Chapter 385.1
The following day, Pides chanced upon a conversation among the knights, their voices carrying the weight of reverence for Sang-je. “Now the palace has become a fortress of God that no one can invade,” remarked one, met with murmurs of agreement.
“It’s an amazing miracle. Indeed, His Holiness…” added another, eliciting nods of affirmation.
As the accolades for Sang-je swelled, Pides discreetly withdrew, feeling a growing sense of unease. He resolved to uncover more about the cryptic discussion he had inadvertently stumbled upon. Turning to alternative sources, he gleaned from a friendly priest that a formidable shield, blessed by the divine, had encircled the palace. Details on how this shield rendered the palace impenetrable remained elusive. Meanwhile, vigilant soldiers patrolled the vicinity, further obstructing any attempts at investigation.
The information left Pides with a gnawing desire to delve deeper. Yet, the risks of venturing beyond the palace walls loomed large. While Sang-je hadn’t explicitly curtailed his movements, discretion was paramount in these uncertain times.
Having recently sworn fealty to Sang-je, Pides found himself elevated to the esteemed rank of holy knight, granted the rare privilege to partake in the invocation of divine arts. Amongst the eighty-nine knights, only a select twenty bore the revered title of holy knight.
Pides’s sudden resurgence, despite prior assumptions of his waning favor with Sang-je, irked his peers. Any conspicuous actions would undoubtedly draw scrutiny, potentially leading to a report to Sang-je himself. Pides harbored doubts about Sang-je’s trust in him, suspecting the leader’s silent vigilance over his every move.
Is it true that no one can really enter? Pides mused inwardly, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon him. If indeed the palace had become impenetrable, it meant total isolation. A deep sigh escaped him as he contemplated the implications.
So… a Holy War has truly been declared. The notion of a blockade surrounding the palace stirred concern within him. He foresaw that the palace’s inhabitants would not tolerate such confinement for long. Yet, if they were convinced that the closure was for their protection, shielding them from unseen dangers lurking beyond, they would likely rally behind Sang-je, blind to the truth.
But what about the king? Within the palace walls, there existed no rival capable of contesting Sang-je’s absolute rule. Though some may harbor doubts, dissenting voices would likely falter against the prevailing belief in Sang-je’s divine mandate.