Dimitri and Ashe stood on either side of their professors as Catherine gave her report to the Archbishop. Though she was seemingly pleased at their return, Rhea's pleasant demeanor seemed to have evaporated once it was understood that Lonato had been captured and incarcerated at the Monastery. Still, she continued to maintain a composed facade that only Kratos, Catherine and Seteth could see right through as the Captain finished her report.

"I am glad to hear that you have all returned safely," Rhea began after a pause, her disarming voice strained along with her facial expression. "The goddess is gracious with her divine protection." She takes a moment to eye both Ashe and Dimitri respectively before continuing. "I understand that what you had to face was extremely difficult for all of you; fighting a militia led by a man respected by many, including one of your own," she finished, her gaze lingering on Ashe, who shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny.

"However, we must punish any sinner who may inflict harm upon believers, even if those sinners are civilians. I pray that you have learned a valuable lesson about the fate that awaits all who are foolish enough to turn their blades against the heavens."

Mimir spoke up from Kratos' hand. "Ah, yes, nothing like a proper baptism by fire, teaching our young ones the harsh realities of life through the clash of steel against farmers and townsfolk. Quite the divine lesson, isn't it?"

Kratos was prepared to give the head another scolding before Rhea responded, "War can be cruel, my dear professor, but it was not the Church who'd decided to wage it. Lonato's rebellion required a swift and firm response. We did what we must in order to preserve peace." Her attention went to Kratos. "As for Lonato himself, I am surprised by how everything has unfolded and where they have led to. Under normal circumstances, retribution is swift and absolute."

The Spartan could sense the ashen haired boy looking up at him, and he looked down to see Ashe with a look as though he were asking for permission to speak up. After being answered with a curt nod, he stepped forward.

"Um, Lady Rhea, I apologize if I am speaking out of line but… what is to happen with Lord Lonato? Obviously you haven't already issued an order for his execution, so I wanted to know if maybe…"

Rhea raised a hand for silence. "Your love and admiration for Lonato is commendable, dear Ashe. However, given the current state of affairs, his fate must be determined in a manner through a proper judicial process. While his execution is not a foregone conclusion, neither is his clemency guaranteed. We must consider all aspects carefully to ensure justice is served appropriately." She manages a smile. "After all, it would be irresponsible of the Church to allow the same mistake to be repeated."

Ashe's shoulders sank. "Oh, I- um… y-yes, I guess so…" He went silent before stepping back to Kratos' side, who instinctively placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder.

"In the meantime," Seteth spoke up, "let us not forget the Rite of Rebirth at the end of the month. It is when the Church of Seiros and its believers unite to pray for the return of the goddess. Since it is of paramount importance, each house will be tasked with maintaining security within the Monastery during the ceremony as part of their respective mission."

The priest locked his hands behind his back. "Furthermore, now that the students have been adequately experienced, they shall be given command of new recruits from their respective nations. Next week, these recruits will join us, and each student will be responsible for their training and integration into your ranks. This is a vital part of developing their skills as leaders, so treat this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves." Seteth concluded. "As for Lord Lonato, we will determine the appropriate course of action, and I would strongly discourage any attempts at interference or extreme actions regarding his situation. The Church will handle this matter with the discretion and judiciousness it requires."

Rhea nodded in concurrence. "Thank you, Seteth." Then to Kratos and his company, "With all of that said, Master Kratos, there are other matters that I would like to speak with Catherine in private. You and your students are dismissed now."

Kratos nodded briefly at Rhea's dismissal. "Very well," he says before exchanging a knowing glance with Catherine. "Come," he then urged Dimitri, who had been silently brooding throughout the entire discussion while leading him and Ashe towards the exit. "We are done here."

Just as he was about to leave the advisory room, Ashe took the opportunity to glance back one last time at Catherine, who, as though sensing his gaze, turned to meet his eyes with a solemn look before he turned away and followed his professor out of the room. Once the door was shut, both Rhea and the captain of the knights stood rigidly still as Seteth crossed the room and leaned in towards the door, listening for any eavesdroppers. Eventually, the priest nodded in confirmation that they were alone, and Rhea's calm, collected demeanor took a sudden, dark turn.

"Reckless…" she began, her voice controlled at first, yet the venom began to seep in as she walked to one side of the room where the couches and small table sat. "Shortsighted, irresponsible, insubordinate fool!" Her last words were emphasized with a surge in her voice, causing the teapot that sat upon the table to shatter, with hot tea spilling onto the rich wood and eventually onto the velvet carpet. The Archbishop, however, did not care. "Do you have even the slightest inclination for what you have done? Are you aware of the precedent you have now set for us?"

Catherine remained silent and at attention, barely containing her own brewing storm of emotions. After a moment of heavy silence, Rhea's voice cut through the air again, sharper and more commanding this time. "Answer me!"

