There you have it, chapter 5, the biggest one so far. I hope you like it because with this chapter, we move up a gear.
But before, an answer for "Guest", yes, Christ will get a mention. After all, Giselle is now his "little sister".
Now the serious things will really begin.
-O-
THE DAY OF THE REVELATION.
Lorel was impressed.
Sadera Imperial Palace was magnificent.
Until recently, she had never left her village. She had never seen any city. When she had arrived in Bellnahgo, she had been flabbergasted by this place, but it was the sacred city of Hardy. It was therefore normal that the city was beyond what she could have imagined. Hardy's temple was, of course, the most impressive thing in town.
However, this…. Palace. Built by mortals, was something else again. The sculptures were so realistic that one would have thought they were living beings that had simply stopped moving. The paintings were as detailed as that of the sacred temple of Bellnahgo and the finely crafted armor of the guards made them look like holy warriors.
Lorel had been asked to wait for an hour. At first, the Apostle had felt insulted, but when it was explained to her that out of respect for her person the Emperor wished to give a feast in her honor, she had felt very honored.
"At least this human knows how to behave in front of the messengers of the gods. » she thought.
During her waiting time, servants had been made available to her with instructions to accede to the least of her desires.
Among the servants was a daughter of the dragon people. The thing was rare. Sadera's nobility viewed demi-humans as inferior. Of course they had demi-human slaves to serve them, but, in the Imperial palace, they preferred human slaves considered "superior". So very few demi-human servants were in the palace itself.
The presence of this girl was therefore surprising. Emperor Molt had deliberately hired this servant for this kind of situation when Giselle came. Having a member of the same race as her at her disposal could prove useful.
Giselle wouldn't come anymore, so the maid, named Scinyu, would serve to entertain Lorel from now on.
Molt Sol Augustus had not waited for Lorel to arrive to make preparations for this moment. He was not visited every day by an emissary of the gods and his relationship with Giselle had been very unpleasant.
Apostle or not, priestress or not, the girl was a barbarian. Each time she had come to the imperial palace she had behaved without the slightest refinement, without the slightest ounce of diplomacy. The other Apostles had at least a modicum of respect for the laws of hospitality. At least they were polite, some were even pleasant.
Giselle was not.
The dragon woman behaved in many ways like his son Zorzal. It was a shame that decent people preferred to avoid being around.
Molt however had no choice and had to feign humility in the face of this…. Animal. By his education, he considered humans superior to demi-humans but they did not despise them and above all did not underestimate them. Every time Giselle came he felt like he was receiving a barbarian chieftain in his palace. That the Goddess Hardy is chosen "it" to be her messenger…. He would have given gold to have the reason explained to him.
Now he wouldn't have to see Giselle again. Well, it had brightened his day when he heard the news. He hoped things would go better with Lorel. He had thrown a banquet in her honor with a show in the sincere hope that their future relationship would go well.
Either way, he had no choice. The emissaries of the gods were dangerous but more so were the gods themselves. No one wanted to incur the wrath of the death goddess.
In diplomacy, everything must be calculated. Not only for the impression that one sends to his interlocutor but also for that which one gives to those around him. If Molt had been a gentry, he would have slavishly come looking for Lorel himself. As Emperor, he couldn't afford to lower himself so much. He had therefore sent his faithful adviser and confidant, Marcus. A man devoid of personal ambition, which earned him the confidence of Molt and paradoxically, the important position he occupied. Probably the only person in the world that Molt considered a "friend".
When the man entered inside the guest residence where Lorel was, she was deep in conversation with Scinyu.
Marcus bowed politely to Lorel and spoke.
"Your holiness. I am Marcus. Servant and confidant of his Imperial Majesty Emperor Molt Sol Augustus. »
Lorel stood up then.
"I am Lorel, Apostle of Hardy, messenger of the Death. I bring a message from the goddess for your Emperor. »
"The Emperor has asked me to take you to the banquet he is giving. If you would like to follow me to him."
"Why he invites me at a…. banquet?! »
"You are the new Apostle of the Goddess Hardy. The Emperor wants to receive you in the best possible way. He has therefore organized a banquet in your honor to which you are, of course, invited, as his guest of honor. »
Lorel's mouth was suddenly watering. Although she didn't need to eat, she hadn't eaten anything in days and was gnawing at her hunger. She was curious too. A banquet given by the Emperor was to be more lavish than that organized annually by her village during the solstice feast, Hardy's holy day.
