Paresha’s Ambition and Aquilis’s Revelation

My brother has consumed the last of Kaelan’s potions, and his recovery has been remarkably smooth thus far.

Paresha pressed her lips together, her gaze flitting nervously about the room, carefully avoiding eye contact with both Saranya and Kaelan.

“That is indeed good news. Now, perhaps you might enlighten us as to why you chose to clandestinely infiltrate our tavern’s cellar last night?”

“I—I did not clandestinely infiltrate!”

Burying her head, Paresha’s face flushed a vivid crimson, staining her ears.

“I merely happened to stumble upon it…”

Kaelan arched an eyebrow, then propped her chin in her hand, a knowing glint in her eyes.

“Oh? Perhaps we should reserve a prime viewing spot for you next time, so you can observe the proceedings more comfortably?”

“Uh… ah… what?”

Paresha froze, her mouth agape, a hint of drool almost escaping as she appeared to genuinely contemplate the offer.

Saranya pressed a hand to her forehead, utterly exasperated by the persistent girl.

“Paresha, let us cut to the chase. What urgent matter brings you to the tavern today?”

“It concerns the election for the priestess position, and I require your assistance… I have decided that I must become a priestess. Only then can I secure my brother’s bid for the bishopric!”

Paresha clenched her fists, her face set in a grave expression.

Witnessing such resolve from Paresha, Saranya inwardly applauded. This meant she wouldn’t have to expend any additional effort coaxing the girl to pursue prestige and influence.

“First, delineate the selection criteria for this priestess position.”

Paresha nodded, then proceeded to outline the general regulations governing the selection of Vero’s priestesses.

The priestess selection is slated to commence at the Moonscar Sect’s Cathedral in the central district, with three nomination slots available for candidates.

Whence did these coveted nomination slots originate?

Paresha’s father, Doron, the Moonscar Sect Bishop of Vero, possesses one such nomination, which is, without question, reserved for Paresha. Midas City, an adjacent territory, shares the same Moonscar Sect diocese as Vero; its presiding bishop will also put forth a candidate, a Miss Dalia, while casting their vote. The final nomination is held by Vero’s “Autonomous Committee and Guild Alliance,” more commonly known as the “City Alliance,” and represents the collective will of the city’s populace. Their chosen candidate remains undisclosed.

To circumvent internecine conflict between co-religious factions, an unwritten understanding exists between the Moonscar Sect bishops of Midas City and Vero: they pledge mutual support for each other’s city candidates, thereby safeguarding against external aspirants seizing the priestess position. Consequently, Miss Dalia of Midas City will not contend against Paresha, and her bishop will readily cast their vote in Paresha’s favor.

Regarding voting privileges: the assembly comprises two Moonscar Sect bishops, two Holy Fire Sect bishops, and one Pethoma Sect bishop, collectively wielding five votes. Additionally, the joint representatives of the City Alliance, following their internal deliberations, will contribute a decision weighted as two votes. Abstention is strictly prohibited for any party.

Ultimately, the contest involves three candidates vying for a total of seven votes.

For Paresha, leveraging her father’s influence and extensive network, she is assured three votes from the Vero City Bishop, the Midas City Bishop, and the Pethoma Sect Bishop. The City Alliance is highly likely to endorse their own nominated candidate, leaving the two Holy Fire Sect bishops as the pivotal swing votes.

While the diverse denominations within the Olavi Polytheistic Church generally exhibit remarkable tolerance, a pronounced doctrinal schism exists solely between the Holy Fire Sect and the Moonscar Sect, with each branding the other as heretical. Furthermore, the Holy Fire Sect’s tenets are imbued with fervent monarchist sentiments, expressing profound disdain for republican governance. Herein lies the irony: the Holy Fire Sect bishops, harboring neither affection for the Moonscar Church nor for the Autonomous Committee, are thus capable of impartially assessing the priestess candidates from both factions.

Aquilis approached the table, cradling a pitcher, and poured a frothy glass of ale for each person present.

Saranya lifted her glass, clinking it gently against Paresha’s.

“Surely, this selection process isn’t merely a protracted ode to divine greatness, with the outcome secretly predetermined by bishops leveraging their connections, then forcefully presented as the will of the gods?”

In Saranya’s estimation, a church that thrives solely on nepotism, spouts grandiose rhetoric while accomplishing nothing, and treats its congregants as fools simply could not endure. A church might be flawed, even corrupt, but it absolutely cannot be both ineffectual and corrupt; otherwise, its doctrines would never have persisted for so long.

“Of course, to command public respect, we incorporate rigorous assessment stages…”

As recounted by Paresha, the current selection process encompasses three distinct assessment categories: divine magic proficiency, companion combat, and doctrinal debate. These subjects are designed to evaluate a candidate’s practical application of divine magic, their martial prowess and strategic acumen, and their capacity for critical thought and eloquent expression when confronted with heretical assertions, respectively.

