The imperial castle, inside Ares’ room.
Tap, tap.
The sound of chess pieces being placed on the board echoed in the air.
Although the game was progressing, only one person sat in a chair.
In his free time, Ares often enjoyed playing chess alone or engaging in other solitary activities.
***
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking on the door was accompanied by the voice of a maid.
“Your Highness, a guest has arrived.”
“You may let them in.”
Creak.
The one who appeared was Duke Kal Bayan, who had recently met with Emperor Eirene.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
“It has been a while, Duke Kal Bayan.”
Tap, tap.
“Were you playing chess?”
“Yes, it will be over soon.”
“Please, take your time. If my skills were better, I might have been able to serve as your opponent.”
“No need to worry. I wouldn’t want to burden a busy man like you with such trivial pastimes.”
Ares said this, though his true thoughts were different.
Playing chess with Duke Kal Bayan was boring.
It was a game whose outcome was predetermined.
What was most unfortunate was that this wasn’t even about hospitality.
Winning a game by overwhelming a weaker opponent was far from enjoyable.
In truth, the only person who had ever been his equal in chess was Yuria during their childhood.
However, she had stopped playing with him long ago, saying, ‘A ruler should not waste time on trivial games.’
***
Tap, tap.
“It’s over. As expected, black wins again.”
Ares stood up and promptly retrieved a teapot.
“What would you like? Darjeeling, Assam, Lapsang Souchong, or Keemun?”
“Whatever Your Highness prefers is fine. Though, if I may, I’d appreciate some warm milk with it.”
“The tea leaves I carefully sourced might shed tears at that request.”
Ares smiled lightly and added, “Just kidding.”
With practiced hands, he began preparing the tea, much like he had done for Linnea before.
Even for a duke, it was an unusual sight to have an imperial heir personally serve tea.
Yet, Duke Kal Bayan, seemingly accustomed to this, waited quietly without any visible discomfort.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.”
Taking a sip from his teacup, the duke initiated the main conversation.
“What brings you to the capital, Your Grace?”
“His Majesty summoned me. Surely, you are aware of the recent edict he issued?”
“Ah, yes. I recall there was a dungeon entrance near Kal Bayan as well.”
“How have you been, Your Highness? I was about to return to my estate, but hearing that your seclusion might soon end, I decided to linger nearby.”
Duke Istrid de Kal Bayan was a loyal retainer who governed the southeastern Kal Bayan region.
He was also one of the key figures aligned with Ares’ ideology, pledging himself to a potential cause under the prince’s vision.
If needed, his noble title and the fertile lands of Kal Bayan would undoubtedly become a significant asset to Ares.
“I’ve been writing a book. Here.”
Ares handed over a stack of manuscript papers.
The duke, familiar with such situations, quickly skimmed through the content and grasped Ares’ intentions.
“This is written for the people, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I took pride in it. I even received lessons from a renowned novelist on ‘stories that resonate with people.’ But now, it seems problematic.”
Ares’ goal wasn’t to become a great novelist.
His intent was for as many people as possible to read and understand the ‘truth’ embedded in the story.
However, he realized that in the current climate, readers would likely find the arguments puzzling rather than enlightening.
After all, the majority of the populace was content and happy with their lives.
***
“Your Highness, I met with His Majesty a few days ago.”
“How did it go?”
“Meeting him in person was astonishing. He seemed completely transformed. His gentle and benevolent tone held not a trace of falsehood, and the various policies discussed during lunch were logical and aimed at alleviating the people’s hardships.”
“That’s quite unlike my mother’s usual decisions.”
“I had heard rumors of his conversion after meeting the Saint and embracing the Igogodon faith, but I never imagined it to this extent. If he continues this course and the policies for coexistence with demons yield further results, His Majesty might be remembered as a great ruler in the empire’s history.”
Duke Kal Bayan straightened his posture and spoke with a serious tone.
“Your Highness, under the current circumstances, our actions might do more harm than good to the people’s lives.”
“After all, isn’t everything we do meant to provide a better life for the people?”
Ares stared silently at his teacup before asking, “Have you met the Saint?”
“No, though I was invited, I didn’t accept. Frankly, the drastic changes in those who meet her are unsettling.”
The duke coughed awkwardly and added, “It was rather disconcerting when His Majesty and Count Ernest bonded over discussions about the divine.”
Ares didn’t respond immediately.
Instead, he gently stirred his teacup, creating a small whirlpool within it.
“My mother, the Flame Tower’s Archmage, and others… all changed after meeting the Saint, didn’t they? It’s clear now that the Saint is the true leader behind it all.”
“Your Highness, you shouldn’t say such things outside of this room.”
“No, I would even say it to her face. The Saint is the divine representative of Igogodon. My mother wouldn’t be offended by such an acknowledgment.”
“Your Highness…”
“Regardless, we should focus on the Saint rather than His Majesty. Right now, she preaches ‘the merciful will of the divine,’ but who knows how things might change in the future?”
After all, the Saint is still human.
There’s always a possibility she could alter her stance.
“In a system that relies entirely on one individual, there’s no guarantee bloodshed can be avoided.”
“Many, including the people, could get caught up in it.”
“You’re not afraid now, are you?”
Ares’ cold tone silenced the duke, who seemed unable to respond.
“Even if there are unjust sacrifices, if it’s for the greater good… then so be it. If I were afraid of that, I wouldn’t have started this at all.”
The Duke appeared ready to speak further, but they were interrupted by the voice of a maid from beyond the door.
“Your Highness, another guest has arrived.”
“Your Highness, His Majesty has summoned you.”
‘…Mother?’
