Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 529 Private Space
"Being overly superstitious about gods is also a sin, that's a saying..."

Thales took a deep breath and asked the question politely, though it was a playful and irreverent joke:

"High Priestess Megan, does your goddess consent?"

However, Meghan laughed, her tone relaxed and carefree:
“A good teacher will not like a student who respects him as the most important person, believes in him as the only authority, relies on his power, expects his help, and is completely unaware of his own shortcomings and makes no progress.”

Megan glanced at Gilbert casually.

Gilbert, already numb, was even too lazy to change his expression anymore.

Meghan spoke earnestly:

"Those who believe in God should be even more humble, and this humility also encompasses how you view God and faith."

Thales, however, had a sudden thought.

really weird.

That familiar feeling... it's back again.

"Then, magic, and mages."

Thales tried hard to recall his original intention and also tried to steer the conversation back to what interested him:
"What is the significance of these things that have disappeared from history for so long in your eyes?"

"Victim? Perpetrator? Puppet of the child-rearing system, or the soil and cradle?"

"What has led to the prohibition and taboo surrounding magic?"

Megan pondered for a moment.

"Historically, some traditional and conservative monks viewed magic as the culprit, deserving of universal condemnation and death."

Thales nodded, "as expected."

But Megan turned and smiled:

"But in my opinion, perhaps that's not the case."

Thales was filled with curiosity again.

"Although they rebelled against and disrespected our gods, and although their arrogance brought them bad consequences, many mages—even the unfortunate practitioners of the path of the young—were still respectable warriors and pioneers, and their existence was of great significance."

Megan nodded slowly and smiled:

"Their self-confidence, pride, and relentless pursuit of knowledge affect more than just themselves."

"I believe that the existence of magic must be the intention and gift of God."

Thales paused for a moment.

He stared upwards and blew on his bangs.

Nia almost burst out laughing, but the clever little nun quickly turned it into a cough.

"More importantly, they also influenced us—the firstborn sons of God."

Meghan paid no attention to the prince's expression. She glanced around the main study in Mindis Hall and sighed:
“Look at the name of our class: Theology.”

"But you know what?"

“Long ago, the church—no matter which church—did not have what is called theology. In the eyes of many brothers and sisters at that time, God is omnipotent, and practice is all that matters; why should there be any academic doctrine?”

theology.

Thales suddenly realized something.

"Until the era when mages gained power and magic reigned supreme, countless questions from the Three Towers—which were essentially several organizations among the mages—began to threaten our survival: Why should God accept faith? Why should God be God? Why should God exist?"

Megan's words were calm.

But Thales took a deep breath.

Three Pagodas.

really.

Megan said with great interest:

"Their questioning and rebuttal forced us to move beyond narrowly focusing on practice and action, and seeking only faith and spirit. We must delve deeper into the realm of theory and research to improve ourselves."

Thales smiled and nodded to Megan.

He understood.

That familiar feeling I just had... it wasn't a coincidence.

Humility, reflection, vigilance...

That was it, that was the familiarity Ashida felt when he was lecturing.

At the same time, Meghan's remarks today revealed her concepts and views on the Temple of the Sunset...

That is by no means the result that a particular religion, a particular church, or a certain group of believers could achieve by working in isolation for thousands of years.

Rather, it is the result and product of countless talented individuals who have faced the challenges of mages for thousands of years, under the pressure and impetus of magic.

Thales bit his lower lip lightly.

As the old raven said, just as Exter and the stars influenced and shaped each other in their long confrontation.

magic.

For thousands of years, they have also been among the contributors to shaping faith, the church, and the temple into their current state through struggle and conflict.

But this foreshadows more than that.

Megan continued:
"This is just one example—because the Way of the Younger Child is not only born from magic, but may also be born from the Church, every rise of magic and mages, and every decline of faith and temples, can prompt the wise men in the Church to begin to reflect."

"It prompted them to set aside their prejudices and attachments, abandon conservatism and formalities, and truly listen to the divine message with devotion."

Megan, the priestess, looked directly at Thales:
"Self-reflection"

“The Reformed Church.”

"Seize the opportunity."

Meghan said meaningfully:

"Just like the Holy Priestess Jade a thousand years ago, before she hanged herself in a dilapidated church after being ravaged and raped by the army, she saw the mysterious message of Saint Gerrol, which made her risk her life to stop the mount of King Catherine VI—the later 'Poison Emperor'."