At least, if she believed the smell that was beginning to tickle her nostrils.
Scinyu then got up from her chair and bowed politely as well.
"I wish you good luck with your holiness and thank you again for your blessing. »
"Aren't you coming with us? » Lorel asked.
"Oh, I am flattered your holiness, but I am not permitted in the presence of the Emperor or any member of the nobility, other than to fulfill my duty. It was already a huge honor for me to meet you, to talk to you and to be able to help you by answering your questions. »
Lorel would have liked Scinyu to accompany her, but then she remembered her mission and wanted to focus on it exclusively. Hardy's Apostle accompanied Marcus to the room where the banquet awaited her... Uh…. Where the Emperor awaited her.
-O-
Giselle was disgusted.
Sadera's capital was worse than she would have imagined.
Or rather, it was her way of looking at things that had changed. The city was neither worse nor better than other big cities she had seen, but now she realized how awful this city was.
Slavery, corruption, injustices, inequalities. Beneath its resplendent aspect, the city was a hell that did not say its name.
And wherever she had seen that before, it had always felt right and normal. The magnitude of her task seemed to her more gigantic every moment but in no way discouraged her. On the contrary. This strengthened her resolve to change this situation.
There would still be a lot of suffering in this world, but the time for this suffering was now running out.
Soon, this city would be reborn.
Giselle arrived at the entrance of the palace. There, the guards barred her access, surprised that a demi-human dared approach so close to the Emperor's residence.
"Halt! What are you doing here ? » asked one of the guards.
"I come to serve," replied Giselle.
"Then you are in the wrong place. The entry of... servants of the palace is a little further, in an alley on the left but they will not let you enter without a letter from your master".
It was customary for the concubines that certain nobles brought to palaces on occasion to be presented as "servants", although it was unusual to see a demi-human in this role and even more unusual for her to be without her master but it happened sometimes.
"I am not that kind of servant. I come to serve you."
"Ah. A prostitute looking for work. » thought the guard.
"I think you have the wrong customers then. You won't get anything here, go back to Akusho before one of those soldiers decides to make you work for free. »
Giselle had never heard of Akusho before, but the knowledge her mind now had access to filled that gap. She didn't feel insulted though. This man spoke out of ignorance and was only doing his job, which by nature was to behave like this.
In fact, she was even grateful for the warning he had just given her. Others would simply arrest her, take her to the nearest cell, and satisfy their base instincts about her. At least the guard had some decency.
"There is always hope," she thought.
Before she could answer, a guard approached his chief to say something.
"Wait…. Looks like I've seen her before... I'm pretty sure that…. But yes, it's Giselle. Hardy's ex-Apostle. »
Sure enough, now some of the guards recognized her. They had seen her come to the palace before.
That's when they started to wonder. Why was she there? They had been informed that Hardy had a new Apostle now so why was Giselle here? Did someone forget to inform them about something?
Of course, that changed everything. Perhaps this information about Giselle had been exaggerated. If so, he had no desire to risk her wrath, let alone Hardy's.
"Your…. Your Holiness Giselle. Excuse me. I had not been informed of your arrival. »
"It's normal, because no one in Sadera knew I was coming. By the way, please don't call me "Your Holiness" anymore, it's inappropriate in this specific case since I am no longer Hardy's apostle. She repudiated me. »
The guard heaved a sigh of relief. He had nothing to fear after all. But then if she was no longer Apostle, why had Giselle come?
"So uh…. Should I call you "damsel? »
This question took the dragon girl by surprise. Indeed, technically she really was a "damsel". A damsel over 400 years old, yes, but a "damsel" all the same.
"Damsel, or Giselle or "messenger" will be appropriate".
"Messenger? Messenger of whom? I thought you were no longer Apostle. »
"I'm not anymore a messenger of Hardy. I am the messenger of "The One Who Is". »
"Eh ? The one who what?! »
"I will explain to you ".
-O-
While the guards at the entrance to the palace received the word of "The One Who Is", Molt Sol Augustus, Emperor of Sadera, received the word of Hardy.
Lorel now stood before the Emperor, in the banquet hall. Besides Molt and his two sons, Diabo El Caesar and Zorzal El Caesar, as well as his daughter Pina Co Lada, there were about twenty various nobles and senators and their concubines/slaves.
When Marcus entered the room alongside Lorel, everyone rose as Molt had previously ordered before bowing politely to greet her. Even Zorzal had obeyed.
