Chapter 13 (1/2)
Chapter 13. Bad News (3)
TL: Warriormonk
Edit: Warriormonk
The third book contained sword techniques that were completely different from the first two books. Reynold explained.
“The book is by an Aura Master that started off as a Mercenary, Beloche. The House purchased it during an auction in the capital with a rather hefty sum.”
“It concentrates almost solely on offense. It contains close to no defensive techniques.”
“That’s exactly why I decided to refrain from teaching it to the House’s Knights. Some say that offense is the best defense, but that is a theory that can only be reinforced by extremely skilled people.”
Luke could not take his eyes off of the third book.
‘How coincidental. This is a sword technique completely meant for Kurotan.’
Kurotan was currently able to block or deflect Luke’s attacks with basic sword techniques, thanks to his experiences as an Orc Great Warrior.
Although the defensive aspect of the Beloche sword art was definitely lacking, the sword techniques of Beloche were a ma.s.sive improvement from the techniques that Kurotan was currently training in.
Luke ceased to think and chose the third book.
“This is the one.”
“Surprising. You won’t be able to choose a second one, so choose wisely.”
“I won’t need to choose a second time.”
A slightly surprised expression came over Reynold’s face, but he silently collected the remaining books.
“I will have to consider a bit more regarding the Aura cultivation technique.”
“Of course. I will wait.”
“I know you’ve been anxious, but wait a couple more days. The informant will soon return with information on why the Lea Marquisate requested a break off of the engagement.”
“Yes, big brother.”
Luke bowed and walked out of the Lord’s Hall.
Luke and Kurotan continued to train until the informant finally returned from the Lea Marquisate. Luke couldn’t hide the antic.i.p.ation in his movements as he walked once more towards the Lord’s hall.
‘Finally…’
A sharp eyed middle aged man sat on the sofa of the Lord’s Office. His expressionless face did not reveal any emotions. Reynold motioned towards the sofa at Luke.
“Sit.”
“Yes, big brother.”
Reynold glanced at the middle aged man once Luke had seated himself.
“Garfield, report your findings.”
“Yes, Lord.”
Garfield gave Luke a cursory glance before beginning his report.
“Our informants and I started off by gathering the rumors that had been spreading around the castle, but found nothing substantial.”
“As expected.”
“However, we found a surprising amount of Holy Knights and Priests from the Church of Flora.”
“The Church of Flora?”
The Church of Flora was a religious order dedicated to the wors.h.i.+p of Flora, the G.o.ddess of earth, that made their headquarters in Hansel Kingdom. Their numbers within the kingdom outstripped any other Churches, and was known to have an influence even on the Royal Family.
“So?”
“After a while, we succeeded in purchasing a maidservant from the castle.”
“As expected from you. So what kind of information did she give you?”
“According to the maidservant, Lady Isabelle seems to have awakened Holy power.”
Garfield’s words startled everyone present. To awaken to Holy power was no small happening.
Every human being had differing amounts of potential that they were born with. Even if two people trained in the same sword techniques and Aura cultivation method, one would become an Aura Expert, and the other would never break through the wall.
A person with no talent in magic would never be able to become a Mage, no matter how they tried. It was the same for Holy power.
Amongst humans, there were a few with an especially strong affinity for receiving the power and authority of G.o.ds into their bodies. When these people chose to voluntarily serve and wors.h.i.+p a single G.o.d, an enormous amount of Holy power could be wielded.
“About a month ago, Lady Isabelle was suffering from a serious flu. A Priest from the Church of Flora had been called upon to treat her with Holy power.”
The Priest had been in for a surprise. While the Priest was sending his Holy power into Isabelle who lay sick in bed, a phenomenon known as Ecstasy occurred.
Ecstasy, or a ma.s.sive heat flux, only occurred when an extreme talent for Holy power awakened. Isabelle’s flu disappeared without a trace, and the Priest immediately reported it to his church.
The Church of Flora was upturned in disarray.
“She has the potential to become a Saint. We absolutely must take her in to our church.”
The Church of Flora immediately sent out a party of Holy Knights and Priests to Lea Marquisate. They moved quickly to prevent other churches from discovering Isabelle.
The party was composed of high level church officials, and began to make offers of enormous amounts of money and other rewards as soon as they arrived at Lea Marquisate. In order for custody of Isabelle, that is.
“Lea Marquisate accepted their offer.”
“IT makes sense. That’s why they sent a request to break off the engagement.”
Reynold was frowning. Should Garfield’s report be true, Lea Marquisate had played the Esteban Earldom for a fool.
“Unfortunately, we cannot officially pursue this case. If we do, we’d be making enemies out of not only Lea Marquisate but the Church of Flora.”
The Church of Flora wielded enormous power within the Hansel Kingdom, and might as well be the official church of the Kingdom. Even a House with a history as deep as Esteban could not afford to turn the Church of Flora into an enemy.
Luke had remained silent the whole time. What kind of news was this, right before his marriage?
“So, how did Lady Isabelle react to this?”
“According to the maidservant, the Lady was strongly opposed, but the leaders of the Lea House are too strict and domineering that she is unable to fight their decisions.”
“Poor girl.”
Reynold shook his head with a bitter expression.
“She does not have the power to resist.”
Reynold looked at Luke with sympathy.
“I know it’s hard to accept, but there is nothing we can do.”
Luke raised his head to look at Reynold. His eyes were red from anger.
“There truly is nothing we can do, Luke.”
“I can’t do that.”
Luke spat out in denial and jumped up from his seat.
“Now that we have figured out the situation, I will go to Lea Marquisate. I need to meet her and talk to her.”
“I don’t think that this situation will be solved by your visit to the Marquisate.”