"Just like the prophet Saint Mohassa, who, seven hundred years ago, was on the verge of death in the battlefield after the calamity, heard the blessing of the goddess of the setting sun, extended a helping hand, and found the destined king of restoration."

Upon hearing this, Thales noticed that Gilbert's expression, who was listening in, began to darken again.

"then……"

Even when magic reigned supreme, mages controlled the court, monopolized knowledge, and looked down on the rest, even in the era when the Way of the Youngest was most revered, powerful, and domineering...

Megan's expression showed considerable emotion:

"The believers of God still hold fast to their faith, sweeping and cleaning the increasingly dilapidated churches and temples, just to leave one more option for humanity that is blinded and impulsive due to its self-confidence and arrogance."

"Therefore, the Church of the Holy Sun came after the Church of the Holy Sun, and the Temple of the Setting Sun came after the final war."

Ignoring the old priest's expression, Thales' gaze shifted to Sister Nia.

The prince smiled and gave her a bright smile.

The little nun noticed the prince's smile.

She trembled slightly, instinctively turning away to avoid him, revealing her reddened ears.

But that's enough.

Thales' gaze passed over Nia and landed on the luggage on the ground that was revealed after she turned around.

Those are ancient metal plaques belonging to the tomb of King Anset…

Thales curled the corners of his mouth, completely ignoring the fact that this only made Nia more panicked.

For thousands of years, it is not only the Kingdom's Secret Service that has left traces of magic and mages after the Cleansing Project.

This also includes their biggest rivals.

"So Thales, what is magic?"

Thales was lost in thought and didn't pay attention.

Fortunately, the kind-hearted Meghan didn't ask him for an answer.
"Magic is a mirror. Through the disasters brought about by the path of the youngest son, it makes us realize its absurdity and the wrong paths we may take, forcing us to face our own weaknesses, discover a better self, and thus return to the path of the firstborn son—as I said, the paths of the young and the firstborn are interdependent and mutually affirm each other's importance."

Yes.

Just like Megan said.

Magic is like a mirror.

Similarly, faith and the church are also mirrors of magic.

It reflects, showcases, and preserves the imprint of their millennia-old rivals.

Is not it?
Thinking of this, Thales looked at the luggage behind Nia and the outline of the ancient inscription, and his smile became even more sincere.

Nia avoided the prince's unbridled gaze, stiffly bent down, and tremblingly picked up the teapot to refill Megan's already full cup of tea.

Megan's words rang out again:

"Even... the tragedy of magic is a trial we must go through on our path, a bitter fruit that naturally arises when we are so immersed in our own sins that we are unaware of it."

"It is the anger and punishment that the gods bring down upon us when we turn our backs on the true meaning of faith, distort the will of the gods, ignore our own glory, and fall into the trap of the way of the youngest child."

"That's what it means to us, and perhaps to the world."

At this point, Meghan couldn't help but sigh:
"The path of faith is not always smooth. Everyone will encounter setbacks, and every era has fallen into darkness. But we believe that every setback is just a test from God to strengthen our faith and loyalty. It is through the disputes between the young and the old that they show us the path that humanity should take."

"For believers of God, faith is always in danger, doubt is always present, and disputes between elders and juniors are always ongoing."

She gazed at the setting sun outside the window and said gratefully:

"But as long as the flame of the eldest son's life never goes out..."

"The calamity that befalls young children will eventually come to an end."

Silence returned to the room.

The sky outside the window gradually darkened: dusk was approaching.

"Meghan's memorial service, I have to say."

Thales suddenly spoke, his tone half sincere and half deliberate:

"What you said today is indeed thought-provoking and leaves a lasting impression."

Megan smiled and bowed politely to Thales.

"If I can inspire you even a little bit, it would be my good fortune, and even more so, a blessing from the goddess."

Thales nodded gratefully:

"So, if I have any doubts in the future, may I visit the Temple of Sunset and ask you in person?"

Clap!

Everyone in the room was startled.

It's Nia.

She had broken a teacup at some point and was frantically picking it up from the ground, her ears behind her veil turning bright red.

Those present were all exceptionally well-mannered; the three of them glanced at each other only once before turning their gaze away, pretending not to see anything.

“It is an honor, Your Highness, that the Goddess of the Sunset welcomes every believer who wishes to approach her.”