In fact, Molt was not sure if it was a good idea for his son to be present, for fear that he would create some scandal, but he was still the crown prince and he wanted, through this meeting, to teach some humility to his son.
"GLORY AND HONOR TO LOREL APOSTLE OF HARDY AND MESSENGER OF DEATH! »
"Your holiness. In honor of your first visit to Sadera, I have had this banquet prepared, as has been the custom in the Empire since the city was founded," Molt said simply.
"Uh…. GOOD » replied Lorel who was now somewhat embarrassed. The Emperor had a certain charism which intimidated her a little. Of course, he was just a mortal who didn't compare to Hardy's glory, yet... There was a certain aura of authority emanating from him.
The Emperor had a table prepared for her, so that she could talk to him face to face. The table was generously furnished. In fact, Lorel had never seen anything like it.
For a moment she wondered "Is it to be eaten or to be looked at? » as the dishes were a feast for the eyes…. And for her nose. She had never smelled anything so delicious.
"Too easy," thought the Emperor, who, given Lorel's reaction, had no doubt that she was enjoying the meal.
"Apostle or not, she's still a child."
However, Molt wouldn't make the stupid mistake of underestimating her. Lorel may have been a child but Hardy was not and would surely react badly to any disrespect to her Apostle.
As always, the Emperor weighed the costs/gains/risks of his actions and acted as best he could.
What he didn't know was that Hardy was present in the room, inaudible and invisible to everyone. Except Lorel's.
"I…. I bring a message from the Goddess Hardy," Lorel said, trying to dismiss her apprehension.
"Of course. As always we will listen and follow the will of the goddess. »
Lorel then decided to transmit her message.
"Soon the Goddess will open a Gate at Alnus Hill to new lands. »
This statement took Molt by surprise. He didn't expect that. When he thought about the reasons that could push the goddess to send a message for him, he thought he was ready for anything. The requirement of new commercial prerogatives for the city of Bellnahgo or perhaps of the arrangements of her worship in the capital or simply to make known her new Apostle.
He hadn't considered that the messenger would come and tell him about the old legend of the Gate. However, he did not understand why he was concerned. What did he care if a goddess opened or closed a door on the edge of the Empire? However, he had an idea. There is always something behind a door...
"Thank you for letting me know. Is that the whole message? Or is there something else I need to know? »
"Tell him of the riches beyond the Gate. Excite her greed" told Hardy to the Lorel's mind.
"There is something else. The Goddess feels that the Empire has become too complacent and needs to grow in strength. Also, she open a Gate to another world with great riches. In her plan to enlarge the Empire's influence, she suggests that you prepare your armies to seize these riches when the Gate opens. »
This caught Molt's attention.
"Riches you say? What kind of riches? »
Molt was interested in gold, land and slaves. He had little interest in the spiritual or philosophical riches that some were fond of.
"I say nothing. I'm just passing on Hardy's word. Yes riches. My Goddess showed me towers sparkling like diamonds, people dressed as if everyone were kings. Magical chariots that drive without horses. »
Lorel's story was well told, but Molt was no longer a child. Unlike one of his sons. He wasn't going to lead his armies to conquer something he knew next to nothing about, on the word of someone he was meeting for the first time. Even though it was an Apostle of the gods.
"It is our destiny that calls us father. Our armies will easily subdue the barbarians beyond the Gate and we will bring riches and glory. With your permission, I will lead the conquest myself. » declared the crown prince.
Hardy smiled at the idea. She had recognized the pig that had nearly wiped out the Warrior Bunny and would be glad he was to die.
She had also noticed the woman standing to her right.
"Tyuule…. If only you had prayed for my help, you would still be queen today. Maybe it was you I would have chosen as my new Apostle," Hardy thought with regret for what might have been.
Regrets reinforced by anger when she thought of the way the Bunny was treated by this pig. However, she saw something she liked about Tyuule. The hatred and the determination to destroy Zorzal and the Empire was stronger than anything.
"But you will have your revenge. I promise you," Hardy thought grimly as she reserved a special fate for Zorzal when he reached her realm. She would make it a humiliating death preventing him from reaching Emroy's realm. She would deal with him later. Maybe a soul swap? This proud Amazon queen whom she had snatched from Emroy more than a century ago no longer amused her. Emroy would love to get this warrior back, especially for such a modest price as Zorzal's soul.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no hell or suffering in Hardy's kingdom. For all her faults the goddess is neither a degenerate sadist nor a justice freak. She has no interest in judging the crimes that mortals commit while alive. She was content to arrange souls in her kingdom as one arranges products on the shelves in the supermarket.
