The Necromancer's Servant

Indeed, it was time to pay a visit to the Magic Academy and meet with Bishop Ronis. Asa felt quite guilty in the bishop's elegant, snow-white carriage.

According to Theodorus, the decision to take the leaf from the World Tree to save himself was not only influenced by Elaine but also had a significant part to play in Bishop Ronis's intention. The bishop had even left a teleportation scroll for Asa to use to visit him after he returned. But once he got back to the capital, his thoughts had unknowingly focused entirely on the duke's residence and Elaine. He completely forgot the esteemed elder who had saved him, and even was planning to go on a journey… Fortunately, the bishop had sent a carriage to summon him. Asa felt he could hardly face the bishop's dignified yet kind smile.

The carriage arrived at the entrance of the cathedral at the Magic Academy. Asa got out and saw the bishop walking out slowly, accompanied by two senior priests. Behind them followed a middle-aged man who looked like an official and a young man who seemed somewhat familiar. The young man had a braid and immediately showed a fierce expression upon seeing Asa. However, Asa, instinctively, did not care much about this display of hostility, like a tiger ignoring a worm that bares its teeth at it.

With a flushed face, Asa walked over and bowed his head to Bishop Ronis, saying, "I'm sorry, Your Excellency. I'm late."

In his view, this was already a very courteous gesture, fully expressing his apology and respect. However, the faces of the other two men changed immediately, especially the chubby man who looked skeptical. Asa was not dressed as a member of the clergy, yet he did not kneel before the bishop but merely bowed, as one would to an ordinary elder. This was already quite astonishing, and what was even more incredible was that the bishop accepted it graciously, showing no signs of displeasure.

"Let it be for now, Prime Minister. I have some urgent matters to attend to. Why don't you come back another time?" Bishop Ronis nodded to the middle-aged official, his amiable yet authoritative demeanor allowing no room for refusal. The Prime Minister, along with the young man behind him, had no choice but to kneel on one knee and bow deeply before excusing themselves.

Only then did Asa realize he might have been a bit disrespectful; after all, his status could never be more noble than that of the Prime Minister.

"Dealing with these officials is exhausting," Bishop Ronis sighed and shook his head. He gestured for the two priests to withdraw. "Come with me." He then led Asa into a small room inside the cathedral, seemingly unwilling to let others overhear their conversation.

Bishop Ronis indicated for Asa to close the door, then he sat down and motioned for Asa to do the same, smiling slightly, still so approachable yet dignified, saying, "I don't care for formalities. It's enough to put on a show in front of others, but when it's just the two of us, there's no need for that."

Only those who lack confidence would place great importance on others' attitudes. In contrast, someone like Bishop Ronis, who leaves everyone in awe, finds such formalities burdensome.

"I actually thought you would come yesterday," Bishop Ronis said, looking at Asa with a slight smile. "Did you go to the Duke's residence?"

Asa's face turned red as he nodded.

"Due to my influence, the Duke probably doesn't dare to get rid of someone like you, who knows too much. He must be trying to win you over, but it seems he hasn't succeeded. He is indeed one of the most cunning political players in the capital, and it's rare for someone to leave him at a loss. You have not disappointed me." The fire in Bishop Ronis's eyes flickered as he casually asked Asa, "Didn't he try to use your feelings for Miss Murak to sway you?"

Asa was momentarily taken aback, then recalled the Duke's stirring words from yesterday, and his eyes widened in shock.

Bishop Ronis would never send anyone to follow him. Furthermore, no third party knew about his conversation with the Duke yesterday. He wouldn't speak of it, and the Duke certainly wouldn't publicize his private feelings. How did the bishop know?

Bishop Ronis continued to speak calmly, "The Duke should be able to see the feelings between you two. His observational skills in such matters have always been sharp, and his adeptness at exploiting emotions is what makes him much stronger than other political players. I can imagine that his words must have been quite eloquent and persuasive yesterday. But you don't seem to have been swayed by him. Can you tell me why?"