Meghan seemed to be in a great mood:
"You are welcome to visit me anytime, without even needing to make an appointment. I will have Nia greet you."

"what!"

The three of them turned their gaze away again.

Nia pricked her finger while cleaning up the broken pieces on the carpet. She covered her wound, looked up at Megan with a pitiful expression, and her eyes were full of tears.

Megan gave the little nun a disapproving look, and the latter quickly and nervously stood up.

"So……"

The elder priest coughed, stood up, and resumed his amiable demeanor:
Let's call it a day.

Thales also stood up, his smile unchanged:

"So fast?"

Great.

Megan smiled and pointed to the sky:

"The sun has set, and night is approaching."

Her tone was somewhat profound:

"Yet the starry sky is dazzling, foreshadowing countless possibilities."

"Inconceivable." Thales blinked.

Is this a prophecy?

The kind that involves flattery?

“No one can prophesy except God’s prophets and messengers,” Megan smiled gently.
"But even if it is a prophecy, it is just a prophecy."

Thales didn't understand this nonsensical logic, so he simply continued to smile.

"Besides, Ms. Ginny told me to give you more time to rest."

This did cause Thales to stir slightly:
"Do you know Ms. Ginny?"

“I know a lot of people,” Megan remarked, “and I’ve seen a lot of things.”

“But God knows and has seen much more.”

"Yet they remain silent, protecting all living beings."

Thales could only offer another polite smile.

Will God... bless all living beings?
The boy pinched the scar on his left palm.

That scar, repeatedly cut open by the use of magic, is difficult to remove.

Ok.

If God truly exists.

Thales thought with a touch of irony.

Then it definitely doesn't recognize me.

After watching Megan and Nia walk away, Gilbert slowly strolled up.

He looked at the broken teacup on the ground and sighed slowly.

"It seems that, Your Excellency Megan, you have had a very fruitful day."

Gilbert used polite words and spoke in a proper tone.

It just sounds a bit...

Sour?

Thales smiled slightly:
"Do you think she would have been dismissed early if I had told her earlier that I would visit them at the temple more often?"

Thales raised an eyebrow.

"so……"

Gilbert looked at Thales with a meaningful gaze: "Did you understand her lessons?"

Thales shrugged, raised his right hand, and rubbed the space between his thumb and forefinger:
"A little bit."

Gilbert's eyes lit up.

"That's good."

Gilbert nodded knowingly, and the sourness in his tone finally lessened.

The former foreign minister glanced sideways at the door:
"Excuse me, Your Highness."

He stared intently in that direction, refusing to look at Thales:

"I have to get up there and have a less-than-pleasant conversation with Priest Megan."

Gilbert, looking displeased, chased after the guest.

Thales laughed.

He sat down again, reflecting on what he had learned in today's lesson.

"Um, Your Highness?"

"What did you do to that little nun?"

Thales looked up and realized that it was Doyle, not the usual servants, who came in to light the ever-burning lamp for him after nightfall.

(The squinting watchman Marius, arms crossed, lectures afterward: "So you say that you were forced to go in and light the lamp for His Highness because the servants didn't come... and the reason the servants didn't come is because you sent them to light the lamp—DD, don't you think there's something wrong with your explanation?")
Doyle asked, puzzled:
"I noticed... she kept looking back at you as she left, looking very scared..."

Thales frowned:
"I didn't do anything!"

Doyle lit a lamp, lost in thought, his expression gradually changing:

"OK then."

"But that scary old lady..."

Thales looked up again.

As the lights came on, Doyle murmured:
"I was nearby... so I couldn't help but overhear. You know, the eldest son and the youngest son depend on each other... what she said actually made a lot of sense, didn't it?"

Thales stretched his arms and curled the corners of his mouth into a smile:

"That makes sense?"

Seeing that he had piqued the Duke's interest, Doyle quickly turned around and struck up a conversation:

"Yes... she's quite tolerant of that damn magic, neither hostile nor discriminatory, very gentle, much better than the old monk my family hired back then. He just kept rambling on about how 'ancient mages were followers of demons, summoning calamities to destroy the world' and things like that..."

Thales pondered for a moment, then gave a light scoff:
“Apart from her tone, I can’t see any softening in her stance.”

Doyle was taken aback:
"what?"

"But she didn't completely deny magic; she even reflected on the church's own mistakes, saying that magic and mages were the driving force behind their progress..."

Thales' expression changed several times as he listened to DD's words.