However, there are also exceptions. There are beings who had really angered the goddess. Like this group of bandits who raped a group of her priestesses on their pilgrimage.
Their suffering at their death (which happened shortly after by the hands of Giselle) continued a century later. This suffering was loneliness. Their souls were cut off from everything. Normally a living being would go mad over time, but madness is a disease of the mind, not of the soul. They couldn't become mad.
Fortunately for them, their punishment was not eternal. Hardy wasn't so cruel. Once every few centuries, she pronounced a sort of general "amnesty".
"Praised be the Goddess and her Apostle for bringing us this message. However, I have a question to ask," said Molt.
"A question ? »
"Yes. I would like to know what the armies that protect these riches look like. No doubt such treasures are well guarded? »
"Never mind who protects these riches. New lands beyond this world await us. The Empire will triumph as it always has and will now expand to another world. »
"Zorzal is right, your majesty. The goddess herself recognizes our greatness and offers us what is our rightfully ours. We have to accept it. » said one of the guests.
"Recognize their greatness? What is rightfully theirs? Are there no limits to their arrogance? I should have acted a century ago, » thought Hardy
"We can mobilize more than 200,000 men in less than a month your majesty. » adds another noble.
Molt raised his hand to impose silence. He had to maintain his authority, even in the presence of Hardy's Apostle.
"Before making a decision on this subject, we still have to learn more. So what are the armies guarding these lands like? What do the Barbarians beyond the Gate look like? »
Hardy was unhappy. Molt's caution risked destroying her plan. He was smarter than she had thought, for a human. She believed that the arrogance and allure of gold would be enough. It wasn't that bad. She was a goddess and the mortal who could outwit her was yet to be born.
She whispered to Lorel what she should answer.
"The goddess saw no army protecting this country. People don't carry weapon. »
"Pardon ? People don't carry weapon? »
Lorel answered what Hardy was whispering in her ear, invisible to everyone.
"Yes. The goddess Hardy cast her divine gaze on this world and observed the inhabitants. They have no sword, spear, bow, or armour. »
Effectively. The people Hardy had seen carried no swords or even knives. Which was surprising to the folks at Falmart who all carried at least a dagger or knife so they could defend themselves when needed. On this world, roads and cities were not without danger.
However, that didn't change the plan. Even though she hadn't seen any armies, Hardy remained convinced that these people were powerful. A weak people cannot build such marvels.
At worst if the Saderans were victorious, they would bring back all sorts of interesting things from this other world. It would no doubt be fun and so Hardy would be fine with it. She would find another way to teach the Saderans humility on another occasion.
"No doubt they have no enemy to fight. We will teach these barbarians about honor and glory. Conquest will be easy » told Zorzal.
Molt was unconvinced. His instinct told him that something was wrong. It all sounded like the talk of a counter salesman trying to sell you a charm as a piece of art.
But he wasn't dealing with a shopkeeper on the street, he was dealing with an emissary of the Goddess Hardy herself.
Perhaps he could extract more information with some flattery?
"All this deserves deep reflection. I can't raise the armies of the Empire like this overnight without thinking. Please convey to the Goddess that her message has been received and will be promptly investigated with due diligence. »
Molt then pointed to the table, beautifully decorated with all sorts of dishes on it.
Lorel was surprised. Wasn't this mortal supposed to obey the gods without question? She was about to retort that such was Hardy's will but she was prevented by the goddess herself.
"Useless. If you insist he will be suspicious. Be patient, he will quickly change his mind. »
Hardy was banking on the greed of senators and nobles who would exert political pressure on Molt to coerce him. Alone, none would dare to try, but facing them all, Molt would have no choice for long.
"In the meantime, this banquet is in honor of your holiness. Won't you take a seat at the table laid out for you? »
"Do as he says. Sit back and enjoy. I'll keep telling you what you need to say to convince him. »
Hardy could read Molt's thoughts and he was oblivious to his existence. Despite his intelligence and mistrust, she would manage to manipulate him.
-O-
Giselle was now approaching the banquet hall where she felt Molt's presence, as well as Lorel's and Hardy's. Her new state of consciousness had informed her of Lorel's presence and of the mission Hardy had entrusted to her during her trip to Sadera.
Giselle was now "in tune" with "fate", although the details fluctuated as always in motion is the future.
The dragon girl had reached the entrance of the banquet hall. When she overheard the Emperor's conversation with Lorel.