Asa scratched his head and awkwardly replied, "She has her own choices... I have my own path to walk. To be honest, the Duke's words did move me a little, but I understand I'm not suited for anything grand; I have my own way of living."

This answer unexpectedly pleased Bishop Ronis. He reached out to pat Asa's shoulder, and his voice even carried a hint of excitement. "Good. I didn't expect someone as young as you to have such a mindset. You should know that power, status, and wealth are not what truly matter. The most challenging obstacle is the one involving emotions. Only those with a firm self-awareness, who steadfastly follow their own paths, are true strong individuals. Such people can accomplish great things. You have truly not disappointed me."

Asa felt a bit lost, sensing that the bishop had placed immense expectations upon him. He didn't understand the meaning of this 'disappointment' and felt somewhat uneasy; he didn't want to bear anyone's emotions, especially not those of such a respected figure. That would be an even heavier burden.

Moreover, he was surprised to see another side of the bishop, who seemed so aloof and unyielding in the eyes of the Duke and others. In front of him, the seemingly deep and wise Duke appeared almost like a child, as if he could figure out what tricks he was playing just through inference.

"Alas, so much has happened recently. It was originally just a matter of having you retrieve that book. Who knew you would end up in Orford and get involved in so many incidents? Everything has been too coincidental, far beyond my expectations." Bishop Ronis smiled bitterly and looked up at the high ceiling of the room. Although this study was small, the ceiling was surprisingly high. His gaze drifted into the lofty space, revealing a distant look. "Perhaps it is the arrangement of fate…"

Asa felt even more bewildered. He thought the events were indeed coincidental and unexpected, but at the end of the day, it was just a minor misunderstanding in Orford—he attempted to steal something but failed and got beaten half to death, only to be rescued. Such things happened all over the country every day; it hardly required the grandiose metaphor of 'fate's arrangement.'

Bishop Ronis lowered his head to look at Asa. His brow furrowed, and the fire in his eyes flickered as he suddenly asked, "May I ask you a very personal question? Do you believe in fate?"

"Fate?" Asa had heard of this concept; the beginnings and endings of legendary stories often included such lines, allowing the audience to predict the conclusion from the start.

Bishop Ronis nodded. "Yes, it means that everything is predetermined, and the world develops along its established trajectory."

"I don't believe in it." Asa's response was firm and unyielding. Stories could be crafted that way, and events could be said to be predetermined, but in reality, he absolutely did not believe in it.

"What if it does exist?" the bishop asked again.

Asa hesitated for a moment and then replied even more resolutely, "Even if it does, I still wouldn't believe it."

"Why not?" Bishop Ronis was taken aback. "If you knew in the end that your efforts were in vain, would you still act?"

"...Well... it doesn't really matter whether it's in vain or not. Everyone is born destined to die in the end; should we just sit around waiting for death? It's better to focus on what we should do than to ponder those nonsensical questions. Besides, who can truly say what will happen?"

Bishop Ronis thought for a moment, then burst out laughing. This cheerful laugh seemed somewhat incompatible with his thin face. His gaunt features appeared unable to contain such a vigorous expression, as if the laughter was trying to break free from the confines of his face.

Asa was taken aback, feeling a bit flattered. He hadn't expected that his casual remarks would bring such joy to the bishop.

"Well, well, well…" The bishop repeatedly exclaimed this word, his face brimming with smiles and vitality. "You're absolutely right. Who can truly predict what will happen? Rather than waste time on such issues, it's better to concentrate on what needs to be done. I've been despising others for thinking too much about these trivial matters, and now I realize I've also been overthinking them. Thank you for reminding me; I truly owe you one."

"It's nothing…" Asa felt even more embarrassed.

With his worries lifted, Bishop Ronis appeared to have made a firm decision, looking especially vibrant. "Alright, let's get back to the main topic. The reason I asked you to come is that I want to request your help. Would you do that for me?"

Faced with such a kind and respectable elder, who had just been made so happy by his few words and was kindly asking for a small favor, Asa felt he couldn't refuse the request. He immediately nodded in agreement.

