GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 20.2: Inheritance

She smoothed an invisible wrinkle in her pristine robes, a nervous gesture that reminded Vel of the girl who once fidgeted with her amulet when discussing her dreams.

"Even for today, I had to plan weeks before. I just wanted to meet you, but the church saw this as a chance to improve influence to the church candidates."

Vel listened, recognizing the familiar constraints of fame. She sounded like a celebrity back in his old world, with a full schedule, bodyguards, and managers dictating her every move. In a way she was—in this world, Saints were essentially spiritual celebrities, their time and presence carefully controlled and allocated.

"That's why you came with all this," Vel gestured at the ornate carriage, understanding dawning on him. "The grand entrance wasn't just to see me, was it?"

Landre sighed, leaning back against the cushions. "The Church never wastes an opportunity. My visit to see my brother conveniently doubles as a reminder of Shizka's presence at the Academy." She offered a small smile. "But I insisted it be today—I wanted to hear how your assessment went."

"The High Priest assigns me two guards at all times," Landre continued, nodding toward the door where the armored Crusader stood vigilant outside. "Sister Imelda—the woman in white—serves as my attendant and, honestly, makes sure I don't say or do anything 'unsaintly.'" She rolled her eyes at this last part, briefly looking like the sister he remembered from Oakhaven.

"Sounds exhausting," Vel said.

"It is. But I shouldn't complain." Landre straightened, her momentary lapse in saintly demeanor vanishing swiftly."Serving Shizka is the greatest honor I could hope for."

Landre's expression shifted, a mischievous spark lighting up her eyes. "But I did tell them, if they push too far, I'd just head back home," she said with unexpected defiance. "You won't believe the look on their faces when they heard that."

Vel could imagine the scene—his proper, saintly sister suddenly dropping her formal demeanor to deliver such an ultimatum to the Church elders. The thought made him grin.

"Try not to get burned out," he advised. "You'll find time eventually. Maybe they'll come visit me...us when Lyra's old enough."

They shared a warm smile, an unspoken bond intact despite years and diverging paths.

As the moment settled, Vel grew curious about Landre's experiences with the Church—its politics, ceremonies, and inner workings.

"How about you?" he asked, leaning forward slightly. "Did you have any trouble within the Church? Or anything cool happened?"

Landre's eyes sparkled, eager to share her personal journey within the Church. She shifted on the cushion, readying for a tale.

"The Church is more complicated than I expected," she began. "Six different sects with their own agendas, plus the politics with the Kingdom and Guild factions." Her voice dropped conspiratorially. "You should be careful here at the Academy too. I've heard the faction rivalries run just as deep."

Vel nodded, grateful for the warning. The confrontation between Celia and Lysithea proved as much.

"Luckily, I just need to follow guidance within Shizka's sect," Landre continued, "The High Priestess has been particularly protective of me since my... unusual consecration."

She paused, a smile spreading across her face as an idea seemed to strike her.

"Let me show you something," Landre said, her eyes brightening. "Give me your hand."