"So the Gate will open on a rich city where the goddess herself has seen no army, nor even weapons, and she grants us her blessing. What I don't understand is why is it Hardy who comes to inform us of such a thing? Normally this sort of thing is more of Emroy's domain and this is the first time, to my knowledge, that Hardy has broached such subjects. Generally when his Apostle comes to carry a massage it concerns rather religious considerations or mining rights. So why this change in attitude? »
Hardy whispered to Lorel the answer she should give.
"The Goddess has seen interesting things on the other side and thinks it will benefit her temple and her business. She also thinks you'll bring back interesting things from the other side that will bring diversity to this world. Beyond that, it's a matter of the gods that will have long-term effects."
"Long-term effects? »
"The goddess tells me that without wanting to insult you, you cannot understand. The goals of immortals are different from those of mortals. »
Molt didn't like that answer but he knew he couldn't do much more. Again he was not fooled. Clearly something was wrong.
Ultimately, however, he could not do much, especially since his guests, including his children and a few influential members of the senate, had already accepted Lorel's word as gospel.
"So be it. I will submit the matter to the Senate in plenary session in a week. Senators will ultimately make the decision."
"The plenary session? »
"That is to say the dayn of the month where all senators must be present. The next will be in a week. »
This was not what Hardy wanted. She would have liked an immediate answer but she would be satisfied with it. Although Molt's move was obvious, she saw clearly in his mind that he felt the decision would pass by a majority. The Emperor simply did not want to bear the sole responsibility for a general mobilization and then for the outbreak of a war on foreign soil. He also didn't want to displease the gods, especially the goddess of death. After all, the salvation of his soul was at stake in the matter.
Hardy smiled at the thought of the carnage that would strike the Empire in a few months and the interesting times ahead.
The noises of the party resumed as everyone feasted on the dishes prepared by the imperial cooks and already discussed the future riches they would seize and the lands they would conquer.
"So be it. Now let's celebrate our first meeting with dignity. I raise my glass to your glory Lorel, Apostle of Hardy and messenger of death. » Molt said raising his cup.
"And I raise my cup to your future conquests Molt Sol Augustus great Emperor of Sadera. » replied Lorel, raising her cup to her lips.
However, before a drop of wine could flow down their throat a scream shattered the ambience.
"LIE AND DECEIT ! »
Everyone turned their heads in the direction of the cry: Giselle was now coming through the great doors of the feast hall. She had hardly had any difficulty getting through the guard posts. A few words and explanations such as only an emissary of "The One Who Is" could utter, had been enough to convince them.
The Emperor would otherwise be more difficult to persuade. It would take time.
Most were simply surprised at his presence. But for three people it was a little more than a simple surprise.
Molt had understood that Giselle was no longer Hardy's Apostle and had been cast away, so why was she here? Had the goddess changed her mind? Had Giselle come to support Lorel and help convince him of the validity of the goddess's prophecy? Or had he simply been misinformed?
Lorel had similar thoughts with a few variations. The last time she had seen Giselle, she was heading towards the mountain of life to join Hardy's realm by throwing herself into the pool of fire of origins. She should no longer be of this world, yet she was indeed there. Pulpit and bones. Had she changed her mind? Was she scared? And anyway why had she come here to Sadera in the imperial palace?
Hardy, for her part, had already completely forgotten her former Apostle. She didn't know what to think. Why was she there?
And then….
Why did her former Apostle emit an aura similar to Lorel's? Only she in the room could see her. In her eyes, Giselle was surrounded by light that condensed above her head to form a circle that turned slightly on itself. What had happened to her old toy?
Giselle took a moment to look around her. Focusing her gaze on Tyuule for a moment, she took a moment to meditate. Every time she came here, she came as if she owned the place, treating everyone, including the Emperor, with disdain.
This time things would be different.
In deafening silence, Giselle approached the Emperor and, after politely bowing for a moment but not kneeling began to speak.
"Peace be upon you Emperor Molt, and to you Lorel and to you too lady Hardy » she said, fully able to see her former "goddess" floating behind Lorel. Giselle waited as one of the three spoke. It was Molt the first to answer.
"Your Holiness Giselle? My apologies, but I'm surprised to see you. No one told me you were coming," said the Emperor who, not yet knowing what he was talking about, preferred to treat Giselle as if she were still an Apostle. For now at least.
"Emperor Molt, I am no longer Hardy's Apostle. You no longer have to call me "your Holiness". In fact, I never really deserved this title. »
This sincere response surprised the Emperor for two reasons. First, Giselle had never been so humble and civilized in front of him. She was a savage. Second, if she was no longer Hardy's Apostle then….
