Chapter 155: The Holy City II

I take in the cool breeze as we walk through the forest—the relaxing sounds of the bugs and branches clear my mind. What I said to Sally might mess with her feelings for me. She might end up liking me more. I want to avoid situations like that, but Sally needed some encouraging words after the incredibly personal thing she shared with me. I'm going to end up with a complicated situation eventually. It's a byproduct of what is happening, and I can only cross that bridge when I get there.

I'm not an expert on women and what they go through, but I like to think I have a clue. Many years of dealing with highly emotional people have taught me many things. I've developed some tact when it comes to complex situations to handle. I look over to Sally, and she is still looking at the ground and avoiding eye contact. I hope what I said didn't make her upset. She isn't acting like her usual cheery self.

I fold my arms and relax my shoulders. Thinking about what she is going through right now isn't going to answer any of my questions. I should focus on something else, and one thing I can think about is how to find the woman known as The Secret Keeper of Titans. The marker leads to The Holy City. However, that's all it does. Whoever she is, it's going to be challenging to look for her discretely. I want to keep my identity hidden, and asking around for such a mysterious figure is bound to raise some heads.

I don't know much about The Holy City and who to speak with. Innkeepers are excellent sources of information but are only privy to the talks of drunks and adventurers. Someone as unknown as The Secret Keeper of Titans will be very careful about who she talks to. You don't get a nickname like that without being careful. "Why do you always know what to say..." My thoughts are interrupted by a question from Sally.

They are my thoughts, the only original thing about me. The things I say to Sally are things I didn't steal from someone else. On a forum or by word of mouth. When you can comprehend someone enough, you can help with the words you say. "It's one of the things I can do. Don't go thinking I always know what to say either. I'm bound to piss you off with something I say. So hold off on the kind words." She looks at me with a grin. She seems to be in a better mood now.

I don't want her thinking that I'll always know what to say, only sometimes. I don't want her opinion of me growing to places that aren't true. "What are we doing first once we are inside The Holy City? If you don't have a plan, I'd like to know now." In truth, I don't have a plan, so I should make one. Where can I go for information about someone as mysterious as The Secret Keeper of Titans? Older people are good sources of information. They have been around the longest.

Perhaps someone on the elderly side is the one to ask, now where can I find older people willing to talk about what they know. The poor districts are excellent sources for what I'm looking for. If I lay down a good price, someone will help. "We'll head to the poor district and ask the older people around. They'll have valuable information." Sally gives me a silly look and sighs. I guess that's not a good idea. I tilt my head for her to elaborate why it's not.

She takes a breath and wears a calm face. "The Holy City doesn't have any poor districts. It's probably the wealthiest city on this continent. If you want to talk to older people, frequent church attendants are the ones you want to ask. The majority are elderly and getting better relationships with the light gods before they pass." That's a brilliant idea. I didn't know The Holy City lacked a poor district.

I nod my head in agreeance with her information. We have a few hours of walking left, so continuing in silence sounds like a good idea to me. While Zern and Sally continue walking to The Holy City. There is a conversation happening between the church officials. The meeting is about the demand the coalition made by reaching out to the elves and getting their help. The highest-ranking officials are at this meeting. Lucy has even returned to be there in person. The one leading this meeting is, of course, The Pope.

There is a deathly silence in the room. Everyone knows why we're here, and many resent the idea. Lucy has had a very mean-looking expression the minute this meeting has been happening. "I know the asking price for the coalition and the elves is ridiculous, but we need to consider the big picture here. This war will be the end of humanity if we don't do something. As the church, we have to protect the innocent at any cost." Many protests with shouts and angry fits of rage at my words.

I don't blame them. We are treating the grandson of The Almighty Father like a bargaining chip. My pride as The Pope has sunk dramatically. "THE ELVES AND THE COALITION CAN GO SCREW THEMSELVES FOR ALL I CARE!!!" Lucy shouts above everyone's voices, and many shout in agreement. This will be so much harder than I thought it'd be. "Why don't we force the coalition into helping us! It's the quickest solution to this problem!" Lucy has been against the coalition for a very long time.

Her saying that doesn't surprise me. I might have to use my power as The Pope to over-rule everyone. "Calm down, everyone... This isn't getting us anywhere. Let's weigh our options and consider what's happening." A voice rings out from the bickering and angry officials. I look at Dexter, and I'm glad I have someone willing to listen. Dexter is in charge of public relations. He is a genius in knowing what the people want and how we can help them.

Many look at him with pissed-off faces, and Lucy's mood is getting worse by the minute. "It's not like we have to honor the agreement. We can say yes, and then back out later. Our reputation and dignity will take a hit, but we'll reach the goal of a complete unification of all the forces against the monsters." I'm not too fond of the idea of going back on our word, but this might be the only way. There is the option of me still using my political power to do it.

The elves will never forgive humanity, but this war is a more pressing matter. Many have gone silent at his suggestion. Everyone has a thinking face on, considering the idea. "I like the idea." Lucy immediately voices her backing of the idea. Other's quickly join in agreement with the plan. The church is turning from its identity with this move, and it makes me sick. I don't seem to have any other options either. 

I sigh and raise my hand. Everyone quiets down and waits for my input. "The damage between elves and humans will never be repaired. If we go through with this, everyone has to be in agreeance. We'll have another meeting one day from now and give our final votes. I hope it doesn't come to this, but if it does. I won't stand in the way." Many agree and stand up. Everyone leaves, and it's now just Lucy and me in the meeting room.

She looks at me in disappointment. I understand her feelings, considering what I was suggesting. "You are lucky to have not incurred the wrath of The Almighty Father. This should have never been brought up, Alex. I hope I don't have to see such decisions being made again. It turns my stomach the church has fallen so far." She turns and leaves before I can respond. In one day, we'll be deciding to betray the elves or not. 

I hate politics. I envy the ones who don't have to deal with this. Sometimes I wish I can leave and go on adventures. After this war is over, I'm retiring. The hours pass, and it's deep into the night. Zern and Sally can now see the walls of The Holy City. Zern see's something out of place, though.

I look at the giant line that is only made of men. They are individually scanned with some magic device. This smells very fishy to me. Monsters don't have the power to attack The Holy City yet, so why are they scanning people? Men specifically being scanned is troubling. Sally also has a concerned look on her face. "I don't want to wait in that line. We are finding another way in." This is definitely something I should avoid.

Sally nods her head, and we get out of sight of everyone. We walk in the treeline and stay beside the walls. There are constant patrols every 30 feet. "This is going to be harder than I thought. Does your class have anything that can help with this?" I look at Sally, and she smiles as I say that. That is a good sign.