“It is hard to be an archbishop.” explained Edgar, an old man, who was about seventy years old. His white beard was long, but combed, along with his hair, which was similar in its qualities. He had a hammer shaped pin fixated on his white robe.

“How so?” Responded the abbot, a useless pawn, who can barely attend his daily tasks. His profession was equivalent to a concierge.

“If you work hard, there are a lot of cases where you have to calculate the exact values of the tokens so that you could exchange them equally. It is basic math, but it is hard when you work alone. My direct subordinates follow my tendencies to be devoted to work, but others show no signs of desire to do the same. Also, I have to check on other temples.”

“Interesting. Yet you are not working right now, you are talking to me instead.”

“I just came to check on the employees.”

“I think that is forbidden.”

“By whom?”

“The Cardinals.”

“You still do not want to let me in, do you?”

“Meh.”

“I think we started off on the wrong foot. My name is Edgar, Archbishop under the Cardinal of Productivity, and I want to check this temple in his name whether everything is going as it should be or you are repelling the requests of fellow customers. The Archbishops are the personal secretaries of the Cardinals and have to inspect another Cardinal’s sector, which is chosen by a lot.”

“Eh.” Replied the abbot.

“Eh.” Replied Edgar.

”Hmh.” Replied the abbot.

“Well, if you want me to write a complaint about you, then continue. You might end up hanged or burnt at the stake, if you continue provoking me.”

“Let me show you the way, sir.” His attitude changed from persistent negligence to sudden enthusiasm.

“That’s what I thought.” He was escorted into the hidden chambers behind the wooden counters that resembled Christian confessional booths, but without the walls around the customer. There were four of them in a line along with a door. As soon as he entered, an old acquaintance greeted him with a warm welcome.

“Long time no see, my friend. Have you come to check on us?” The acquaintance was surprised.

“Yes. Nice to see you, old friend. I have not seen you in three years. How is your family doing?” Edgar greeted him.

“My granddaughter’s husband’s sister died recently. They are down in the dumps.”

“I am sorry to hear that. Are they still working hard at your son’s shop?”

“No, they have acquired a small boutique that produces non-uniform dresses. They told me what happened to your grandson. My condolences.”

“He accepted the risks when he became the leader of the Vanguard. Also, he was the Paragon’s best friend, if not the only one.” Said Edgar without any remorse in his voice.

“I do not want to insult you, but I would like to know the circumstances, and his father’s mental state, so that I may stop feeling this awful guilt. I haven’t been to the funeral.”

“Death is only natural, do not feel guilt by any means, please. It was an ordinary patrol when he got separated from his group. He wanted to check on a long abandoned place. Someone taunted him, they almost started fighting then his throat was slashed. My son was furious and, since he was the general of the standard units in the army, he ordered to find these people at once, but the trail was gone. He could not really process his emotions, he took a two years long break from the military. After recovering, he got back his old job. I was devastated first, and resigned from my post as the Cardinal of Productivity to have the time to mourn. But these scars are ours to wield, and nothing returns to its original state. He died while fulfilling his duty, he felt no remorse doing so. That is the only thing that matters.”

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“I see.” Replied his friend casually.

“I have to go now, I have an audience with the Paragon due to private matters, so I’ll call this a day. It was nice to meet you. I have to come back in two days from now to inform you about the results. We could go out like the old times.”

“I don’t have the regenerative capacity, but I would do my best if you invited me over.”

“Glad to hear. See you then.” He waved and left the temple.

This old man travelled to the Grey Palace, as he was invited to the Paragon’s meeting hall along with his son, Edmund, so that Tyronne could mourn with his best friend’s family.

“Don’t you want to be a Cardinal again, Edgar? I'd be happy if I could help you. Please state your ambitions for the future.” Said Tyronne in complete melancholy.

“I am happy with all I have. You should not compensate me for a loss you have not caused.” Replied Edgar.

“It was my fault, I should have never agreed to his proposal.” replied Tyronne.

“That is what he wanted.” Said Edmund in a mournful attitude.

