Sylvester did not need to sleep anymore, at least not for a month. He spent his time training in Elven Magic in his room while Miraj snored beside him, half on his lap and half on the bed. Sadly, without seeing any progress, the sun appeared outside the window and bathed the room with warmth.
"Mwah." Miraj yawned big and looked around with his sleepy eyes. "That was the best sleep. I'll go and wake up big mum now."
Miraj being the free spirit, wasted no time and flew out of the window to go to the adjacent room. That left the young Prince Rex with Sylvester. The boy had refused to go to his room the previous night and only fell asleep after listening to ten stories from Sylvester. Regrettably, Sylvester knew he couldn't tell him all his adventures since they were too gruesome, so he copied and pasted some stories from his last world. After all, every kid loves dwarves, princesses, a prince in the desert, and a ghost who fulfills all wishes.
He sighed and walked over to the window to look around. Since Sand City was situated on a hill and the castle was at the top, with his room in a tower, he could look far into the distance. He saw the bustling city streets, the waterways, and the farmlands outside.
"Hmm… Last time the farmlands weren't this thriving and big." Sylvester noted, realizing his suggestions to King Highland about fertilizers, drip farming, and more had worked wonders. The Kingdom was now not only self-sufficient to a degree but also exported goods. However, life for farmers in the inland still remained laborious.
Knock! Knock!
"Your Holiness, It's me, Queen Trinity. Is Rex with you?"
Sylvester moved his finger slightly and easily opened the door's metal hinges. "Good morning, Your Majesty. He came to hear stories and refused to return."
Queen Trinity entered and looked at her son happily sleeping, hugging the life out of the pillow and drooling on it. "Forgive him. He's too excited to—"
"It's alright. I don't require sleep in any case. By the way, may I know what you grow in your fields these days?" He asked instead, welcoming the Queen to stand beside him near the window to look.
She was still in her modest nightgown but looked like a regal and graceful queen. She watched and described everything to Sylvester. "Initially, we only grew wheat and rice. But now we also grow corn, potatoes, sugarcane, and various fruits. Atrox came up with the idea a few years back to allow farmers to get loans if they wished to start any new farming ventures. Many didn't succeed, but a few who did, created a new farming environment."
"What happened to those who didn't succeed?" Sylvester inquired.
"They were forgiven but barred from taking any more loans unless they repaid the previous loan. However, they can still work normally. But we don't give such loans anymore. It was just a three-year plan to increase agricultural yield." She explained, a bit proudly.
Sylvester also agreed. Atrox was one fine king. Despite being so easygoing and funny, the man had a good head on his shoulders. With might, he also had a sharp mind, all while maintaining a compassionate heart.
"I see a lot of children playing in the farm fields," he remarked.
"They are the children of farm workers. Since leaving them at home could be problematic, they bring them along. Sometimes to be taught how to farm." Queen Trinity answered. "Sadly, there are too many children for us to consider taking care of them. Furthermore, the poor parents are often unwilling to send their children to schools, even if it is made free."
Sylvester rubbed his chin and thought about it. "If we don't educate these young minds, the future will never bloom. Perhaps when I take the throne, I can do something about this. Educate them not only in matters of life, science, and economy—but also Solis."
"If you do it, I'm sure it will be much easier. People trust you more than their kings and lords," she said. "And yes, I meant 'you' not the faith."
"Me? I don't remember walking down the streets of Sand City that often. I'd understand if it was Fort Sunflower or Green City, but here?" Sylvester asked, struggling to understand how that could happen. He knew his propaganda was good, but it shouldn't bring this kind of result so quickly.
"Hah." Queen Trinity gracefully chuckled. "Atrox is extremely honorable. After you helped him revolutionize agriculture, he never forgot to attribute it all to you. Over time, as more of your stories spread and Bards became a common sight here—their adoration for 'Saint Sylvester' only increased."
'It seems like I owe King Highland big time.' Sylvester silently smiled. Thankful that the man was doing that much without coercion or manipulation. He showed kindness, and it was reciprocated in kind.
"All the more reason for me to help these people later. But now I shall take my leave, Your Majesty. I only have five months to take the Holy Land back… or else I'm afraid destruction of unimaginable proportions will be witnessed by us all, and we won't be able to do anything about it."
The Queen nodded and went to pick Rex up. "Breakfast will be ready shortly. Please eat before heading back, Your Holiness."
Sylvester looked at the sky one last time, seeing the sun and estimating the time. "I think I will."
…
Soon, morning breakfast was served in the same dining hall as before. Sylvester sat beside Xavia and Sir Dolorem as he was leaving the two behind for their safety. He wanted to have a moment with them as he had no idea when he'd be back again.
"Sir Dolorem, you can sheathe your sword after all this is over. Perhaps settle down with a lady. You're not that bad looking, you know." Sylvester casually said.
