"This can't possibly an..."
Lady Celeste's bright pupils trembled in disbelief while she clenched her fists. The priestess's unusual expression confird the doubts of those around her.
Only a god could possess a god's essence. How could a mortal ever possess such divine essence? Even the most devout priest couldn't harness their deity's power. Those favored by their gods couldn't even grasp a fraction of their essence.
"This... Judging from his appearance, he doesn't seem divine. How, then, does he wield such power?" Lord Magan refuted, gesturing to the silver-eyed youth sitting across from him.
He scoffed, "You're not suggesting he's truly a deity, are you?"
When his words ended, all glanced at Moulin, who was equally shocked by the discovery as well. The youth's eyes strained upon the glowing orbs of his mana, trying to find a fault within them. But like the others, he found nothing...
A sense of nervousness filled him as he narrowed his eyes. The more he stared at the projection, the more unsettled he felt. If Prince Vascilicus was left unchecked, the prince woudl be a problem in the future. He could dig out Moulin's true background.
"My lords, if you are still doubtful, allow to demonstrate the mana streams of Lord Moulin and Nithialauna for comparison," Prince Vascilicus declared, lifting his eyes. Without allowing the audience a mont for contemplation, he promptly altered the projections.
Both images depicted orbs that gradually zood out until they resembled re twinkling particles drifting in unison, akin to a flowing river. Two separate currents for everyone to compare. The distinction in the colors of mana beca apparent. However, the resemblance in their movent was striking, reminiscent of a turbulent stream of radiant gems illuminated by the sun.
This captivating spectacle srized all who beheld it.
"How interesting, dear brother." While he spoke, Prince Archaen did not spare his brother a glance but kept his deep eyes upon the silver-haired maeruthan sitting at his table. One could not discern his thoughts even if they tried. He remained calm with effortless grace.
"What do you imply by showing this to us, your highness?" Lady Klaria asked, turning to the younger prince slightly.
A sharp gleam filled the young man's vivid nuclear green eyes. Yet, he exercised control, delivering his words with a composed deanor, "The mana of the young lord possesses a purity akin to that of the divine—so untainted that it can scorch malevolence, strike fear into its heart, and repel it.
Even the malibreeds, relentless in their attempts to breach Helios, hesitate to venture into the protective embrace of the surrounding forest. This woodland, a creation solely attributable to the young lord's mana."
He leaned forward with slightly raised hands, and he emphasized, "Do you see? While the young lord may be the demon's primary target, have any of you considered their other motives of capturing him? By doing so, they would effectively rob us of our sole ans of defeating them. It is plausible that they fear our potential use of the young lord as a formidable weapon against them."
Murmurs surrounded the table. Each person voiced their own opinions. So agreed, while others were skeptical. Nevertheless, it seems the younger prince has the lead at the table. His words tugged their ears.
Perhaps it was possible?
"If the young lord truly possesses the ability for creation. Then-"
"Now. Wait a minute." Lord Magan raised his voice. His eyes are dark and glowering. "If we intend to harness his mana, how do we guarantee his safety? Demons will undoubtedly pursue us once they locate him, and our own people could be manipulated against us. The dangers posed by demons extend far beyond re chaos.
Moreover, are you willing to gamble with the young man's mana, depleting it for military purposes?"
There was a bit of discussion. Indeed, the lord had a point. Even Prince Vascilicus was silenced. Perhaps he was too carried away in showing his research.
Moulin's brows furrowed. The lord was not wrong. It would be a frightful experience for him. Moulin had never attempted anything as significant as providing mana to a battalion.
Suddenly, he felt a hand discreetly reach under the table, its long fingers gently stroking the back of his hand, prompting Moulin to raise his gaze. Hadrian briefly glanced at him, offering silent reassurance.
"...?"
All of a sudden, Lord Hyantor spoke with a passive tone. "Then why don't we make a move first? Lure the bastards out and massacre them. Suppose we want to end the war quickly. Give 'em bait."
Soone spoke, "Your prudish idea will cost us lives. What do we even use as bait-"
The words were cut short.
Fridal Hyantor grinned wildly and tipped his head towards Moulin. "We've got the ideal lure ready. No need to involve him entirely. A bit of his 'divine' mana, a few whispers, and a well-set trap. Lord Hercullio has already pinpointed most of their hideaways. Snagging just a handful could reveal the whereabouts of the elusive dark island straight from their feeble minds."
"You're avoiding the question." Lord Magan's brows drew together. He sneered, "Can he even bear it? This inhumane-"
"I can do it." Moulin abruptly declared.
A hush fell over the hall for a mont, the weight of the statent sinking in. Moulin sat firm, eting the intense gazes of those around him with unwavering resolve.
"As a sentinel, I refuse to stand idly by while this conflict rages on," he declared, his voice filled with determination.
There was a palpable intensity in his deanor, a fire in his eyes that spoke volus. Despite the gravity of his words, his conviction remained unshakeable.
Soone spoke, "Young Lord, I don't know if you are aware of the burden of giving away mana. But I will tell you, it is not easy."
And another, "We must have you nowhere near the battlefield at all cost. It is better to keep you away."
With an unwavering voice, Moulin spoke, "Then detain in the domain that is prepared for , but do not restrict my mana. I will be observed, and I am certain the mages have ensured its security. The demons are intelligent. I know right now that they are preparing to welco their god. Thus, they will need sooner rather than later.