Catherine swallowed in an effort to control her emotion before answering. "Please, forgive me, Lady Rhea," her voice shook. "It was not my intention to-"

"'Not your intention?'" Rhea asked condescendingly. "When last I heard, the Captain who'd sworn fealty to me years ago would never have intended to stray from the Church's directives. Nor would she have allowed a child to prevent her from executing a necessary action to maintain the order of the Central Church." Rhea began to pace slowly. "Yet here we are, Catherine. You've not only disobeyed a direct command, but you also compromised our position by allowing emotions and sentiment to cloud your judgment." Her eyes narrowed on the blonde swordswoman. "This is not just about one rebel lord, Catherine. It's about setting an example. How can we expect obedience and respect, or deter future rebellions, if dissenters believe they can escape swift justice?"

Once again, the wielder of Thunderbrand remained silent.

"Don't you understand, you foolish girl? Even if we were to execute Lonato right this instant, it would not erase the consequences of your hesitation. His revolt, however small, may inspire other rebellions. Your actions have already sown seeds of doubt among our followers and enemies alike." At this moment, Rhea had to take a pause for breath. Meanwhile, Catherine was about to open her mouth to defend herself before Seteth finally spoke up.

"Ahem, Lady Rhea, might I have a word with you for a moment?" He gestured to the corner of the room.

Rhea paused, her gaze lingering on Catherine as if to consider continuing her tirade regardless of his interjection. However, with a deeply reluctant sigh, the Archbishop walked briskly towards the corner of the room where Seteth waited, her robes swishing with each step. They then turned their back to her as they spoke in a hushed tone.

"Lady Rhea, you remember that conversation we had a month prior, don't you? Regarding why we keep that Kratos around?"

"Get to the point, Seteth." The Archbishop said impatiently, "I am hardly in the mood to reminisce on past quarrels."

Seteth nodded, "Yes, of course. You yourself once said that we didn't need to keep him around as an ally, only that we don't give him any reasons to be our enemy, correct? And yet… Why not use this opportunity to do just that? If the children are simply meant to be a deterrent, then let us secure their loyalty through our actions today. By sparing Lonato, we demonstrate not only mercy but also a level of fairness that Kratos and Mimir cannot ignore. It ensures that Ashe, and by extension Kratos, will see the Church as lenient and just."

Rhea considered this for a moment, her features softening slightly with contemplation. "You propose that we use mercy as a tool to bind Kratos more closely to us, through his students' gratitude?"

"Precisely," Seteth affirmed. "Kratos is deeply invested in the welfare of his students. By showing them that the Church can be both just and merciful, it could align their loyalties more closely with us. And in turn, Kratos is less likely to be a problem for us in the future."

Rhea mulled over the implications. "And you are confident that this will work? That sparing Lonato will not encourage more dissenters to test our resolve?"

Seteth met her gaze evenly. "It's a calculated risk, but one that might pay dividends in maintaining the Church's image and control. Even if more incursions were to arise, then at least we would have the brigand on our side to help deal with them directly."

The Archbishop still seemed skeptical with her right hand's proposal, but after a brief moment of contemplation, she turned to Seteth and said, "Very well, my dear Seteth we shall do it your way.." Her eyes hardened, "But know this: if any more complications are to arise as a direct result of this decision, I will personally hold you responsible for them. Am I clear?"

"Crystal."

She then turned to Catherine, her expression reverting back into the same facade of a calm and collected authority figure. "Catherine," she said in a superficially pleasant voice, "You may return to your duties."

Catherine's face registered a flicker of surprise at the abrupt leniency in Rhea's tone, relief mingling with confusion in her eyes. "Y-yes, my Lady." She straightened up, preparing to bow and exit the room, when Rhea's voice halted her mid-motion.

"However, before you leave," Rhea continued, her tone firm and unwavering, "I ask that you leave Thunderbrand here with me."

The captain's eyes widened in shock. "I… I beg your pardon, my Lady?"

Rhea smiled coldly. "Surely, I shouldn't have to repeat myself," She replied coolly before adding, "I trust that you understand, this is not a punishment, Catherine. It is merely a precaution. Because after all, great power is only bestowed upon those who are worthy of taking on the responsibility that comes with it."

Catherine's expression tightened as realization dawned on her. "Yes… of course, Lady Rhea," she quietly complied. With a heavy heart, she slowly unclasped the weapon from her belt, her fingers lingering on the handle for a moment before reluctantly handing it over.

"Thank you." The Archbishop said simply without so much as looking at the blade. "You may go now."

Catherine bowed stiffly, then turned and walked towards the door. Her steps were slow and heavy, before she reached the door. She opened it, and after a brief pause, stepped out, and quietly closed it behind her.

Silence filled the room and Seteth crossed his arms. "Are you sure that was necessary?"

Rhea's gaze hardened as she turned to face Seteth. "I've already entertained your suggestion against my better judgment," she said crisply. "Do not question how I manage insubordination."

Seteth's mouth tightened, but he nodded. "Understood, Lady Rhea."

Rhea turned away, her expression unreadable. "See to it that you do. We cannot afford any more laxity." Her gaze falls back to the closed door. "We have taken enough risks already."