407 The World Keeps Spinning (1/2)
The Holy Spirit Temple was silent. Serene moonlight fell from the stained glass windows, shining onto the various stone coffins. It illuminated the ancient and distinguished names. Dust floated in the air, dancing with the faint hymn. Singing from the distant church hung in the stillness, complementing the graveness of the coffins. At the front of the coffins, a lonely figure stood before the large altar. He wore the crown of utmost authority and a pure red robe. It seemed to have been dyed by blood but rather than feeling like 'death,' it represented the reverent 'life.'
This was the red that encompassed all meaning. This was the King of Red.
In the stillness, he looked at the altar and asked, ”Is that what Hermes said?”
”Yes, Your Excellency.” Nibelungenlied's voice was respectful. ”He chose this path and did his best.”
”I see.” The King of Red nodded. ”He has always been clever though this is especially laughable for him. I am sure he knows my thoughts if he made this choice. Let him enjoy his 'life.' From now on, these matters will have nothing to do with him.”
Nibelungenlied said, ”He wanted me to thank you for him.”
”…He even predicted my words?” The King of Red laughed. ”He truly is clever, is he not?”
Rather than replying, Nibelungenlied said, ”The Ministry of Information told Anglo the location of the Ultimate Well's appearance this year… How should we punish what Archbishop Michael did?”
”He's already dying. Do you want me to lock him up?” The King said, ”Just let him retire with the Ministry. The Inquisition's era is over. The shattered dream of a crusade is the best punishment for him.”
”He will fall apart.”
”He won't.” The King shook his head. ”He will continue waiting. Even if he died, he would find someone to wait for another crusade for him and fight with the natural catastrophe… He has endless hope. These things won't crush him.”
”Understood.” Nibelungenlied asked, ”Leviathan's awakening is fated. The Cardinal will continue fighting with Anglo.”
”Has the Anglo royal family not always been determined?” The King of Red said lightly, ”Sovereignty of the nations is the core of the second amendment. Leave Arthur's matters to his descendants. It began with them so let it end with them. Haven't they already taken back St. George's spear to prepare for everything? If the Cardinals still wish to show the majesty and necessity of the Sacred City, tell the Knights Templar to prepare and be ready to take over in the worst situation.”
”Yes.” Finishing recording, Nibelungenlied said, ”Commander Bann requested to be punished for the Romulusian War. He is awaiting the result now.”
”I am the one who ordered him to not harm any Romulusians. I am also the one who hindered him. We had decided too late. The result has nothing to do with him and Knights Templar.”
The King of Red ordered lightly, ”Let him go repair the western desert defense line. With his abilities, it will be hard but may not be impossible. The descendants of the past Semites are still there. Tell him to bring the flag and that the Sacred City will give him all the needed equipment.”
After a long silence, Nibelungenlied asked, ”Do you mean…for him to rebuild the Knights Hospitaller?”
”For the hundred years since the desert defense line was defeated, the Sixth Legion has been vacant for too long.”
The King of Red looked up. His face was cold as if he never had any expressions. He looked down on the human world emotionlessly. ”The most painful thing for well-prepared people is that time does not wait. I do not wish to realize that the Knights Hospitaller has disappeared for too long when we need it.”
”Your Excellency is far-sighted,” Nibelungenlied replied respectfully.