"I want to build churches for Rheanne in the Empire."

Valerian blinked once, then twice, clearly taken aback.

He expected many things, like requests for land, gold, military support, or even a title, but this was different.

"Churches... for the Goddess?" he muttered under his breath. "You wish to establish places of worship dedicated to Lady Rheanne across my Empire?"

Brandon nodded, "Yes. Not just one or two grand temples in the capital, but churches in major cities and towns throughout the empire. Places where people can gather, pray, and find hope when the rifts open and the monsters come."

"To remind them that they are not alone and someone is out there fighting those monsters for them."

With a sip of his tea, he continued "Rheanne doesn’t want the worship. I know that. She fights because it’s the right thing to do. But the people need a symbol."

"A church dedicated to her... to the woman who has saved countless lives could give them that strength."

Valerian was silent for a long moment.

The Emperor was no fool. He understood the political and spiritual weight of such a request.

Building churches for Rheanne would elevate her status even further, turning her from a legendary warrior into a living deity in the eyes of his people.

It could unify the empire under a common faith and strengthen loyalty to the crown since the Goddess traveled here under his invitation.

But it could also create complications.

With a deep breath, Valerian replied "You are asking for something significant."

"The existing churches for the Sun and the Land have stood for centuries. Introducing new temples dedicated to a living person... could cause unrest among the priesthood. There will be resistance."

"And Lady Rheanne herself... does she know of this request? She has always been reluctant to be seen as more than a protector."

Brandon sighed in his heart before replying "She knows I want to discuss it. But she is... hesitant. She doesn’t want the worship. But I believe it’s necessary."

"The world is changing, and people are scared. They need something real to believe in. Someone who fights for them and gives them hope. Rheanne is that person."

Valerian leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully "You speak with conviction, Sir Kael. And after witnessing your strength and loyalty to the Goddess... I am inclined to listen.

"Building churches in her name could bring unity and strength to my people. It could also solidify the bond between the crown and the Goddess’s cause."

He took a slow sip of tea, then set the cup down with a clink.

"Very well. I will support this. We can begin with a grand temple here in the capital and then expand to major cities. The resources of the empire will be at your disposal."

Brandon gave a nod, "Thank you. I will discuss the details with Rheanne and ensure the temples reflect her true nature."

Valerian looked at him for a moment and a faint smile touched his lips "You are a strange man, Sir Kael. You ask for no land, no gold, and no title for yourself, only for something that will elevate the Goddess even further. Your loyalty to her is... admirable."

Brandon offered a small smile in return, though his thoughts were far more complicated.

’It’s not just loyalty. It’s a necessity. The paradox demands it. The future I need to return to depends on Rheanne becoming the Goddess the world will one day worship.’

The Emperor raised his cup in a quiet toast.

"To the Goddess, and to the future of our empire."

Brandon lifted his own cup and clinked it gently against the Emperor’s.

"To the future."

---

The evening had deepened into a quiet, star-filled night over the castle of Eurasania.

Freya and Emperor Valerian sat together on a private balcony overlooking the inner courtyard.

Turning to Valerian, Freya asked "Brother, did you talk with Sir Kael about Amelia?"

Valerian remained silent, looking at the garden below.

Freya frowned slightly, seeing his reaction "You must know how Amelia is obsessed with Sir Kael-"

Valerian interrupted her with a firm tone "Sir Kael didn’t say anything about Amelia in our conversation."

"I don’t think he has any feelings for Amelia... it seems like he just looks at her like a friend who needs to be protected."

Huh? Freya’s gaze flickered with surprise.

Valerian closed his eyes for a moment "You even asked Amelia’s maid to go and talk to Sir Kael so that you could find out if he has any feelings for her."

"But... no. Sir Kael didn’t say anything about Amelia’s marriage in our conversation and he didn’t show any displeasure in her supposed arranged marriage."

Freya’s gaze trembled, her hands tightening in her lap "That can’t be..."

Valerian finally turned to look at his younger sister, "Do you truly believe Sir Kael is the right choice for our Amelia?"

She raised her head and replied "Obviously. Amelia has grown fond of Sir Kael, so I-"

He interrupted her again, "But I don’t think he is the right one for Amelia."

"Marrying her with the ’Goddess’s Shadow’ would bring great glory to my Empire... but as a father, I don’t want it."

His voice grew quieter, "Kael is a man whose life will always be in danger fighting against the monsters. I even offered him to stay at the castle, but he refused and wanted to fight those monsters alongside Lady Rheanne... which is a noble deed."

His gaze quivered in dread "B-But... I don’t want to see my daughter as a widow, Freya. Every step Kael takes is dangerous. Every battle he fights could be his last."

"I have already lost my wife. I cannot bear the thought of losing my daughter to the same kind of grief."

Freya took a deep breath before replying "Brother... I know your pain." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"I was there when you lost her. But Amelia is not a child anymore. She has grown into a strong, kind young woman who longs to live."

"Sir Kael treats her with respect. He listens to her. And he is strong enough to protect her."

Valerian shook his head slowly, "Strength is not enough, Freya. I was strong too. I had armies, power, and the love of a good woman. And still... I lost her."

"I cannot risk the same fate for Amelia. A political marriage to a stable house would be safer. She would be protected, and she would have a future without constant fear."

Freya’s expression softened with empathy "And what kind of future is that? A life where she is married to a man she does not love, trapped in another kind of cage?"

Valerian looked at his sister, and his gaze was filled with sorrow "I know you mean well. But as her father... I have to choose what is safest for her. Even if it breaks her heart a little now, it may save her from greater pain later."

A soft sigh escaped Freya’s lips "Then at least give her time. Let her spend a little more time with Sir Kael before you make any final decisions. She deserves that much."