While the initial assessment, divine magic proficiency, is restricted to the candidate alone, the subsequent two categories permit candidates to participate alongside companions. This is because the urban church seeks well-rounded priestesses, individuals not only possessing formidable personal abilities but also commanding a robust network of allies.

“I possess no divine magic… thus, I can only endeavor to excel in the latter two categories. Therefore, Commander Saranya, I implore you, lead me to victory against formidable adversaries in the second assessment! Please!”

Paresha drained her glass of ale in a single gulp, then rose and executed a deep, reverent bow towards Saranya.

Saranya arched an eyebrow, her lips forming a slight pout.

“Why is it only for brawls that you seek my aid, yet for the third debate, you neglect to ask? Am I not capable of excelling in both martial and intellectual pursuits?”

“Ah… well… I would ask for your help there too… it’s just that the debate topics are presented spontaneously, requiring immediate responses, which introduces a great deal of uncertainty. Unlike the companion combat, which is already confirmed to take place in the East District Arena…”

Paresha scratched her head awkwardly, offering a placating smile. “Surely, our esteemed Commander will have no trouble whatsoever dealing with some useless candidate from the City Alliance, hehe~”

“The East District Arena… is that the one operated by the Rust Chain Brotherhood?”

“Indeed, it is the grandest arena in all of Vero.”

“Very well, I agree. Later, assemble your other teammates for a meeting, and I shall compile a list of necessary provisions. You must procure all the specified equipment for us; is that understood?”

“Absolutely! No problem at all!”

Paresha threw her hand into the air, letting out a jubilant ‘Hooray!’

“Wait.”

Both women immediately turned their attention to the impassive Kaelan, their smiles vanishing as they keenly awaited her words.

“Do you intend to forfeit the magical proficiency assessment?”

“I… I suppose I have no choice but to forfeit…”

“Hmph! Such a lack of ambition.”

Kaelan pursed her lips, feigning a strike at Paresha’s forehead, which sent Paresha yelping, burying her head in her arms and collapsing onto the table in a whimper.

“I am Kaelan, the Black Witch, and I shall not tolerate my apprentice being outmatched in magic by anyone.”

“But, Teacher Kaelan… I am utterly ignorant of divine magic; it’s simply impossible to master it in such a brief period…”

“It is called magic, not divine magic!”

“Waaah… I’m so sorry… Teacher Kaelan…”

Paresha, clutching the imaginary bump on her head, blinked her eyes piteously. “Please, Teacher, save me…”

Kaelan sighed, then rose and ascended the tavern’s staircase.

“Paresha, accompany me.”

With that, Paresha and Kaelan departed for an emergency magic tutoring session, leaving only Aquilis and Saranya in the main hall.

Saranya poured Aquilis a drink. The mermaid, flattered, carefully took the glass, sipped a tiny amount, and immediately began to cough uncontrollably.

“Possessing magical abilities, which you wield with apparent ease, suggests you are no ordinary mermaid. How, then, were you captured?”

“I simply… ventured onto the beach, and was apprehended…”

Aquilis, aware of the vagueness of her reply, lowered her head, a blush of guilt coloring her cheeks.

Saranya, however, harbored no inclination to press the matter further. After all, it was not uncommon for s*ave-trading sailors to occasionally capture a few rare exotic beings.

“Are you willing to serve our master alongside me?”

“Yes… I am willing. Kaelan healed my legs, granting me the ability to survive on land, and for that, I am profoundly grateful to her…”

Aquilis swept her long silver hair away from her face, tucking a few strands behind her ear. As if struck by a sudden thought, she hastily added,

“Lady Saranya, having arrived before me, you are my senior, and I am equally willing to serve you…”

“I require no service from you. Simply refrain from causing trouble, and do not, under any circumstances, approach the master without my explicit permission. That will suffice!”

“Understood, Lady Saranya. I shall be utterly obedient…”

Saranya’s subtle hostility was palpable. Though Aquilis did not fully grasp the underlying tension, she chose complete submission, effectively disarming herself and surrendering to her.

“Excellent. The tavern is nearly ready to open. You are fortunate; I have abolished the previous prostitution business here. You may remain in the main hall as a serving maid.”

“Yes…”

Aquilis responded meekly, then, after a prolonged hesitation, she slowly raised her head and hesitantly posed a question.

“Um, excuse me, do you… perchance… know Lord Mejga…?”

Saranya’s eyes widened. “Who?!”

“You two bear such a striking resemblance… you are indeed related, aren’t you?! Please, I beg you, could you take me to see him?!”