Castorik… you wanted to see me?
The emperor stepped back into the quiet meeting room. Everyone else had already left; only Castorik remained, standing beside the table.
Castorik stood immediately and bowed.
"Yes, your highness…"
"Is it about the things you wanted to tell me?" the emperor asked, walking forward.
"Yes… also, I apologise for my reaction back then. Dilek was an old friend, so I thought it was my friend from ages ago."
"Ah, I see. Sorry, Castorik, that must have brought back some memories. I apologise as well."
"No, no, it's nothing, your highness…" Castorik gestured to the seat. "Anyways, shall I start?"
The emperor quietly sat down, his expression firm. "Sure… go ahead."
Castorik lowered himself onto the opposite chair.
"Well, your highness… you remember the prophecy?"
The emperor's face instantly hardened. The light flickering from the chandeliers reflected in his stern eyes.
"This better not be putting my son in danger…"
Castorik shook his head.
"Of course not, your highness… but I found a loophole in the prophecy."
The emperor leaned forward slightly.
"The prophecy said he will become a tyrant — the third prince will become a tyrant unless he follows a faith. And all these years he hasn't found one good enough for him, He dislikes them all. He doesn't care about any of them. Seran, Cael, Liora, Trithron, Aegis, Insupa."
Castorik clasped his hands.
"But your highness — what if instead of the six religions, he would rather follow another?"
The emperor frowned. "What do you mean, Castorik?"
Castorik took a breath.
"Your highness, I have found a man who claims to be the messenger of God, and I have brought him here to meet you."
The emperor blinked, surprised. For a moment, the room fell quiet except for the crackle of torches.
"What…?"
Castorik continued, "Your highness, the prophecy said he will learn the faith — it didn't specify which. I say it must be this."
"Duke Castorik… if that were the case, there would be thousands of religions wanting to spread their word to the prince. You know that, right?"
"I do," Castorik nodded. "But no one knows of the prophecy except a very small number. Even if it were random, a man wanting to abuse, it is simply not possible — not with the person I'm talking about. He can perform high-level heals at the level of an archbishop, and he never requests money. He himself doesn't know about the prophecy — he simply preaches about his goddess."
The emperor's brows rose.
"Is that so? Then let me meet him."
"Of course. Please, Diana — let him enter."
The door opened. A man stepped inside wearing a long white robe, the robe brushing softly against the floor. His hood was down, revealing a gentle face. He smiled with an almost saintly glow.
"Your highness," the man bowed. "Pleased to meet you… I am Jonah. The saint of Yaguya."
There he stood — Jonah. The same man who had once been tortured. Now looking unharmed, peaceful even.
The emperor rose with wide eyes. He stepped forward, gently holding Jonah's hands with a trembling grip.
"Please… help my son. Please do…"
Jonah gave a serene, warm smile.
"The goddess Yaguya has been watching over him. It is going to be all right, your highness. She treats everyone equally. I'm sure he will be alright."
Castorik stood behind them, smiling calmly.
The emperor exhaled in relief and turned to him.
"Thank you, Castorik. Truly… thank you."
"Ehem, Emperor," Castorik said, "I have a request."
"Whatever you need, Castorik… whatever you need," the emperor said kindly.
"Your highness," Castorik continued, "I want to help Jonah. He wishes to treat everyone equally — including healing the poor. It's such a noble cause. But I cannot help him much due to how unknown the goddess Yaguya is. Your highness, I would like to register Yaguya as an official goddess among the six deities in our noble empire."
He paused before proclaiming with pride.
"The Seventh," Castorik said.
The emperor stared at him, surprised — then slowly smiled.
"Of course, Castorik. Let's do it. It will take a while… bring Jonah next month. Next month we shall hold an official ceremony. In the meantime, the empire will not waste any funds for the goddess's campaign. It's as you said — if Jonah wishes to heal people, we will fund him. And later, I hope he can preach to my son, Soon enough."
Castorik bowed deeply, relief flooding his entire posture.
"Thank you, your highness… thank you so much."
The emperor left the room smiling. The door closed.
The moment he was gone, Castorik collapsed onto the chair — then suddenly shouted,
"YES! YES, YES, YES, YES, YESSSS!!!"
"I DID IT! THAT'S IT! THAT'S ITTT!"
Diana covered her mouth, smiling softly.
"It worked, Duke… luckily."