"Why are you here then? »
"Oh Emperor Molt. I come to you for three things. The first is to ask for your forgiveness for my past attitude towards you and your people when you welcomed me here. I have never treated you with all the respect due to a host. For that, do you forgive me? »
Normally, Molt wasn't really one to forgive, but he wasn't one to hold on to old, useless grudges over trivialities. He had better things to do with his time. However he was really surprised. He was ruthless most of the time as required by his position, but he also knew how to show leniency when it seemed appropriate to him. Denying forgiveness to a former Apostle who shone with sincerity would have been worthy of a mean-spirited "brat", not an Emperor.
"?! Uh…. So be it. I forgive you. You spoke of three reasons for your presence. What's the second? »
"The second reason is to warn you. Hardy is setting a trap for you and your people. »
"What ? A trap ? » asked the Emperor…. Who wasn't so surprised.
On the other hand Hardy and to a lesser extent Lorel, looked at Giselle as if she had just grown a second head on her.
"Yes. As Lorel just told you, Hardy wants to open a portal to another world with the promise of fertile lands to conquer, weak and easy-to-defeat barbarians, and more gold and riches than Sadera has ever seen. …. But it is a trap. The portal will open onto a very rich world, it is true, but extremely well defended. If you attack then a quick and inevitable defeat awaits you. The world Hardy chooses is not populated by "barbarians" as you call them, but by a people far more civilized and far more powerful than the Saderan Empire. »
Hardy was now livid. She didn't know how Giselle knew that since she hadn't revealed anything about her attentions to her before replacing her. Someone had intervened with Giselle. Yes, but who? Emroy? Zufmuut? No. She had not revealed her intentions to ANYBODY, not even the other deities and even a god cannot reveal what he does not know. She should have destroyed the carnal shell of her old toy and stored her soul in her collection immediately after blessing Lorel. She was going to rectify that mistake now and then once she held Giselle's soul, she would extract the relevant information and then settle accounts with the responsible entity.
However, before she could do anything, Zorzal rose from his seat and cried out:
"ABSURD ! NO PEOPLE IS MORE CIVILIZED OR MORE POWERFUL THAN THE EMPIRE! FATHER THIS WOMAN LIES TO AVENGE HER DISGRACE! DELIVER HER TO ME AND I WILL MAKE HER CONFESS HER SCHEMES! »
"Zorzal is right your highness. This woman is a demi-human disgraced by the goddess herself. She is cursed. If we listen to her, your highness, we will incur the wrath of Hardy. Besides, why would the goddess wish us harm? Haven't we always honored her like all the gods? Finally, how could this cursed demi-human know the intentions of the gods? »
"These are very good questions from Senator Cadmus. What do you have to say... Giselle? »
Hardy was curious too.
"To begin with I would say no, I'm not cursed. I'm just a soul that "The One Who Is" has reached out to and walk the path of redemption for all the evil I've done in my ignorance in Hardy's name. I would also say that Hardy is ALREADY very mad at you, which is why she wants to set this trap for you. She wants revenge for what the Empire did to the Warrior-Bunny people. She is furious at their disappearance and all the honors and temple you can show her are indifferent to her. Finally, I would say that if I know this it is because "The One Who Is" told me so."
"The One Who Is ? »
"That's what he's called. I come here to bring his message. This is my third reason ».
"A message ? »
"Yes. "The One Who Is" decided that everyone was going to be given a choice for themselves. The choice to be free. The choice to break the chains of slavery and reject the worship of false gods to allow the peoples of this world to become the sole masters of their destiny. As you are the keeper of the law in the Empire you must free the slaves from their chains and inform the populace to reject the blind reverence most of them give to those who call themselves "the gods". These false gods do not deserve to be worshipped. NO ONE deserves it. »
For a few seconds no one dared say anything in the face of such a tirade…. But someone couldn't help bursting out laughing: Zorzal again.
"Father…. Pfffrrr…. I take back what I said earlier. This woman…. Hahaha…. This woman is not up to anything. She just went crazy. »
Zorzal's laughter was quickly shared by the other nobles apart from two of them who were affiliated with Emroy god of madness and therefore held some respect for madmen or « crazywomen ».
This remark even drew a smile from Hardy.
