Clearing his throat, Valtherion very carefully measured his next words, trying to form a sentence that would allow him to keep things as they were.
"Marshal...Power comes with responsibilities. I will not shrink from mine, as the heir of a count; however, I would not wish for more than that. If I can keep my people safe, I am content with it. A life where I could lie low, explore and paint every scenery that grabs my eye is all I wish for. Battles are inevitable in this world, yes...However, I would like to make moves that are required, not moves that are wanted. Less power, less greed, more peace and calm."
The marshal only sighed, his eyes relaxing as he continued to analyse Valtherion, who seemed to now look at every painting in the room.
"Mograine. That is a waste of massive talent. I am disappointed, yet I also admire it. Most men, regardless of age, will chase power and glory. They are ambitious without abilities to back it up...It is the irony of fate that possibly the smartest person in your generation, in our Empire, would not ask for power." The Marshal's eyes shifted towards the scale; it had no weights on it; however, it was a symbol of the Goddess Orianna.
"I will respect your wish, Mograine; however, it is up to the Goddess whether you will have the life you wish for. You can go home now." The Marshal dismissed him and watched Valtherion nod in gratitude as he exited the office, his back sweaty.
Upon returning home, Valtherion relaxed for a bit. It was a mentally exhausting day, but time would not wait for anyone. He had already taken his spatial ring; all that he had to do now was practice his battle arts and temper his Qi. He knew that reaching the Master stage was not something that depended on talent, yet becoming an Expert was a must for him. To take the mantle from his father one day and keep the country whole and safe.
Days passed just like that, from the Imperial Academy all the way to the Imperial Palace and then at Duke Garcia's manor. Dain and Valtherion sparred at the training grounds of the Imperial Guard, which turned out to be a blessing hidden in disguise. Luther was there as well as many other experienced guards and rookies who could spar with Valtherion. This allowed him to learn more and just rest when he finally went home.
Letters arrived from Princess Juliet; the success of pellets had been growing, and mass production had begun. There were some arrangements to be made, ones that they could only express through letters, due to Valtherion refusing to meet her a second time.
Seeing the Emperor was more relaxing than dealing with a Princess who was so money-hungry, a business predator.
In the meantime, work had flowed well, as he would deliver letters for the Marshal, then play a few strategic games with him, before revising current or former battles. The Marshal had stopped pressuring him, and even allowed him to paint in his office when there were no letters to be delivered.
Finally, the day of the baptism had arrived, and Valtherion was in the Imperial Palace with his closest people. His mother, father, Luther and Ahri. More guests were coming into the manor by the second, and the mood was festive; even his father was smiling, despite his busy schedule.
Thankfully, they had been granted teleportation rights straight to the Imperial Palace, and now, his father was talking with an unfamiliar man. His father seemed to be extremely respectful as he, Luther, Dain, and the man strolled around the gardens. Eventually, Valtherion was called forward to meet him.
"Valtherion, meet Sir Alaric Dane. He is an old comrade of mine and your Godfather's." Louis said as he pointed towards the blond man, who seemed to be in his forties. Nothing was unusual about the man, and it was his first time seeing him. Probably a noble who keeps a low profile.
"Greetings, Sir Dane! It's a pleasure to meet you!" Valtherion extended a hand, which the man shook and nodded, giving him a pat on the shoulder. Soon, Valtherion was told to leave, as his father and the rest proceeded to take a walk in the gardens for a while longer.
Looking at his mother, who was talking with Ahri and Alexstraza, as well as other women whom he had never seen in his life, he went there to greet them before heading towards a different room. He had to dress up ceremonially for the baptism.
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Time passed, and around three pm, a small group of people arrived in front of the Great Basilica. Luther and Ahri led the way along with Valtherion, while behind them were Morgana and Louis.
Valtherion did not know most of the people here, and the people he knew, such as his uncle and grandparents, were busy, most likely due to tensions on the border. Still, if something surprised him, it was the presence of the War Marshal here, as he had been waiting in front of the Basilica. He greeted everyone before taking his place right behind Louis, next to Alaric Dane.
The gates of the Basilica opened for them, and soon the interior of the temple was revealed. A holy aura enveloped them, as everything inside seemed to possess a spirit of its own. The images on the walls and ceilings, the statues and mainly the Goddess Orianna - whose statue sat in a pond of golden water.
It was said that this pond was filled personally by her, with her own blood, which is what made the Basilica the most grand and treasured Temple of the Goddess of Justice and Strategy.
Valtherion entered and followed with the rest; a priest had already welcomed them as he led them towards the centre of the Temple. Just as everything was about to proceed as normal, an old woman ran towards Valtherion, grabbing his hand.
"Ooh! Is this you, Aurel-!"
"Silence, lest I behead you on the spot, crazy hag!"
Just as she was about to finish her sentence, the War Marshal's body flickered as he put his hand on her mouth. It all had happened so quickly that nobody could react. In response to this, Alaric Dane's brow lifted, his expression turning serious.
"Apologies, this is the Oracle of the Goddess; sadly, she has lost her mind years ago. Please, proceed further and cause no disturbances!" The priest spoke as he took a look at everyone present, his eyes stopping on Alaric Dane, and mainly, his hand that gave a sign - don't cause further commotions.
Valtherion gazed at the old grandma that the Marshal was now leading away, while Alaric Dane followed behind them. He could see her smiling at him, even as her mouth was covered. Her appearance was a mess, as besides the pure white in her eyes, her hair was chaotic, and her attire was torn in many places.
Soon, the ceremony began as the priest opened a book and began chanting one word after another. It was going to be a long period of just chants, it seemed, as the book was thick.