Ares, slightly startled by the sudden summons, remained seated as Duke Kal Bayan slowly rose from his seat.
“It seems that will be all for today. Thank you for the tea.”
“No, thank you for visiting. When shall we meet again?”
“Well… I’m not sure, but it would be nice if next time we could enjoy a quiet cup of tea and play that chess game we missed today. A day where we can talk about simple things without concerns of grand causes would surely be better than any discussion of lofty ideals.”
Ares watched Duke Kal Bayan leave, then adjusted his attire and stepped out of his room.
***
When he arrived at the audience chamber, he found the first princess, Yuria, already kneeling before Eirene.
Taking an appropriate position, Ares bowed his head in deference.
“I greet Your Majesty.”
“You’ve arrived, Ares. You may call me Mother if you wish.”
‘As expected.’
The warm smile of the benevolent woman before him was entirely unlike the mother he once knew.
“I called you both here to ask a personal favor.”
“What is it, Mother?”
At Yuria’s question, Eirene clasped her hands together demurely and lowered her head.
“You both know that all things in this world exist within the ‘plain truths’ of the one true God, Igogodon.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. I, too, feel God’s plain truths anew each day.”
“Now that Igodenism has become the state religion, our imperial family must properly study its teachings. The order has made a most gracious proposal. While Linnea, having benefited from serving as a holy knight, has already received the privilege of learning God’s will, I summoned you both for the same purpose.”
“So, we’ll finally have the opportunity to learn God’s will more deeply?”
“…Did you say the order made this proposal?”
Unlike Yuria, who responded with eager enthusiasm, Ares asked his question with a hint of skepticism.
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
“As far as I know, Igodenism strictly forbids coercion in spreading its faith. The scripture even mentions…”
“Ah, you must be referring to The Great Igogodon Scripture, Chapter 5, Verse 2: ‘Forcing religion upon non-believers will only annoy and tire them. If you wish to persuade, offer suitable rewards.’ Is that correct?”
Startled by Eirene’s precise recitation, Ares stumbled in his response.
‘…Mother has memorized the scripture.’
“…Yes, that is correct.”
“Ah, Ares, my clever child, quoting scripture fills this mother’s heart with joy. Especially since Chapter 5, Verse 2, is a passage deeply special to me.”
Eirene placed her clasped hands gently over her chest and, with an expression reminiscent of a girl in love, softly said, “It is a verse of love that God Himself shared directly with me…”
“Truly remarkable, Ares. I haven’t even fully read The Great Igogodon Scripture yet,” Yuria remarked.
Watching their exchange, Ares began to understand why Linnea was so wary of the Saint and why Duke Kal Bayan had sensed unease.
***
“Regardless, it is God’s will that our imperial family undertakes these studies. The reward, of course, is plain and undeniable: the love God has bestowed upon the Ainsberg family.”
“More than anything, the fact that the Saint herself has conveyed this proves God’s love most clearly, doesn’t it?”
Ares refrained from voicing his thought that the interpretation of doctrine seemed entirely at the Saint’s discretion.
“You will soon meet a nun sent by the order. Please dedicate time to learning God’s plain truths.”
“Of course, Mother. For the honor of the Ainsberg family and as a worthy successor, I vow to fulfill this task diligently.”
“Understood.”
Though uncertain of their intentions, Ares thought, ‘If it’s just one nun, it shouldn’t be too troublesome. I’ll handle it accordingly.’
He also figured it might be a chance to learn about the mindset of the clergy.
“Thank you both for accepting this request. For the love God has shown to our family, devote yourselves to the study of scripture during the nun’s stay.”
***
After the conversation ended, Eirene suggested a meal together since they were already gathered.
While dining with Yuria and Eirene was pleasant, listening to their enthusiastic religious discussions at the table was far from enjoyable.
‘This is exhausting.’
Returning to his room, Ares thought, ‘I’ll wash up, play with some cards, and then go to bed.’
But as he cautiously opened his door, he froze.
‘…What?’
“Ah, you’ve arrived!”
Before him stood a young woman he had never seen before.
Her long brown hair and fair complexion complemented her captivating deep hazel eyes, which seemed to draw people in.
But what stood out most was not her vibrant, charming appearance, but her attire—a scandalously revealing outfit that left her sides and thighs fully exposed.
Ares recognized it immediately.
It was the distinctive garb of an Igogodon nun, an image so striking it was impossible to forget once seen.
“Hello, Prince Ares! It’s an honor to meet you! Let’s get along well from now on!”
“And… you are?”
“Oh, how silly of me! I haven’t introduced myself yet!” She laughed cheerfully, then stepped closer to Ares and—
‘What?!’
—grabbed his pale hand without hesitation.
Ares’ face turned a noticeable shade of red.
“My, Your Highness, your hands are so delicate! I thought you looked refined, but your hands are beautiful too.”
“W-What… what is this…?”
“Oh, this? It’s a handshake! A handshake!”
With a bright smile, she shook Ares’ hand enthusiastically.
The young woman, with her carefree demeanor, left Ares struggling to respond.
Looking flustered, Ares could do nothing but stand there as she smiled radiantly, like sunlight itself, and said, “Nice to meet you, Prince Ares! I’m Karen, a nun studying God’s will. By the Saint’s command, I’ve come to teach you the plain truths of Igogodon!”
***
[Igogodon: (Donation: 3,000 won)]
[Igogodon: This week’s plain truth is time-limited!]
[Igogodon: Start by sending in a beautiful, smiling woman!]
[Igogodon: Let’s captivate him so he won’t resist faith!]
‘Her smile is truly beautiful.’
Oddly enough, that was the first thought Ares had upon meeting her.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.