"Luckily?" Castorik scoffed, laughing. "No, Diana — it was my plan that worked. I tricked the emperor. Ohhh, it's such treason yet such a thrill!"
He ran a hand through his hair, exhilarated.
"The old fool annoys me so much. His naivety… the way he forgives everyone… goodness."
He sighed deeply.
'But his foolishness helped me for the good…'
Castorik shook his head.
"You know, I was scared the emperor would ask this fool to demonstrate his healing abilities."
There Jonah stood, staring blankly at the wall.
"But it worked out…"
Castorik's face darkened with annoyance.
"When I heard Dilek's name… the priest… the saint Dilek… the man who tricked me. How did he—? The way he spoke — it felt as if he wasn't lying…"
He clenched his jaw.
'But it doesn't matter. I'll force Dilek to work for me.'
Diana tilted her head.
"But Duke… if Dilek was capable of keeping his body normal while lying… doesn't that make him a threat?"
"No… not really." Castorik chuckled. "All I have to do is get the Saintess. The Saintess Luciana."
His voice rose.
"THE ONE WHO CAN SEE THROUGH LIES."
Diana froze.
"Saintess… Luciana?! But… she has locked herself away in the Forbius Mountains…"
"Yes she has," Castorik replied, "because she said this world is too corrupt, and her eyes cannot bear to see a world filled with filth. If it's true that he can lie without us noticing… maybe it's because he's too natural at it. A person who has been in conversations with people like us. Dilek knows business."
Castorik smirked.
"So in front of the world, I plan on bringing Dilek in front of the Saintess — who will expose his lies with her god-given gift from Trithron. The Eyes of the World. The absolute truth of this world. And when Dilek is found guilty, I'll force him under me. He will be the cardinal. While Jonah, obviously, will be the Saint. The messenger. The one who starts it… the true follower of Yaguya."
"But Duke… wouldn't the Saintess see through you? Or Jonah?"
Castorik grinned.
"Aren't you quite smart, Diana? But no — I won't converse with her. Only Jonah will. And Jonah, who is braindead, speaks only what he believes is true. What I teach him to speak."
He leaned back.
"Truth, Diana… is nothing but what you believe. I'm sure the Eyes cannot see through a braindead man. My plan is perfect. I'll ruin Dilek… and force him under me."
Diana bowed slightly, admiration in her gaze.
"Truly brilliant, Duke…"
And there Jonah stood… swaying slightly, blank-eyed, mumbling in a soft whisper,
"Yaguya… blessed you… she is watching over you… she is equal… she is equal… she is equa—"
The candle flames flickered as if reacting to his echoing chant.
—
The sun had gone down, and the entirety of Emuferp was painted in the deep orange glow of the setting sun. Lamp posts were being lit across the capital, as carriages passed through Starfall Road toward the ceremony hall.
Inside one of them, Morgan sat beside Castorik. Through the carriage window, he watched the people outside—the children on their parents' shoulders waving toward the passing carriages, the men and women bowing in excitement. The white veil over his face concealed his expression entirely.
"Morgan, are you excited?" Castorik asked.
Morgan turned to him.
"No… I'm not."
Castorik chuckled. "I see… Well, that's alright."
Morgan stared at him. "You seem to be excited... like a child. Just a day ago you were behaving quite maturely. What's this now?"
Castorik smiled, his eyes glowing with anticipation.
"Oh, Morgan, when things go your way, you can't help but be excited like a child… The Rising Star Candidates. Have you chosen which faith you will choose?"
Morgan said nothing.
"Oh wait, I forgot to tell you about it," Castorik continued. "The Rising Star Candidate—yes. You will have to choose a faith. Each year, they do. And when you choose it, you will be following that faith while being sponsored by them. They'll do their best to provide you with your needs while you train to be their deity's representative."
He gestured lightly, telling him about it.
"Each year there are many, but they usually cannot pass the trial of the deities. It's considered one of the hardest challenges. Most give up, or die… It's a waste really. But it's a core thing for every religion—the trials. But our empire takes it a step further by letting you choose which faith. Most choose the one they were born with. But you can choose the one that gives you the best benefits, Morgan. And of course, I would support you as well…"
Morgan remained silent, looking straight ahead.
The carriages finally halted. He stepped out to the thundering cheers of the people. Ahead of him, multiple carriages lined the entrance, each candidate standing beside their Duke or Duchess.
Alfeus exited with Duke Afuner, the Duke gently holding his hand as they walked.
