Episode 116. The Silent Temple's Choice
History was overturned.
Laxus would be remembered not as the strong monarch who subdued the empire, but as a loser and a murderer.
The temple was also about to follow suit.
The High Priest clutched his head.
Secrets were constantly circulating in the temple.
Moreover, the new Emperor's side wanted a quick coronation ceremony.
And a new signet ring?
Wasn't this a plan to completely overthrow Hientri?
The reason the temple had been able to stand tall in the face of the strengthened imperial authority was that the royal family belonged to the Hientri clan, protected by the three serpent gods.
However, whether the Lottera clan possessed such sacredness was debatable.
This was why the high priests, who had quietly disappeared late into the evening, were unable to leave the temple, instead continuing to engage in empty discussions.
“If we acknowledge Renisha Lottera as Emperor, our status will plummet. The three serpent gods will surely be angry! Your High Priest, you must be careful. Even now, the temple must step in and establish another descendant of the Hientri family as Emperor to replace Renisha Lottera.”
In the end, he could not let go of the power he held.
The High Priest had no intention of completely giving up the temple’s interests.
But Renisha...
‘If we cross that woman, we could all die.’
The High Priest’s heavy eyes scanned the faces of the priests gathered around.
They are speaking so naively because they have not experienced Renisha.
The priests have chosen a Hientri bloodline according to their own taste and are making it the Emperor?
"Don't underestimate Renisha Lottera. She's the woman who turned this empire upside down with a single finger. Think of those she's in control of. The descendants of the past Lotteras, the heroes Kassius and Shamdir, and even the Marquis of Danvers and Madame Turiel, who dominate the social scene."
The High Priest's voice continued softly.
The priests, whose lips were quivering nervously, focused their gazes.
"Everyone who holds a prominent position in Hientri follows Renisha Lottera. She rose to her current position by manipulating those people without lifting a finger. Don't you understand what that means? Renisha Lottera possesses the power to command people."
The High Priest murmured. They say the most important thing to an Emperor is popularity.
He wasn't the one who directly controlled them, but rather the conductors who moved others.
Who could be more suited to that position than Renisha Lottera? She placed the right people in the right positions and made them move.
Even risking their life, solely for Renisha Lottera.
Such an outstanding figure is destined to lead the times, and one should be grateful for being born in Hientri.
Furthermore, Renisha Lottera was a person capable of becoming cruel to achieve her own ends.
The High Priest lowered his eyes, then raised them.
“...There’s talk of Canary’s death.”
“Gasp!”
“They say the young Prince has disappeared. Is there any chance Renisha wasn’t involved?”
The priests’ faces changed with each passing moment.
“I believe it’s right to board the Renisha ship. Renisha Lottera has asked for two things from us: new justice for the Yi tribes and new recognition by the imperial family.”
“...Your High Priest...”
“I also think it would be more stable to seek divinity from Renisha Lottera. The new Emperor has shown her respect for us.”
The very fact that she was requesting recognition as Emperor from the temple, citing a new seal, was a sign that she would not completely ignore their opinions.
It was a gesture of peace, extended by Renisha to the temple.
Was it really necessary to dismiss it?
The High Priest shook his head with a sullen expression.
“If Renisha Lottera wishes, she will reform the temple. Who wouldn’t be devastated if she swept this place clean?”
The atmosphere grew increasingly somber.
Those who had been discussing things from their desks finally realized this wasn’t a matter they could choose.
The youngest priest, who had been rolling his eyes and observing the situation, raised his hand slightly.
“Have you... heard the story of Hientri?”
The clear voice that filled the heavy atmosphere drew attention.
“Hientri was a wasteland, wasn’t it? There’s a story that it was crushed by the power of a black snake, isn’t there?”
“According to ancient records, that’s true,”
The High Priest replied.
The young priest’s cheeks, illuminated by the candlelight, ripened like a peach, exhilarated by the elation of speaking with the most powerful being. His nostrils flared with excitement.
The young priest cleared his throat and spoke slowly.
“It’s said that the power of the red serpent merged with that of the black serpent, causing a flower to bloom there.”
It was a story everyone had heard.
“And Lottera was a family that originally originated in Hiloshine. Since Lottera and Lord Kassius united and became one, the sacredness of the black and red serpents underpins the family of Lottera.”
The High Priest nodded.
It was a story he had been considering.
In truth, stories were always made to suit one’s taste.
Incorporating the role of the temple into the equation was crucial.
“Furthermore, if the child born to Renisha one day becomes Emperor, the sacredness of the imperial family will be complete. And...”
