Chapter 48: Talk With The Archbishop 1
"Which prophecy? Is it the one we already know about? Well, that one and the prophecy from the Evergreen world tree's spirit are almost the same, so maybe I'm connected to it," Aldrian said.
Emperor Ladwin gave him a bitter smile and replied, "I don't know the specifics, but besides the prophecy, it has to do with their church's secrets. They believe your energy is the key to something important."
Aldrian sighed and began to ponder. "Holy energy, huh? This is new. My energy has always made spirits and beasts react, but now there's this holy energy that's attracting the church. What exactly is this energy?" He felt as if he was starting from scratch again.
He had thought his energy would only affect nature-based creatures like spirits, but with the introduction of holy energy, it seemed to be something entirely different. The holy energy is a blessing from the higher entity. If elves receive their compatibility with nature, especially the forest and the powers they wield over it as a blessing from the Heavenly Tree of the World, then similarly, the members of the church receive holy power from heavens as a blessing for spreading the faith and will of heavens.
The holy power can neutralize negative energy and curses. Due to this trait, holy energy serves as the perfect antidote to devil energy and somewhat demonic energies. Given these characteristics, his energy not only reacts with spirits and beasts but is also intrinsically connected to the blessing of heavens.
"When they came to me, they said, 'Fate has brought us here,' and they knew that the person who defeated the hydra is somewhere in the capital. They also mentioned that he has 'the strongest and purest holy energy' and asked me to help them find that person. Although they indirectly inquired about your whereabouts, I believe they already know that the Evergreen imperial family has that person," Emperor Ladwin explained.
Aldrian began to ponder. He was now interested in meeting with the people from the church to learn more about his 'holy' energy. He needed as many clues as possible to understand what his energy was truly capable of. He then looked at Emperor Ladwin.
"So, will they be coming back, or what?"
"They are staying in the special district for outsiders, where accommodations have been arranged for them. They're very persistent, and sooner or later, I'll have to address them. It wouldn't be wise to ignore them, especially with the archbishop leading the group. That's why I'm asking for your opinion now. What do you think of this situation, and how would you like to proceed? If you'd rather not meet them, I can make up an excuse and let them be," Emperor Ladwin said.
"To be honest, your majesty, I'm quite interested in this holy energy they claim I possess. I don't know much about it myself, but perhaps they can provide answers and clarify how I'm connected to their prophecy," Aldrian replied.
"So, do you want to meet them?"