"And in the hour of twilight, when all other gods abandoned us. Chrunus alone stood!"
Bishop stopped for a moment.
The atmosphere around him resembled a church, and yet no preaching of God's word could be heard.
Incense filled the air, and many benches accommodated dozens of faithful.
Before the altar, an older well well-built man preached, in his hand a thurible, constantly dispensing incense smoke.
He wore priestly robes, black and red in color with purple details adorning their edges; Colors of Chrunus.
His short gray hair was covered by a dark hood, obscuring his face.
It cast a shadow over his eyes and nose, allowing observers to see only his mouth.
After all, he was a speaker of Chrunus.
"He is the Lord of Chalk! He is the God of Chaos! A God of domain that many would fear is only one who protects humanity!" Bishop shouted, his voice carrying zeal one would expect of those worshipping the supreme god.
Bishop stopped for a moment, giving a moment for silence to reign."WHEN CHRUNUS created the world, he also created lesser gods to act as his messengers."
"AND YET! We mortals in our hubris started worshipping those messengers instead of Chrunus!" He shouted with passion, one hand on his chest and one pointing towards the sky.
"THEY ARE HERETICS!" He shouted, his voice on the verge of cracking.
Booing sounds from the audience echoed as Bisohp allowed silence to reign once again.
"Only Fortuna stayed loyal to the most holy Chrunus! As such, she is to be treated with reverence but not worshipped above our supreme God."
Bishop stepped behind the podium before looking down at the parchment.
"And yet despite that! New heresy had reared its ugly head."
"We call it Heresy of the Cross. It is a mockery of all that Chrunus stands for." He frowned.
"YOU! As faithful of Chrunus are to report any sightings to the nearest Priest." With those words his fingers clutched around the podium.
"This concludes today's sermon. Leave your donation on the way out."
Bishop raised his arms in the air, "May the Holy Darkness of Chrunus forever shroud you! Amen."
With those words, the gathered believers left the church, leaving the bishop alone with one person.
"Duke Milan, I suppose. Are you here to request a loan like Volt did?" Bishop scoffed as he turned his back to the man.
Bishop had no reason to care for nobility; service to Chrunus was a higher priority than any petty politics.
"No, I am here to request support from the church."
Bishop stopped, his fury exuding from his whole being."For what?"
"I wish to request support of the First Legion, or at least some strong soldiers!"
"DO you realise the weight of what you are asking for. Milan." Bishop stared, his hands lifting the hood and revealing old, scarred face.
Man had Green eyes, slight gray stubble, and short gray hair.
Milan took a step back, despite being a duke, someone like the Bishop of 'Church of Chrunus' would outrank him on church grounds.
"Greed... Your greed is something Chrunus does not condone. Why would you request this?" Bishop spoke with curiosity.
"Princess Aurelia had taken over the throne without the senate voting." His voice was low, unlike the last time he spoke with other dukes.
Bishop's eyes widened, "Same princess that backs the Heresy of the Cross?"
"Yes."
"In that case... It changes everything." Bishop spoke with disdain, that woman came from nowhere and started a heresy.
Until now, he had only known her as 'Princess of Fools' and not someone capable of creating a whole heresy.
And yet...
Heresy of the cross was more difficult to remove.
Two contingents of Paladins he had sent never returned from their missions.
He had suspected an attack by Aurelia, however, she was too incompetent to ambush highly powerful Paladins.
Especially with some of them being over level 50.
'She is backed by someone competent. Perhaps Milan can do something.' Bishop scratched his chin, his mind diving deep into thought.
"In that case... I will propose it to the Cardinals. Follow me." Bishop turned his back. Cardinal gestured for him to follow.
Milan bowed slightly before hurriedly following after the Bishop.
They made their way to a meeting room of the church, a rather luxurious dwelling meant to entertain the guests.
It was decorated with the finest mahogany wood furniture, crafted by the best craftsmen of Valar.
Bishop took a seat before gesturing for Milan to take one as well.
"What is your plan. I will not allow you to use the church for your own personal gains alone." He interlocked his fingers as he leaned forward.
"Of course not. What are your demands, honorable Bishop?" He spoke with respect.
Bishop leaned forward into his hand, "I want Aurelia alive; she is to be sacrificed to Chrunus for starting a heresy."
Milan nodded. It was a fair request.
Chrunus demanded sacrifices, and high-profile ones like an Apostate Princess would do wonders to appease Chrunus.
He had no reason not to agree.
Slam. "I accept, Aurelia must be brought to justice! Do what you will. I will allow you to use one of the Paladin contingents that are not officially part of the first legion."
Milan tilted his head slightly, "I understand. Once the senate has finished voting, I will send the Paladins to capture her."
"Excellent, Chrunus does not tolerate failure. I want her on the sacrificial altar as soon as the senate is concluded." Seriousness in his voice sent chills down Milan's spine.
His back straightened as he saluted, "Of course, sir Bishop!"
Bishop's eyes washed over the man, "What are you waiting for? Go!"
Without hesitation, Milan rushed out, no matter his position; Bishop was too powerful to anger, especially now that he needed his help.
Doors slammed behind Milan, leaving the Bishop alone.
"Chrunus, may Aurelia be delivered to the altar in your name!" He gazed into the sky, which, of course, was the ceiling.