The young priest swallowed and continued.
“There’s also talk of making Hiloshine a second institution... How about building a second central temple in Hiloshine?”
The High Priest removed his hand from his face.
An unexpected answer was spilling from the young priest’s lips.
“You are now...”
"We're building a new temple in Hiloshane, receiving revelations from the three serpent gods. Wouldn't this serve as a basis for supporting Renisha Lottera and securing our place?"
Until now, temples honoring the three serpent gods have existed only in the capital.
They were called central temples, yet they were also single temples.
Only small altars existed in the provinces.
However, the proposal was to split the temple and build a second one in Hiloshane, an unusual move.
This was sure to have a profound impact.
The Emperor might lead the people of the empire, but it was their faith that united them.
The High Priest's beard trembled.
He felt something weighing on his chest lift away.
"This is a good idea!!!"
Renisha brushed her lips with her finger.
Kassius, dressed in a robe and sitting on the edge of the bed, stroked the back of Renisha's neck.
He didn't like the piece of paper that had stolen her attention.
He frowned, but Renisha didn't look back.
Kassius sighed, pressing his lips to her bare shoulder.
“Do you like the answer from the temple?”
Late one night, the messenger who knocked on the palace gates brought a letter with the temple’s response written in meticulous detail.
“The temple recognizes the sacredness of the Hiloshine. And.”
Renisha rolled over and offered the letter she was holding to Kassius.
Kassius ran a hand through his hair and read its contents.
Renisha’s voice continued softly.
“The temple has accepted my proposal. The temple will remove the mark of heresy from the tribes because of Kassius, who has accepted the power of the red serpent.”
Kassius’s eyes widened.
Renisha stared at him with sparkling eyes.
Pulling the blanket over her, she sat up and pressed herself against Kassius, not wanting to miss any reaction he might show.
Renisha stroked Kassius’ cheek with her hand.
“The Yi tribes will be free.”
Kassius raised his head and gazed at Renisha.
The Yi tribes were still fugitives, hunted.
She had given them an unexpected gift.
They would be able to settle down and live, and their children would learn about science, theology, and law instead of fleeing through the mountains.
What Kassius could not give, Renisha had given.
Renisha tilted her head and kissed Kassius on the lips.
“My Hisham.”
Kassius’s throat rang.
It was a name he had forgotten.
Hisham of the Yi tribe.
The name of the ruler.
He felt goosebumps rise on his skin.
He would be able to restore glory to his father, who had protected his family and faced death.
Renisha kissed Kassius’s neck.
“I wanted to give you something as precious as you gave me.”
“Renisha, I...”
Kassius’s voice was laced with tears.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep up with Renisha.
As Kassius ran, his legs throbbing, Renisha was one step ahead.
How far could Renisha go?
His heart swelled with excitement.
Renisha took Kassius's hand and placed it on her chest. A warm, resonant sound tickled Kassius's fingertips, as if a small bird were alive and breathing inside.
Kassius took a deep breath and exhaled.
His eyes felt hot, and then tears fell.
He thought he hadn't expected it, but was he expecting it?
Renisha smiled faintly.
"You're like a tree planted here, Kassius. You expect nothing of me. Everyone who follows me has their own desires. Prince Meteo acts for Shamdir, and Madame Turiel acts to satisfy her own greed."
Renisha tilted her head.
Her smile deepened.
Thinking of Kassius warmed her heart.
She had the belief that whenever she turned, he would be there.
Kassius had never left her alone since they met.
He always stayed by Renisha's side in unexpected ways.
Renisha kissed Kassius's palm.
"And you barely..."
Renisha's eyes clouded.
All Kassius had ever wished for was Renisha. Her self.
"Just look at me."
Renisha touched Kassius's shoulder.
Kassius blinked as she approached. He felt helpless, as if under Renisha's mind control.
He couldn't move a single finger.
Kassius's eyelids fluttered.
His heart pounded as if it were about to burst out.
"That's why I wanted to give you something more precious."
Renisha's voice grew more secretive.
The blanket slipped down her shoulder as she leaned toward Kassius.
This was clearly intentional.
Renisha was a siren, appearing to seduce Kassius.
Kassius reached out to her as if entranced.
Renisha rested her head on Kassius's shoulder, breathing heavily.
"If there's anything else you wish for, tell me, Kassius."
Renisha turned her head and brushed her lips against the back of his neck.
Kassius's neck flushed with heat.
On this night, Renisha was the one who controlled Kassius.
What could he possibly wish for? Kassius closed his eyes tightly.
