The melancholy chime of bells vibrates within a tall tower. The front wall has a large window of coloured stained glass, creating paintings of what seems to be Bestolo imparting something to a group of humans. (Recap: Bestolo is the divine being that created Bestokia, the world in Elvis Arcane)
Two columns of church pews line up side by side facing the window. An altar stands before the glorious paintings.
A man in a large long white robe that extends to his feet walks across the seats to the altar. In the dim darkness, the robe's hood conceals his identity.
He stands behind the altar. A few people are present, seated randomly on the pews.
"Fellow Apostles, thank you for taking some time as we bathe in the blessing of the Demon Lord. We, The Order, are a crucial branch of the Esteemed Demon Cult as we lead the frontlines of operations in Rodgof. However, a tribulation befalls us. Our plan to terrorize the Kingdom with Haren was foiled by two unknown variables: A wandering warrior Arsto and The Knight of Justice Rena."
The man slips out two pictures of Samuel and Rena and throws them in the air. Everyone catches a glimpse of the photo and instantly imprints their faces by heart.
The photos burn into dust after they touch the ground.
"We are to investigate their background and swiftly remove them before any more losses are incurred."
"We understand, Bishop of Divinity." The attendants on the pews say in unison.
Each member of The Order does not know the other members' identities. But one thing is certain: each member is a powerful person of status and wealth.
The Demon Cult may seem like a single group. However, it is an intricate entity. It's a tree of different branches, connecting various organisations and parties that ultimately form the "Demon Cult" as a whole.
Their main objective? It is "liberation". They believe that the Demon Lord will unify the entire world as one and there will be no more grievance; World peace will be achieved.
And their mission is almost complete. The hero is dead. Many kingdoms and races have succumbed to the demons. What could go wrong?
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On the day of the banquet...
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I wear the blue coat provided by Melissa, I need to represent the BOV during the banquet.
Since Arctius was invited as well, he is my escort to Hira.
A Royal Flying Carriage stops outside the BOV building. The driver is an Imperial Mage that will also supply the Carriage with magic.
It took no less than four hours to arrive in Hira.
The sky is scattered with flying carriages. The city dances with joy, decorated to celebrate the prince's birthday as if a catastrophe didn't occur a few weeks ago.
Banners and lanterns hung around buildings. Festivals stretch through the city, a variety of performances flood the streets, and stalls of various food and sales pop up.
A mage administrator flies up to our carriage and chats with the driver mage. The administrator glances at me and Arctius before writing something on his board.
He nods at the driver and the carriage descends. It lands beside the castle and we get off.
Dusk ascends in the sky. Arctius arranges his coat and looks at me. He taps my shoulder with his palm.
"Don't get into trouble." He says and goes ahead of me into the city.
...
Many nobility, young and old, women and men, are seen around the castle having a chat.
The hole that Haren blasted is missing. They managed to repair it in time.
Today, the banquet is for the birthday of Prince Galland, the eldest and the one with the highest support and power. Many believe he is the heir to the throne.
...
I show the guards at the gate the envelope. They check it and nod, passing the envelope back and letting me in.
Everything in the castle is decorated with lavish luxury. Chandeliers, pieces of jewellery, artifacts. Those are Prince Galland's favourites.
As I was never an extrovert for gatherings, I have...sadly little experience with this. Still, it doesn't matter. This banquet has a secondary objective: to investigate people's backgrounds. They will come to me.
On both sides of the ballroom are tables of high-end appetizers and wines.
Several circular tables are laid out around a large space. At the end of the room are two curling golden stairs leading to a platform overlooking the entire party.
As everyone chats and clusters, I stand in a corner awkwardly holding a glass of wine and scanning through the ballroom like a creep. I am trying to find Rena.
"If you look around like that, people will think you are a bumpkin." a man in a luxurious green coat approaches me with a smile. He seems to be my age. Gelled-up hair and perfume, a rich noble.
"Haha...right," I reply.
I don't sense demonic mana from him.
"I am Arsto," I say.
"I am Ion Ja Valkie. I've heard about you."
"Likewise, your family recently occupied a gold mine the east of Trivani overran by monsters. The warriors in your family were splendid."
Ion widens his eye, genuinely surprised that I know that.
He grins. "Thank you, turns out you have no problem fitting in."
Before attending an event like this, Rena will always find out more about every participant. I understand why now.
Suddenly, groups of mutter spit from here and there. Ion and I look at the commotion out of curiosity.
My eyes widen.
Near the entrance, a tall beautiful lady in a gleaming blue-black dress with glowing hair ornaments walks into the ballroom gracefully. She smiles at everyone and walks past the staring crowds. It's Rena.
I've seen her in that dress many times on my computer monitor but seeing it first-hand is...mesmerizing.
She glances around and stops when she looks at me.
...
After a few awkward seconds, she walks ahead.
"The Knight of Justice...do you know her?" asks Ion.
I shake my head.
"I see, she was looking in this direction. Both of your situations are fairly similar, don't you think? Weird." he says and lifts the glass of wine to his lips.
"I find it more weird for you to approach me," I say.
Ion flinches and almost choke on his wine. "Ack ack...don't get the wrong idea. I don't swing that way."
...
I don't mean it like that.