"Alright. I would like to appoint you as a Priest Commander to command the priests on the western front," Bishop Ronis said.

"Ah?" Asa thought he must have misheard.

Bishop Ronis sighed heavily. "You don't understand. The situation is quite difficult now. Other candidates are either military personnel or from the Ernie family. Just yesterday, several military ministers came to see me, and you saw it yourself, the Prime Minister is also eyeing this position. The political struggle is very intense right now, with both sides eager to strengthen their position by winning this war. To them, it's a political bargaining chip, but in reality, it's a war, and thousands of lives may be lost due to their power struggles. Tomorrow, I will advise the King to withdraw the troops and avoid the conflict. Although I rarely speak on national matters, my words rarely go unheeded. Coupled with Theodorus's methods, the ceasefire should not be a problem. However, the King's orders have yet to be issued, and discussions will likely take some time, while the troops on the western front are still there, and a war could break out at any moment. So I need someone who is not affiliated with any faction, someone who doesn't wish to achieve military merit but is trustworthy to go to the west and ease the situation to prevent conflict from occurring."

"I really can't do this…" Asa shook his head.

"Yes you can. You can definitely do it," Bishop Ronis looked at him with trusting eyes. "You must help me with this. It's about saving too many soldiers' lives."

Too many soldiers' lives. Asa felt an overwhelming sense of pressure right away. Well, he thought, I'll just consider this as repaying the bishop for saving my life. He nodded. "Alright then."

Bishop Ronis also nodded with satisfaction and relief. Today, this thin, imposing elder appeared particularly happy, his face radiating a wealth of expression.

In the Duke's study, the Duke was dealing with a batch of military documents. Recently, there had been a disaster with the western troops; all the mages had mysteriously perished before the battle even began.

This incident at the front line came at just the right time. It was a catalyst, and a political storm was about to unfold; he needed to prepare for it in advance. He felt both joy and worry.

The western army's defeat had been anticipated long ago. From the moment Theodorus asked him to assist, he had seen all the variables at play. Once Orford was established, it would be a rare opportunity for the power-hungry military ministers; they would undoubtedly want to go to war. But General Sanders would never be a match for Theodorus and Grutt, and defeat was inevitable. At that time, the Ernie family would naturally seize the opportunity to put one of their own into Sanders's position, but the military would not easily agree to that. The marriage of his daughter had already made him a member of that family, and as the military minister, his unique position would create a miraculous effect. Thus, all his long-prepared plans would soon reach a climactic and favorable conclusion, and even someone as astute as him could not help but feel a bit pleased.

However, there was still an unexpected factor that troubled him. He was worried that he had not successfully courted an important figure. Although this person seemed uninterested in joining the political fray, should the information they held leak, it could send him to the depths of hell with no way to recover. Even if the possibility was minuscule, it was still too dangerous. But, this dangerous existence could not be removed through forceful means. This person was the most difficult individual the Duke had ever encountered, impervious to money, power, or status, and even emotional appeals had failed to make an impact.

The Duke found himself constantly considering how to deal with this person; if he could resolve this, everything would be perfect.

Beside him, Sir Claudius, the Duke's aide, was sorting through the incoming documents. Although he was to be married the next day, his face showed no sign of emotional fluctuation, still focused on the business at hand. In truth, this marriage was merely a 'business matter.'

A priest in a hurry rushed into the study. This was a 'sentinel' placed by the Duke in the Magic Academy. The Duke had arranged for such individuals in every institution and minister's residence so that he could receive immediate reports of any unusual activity and respond quickly.

The Duke understood very well that, intelligence was always the most important on the battlefield. The political arena was also a battlefield—one that was even more intricate, mysterious, and technical, perhaps even artistic.

This sentinel brought valuable news: the Prime Minister had come to the Magic Academy this morning to ask Bishop Ronis to appoint his son as the priest commander for this military mission. But the bishop later discussed it with several high-ranking priests and planned to appoint someone else.