The bald, faithful knight choked on his food. "What do you mean 'not that bad'? Do I look bad?"
Sylvester laughed. "Haha… I thought you didn't care about looks."
"Max, don't annoy Sir Dolorem." Xavia interrupted him. "He has helped us a lot for so many years."
"My daughter still fancies Sir Dolorem since he saved her." Suddenly Lord Einarr of Blackhart interjected. "She sent you letters, but you never replied."
"..."
Sylvester stared at the knight on his side. "That's not very… gentlemanly of you, Sir Dolorem. At least give her an answer. Alright, I'll write it for you then."
"No…" Sir Dolorem almost jumped from his seat. "Lord Bard, I'm completely devoted to serving the faith. I can't think about my future until my duty is over, which will only happen when I take my last breath."
Bam!
King Highland smacked the table. "That's what I call a real man! See, Rex. You should be like him."
Rex's eyes lightened up. "Yes! I'll quickly join the Church, Father!"
"..."
King Highland realized his mistake. "No, I mean you should be a man like him… forget about the Church. This Kingdom can't afford to let you lead a life of chastity."
"What's chastity?' Rex curiously inquired, his head tilted like a puppy.
"Cough!" King Highland looked left and right. "I… I… Sir Dolorem will answer that."
"Only Healer Hendrix can answer that." Sir Dolorem pointed at the man. "He has to know such fine details."
Healer Hendrix threw the blessed bard under the carriage in return. "His Holiness is the wisest here, so just ask him about virginity."
Sylvester glared at the two men for a few seconds before speaking. "You see… chastity is when… when a woman and a man make a baby; they are no longer chaste, or a virgin. So, a Clergyman can't make babies, which means he's to stay a virgin. In your case, if you stay a virgin, your bloodline and the Kingdom will end."
Rex nodded his head sternly. "Hmm… then are you a virgin, Godfather?"
"Pfft…" King Highland tried to hold his laughter. "Son, he's not just the greatest virgin—but will soon become the god-emperor of all virgins."
"Hah…" Lord Einarr controlled himself with a snort and quickly began praying. "May the Holy Light enlighten us… O' Solis, I have sinned…"
Sylvester finished his food as quickly as possible and steered the discussion away. "What are your decisions after last night?"
"What's there to decide? We're standing with you." Queen Trinity responded, busying Rex by putting more food on his plate. "Whoever it is, we shall fight to the end because losing means letting ourselves be enslaved by the hidden forces."
"I agree with Her Majesty." Lord Einarr added. "Blackhart Kingdom exists today because of you. To betray you would be the greatest sin in my eyes."
"Then be prepared in case I need your individual help." Sylvester firmly stated. "I don't need your armies as much as I need powerful friends…"
Pat! Pat!
Just as Sylvester was speaking, an undead bird flew into the castle and landed on Sylvester's plate, ruining the soup. But no one dared to harm it as they knew who it belonged to.
Sylvester hastily untied the paper from the bird's foot and read it. It took him only a minute to react, and he stood up, prepared to leave. "Everyone, I must return to Sandwall County."
"What happened?" King Highland inquired.
Sylvester looked around. "Word from the Holy Land. False Pope Niel has decided to massacre half the population in each village, town, or city on the Green Road until Pitfall town—to lure me out."
Thud!
King Highland swiftly stood up, "I shall prepare my armor and sword. We can't allow such heresy by the Holy Land. It will tarnish the name of the faith for eternity."
"No need." Sylvester waved his hand. "I've studied Niel for years through various means—"
"But… we must save the people." Lord Einarr interrupted. "Faith exists because of the people. I'll come with you."
Sylvester burned the message away and placed the chair back under the table to leave. "If he wants to commit heresy, let him do it."
"What?!" Sir Dolorem rose.
"It's a farce!" Sylvester clarified quickly. "Niel has spent decades micromanaging his schemes, taking over Void Keepers, Holy Army, and the Council of Thirty-two. He created enough political leeway for himself that even Pope Axel could do nothing. He's not stupid enough to ruin his only chance for Popehood like that. He knows I have people there who inform me of his every move. He wants to lure me out with this… and kill me."
The silence broke in the room, and everyone took their seats again, finally realizing what game they were playing. They would have been lured into a trap if not for Sylvester. They took their enemy too lightly.
"Then… what do you plan on doing, Your Holiness?" Queen Trinity inquired.
Sylvester smirked. "Well, he wants a massacre, so we'll give it to him, all credited to his proud name. But first, I need something from both your kingdoms."
"Anything you need." Lord Einarr and King Highland instantly agreed. "Take whatever you want."
Sylvester graciously accepted their offer.
"I need all your imprisoned criminals awaiting execution."
Thank you for reading. GT votes are much appreciated.