The only one who wasn't laughing was Tyuule. What Giselle was saying…. If only that could be true and if only she had come a few years earlier…. Alas, obviously Zorzal was right. Not only was this dragon woman crazy, but it was too late for her and her people.
Even the usually stoic Emperor Molt couldn't help but smile.
"Before I answer you, is there anything else you would like to tell, oh great messenger of « The One Who Is »? »
« Yes. You must see the light. Look and meditate. »
Giselle then reached into her bag and pulled out a strange object. It had the shape of a pyramid with a golden eye in its center but the strangest thing was that it emitted light.
"The light of the eye of « The One Who Is ». His omniscient splendor will expose the imposture. LET THERE BE LIGHT ! »
And there was light, when from the eye indeed erupted a wave of light that engulfed Hardy, dissipating her invisibility and revealing her for all to see.
"See the face of the true enemy whispering in your ears Emperor of Sadera. She presents you with a tasty fruit in the form of another world, but if you bite into it, you and those who follow you will be doomed because this world is a fruit that is forbidden to anyone. »
The laughters stopped immediately.
"Lady Hardy. Despite many things, I am still sincerely happy to see you. The choice is valid for you too. Repent of your sins and renounce your hold on this world. Set it free and set yourself free. »
"Emroy…. You will pay me VERY dearly for this humiliation," thought Hardy.
Concerning Giselle, her decision was made.
"Lorel, behead Giselle. »
" Eh ? »
"CUT OFF GISELLE'S HEAD! THEN PUT IT IN HER OWN BAG! THEN TAKE THE BAG TO ME TO BELLNAHGO! THEN SHE WILL HAVE TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS! »
Hardy understood that Giselle had become an Apostle again (at least that's what she believed) and therefore she couldn't kill her to have her soul and extract the information she wanted but once Giselle beheaded, she wouldn't would be more embarrassing and she could squeeze her answers out of her safe from prying ears. The idea of "damaging" the Apostle of another deity did not bother her.
Lorel then approached Giselle with her scythe. Everyone held their breath, preferring not to attract attention.
Everyone except Giselle.
"A few days ago you showed me kindness and now you want to kill me? »
Lorel paused for a moment.
"I had pity but today you oppose our goddess. It is my duty to punish you for this, especially if it is a direct order. »
"I don't blame you, you are making the same mistakes I was making not so long ago... But you too will understand when the time comes. »
"LOREL! DON'T DISCUSS! OBEY MY ORDERS! »
Lorel raised her scythe without hesitation and brought it down with all her might. The blow would have pulverized a rock… but it did not reach Giselle.
Indeed, as in a film in slow motion, the scythe gradually lost its speed until it was completely immobilized near Giselle's head.
Lorel tried to strike a second time, a third then a fourth but it was useless.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING LOREL?!" cried the goddess.
"She does what she can to obey your orders Lady Hardy. It is simply impossible for her. "The One Who Is" is wisdom, strength and above all, goodness. He will not raise his hand to anyone, but the power of his protection is INVINCIBLE. Lorel or whoever can make every effort in the world, she cannot oppose the one who executes his will.
Hardy was stunned to hear that. Emroy? GOODNESS ?! Perhaps she had been a little quick to conclude that the god of war, death, madness and murder was the one behind Giselle…. But then, who?
Giselle then walked over to Tyuule and extended her hand towards her.
"Tyuule, queen of the Warrior-Bunny. Accept the hand of "The One Who Is" and come with me. Renounce hatred and revenge and you will be free. »
For a moment, Tyuule considered this proposal. She was certain that Giselle was sincere and after what she had just done she was also certain that she could indeed get her out of this palace, safe and sound.
That's when she burst out laughing, to the surprise of Giselle who hadn't expected this reaction.
"Did I say something funny? » asked the messenger of "The One Who Is".
That's when, while laughing, tears started streaming down Tyuule's face.
"You told something who makes me laugh…. Or rather cry because…. IT'S TOO LATE ! I had sacrificed myself to save my people. I offered to the Prince Zorzal my surrender if he spared what was left of my Queendom. This dishonest pig betrayed his word. He took me as a slave and slaughtered my people and if I haven't already killed him it's just because I hoped one day to have the opportunity to take revenge not only on him but also on everyone in the Empire. If what you say is true then Hardy was going to give me the opportunity and you just blew it. Why would I want to follow you? I just have to die now. »
Tyuule's desperation was palpable by all and no one doubted for a second that her story about Zorzal was true. Not that anyone cared. The attitude of the prince was well known to all and those who did not want to deal with him avoided him, those who wanted to deal with him were in any case careerists with little honor, see downright people similar to him.