If I am hidden, we cannot allow them to ravage settlents aimlessly. Many innocents will be lost, and we will lose more of the land that we have strived to protect from malibreeds. This is why I support Lord Hyantor's proposal."
Lord Hyantor's eyes rose and cast a questionable glance at Lord Hercullio, who remained indifferent while he listened.
Moulin continued, finally drawing more of the crown prince's attention. "By using my mana to lure the demons away from the settlents, you will not have more bloodshed upon the earth and even draw out the demons from their hideouts. Perhaps, even attract the attention of the demonic leader, Alha."
"They will not be fooled for long..." Soone spoke. "They will look for you..."
"Then when that ti cos, and they will rage, we should already be aware of the whereabouts of their stronghold," Lord Hercullio declared solemnly, his piercing gaze sweeping across the assembled individuals.
"It is a risk indeed, but we have lived years hiding from malibreeds and cleansing our corrupted territories. The ti has co to put an end to their dominance."
His statent fell into everyone's ears and evoked a sense of yearning. A longing to end the suffering of all races subjected to the cruelty of the demon kind and their monsters. If the Demon Creator awakens, it will be the end of life on Corhan.
This was their only chance to thwart the plans of the malefics.
"Well, said." Crown Prince Archaen nodded with closed eyes. Hadrian did not spare him a glance.
"Your Highness..." High priestess Celeste calmly turned to face Prince Archaen, who returned a smile and gestured her to continue.
With a breath, she turned to Moulin and spoke. "Can you truly control the tempestuous currents of your magic, lord Moulin?"
Moulin stared at her.
"There is much that I do not know, including the limits of my powers. But I am well enough to control them."
Lady Celeste stared at him for a few seconds. Moulin's answer sowed doubts to the lords and ladies of the table.
The High priestess then averted her gaze, glancing at the silent Golden Lord before speaking, "Then I propose that my sister and I offer our assistance in guiding you. I am confident that there are none better suited than us to support you."
Silver eyes blinked. The youth stared at the woman in surprise. He did not expect to gain support from the Lady.
Lord Magan paused. He cast a sidelong glance at the hooded young woman sitting on the other side of their prince. He frowned.
Later, the conversation dragged on tediously. Moulin shared his ideas along with the other nobles. Just as they seed close to reaching a decision, Lord Magan would interject with his concerns, sparking yet another round of discussion. This pattern repeated itself, prolonging the debate further.
Each ti they thought they were nearing a resolution, Lord Magan's doubts threw them back into deliberation.
As the hours lengthened, Moulin resisted the urge to wring Lord Magan's neck and freeze him.
Honestly, how can this old man be so persistent? At this rate, we won't reach any decision at all. What's even more curious is observing Prince Archaen allowing Lord Magan to voice his worries, no matter how excessively paranoid they may seem.
Not long after, Prince Archaen turned to the lords and ladies and spoke with a weary smile, "It seems we have much to consider. Let us weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a decision. Corhan's fate hangs in the balance. Let us continue tomorrow, and by then, I hope we can reach a satisfying decision."
The dismissal ca unexpectedly and caught many off guard. Although there were desires to challenge it, the firm declaration from the crown prince left little opportunity for persuasion. His unwavering stance indicated that altering his decision was unlikely.
As he made his way out, his attention shifted montarily towards Lord Hercullio, a figure of authority and power, and the delicate Aphrodite by his side, radiating a sense of beauty and refinent.
However, the term "delicate" might not be entirely fitting, especially considering the events of the eting that had just transpired.
Moulin stood up from his seat, taking his place beside Hadrian. The lords and ladies stood up to respectfully see off the princes.
Lady Celeste, who was about to leave with the royal siblings, paused and approached Lord Hadrian Hercullio with a raised gaze. Her blue eyes were glistening despite the indifferent expression she wore.
Moulin felt slightly cautious. "..."
"Welco back, my lord." She said before she returned to the prince's side and left. There was no exchange at all. Hadrian only looked as though nothing happened.
"..."
As the people began to trickle out, peace within the room was gradually restored. Moulin resud a calm appearance while he exchanged pleasantries with so of the lords who were no longer bothered by his presence. And perhaps was intrigued with his character.
However, the leaders left one by one to resu their duties.
"Quite a wild day, I'd say..." Lord Fridal Hyantor spoke and patted Moulin's shoulder. His eyes are filled with amusent, which slightly irked Moulin.
Before Moulin could speak, the lord leaned and whispered. "You did well..."
With that, the lord pulled away. He flinched when he t Hadrian's piercing gaze. With a sweaty brow, he only scurried away.
He looked as though he was escaping sothing terrible...
Moulin blinked and glanced at the tall and silent handso man standing beside him. He couldn't help but feel sothing off...
"Let's go..." Hadrian spoke. His voice was tender.
Moulin nodded, "Let's-...!"
Moulin flinched when his waist was suddenly pulled closer to the man's body. Captivating silver eyes widened in disbelief.
Before he could speak, the High Lord bent his head and whispered. "We are a couple, my dear. We must remain an image of two people who treasure each other fatefully."
Moulin's face reddened. "T-That doesn't an-... There is no one even here!"
"Oh, my..."
Moulin turned his head to see Lady Klaria standing by the doorway and covering a hand on her mouth. Her eyes are wide with intrigue.
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