A few seconds later, after Doyle's voice had faded, Thales spoke again.

"As expected, Gilbert was right."

Thales sighed:

"Grammar class is really important."

Doyle's smile froze:
"what?"

Thales leaned back in his chair, looked at the bewildered Doyle, and smiled broadly:

"According to Priest Megan, this is no longer a question of whether magic is good or bad..."

As Thales spoke, a thoughtful expression appeared on his face:

"If the church and faith are corrupt, it is because they have gone astray and fallen into the way of the youngest son."

He pondered:

"Similarly, if magic is beneficial, it must be because the person who uses it has found the right path and followed the way of the firstborn."

Doyle rolled his eyes.

"mild?"

Thales repeated it, humming it with a meaningful tone:
“In fact, I couldn’t find a tougher stance than this.”

Doyle first tried to understand, then forced out a "Oh, I see" look of realization.

“That’s right, Priest Megan neither hates nor discriminates against magic.”

Thales, oblivious to Doyle's expression, said absentmindedly:
"on the contrary."

"She wants to do it in the name of the gods..."

"Dominate magic."

Thales gazed intently out the window.

As dusk falls, the setting sun is about to disappear below the horizon.

and……

What has led to the prohibition and taboo surrounding magic?

Thales recalled this question, which he had asked twice from the beginning to the end of the class.

Megan did not answer.

Is it because I'm getting old and my memory is failing?
Or... a coincidence?
Doyle blinked in confusion, wondering how to come up with the next flattering remark.

But Thales ignored him, just snorted and picked up the book "Acts of the Setting Sun" that he had found for class but never used.

It seems that the self-cultivation of church believers is not so simple after all...

"And I have reason to believe that some people would be very unhappy if they heard these words—Holy crap!"

Thales's mutterings suddenly turned into a loud exclamation!

This aroused the vigilance of those around him, and Doyle was also startled.

"Your Highness?"

Glov and Zonevid rushed into the study, their faces wary.

"Are you okay?"

Doyle rushed to His Highness in a few strides, glaring angrily and making a gesture of loyalty with his hand on his sword.

"What happened?"

Thales took a deep breath to calm himself, but his face turned pale and his eyes widened in anger.

"fine."

Thales raised his head, his posture very unnatural.

"You guys go out."

He said this with a gloomy expression.

Golov and Zonevid breathed a sigh of relief.

After scanning the study once and checking the windows and bookshelves, including the ridiculously large perpetual oil clock, they cautiously prepared to leave.

Are you...are you sure?

Kodoir's attention was fixed on Thales, his face full of tension: "Your Highness, you don't look well."

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

Thales took another breath.

“Yes,” Thales said through gritted teeth, his face contorted in pain.
"A hair in my pants is being strangled by a vital organ."

"It hurts."

Thales glared angrily and hissed in a low voice:
"Can you help me?"

The room fell silent for a second.

"No problem at all--"

Eager to claim credit, he didn't pay any attention to what the prince was saying, nor did he notice the oppressive atmosphere around him. He walked forward with a proud look on his face, only to be suddenly pulled back by Golov.

Golov hesitated for a few seconds, then said:

"Then... we won't bother you any longer."

Even the "zombie's" eternally unchanging expression was somewhat embarrassed at this moment:
"We'll leave, to give Your Highness some...private space."

Thales gave a stiff smile and then waved his hand stiffly.

Doyle then realized what was happening, and, equally embarrassed, gave an awkward smile, his eyes involuntarily glancing towards Thales' body below the desk:
"Oh, okay... then please be careful when you handle it yourself. If needed, I can still help you..."

Before DD could finish speaking, he was lifted out of the study by Golov and Zonevid, each holding one arm and both feet off the ground, facing Thales.

A few seconds later.

Watching the door close and hearing Doyle's struggling voices gradually weaken, Thales finally relaxed his tense shoulders after confirming that no one was in the study.

The oppressive atmosphere surrounding the prince gradually dissipated.

Duke Starlake sighed.

He lowered his head, reached under the desk, and pulled it out...

a book.

Thales looked displeased, staring blankly at the book "Acts of the Sunset," occasionally letting out a soft snort.

A few seconds later, the young prince opened it with a sullen expression.

Then, from one of the pages, he pulled out a damn, luxurious, brand-new, sky-blue sheet made of Lyran cardboard…

Invitation.

(End of this chapter)