Book 16: Chapter 37


    You best have a legitimate reason for disturbing me sote at night. I have no qualms beheading you for disturbing my time with my family.


    Elizabeth sat down on the sofa. Castell immediately served her a ss of wine. Elizabeth flicked her ck hair. She brushed aside her ck face veil and had a drink of the strong wine. The man, who was standing there feeling panic-stricken, knelt down and saluted her. He nearly bit off his tongue as he greeted her in a shaky voice: I-I am very honoured Your Majesty Y-Your Subject o-o-on behalf of the new church.


    I dont care who you are. Are you out of people, though? You sent a man who cant even speak to waste my time?


    Elizabeth ced her cup down loudly. She rose and grouchily turned to leave. The man anxiously leapt to his feet and eximed, Sorry, sorry, sorry I I mean, your subject your subject is here for the first time today and so


    Elizabeth looked over her shoulder: Turn around, then. Dont look at me, and youll be able to speak, right? I forgive you for being rude. Just tell me what you have to say.


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    The man let out a breath of relief. He turned around to face the wall behind him. He was always told that Empress Elizabeth was an Empress so stern that she violently killed with or without reason, which was why he was so on edge that he virtually couldnt speak. He never imagined her to be so gentle. She didnt reprimand him for his rudeness, nor did she kill him.


    Eyes on the wall, he exined, Your Majesty your subject is here to see you on behalf of the new church. Your subject wanted to know if our new church would be able to have the honour of holding Daisys baptism. We have authentic holy water, not the counterfeit type used to swindle people. All wounds can be healed with it; th-.


    I dont care if youre the new church or old church. I dont believe in your religion to begin with. I dont understand your internal affairs, either. Thats why I havent interfered. That said, if your matters get Daisy involved, I will never approve. Daisy is my cherished grandchild. I will not allow her to be a tool for your religious practices conflict. I already spoke to the pope about the baptism and, thus, wont change my decision. If thats what you wanted to discuss, you dont need to say anymore. If thats all, Im heading back.


    But is it not true that those on the battlefield all believe in God?


    <em>I</em> am the soldiers god.


    Castell could see that Elizabeth didnt want to continue with the talk. He, therefore, immediately called for the Valkyries to escort her back to her pce. The man behind her immediately raised his head and cried, Your Majesty!! Your Majesty! Please consider it! Please consider it! We guarantee


    I said, I dont want to think about this. Daisy isnt a tool for you to gain power or fame. My impression of you is incredibly poor. You dont care for Daisy. You just want to use her to get what you want.


    Your Majesty! Your Majesty!


    One more word from him and behead him.


    Two Valkyries drew their swords. The man immediately shut up. The Valkyries went up to his side and bowed: Mister, the discussion has ended. You can leave now.


    The Valkyries were polite on the surface, but their des told a different story. The man had no choice but to leave. He took onest nce at Elizabeth, who exited, and then left the pce.


    Im a new believer. I thought that my church was the real church. The miracle I witnessed was a true miracle, but that fraudulent church is leveraging their presence as the older church to impose their influence. We cant engage in physical altercations under Elizabeths influence, but it seems shes not willing to help us. At present, theres only one piece of good news, and that is Empress Elizabeth doesnt n to help either side, reasoned the new churchs member.


    ========


    As she headed back to the inner court, Elizabeth grouched, Far out. Theyre a real piece of work.


    Castell smiled: Is this about Princess Daisys baptism? At current, the new and old churchs conflict has reached its peak, which is why they are trying everything to try and seize every opportunity. Given the situation, whoever wins the support of the royal family will be the sole recognised church. However, due to His Majestys history with the old church, they are afraid His Majesty will seek vengeance against them. For that reason, they want to make up for their former mistakes with this baptism. This will be the biggest baptism in history. The new church, on the other hand, wants to rely on their so-called miracle to win over Princess Daisy.


    I wont hand her to anyone. I agreed to have the old church conduct the baptism, so I wont change my decision because of these people. If things get out of hand, cancel the baptism.


    Elizabeth irritably threw a punch at the wall to her side, thereby scaring the living daylights out of Castell. He was afraid that Elizabeth would hurt herself. She didnt mind her hand, though. Instead, she went outside and looked at the light in Niers room. After mulling over things, shemanded, Castell, have two Valkyrie teams take over the big chapel, and arrange for the military to enter the city. Ensure that every ce is safe. Do not allow any conflicts to ur in the Royal City. Strictly guard the holy water and interior of the church. Do not allow anyone to go near the holy water or Daisy, understood?


    Yes, Your Majesty.


    Castell understood what Elizabeth meant. Elizabeth didnt want the two factions fighting to hurt the innocent. More importantly, she didnt want them to ruin the baptism. Elizabeth wasnt religious. She merely wanted Daisy to be able to safely make an appearance before the masses. Daisy was set to seed the throne that Troy wasnt going to seed. As such, everybody had to know of Daisys existence early. Otherwise, what happened with Troy back then would repeat itself.


    But is it really a good idea to let the two religions duke it out? Elizabeth nonchntly shook her head then snickered. It has nothing to do with me; but nheless, isnt that better? The big church split. The remaining two factions want to win my support. Therefore, regardless of who falls, theyll go from an autonomous church into my puppet. That way, thest loose end of my rule that I havent been able to control will be no more. Thats why we just need to watch. Watch them cripple each other, and then welle in and take over.


    I see. Castell chuckled.


    While Elizabeth didnt kill anymore, she hadnt changed much. She was still as ruthless as ever.