Serin stood beside Duke Instiden; the two walked with rigid politeness, saying nothing.
Tavion was with Duke Dansal—Dansal dragging him forward by the neck while grinning.
"COME ON, TAVION, SMILE A LITTLE SOMETIMES! IT'S YOUR DAY AFTER ALL!"
Tavion looked tired as if he was accepting death.
Giroyo walked confidently with Duchess Theresea.
"We seem like a couple, Duchess Theresea," he teased.
"Don't be ridiculous. I have a husband. Sure, he passed away, but still—it's rude to make a move on a widow." Theresea snapped.
Giroyo chuckled. "It's alright if it's you."
"You flirt with every woman, you lowlife." She said as the two walked ahead.
And finally, Morgan beside Castorik.
He looked ahead. The grand building ahead stretched high, a ceremonial hall without a roof since the sky itself was its ceiling. The interior was decorated with vast carvings of the gods and goddesses of the six religions.
At the front were six towering pillars, each topped with a flame—blue, red, yellow, green, purple, and orange. They crackled softly despite the open sky.
Six cardinals stood before them, each wearing robes matching their faith's color with different designs each unique to their faith.
The emperor entered from the side, his footsteps echoing.
"Sorry, my children couldn't attend the ceremony… but they will next year. I apologise to everyone. As we begin this ceremony—"
Firecrackers shot into the sky above, exploding in brilliant bursts. Outside, the crowds roared with excitement. Yet inside the hall, there was only silence—despite the open roof there was no noise, leaving only the crackling of flames.
The emperor continued
"Now… I presume you already know the procedure, but I'll tell you anyways..
You need to step forward, place your hand in the warm holy water. It's going to call out to your soul, and the deities will see which faith your soul resonates with the most. Once it's decided, you will step forward as the respective Cardinal will ask you to place your hands on the pillar to see which deity accepts you.."
"First—Alfeus Felt, please step up."
Duke Afuner released Alfeus's hand gently. Alfeus nervously walked forward to a small stone table holding bowl of warm holy water.
"I presume you have read about each faith?" the emperor said. "And I'm sure you have decided which faith to choose."
Alfeus nodded and closed his eyes, placing his hands in the bowl of holy water.
The emperor's voice softened.
"Let your heart choose it, Let your heart choose your faith…"
Silence fell.
Then—
WHOOSH—
From the pillar of Aegis, the blue flame rose higher, swirling upwards. It signaled the chosen faith.
The emperor smiled. "Put your hand forward."
The cardinal of Aegis stepped forward—a tall man with long white hair and diamond like blue eyes. He lifted the white veil from Alfeus's face.
"Alfeus Felt. Keep your hand on the pillar of Aegis."
Alfeus stepped closer, pressed his small hand onto the glowing stone—
Warmth flowed through him.
Blue flames curled around his fingers.
The cardinal smiled. "Alfeus Felt, the God Aegis accepts you."
Alfeus's eyes widened with joy and he hugged the cardinal tightly. Duke Afuner flinched, startled, including the cardinal but he simply embraced Alfeus warmly.
"Welcome, Alfeus."
Outside, bursts of blue fireworks erupted. The people of Aegis across the empire looked up at the night sky. Far in the distance, archbishops of Aegis fired bright blue flames upward from various regions—each a beacon announcing,
The first candidate has chosen Aegis.
The emperor smiled as, a while later, the next candidate stepped up with her veil—Serin.
She looked ahead as the emperor said, "Let your heart choose your faith."
Serin closed her eyes as she felt a gentle warmth in the holy water—
SWOOSSHH—
Suddenly, two flames erupted, Cael and Seran.
Cael with red flames, Seran with green flames.
Serin stepped forward as the cardinals of Cael and Seran approached. The cardinal of Seran stepped first—his huge beard swaying, his sharp eyes examining Serin closely. He removed her veil and said,
"Keep your hands on the pillar."
Serin nodded. She stepped forward and placed her hand on the pillar. At once she felt heat… scorching heat.
"Argh!"
She withdrew her hand sharply as a burn reddened her palm.
"The God Seran rejects you," the cardinal said coldly.
Her eyes widened as she looked down, stunned. He placed her veil back on without another word.
Then the cardinal of Cael stepped up—his dark skin glowing under the flame-light, his beautiful face calm, golden eyes steady, dark hair tied neatly behind him. He removed her veil gently.
"Please keep your hands on the pillar."