History was overturned.
Laxus would be remembered not as the strong monarch who subdued the empire, but as a loser and a murderer.
The temple was also about to follow suit.
The High Priest clutched his head.
Secrets were constantly circulating in the temple.
Moreover, the new Emperor's side wanted a quick coronation ceremony.
And a new signet ring?
Wasn't this a plan to completely overthrow Hientri?
The reason the temple had been able to stand tall in the face of the strengthened imperial authority was that the royal family belonged to the Hientri clan, protected by the three serpent gods.
However, whether the Lottera clan possessed such sacredness was debatable.
This was why the high priests, who had quietly disappeared late into the evening, were unable to leave the temple, instead continuing to engage in empty discussions.
“If we acknowledge Renisha Lottera as Emperor, our status will plummet. The three serpent gods will surely be angry! Your High Priest, you must be careful. Even now, the temple must step in and establish another descendant of the Hientri family as Emperor to replace Renisha Lottera.”
In the end, he could not let go of the power he held.
The High Priest had no intention of completely giving up the temple’s interests.
But Renisha...
‘If we cross that woman, we could all die.’
The High Priest’s heavy eyes scanned the faces of the priests gathered around.
They are speaking so naively because they have not experienced Renisha.
The priests have chosen a Hientri bloodline according to their own taste and are making it the Emperor?
"Don't underestimate Renisha Lottera. She's the woman who turned this empire upside down with a single finger. Think of those she's in control of. The descendants of the past Lotteras, the heroes Kassius and Shamdir, and even the Marquis of Danvers and Madame Turiel, who dominate the social scene."
The High Priest's voice continued softly.
The priests, whose lips were quivering nervously, focused their gazes.
"Everyone who holds a prominent position in Hientri follows Renisha Lottera. She rose to her current position by manipulating those people without lifting a finger. Don't you understand what that means? Renisha Lottera possesses the power to command people."
The High Priest murmured. They say the most important thing to an Emperor is popularity.
He wasn't the one who directly controlled them, but rather the conductors who moved others.
Who could be more suited to that position than Renisha Lottera? She placed the right people in the right positions and made them move.
Even risking their life, solely for Renisha Lottera.
Such an outstanding figure is destined to lead the times, and one should be grateful for being born in Hientri.
Furthermore, Renisha Lottera was a person capable of becoming cruel to achieve her own ends.
The High Priest lowered his eyes, then raised them.
“...There’s talk of Canary’s death.”
“Gasp!”
“They say the young Prince has disappeared. Is there any chance Renisha wasn’t involved?”
The priests’ faces changed with each passing moment.
“I believe it’s right to board the Renisha ship. Renisha Lottera has asked for two things from us: new justice for the Yi tribes and new recognition by the imperial family.”
“...Your High Priest...”
“I also think it would be more stable to seek divinity from Renisha Lottera. The new Emperor has shown her respect for us.”
The very fact that she was requesting recognition as Emperor from the temple, citing a new seal, was a sign that she would not completely ignore their opinions.
It was a gesture of peace, extended by Renisha to the temple.
Was it really necessary to dismiss it?
The High Priest shook his head with a sullen expression.
“If Renisha Lottera wishes, she will reform the temple. Who wouldn’t be devastated if she swept this place clean?”
The atmosphere grew increasingly somber.
Those who had been discussing things from their desks finally realized this wasn’t a matter they could choose.
The youngest priest, who had been rolling his eyes and observing the situation, raised his hand slightly.
“Have you... heard the story of Hientri?”
The clear voice that filled the heavy atmosphere drew attention.
“Hientri was a wasteland, wasn’t it? There’s a story that it was crushed by the power of a black snake, isn’t there?”
“According to ancient records, that’s true,”
The High Priest replied.
The young priest’s cheeks, illuminated by the candlelight, ripened like a peach, exhilarated by the elation of speaking with the most powerful being. His nostrils flared with excitement.
The young priest cleared his throat and spoke slowly.
“It’s said that the power of the red serpent merged with that of the black serpent, causing a flower to bloom there.”
It was a story everyone had heard.
“And Lottera was a family that originally originated in Hiloshine. Since Lottera and Lord Kassius united and became one, the sacredness of the black and red serpents underpins the family of Lottera.”
The High Priest nodded.
It was a story he had been considering.
In truth, stories were always made to suit one’s taste.
Incorporating the role of the temple into the equation was crucial.
“Furthermore, if the child born to Renisha one day becomes Emperor, the sacredness of the imperial family will be complete. And...”
