brother. I will not share it with a stingy old man like you."

"You dare! That's my future son. Obviously, this gift was intended for me too."

"There's nothing obvious here, old man, this is my Champagne bottle, release it."

"Brat, I will make you clean the entire Cathedral with only a toothbrush if you don't let go."

"Hah, try me. It is not like you didn't threaten me before with this scheme."

"Half-half?" asked old Julius while both guy's bodies radiated a strong divine power, with neither party giving up.

"Fine. But is half-half, you get nothing more, nothing less."

"Deal."

The two started taking their time in drinking the champagne Mathias left to Gabrils, where they began chatting about random things, until Julius touched a new subject, with a question for Gabrils that made him look curious at the old man.

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"Lad, have you noticed his crimson-hair and ruby eyes? What do you think about them?"

"Pretty cool, he could fuck a lot of girls with his appearance and manners. They would probably start lining for him if he shows at the Forum."

"Not that, you womanizer. Doesn't that brat resemble someone we know."

"No idea, and I don't really care. Mathias is a good guy, and I fully approve on Jeanne's relationship with him. You got a problem with him?"

"Of course, no. That brat now that I think might have suffered quite the damage from me, and he didn't even tell little Jeanne about this.

So, the two of us, are good. He made a good first impression, but besides that, come on lad, think, who has ruby eyes?"

"Maybe a lot of people in this world? Who am I to judge?"

"Hah, you are really a moron at times. Didn't you sense it? That kid has Red Energy."

"What?? You want to tell me that brat is a Saharan? I don't believe you, it is impossible for an outlander to pop from nowhere and become a royal descendant."

"Boy, nothing is impossible in this world. He still didn't tell me how he got his powers, but I have some thoughts. Do you still remember when Juander came to me, when you were 8, all panicked, and stressed that his hair turned whiter from his reddish color?"

Gabrils turned silent and serious at the same time, starting to ponder on what Julius referred, and the picture of Juander crying in anguish, while he was holding something small in his hands, wrapped to keep it warm made its appearance.

"I remember, but you didn't allow me inside your private chambers."

"You were only a little shit back then, even if you experienced so much hardship by that tender age. At that time Juander who was only a Prince brought his first child."

"Roland?"

"See you are a moron, you assisted me when Roland was born. That baby Juander brought was his first-born son that he had with Aria before he married her. To this day, only a handful of people know about this secret."

"You think that Mathias is the firstborn of Juander who was stillborn? But can you explain the feeling of outlander we get from him?"

"Lad, I can explain to you many things, and the reason why we can tell outlanders apart from people, is something that we can do occasionally, and if the other party allows it. Why? Because there is something about their curse. The Curse of the Immortal."

"I don't buy it, there's nothing that can reverse the nature of the world, not even the gods. It is bound by Fate."

"Maybe you are right, and it's just my old mind, making scenarios. I used all my divine power at that time to resurrect the boy, but he was already claimed by Fate. Not Rebecca or other gods."

"That little boy Juander, as devastated as he was, at least he managed to make himself a family." ended Julius who sighed, but Gabrils whose eyes turned a bit colder, remarked in the same way his expression turned.

"That person doesn't deserve to be an Emperor. Sorry to tell you this fact, father, but he isn't fit to rule. Can you sense the darkness the Empire has been brought since that fool stepped to the throne?"

"Boy, the Apostle of Justice's role is to be impartial in administering justice, but our role is to protect the world from the demon influences before judging the actions of the Secular Monarchs.

Juander, might seem to you, an incompetent person, even weak, but weak he isn't, if you would fight him, he will defeat you as you stand right now."

"He didn't reach transcendence, but I am close."

"Indeed, but this doesn't mean that the Imperial Family that spans from the First Emperor, the Red Emperor, Haycien, a Mythical being who won the Hegemon Wars setting the stage for human domination.

You think he left without setting up his family for centuries to come? Why do you think the Saharan House has been in power for almost 900 years, because of their pretty eyes, and good looks? Of course it is because of the deep power their bloodline poses."

"Still, father, I dislike that person and the witch he fucks right now."

"We shouldn't butt our heads with who he chooses to associate or fuck. Only when the Empire might descend to instability I might go to Zikfrektor and talk to him about choosing a new Emperor from the descendants."

"Sir Zikfrektor? He doesn't know about the plan, right?"

"No way, with such a person it is too dangerous to impart such secrets. But back to this little boy, that timid soul has chosen.

If he isn't Juander's first born, and instead is an authentic outlander, it means he gained his powers from somewhere or better said, someone. His Red Energy is also purer than Juander's, this leaves me out to think about stuff brought from fantasies."

"Like what? The First Emperor pulling some strings?"

"That, I would love to say yes, but without that boy confirming with his mouth, I can't say yes or no."

"Heh, don't worry, Mathias is family by now, at least if the two don't quarrel and separate. It will leave me with no choice but break his legs for upsetting little Jeanne."

"Haha, you do you lad, I'll not get into your stupid antics."