As Orion explained to Aerialia the information he had learnt from High King Eldric today, he observed her varying expressions ranging from shock to surprise.
"Is that why he has been hiding his identity?" Aerialia asked.
Orion nodded in agreement. "I believe so. However, I suspect there may also be other reasons, ones we are not yet aware of," he replied.
Aerialia nodded thoughtfully, absorbing his words.
"So, what's your plan now?" the Princess of the Garden asked.
"Well, we will only find answers to our questions if we speak with him directly. So, we have no choice but to meet him," Orion responded.
Orion had already changed out of his Pixie attire and waited for the 'Dust Morphosis' to wear off and returned to his human form.
"But if he still refuses to answer?" The Princess of the Garden asked again.
As far as she knew, they could not force a god to answer their questions, especially one responsible for the safety of their territory. She worried something might go wrong, leading to a potential conflict between Orion and Aegis of the Arctic Deity.
"If he refuses to answer, then I'll find other ways to make him talk; that's why Aerialia is coming with me," Orion responded, shaking his head.
The Princess of the Garden briefly glanced at Aerialia, who nodded confidently in response before refocusing on Orion. "And what if he still refuses to respond?" she asked.
Orion furrowed his brows as he pondered deeply. However, as he was about to respond, Aerialia abruptly interjected, "He will. I haven't questioned him only because of respect for his supposed godhood. But now that I know he's not truly a god but something akin to White Flame, I'll ensure he answers every question and reveals how he attained such power and who Naka is to him," she said, her eyes flashing with intensity as she fixed her gaze on the Princess of the Garden.
Sensing Aerialia's sharp glare, the Princess of the Garden gulped silently and nodded in understanding.
Even in her weakened state, she knew better than to doubt a goddess's authority.
"Remember, Aegis of the Arctic Deity has done much for us, even if his motives were hidden. So be careful not to overdo it, okay?" Orion said, exhaling deeply.
Aerialia nodded solemnly. She understood the importance of caution, especially considering Aegis of the Arctic's contributions to Orion's village and the various other races.
"Let's get going then," Orion said, rising to his feet and grasping the handle of the Crimson greatsword. As he prepared to summon it back, the Divine Lake essence beside him suddenly rippled with a strange distortion.
"It seems he's already aware of our arrival," Orion remarked.
"It's something we've already expected. After all, we're under his protection, essentially within his domain. But I think I should remind him not to eavesdrop on this goddess's conversations," Aerialia responded with a snort, her expression turning stern.
"Let's not keep him waiting. It's time to go," Orion said, sighing.
He had already said that Aerialia had regained her confidence after learning about the true identity of the Aegis of the Deity.
Orion firmly gripped the Crimson greatsword and leapt into the distorted waters of the Divine Lake essence.
"I hope everything goes well," the Princess of the Garden muttered worriedly as she watched them leave.
......
As Orion emerged from the passage with Aerialia beside him, a pair of familiar, large, slitted golden eyes appeared.
"Aegis of the Arctic Deity, I have something important to discuss with you," Orion said.
Aegis of the Arctic Deity sighed deeply. "I've told you before, Orion. I won't be answering any questions related to my identity. Besides, since you came here immediately after you visited the Pixies Kingdom today, I believe the information you've learned should have satisfied your curiosity," he responded, shaking his head.
Witnessing the frown on Orion's face, he added, "Don't worry, I didn't eavesdrop on your conversation with High King Eldric. I was already aware of their intentions, and considering your unsatiated curiosity to discover Naka's identity, it was easy to guess your purpose when you came to meet me soon after leaving the Pixie Kingdom."
"How can we be sure that you didn't eavesdrop on their conversation and are only saying this to avoid answering or responding to our questions?" Aerialia asked, narrowing her gaze at Aegis of the Arctic Deity in suspicion.
She found it hard to believe that Aegis of the Arctic wouldn't know what was transpiring in his domain, especially when it related to him.
"Because I find it unnecessary. The same way I avoid bothering with the affairs of the Prismerions, even when I had control over the entire mountain, is the same way I don't bother with whatever goes on within this territory. Of course, I'll make an exception if it's anything surprising like you; however, as long as it doesn't add or change anything to my existence, I don't see any reason to pay any attention to it. Besides, I promised you to protect this territory for as long as possible, and that is what I plan on doing," Aegis of the Arctic Deity responded.
Orion nodded. "I believe you," he responded.
Aerialia inwardly shook her head sighing.
"We only came down here to confirm if everything High King Eldric had said was true.Were you truly a divine apostle under god Aerendir?" Orion asked.
"As I said before, Orion, I won't answer any of your questions?"Aegis of the Arctic Deity responded firmly.
Upon hearing Aegis of the Arctic Deity's response, a frown creased Aerialia's expression. It was obvious he was intent on keeping his lips sealed.
"Very well, then. Since you won't answer his question, that doesn't mean you will also reject mine, right?" Aerialia said, her two large wings outstretched as she looked at Aegis of the Arctic Deity.
However, Orion chose to remain silent.
From Aegis of the Arctic Deity's response, he knew that no matter what he said, he wouldn't get an answer to his question. So, he could only leave it for Aerialia to handle as planned.