“Try to remember the good things that happened to you when spending time with him. Stop being so resentful. Death is permanent, we all have to accept that. Death is natural, since it is the consequence of being alive. It is a door, whether to an eternal slumber, or carefree perception of another world. And he wouldn’t want you being this sad because of him.” Said Edgar.

“I have thought about visiting his grave together under the palace. But since Clair has not arrived yet, we have to wait.” Stated Tyronne.

“That poor gal. She lost the love of her life. She loved my son more than I could ever have.” Said Edmund.

“You know, I have time now that Nathan has agreed to work overtime. How is your work old man?”

“Your priests are lazy pices of shit trying hard not to accomplish anything.” Replied Edgar, a bit angry, but not too much.

“I haven’t heard that before. The Cardinals told me everyone fulfilled their purpose.” Said Tyronne in an unsurprised tone. He knew this would happen.

“Some of them are having twenty minutes long breaks between transactions, which only last for a maximum of five minutes. They are useless.” Reasoned Edgar.

“Thank you for the information. You have always been loyal to me. I would be more than happy to bestow my gifts upon you. Both of you. Whatever your heart desires.”

“Stop this war.” Proposed the priest.

“I can’t. We have problems with food and overpopulation and I do not want to murder people without any reason. That's one thing. I didn’t want bloodshed, though. I have sent my ultimatum to the domesman and they did not accept it. I wanted to open transmission between us, and obtain the secret code their science hub holds. That is the most important right now.”

“Remove the corruption in the higher class and increase the engagement of the gentry and the commoners in government related areas.” Proposed the soldier.

“I am working to root out the corruption, but I have no intention in employing too much talented people. There is a conspiracy against me even now.”

“Grant any wishes right? More like denying everything.”

“Spare those who killed my son.” Said Edmund, out of the blue.

“What? Why would I do such a thing?”

“Because I want you to. I have forgiven. An eye for an eye only makes the world blind.” Replied the father.

“Are you quoting Gandhi?”

“Yes, I have read all the books you have given to him after he died.”

“Thank you for honouring me. I accept.”

The door opened and a blonde girl with sorrow in her brown eyes stepped in. Being attractive, she had many suitors from peasants to newcomers, but her grief would not let her choose anyone except the one meant for her. He died four years ago.

“Sorry for being late. I had a fever just until now.”

“Shall we commence?”

The party descended into the underground mausoleum of the palace. As he was buried in the ‘Magnificent Citizen’ section, just upon the industrial hub, they did not have to walk too much. His grave was on the first floor.

Everyone stood there in silence, honouring the child, the friend, the lover with all they had. After the ceremony, the statesmen returned to their duties, only the girl remained to mourn in peace. She was allowed to stay as long as she wanted in the palace.

“What do you think of the girl?” asked Tyronne.

“She loved him so much. I can only give my gratitude for giving my son such an experience.” Replied Edmund.

“I agree, but she shouldn’t spend all her life mourning someone. Edward wouldn’t be happy about it.” Replied Edgar.

“I have offered her shelter, food and a decent job, but she still wouldn’t accept, but that is none of my business. Do you want to have dinner here?” Asked Tyronne.

“Yes, I would happily accept that. I have to talk to Nathan about the Eastern Border, and give him some ideas about a possible supply line.” Said the soldier.

“I am going home. My house is near the Grey Palace.” Responded Edgar.

“Shall we proceed, my General?”

“Yes. Good night, father.” Said Edmund.

“See you old man.” Tyronne smiled.

“See you. I pray for a safe meeting.” Edgar followed the path that leads to the exit of the Grey Palace, then proceeded to the Saint’s Street. When he arrived at a small mansion of remarkable quality, he opened the door, asked the maids to prepare his meal. Since he was a man of faith, he had a sanctuary that was designated to the Virtues and his family members including his deceased grandson. He sat down in front of the altar and started praying.

“I will never forget you, the delight of my only son, my only grandson. I saw you being born, I brought you up. I saw you live. I buried you. The time I spent with you was the only joy in my life. See you in the Other World.”

He fell asleep on the chair awaiting his last judgement.