The Marquess donned his formal attire, carefully adjusting the collar of the deep blue coat bearing the emblem of House Kendrick. Today, this symbol would be a mark of both respect and warning.
He was not just representing his house today but protecting the future of his family and his daughter, Adeline.
As he arrived at the Palace, the guards at the grand entrance offered him a nod of respect. They all know that the Marquess is a closer advisor to the Emperor.
He was quickly ushered into the Emperor’s private study. He had the usual imposing, regal look on his face. It was like he was born to be the Emperor.
"Ah, Kendrick," the Emperor said, his voice calm but with an edge of curiosity. "What brings you here in such haste?"
"Your Majesty," the Marquess began, bowing deeply, "there is a matter of urgency regarding the Holy Temple. Their actions have overstepped bounds, and the consequences are severe."
The Emperor stared with a hardened gaze... He was wondering what agenda the Marquess had for bringing up this topic so suddenly. He was a trusted advisor, sure, but he was also the Emperor.
"The Temple has withdrawn its healers from the border without notice, your Majesty. Because of this, casualties have surged among our soldiers."
The Emperor’s face darkened and he leaned forward. This was a serious accusation, but also, it was a very serious accusation. He needed evidence to back his statement up, and if this accusation is true...
The Marquess knew that the Emperor was just looking for an opportunity to deal with the Holy Temple, but he needed an important reason to go ahead.
And they delivered the opportunity themselves.
The Marquess opened the battle report and placed it in front of the Emperor. The high casualty count immediately caught his eye.
"Without the Temple’s healers, we are losing soldiers at an unprecedented rate. The healers were our soldiers’ lifeline in these battles. But now, without any prior warning, they’ve abandoned their duty. This is no accident, Your Majesty, it’s a direct violation of their agreement with the Empire. They’re overstepping their authority."
The Emperor’s jaw tightened, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest of his chair. He didn’t tolerate insubordination, even from the Temple.
Their behaviour was no less than treason!
He knew the Temple’s influence and power ran deep in the Empire, touching every corner of society. This defiance felt like a challenge, a reminder of their unchecked sway.
"They think they are untouchable," the Emperor murmured, almost to himself. He was usually a level-headed Emperor. But he was only human. For a man who clawed his way up and became the Emperor...
Anyone who challenges his authority should be eliminated. Holy Temple or not, no one can provoke him.
At times he wished to completely wipe out the Holy Temple. They were merely healers. They cannot fight. What would they do if each and every one of them were slaughtered?
He doubted they could out heal his Imperial Army. Without the Holy Temple, the world would be in balance... Wouldn’t it?
Darkness brewed in his mind. It was very tempting to kill all of them, who cared if some of them came from noble families? No one is above him... Absolutely no one.
His gaze shifted back to the Marquess, resolutely declared, "This will not go unanswered. They should be kept in check. As for how... I will gladly decide."
The Marquess gave a small, satisfied nod. He knew that his words had struck a chord, but he wanted to be sure the Emperor fully understood the gravity of the situation. "If the Temple believes it can defy the Empire openly... Your Majesty, then we risk losing our grip on the people’s loyalty. They cannot be seen as a power above the Emperor."
The Emperor held up a hand to signal that he understood. He rose from his seat and started walking towards the large windows overlooking the palace gardens.
His hands firmly clasped behind his back as he considered his next move. His eyes, cold and calculating, scanned the horizon as if the Holy Temple were an enemy encampment.
"We have soldiers stationed around the Temple, as you well know, Kendrick," the Emperor said, his tone was low and dangerous. "At a moment’s notice, they can move. I believe they will be enough to deal with that pathetic lot..."
The Marquess’s expression remained neutral, but on the inside, he was satisfied with the outcome. The Emperor’s anger was well-founded, and he was glad the Temple’s religious nature didn’t influence him.
They worshipped the Sun Goddess, and she was the one who blessed the Royal family too... Sentiments could come in the way, he hoped that doesn’t happen.
Once the Marquess made his point clear, he left.
The Emperor turned to his desk, picking up a quill and swiftly scribbling orders onto a piece of parchment. He rolled it tightly, secured it with the imperial seal, and walked to the window where a falcon sat.
This was his specially trained falcon, anyone from the Imperial Army would easily be able to recognise it.
"If the priests don’t comply or if they dare withdraw more support, my soldiers will make sure they regret it."
Once the Marquess left, he could breathe. He had thought long and hard about what to do if Adeline’s powers were exposed.
As the events kept transpiring, the situation was becoming more and more complex.
Adeline’s powers will not dwindle like the Temple thought it would.
He was almost sure that the Temple knew of his daughter’s powers. He didn’t tell the Emperor just yet... He was waiting for the right time. Plus if he did, the Emperor would assume that this was because of his own agenda.
If the Temple does inform the Emperor of this, and the Emperor confronts him. He was prepared to play the role of a protective father.
He decided that if his daughter gets engaged to Cassian, and in the worst-case scenario... Marries him... He would still be able to protect her. But if she was taken away to the Holy Temple... He couldn’t guarantee his protection.
If the Emperor confronts him... He was prepared to tell him that Cassian knew of her powers, and that they were to be engaged. With the Royal Family, House of Kendrick and House of Rolfe backing her... He doubted the Holy Temple could do anything.