"It is NEVER too late, Queen Tyuule. There is another path than Hardy's. Look into my eyes. » Giselle replied kindly.
"Look into your eyes? Why ? »
"Because the eyes are the mirror of the soul. Look into my eyes and you will understand. »
And in doing so Giselle spread her white wings made of immaculate feathers. No one before had noticed but all now saw this change and the circle of light above her head was now visible, bathing Giselle's body in a sacred aura.
Everyone was amazed, not by the wings or the golden circle by themselves, but by the perfection of Giselle's appearance, filled with majesty and grace.
Even Zorzal and Hardy had their mouths hanging open at the sight. It was as if the most perfect sculpture of a woman had been painted by the most skilled painter and that perfection had come to life before their eyes.
Everyone saw them... Except Tyuule who stared into the golden pupils of Giselle's eyes. And just as the dragon girl had looked into the eyes of "The One Who Is" and seen something of her own, Tyuule now saw into the eyes of "The One Who Will Become" along with those of "The One Who Is" who traveled inside her.
And Tyuule saw that Giselle was telling the truth. She now had a choice to make.
She could choose to die here and join her people in the afterlife.
Or….
She could choose to LIVE and follow Giselle and walk alongside her on the path to salvation.
Hardy? Or "The One Who Is" represented by Giselle?
"Accept this hand that has been extended to you. You will be reborn and your land and your people with you, because Royalty, land and people are one. Giselle said, extending her hand to the Queen of the Warriors Bunny again.
Tyuule had made her choice.
She took a step towards Giselle…. And the heavy marble banquet table between them moved aside to let her pass.
Zorzal had already not appreciated what Tyuule had just said about him, or how she regarded him as HIM honored this demi-human with his love…. As disturbed as it sounds.
The Warrior-Bunny belonged to him by right of conquest. He would take his time to "re-educate" her, with a whipping among other things and she would end up loving him whether she liked it or not.
He tried to grab her by the arm, but just as Lorel's scythe couldn't reach Giselle, Zorzal couldn't reach Tyuule because as "The One Who Is" had promised, no whips, no shackles, no wall, neither bars nor fears nor blindness nor god nor mortal could hold back those who would choose another path.
Everyone was amazed by this magic, except the Emperor who, even if he was amazed inside, had learned to keep a straight face in all circumstances.
His own failure and that of Lorel did not discourage Zorzal however. He snapped his fingers and several of his "friends" started moving, surrounding Tyuule and Lorel.
"Captured them. Their magic cannot protect them from everywhere at once. »
It was not "magic", it was the power of "The One Who Is", infinitely superior to all forms of magic, but the inhabitants of Falmart could not perceive the difference with their limited minds and so Zorzal's friends were unable to touch Giselle or Tyuule despite their best efforts.
Of course, the protection afforded by « The One Who Is » was flawless despite anything Zorzal or Hardy thought.
So, Tyuule grabbed Giselle's hand and together they started walking towards the door.
"I will be back soon. In the meantime, meditate and determine who your real enemies are. Who are the ones who want to control your destiny and who is the one who wants to set you free from it," Hardy's former Apostle said.
She then passed Lorel and Hardy.
"You too have the right to choose, see you soon young Lorel and Lady Hardy".
Although she no longer called her "mistress" or "goddess", Giselle still had affection for Hardy. Although she knew the truth now, she had loved Hardy like a second mother for centuries. She had not rejected this love. She sincerely hoped that she could help her second mother see the truth.
But it was not guaranteed, far from it because Hardy had the right to choose and therefore to make a bad choice.
Tyuule wasn't the only martyred slave present in the banquet hall. Senator Podawan's concubine, a former warrior from a martial tribe, a woman named Jaura, who had been captured during one of the senator's campaigns, and one of the servants, the daughter of a ruined Mudwan noble called Casarine, were also abused.
Podawan was a bully and the little girl had a very hard life working in the kitchens under the orders of a particularly tyrannical chef.
When they saw Tyuule, whom they knew was even more miserable than themselves, regaining her freedom under the protection of Giselle or rather of "The One Who Is", they saw what they no longer dared to hope for: a chance to be free.
To their amazement, they saw the dragon girl leaving, quite simply, without anything or anyone being able to hold her back….
AND THEY PUT THEIR STEPS IN THE STEPS OF GISELLE.
-O-
That's all for this time. I hope this chapter was pleasant for you. See you later.