The young priest swallowed and continued.
“There’s also talk of making Hiloshine a second institution... How about building a second central temple in Hiloshine?”
The High Priest removed his hand from his face.
An unexpected answer was spilling from the young priest’s lips.
“You are now...”
"We're building a new temple in Hiloshane, receiving revelations from the three serpent gods. Wouldn't this serve as a basis for supporting Renisha Lottera and securing our place?"
Until now, temples honoring the three serpent gods have existed only in the capital.
They were called central temples, yet they were also single temples.
Only small altars existed in the provinces.
However, the proposal was to split the temple and build a second one in Hiloshane, an unusual move.
This was sure to have a profound impact.
The Emperor might lead the people of the empire, but it was their faith that united them.
The High Priest's beard trembled.
He felt something weighing on his chest lift away.
"This is a good idea!!!"
***
Renisha brushed her lips with her finger.
Kassius, dressed in a robe and sitting on the edge of the bed, stroked the back of Renisha's neck.
He didn't like the piece of paper that had stolen her attention.
He frowned, but Renisha didn't look back.
Kassius sighed, pressing his lips to her bare shoulder.
“Do you like the answer from the temple?”
Late one night, the messenger who knocked on the palace gates brought a letter with the temple’s response written in meticulous detail.
“The temple recognizes the sacredness of the Hiloshine. And.”
Renisha rolled over and offered the letter she was holding to Kassius.
Kassius ran a hand through his hair and read its contents.
Renisha’s voice continued softly.
“The temple has accepted my proposal. The temple will remove the mark of heresy from the tribes because of Kassius, who has accepted the power of the red serpent.”
Kassius’s eyes widened.
Renisha stared at him with sparkling eyes.
Pulling the blanket over her, she sat up and pressed herself against Kassius, not wanting to miss any reaction he might show.
Renisha stroked Kassius’ cheek with her hand.
“The Yi tribes will be free.”
Kassius raised his head and gazed at Renisha.
The Yi tribes were still fugitives, hunted.
She had given them an unexpected gift.
They would be able to settle down and live, and their children would learn about science, theology, and law instead of fleeing through the mountains.
What Kassius could not give, Renisha had given.
Renisha tilted her head and kissed Kassius on the lips.
“My Hisham.”
Kassius’s throat rang.
It was a name he had forgotten.
Hisham of the Yi tribe.
The name of the ruler.
He felt goosebumps rise on his skin.
He would be able to restore glory to his father, who had protected his family and faced death.
Renisha kissed Kassius’s neck.
“I wanted to give you something as precious as you gave me.”
“Renisha, I...”
Kassius’s voice was laced with tears.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep up with Renisha.
As Kassius ran, his legs throbbing, Renisha was one step ahead.
How far could Renisha go?
His heart swelled with excitement.
Renisha took Kassius's hand and placed it on her chest. A warm, resonant sound tickled Kassius's fingertips, as if a small bird were alive and breathing inside.
Kassius took a deep breath and exhaled.
His eyes felt hot, and then tears fell.
He thought he hadn't expected it, but was he expecting it?
Renisha smiled faintly.
"You're like a tree planted here, Kassius. You expect nothing of me. Everyone who follows me has their own desires. Prince Meteo acts for Shamdir, and Madame Turiel acts to satisfy her own greed."
Renisha tilted her head.
Her smile deepened.
Thinking of Kassius warmed her heart.
She had the belief that whenever she turned, he would be there.
Kassius had never left her alone since they met.
He always stayed by Renisha's side in unexpected ways.
Renisha kissed Kassius's palm.
"And you barely..."
Renisha's eyes clouded.
All Kassius had ever wished for was Renisha. Her self.
"Just look at me."
Renisha touched Kassius's shoulder.
Kassius blinked as she approached. He felt helpless, as if under Renisha's mind control.
He couldn't move a single finger.
Kassius's eyelids fluttered.
His heart pounded as if it were about to burst out.
"That's why I wanted to give you something more precious."
Renisha's voice grew more secretive.
The blanket slipped down her shoulder as she leaned toward Kassius.
This was clearly intentional.
Renisha was a siren, appearing to seduce Kassius.
Kassius reached out to her as if entranced.
Renisha rested her head on Kassius's shoulder, breathing heavily.
"If there's anything else you wish for, tell me, Kassius."
Renisha turned her head and brushed her lips against the back of his neck.
Kassius's neck flushed with heat.
On this night, Renisha was the one who controlled Kassius.
What could he possibly wish for? Kassius closed his eyes tightly.
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