She nodded and placed her burnt hand onto Cael's pillar.
The red flames enveloped her hand instantly. She gasped softly as the warmth shifted—healing her palm. She looked down as the burns faded before her eyes.
The cardinal of Cael smiled.
"The God Cael chooses you."
Serin's face brightened with relief and joy as red fireworks burst in the sky.
The crowd erupted, cheering Cael's name.
Across distant cities and villages, the archbishops of Cael raised red flames high into the sky—announcing that the candidate had chosen Cael.
—
Next candidate, Giroyo.
He stepped up as the emperor said, "Let your heart choose your faith."
Giroyo walked forward and placed his hands in the warm water. He felt the same gentle warmth—
Suddenly, a bright orange flame erupted upward. Not just high—towering, so tall it soared into the sky. Since there was no ceiling, the entire plaza saw the pillar of fire.
People began whispering.
"How is it so high?"
The cardinal of Insupa stepped forward. She was taller than Giroyo—who was massive himself. She towered over him as he stared at her with wide eyes. She removed his veil.
There were scars on her face, but a gentle smile softened them as she said,
"Keep your hands on the pillar."
Giroyo smirked and placed his hands onto Insupa's pillar. The bright orange flames wrapped around his hands like living fire. He looked at them, then at the cardinal, as she smiled.
"The Goddess Insupa chooses you."
His face lit up, matching the explosion of orange flames that blasted into the sky.
In every distant city, the archbishops of Insupa released their own flames to signal the third candidate had chosen Insupa.
The followers of Insupa cheered wildly.
—
A while later, the next candidate stepped forward.
Tavion.
He walked sluggishly, barely lifting his feet. The emperor said, "Let your heart choose your faith."
He placed his hand into the warm water.
He felt it—
And suddenly all the flames burst upward.
Every pillar exploded with fire.
All six pillars ignited at once.
The emperor's eyes widened. The cardinals froze. The others in the hall stared in shock.
Only one thought flickered in Tavion's mind.
'...I'm tired.'
But none of the flames rose higher than Giroyo's—so no one outside the hall saw it.
All six cardinals approached Tavion at once.
He lifted a hand.
"Hold on. Don't waste my time with this."
He walked straight to the Liora pillar.
The cardinal of Liora, surprised, stepped forward—his blonde hair neat, and sharp black eyes. He removed Tavion's veil.
"Place your hand on the pillar."
Tavion placed his hand on it.
Instantly, bright yellow fire burst upward, enveloping his hand in a dazzling blaze.
Golden firecrackers launched into the sky—loud, brilliant.
The people of Liora roared with cheers.
In distant cities and villages, the archbishops of Liora lit their yellow flames.
In Porustu, people looked up in delight at the golden fire as the archbishop ignited it.
Dilek stared up, surprised.
Marcus and Diego pointed excitedly at the sky.
Nandita watched silently, the flames reflecting in her eyes like molten gold.
Ami stood with Hela and Duja, all three amazed at the spectacle.
Kelid stood alone at a distance.
Her eyes turned to Dilek.
She saw the look in his eyes—distant.
She wasn't watching the fire in the sky.
She wasn't looking up in the sky, She was seeing the flames through Dilek's eyes as they reflected the flames in the sky.
—
A while later the emperor spoke again.
"Since Irelle was someone who was a criminal, we will be removing her. That is the reason Duke Cranis isn't present, in case you haven't noticed. He will bring another candidate next month. So let us continue with the last candidate."
Morgan stepped forward. Castorik watched him go with a faint tension in his gaze.
Morgan stood before the box of warm water as the emperor said, "Let your heart choose your faith."
He placed his hand into the water.
Morgan felt the warmth of the holy water, but nothing stirred in him—not even a flicker.
A minute passed.
Nothing happened.
The crowd murmured, confused. Since nothing came out of the hall, No fireworks, No nothing. The cardinals exchanged glances.
Morgan pulled his hands out calmly.
"I don't think any faith chose me, so I didn't choose them."
"Huh?"
Everyone stared. Even the cardinals were puzzled, whispering among themselves.
Castorik spoke slowly.
"He… rejects the faiths?"
That day, only four firecrackers were set off.
The people of Seran and Trithron were disappointed—but it didn't matter. The emperor announced the festival would be held again next month. It wouldn't be as grand, since it was only to choose the candidates again.
In the meantime, Morgan would undergo teachings from each faith for the entire month in the capital.