The Duke smiled faintly. Based on the reports from the west, the Prime Minister's eldest son had already caused the deaths of hundreds of mages. Failure was inevitable. He asked, "Who is the candidate? Which minister's son is it? Is he military?"

"It doesn't seem to be the son of any minister; it's a strange name… um…" The spy frowned in thought. "I believe it's… Asa."

Claudius's brow immediately furrowed. In his unique memory, he had only stored the names of those with power and influence, but this name was an exception; the lowly, despicable name that he loathed had somehow stuck in his mind. This reality annoyed him greatly. Hearing the name again, particularly now that it had become associated with power, made it unavoidable for it to occupy a place in his lofty memories. He felt as if he had to swallow a cockroach, which was utterly disgusting.

But upon hearing the name, the Duke immediately slammed the table and exclaimed, "Good!" Not only did he shout the word, but the expression on his face seemed to form the word 'good' as well.

The Duke waved his hand, signaling for the spy to return to his duties. Noticing the puzzled expression on Claudius's face, he smiled faintly and asked, "Do you know the story of the slowly boiling frog?"

"No, I don't," Claudius replied, as he had never heard of any story and was waiting for the Duke to explain.

"When a frog is suddenly thrown into boiling water, it immediately jumps out in pain. But if it falls into a pot of cold water, with a fire slowly heating it from below, the water will gradually warm up, and the frog will unknowingly be cooked to death," the Duke said with a connoisseur's smile. "As long as you're willing to get into the pot, it shouldn't be a problem, right?" He waved his hand grandly like a master chef. "Immediately prepare the most exquisite and valuable invitation card, embossed with gold leaf. Then send it to this newly appointed priest commander, inviting him to attend the wedding tomorrow."

Lost in the joy of his own success, the Duke failed to notice the displeasure on Claudius's face.

The next day, the wedding that everyone in the capital had been eagerly anticipating finally took place.

The groom was a nobleman from the Ernie family, the recognized top knight in the capital, the squad leader of the Knights Tamplar, and a disciple of Captain Roland. The bride was the daughter of Duke Murak, the military minister, whose career was also on the rise. It was indeed a well-matched marriage. Both the military and the Ernie family, which were at odds in the court, were delighted about this union, each considering the benefits of integrating their respective factions.

For the common people waiting to watch the spectacle, the grandeur of this wedding did not disappoint. Dozens of ceremonial knights escorted a snow-white carriage to the Magic Academy's gate, and a wide red carpet extended from there to the entrance of the cathedral, flanked by children holding flower baskets.

As the newlyweds stepped out of the carriage, everyone couldn't help but gasp in admiration.

The groom was tall and handsome, his golden hair complementing his knight's armor, radiating charm and brilliance like a legendary sun prince. The bride, clad in a snow-white wedding gown, had a veil that couldn't conceal her stunning features and her long, flowing black hair. The elegance and grace in her every gesture captivated all onlookers.

As this pair walked down the red carpet toward the sacred altar, hundreds of children by the carpet began throwing petals into the sky, and the solemn wedding march resonated from the royal orchestra. In an instant, petals filled the air, and the music surged like a tide.

However, amid this festive atmosphere, those near the newlyweds could sense an underlying coldness that felt out of place.

Claudius struggled to maintain a smile on his face, though he couldn't find a single reason to be happy inside. This was work, a part of his job, an essential procedure; he kept telling himself that enduring for just another hour or so would grant him freedom. Despite feeling the softness of the arm linked to his, he would have preferred to hold a piece of wood than this woman who didn't regard him at all.

Meanwhile, Elaine felt as though she was holding a piece of wood. Watching the petals flying for her, listening to the music and cheers in her honor, her heart was filled with a dead silence.

The priests stood neatly on either side of the cathedral, blessing the newlyweds, while the High Priest smiled on the altar, waiting to officiate the grand wedding.

The bishop was nowhere to be seen. He was probably discussing their major matters with the High Priest. Elaine recalled the conversation she had with the bishop that night.

In front of Bishop Ronis, she did not dare to hide anything and spoke of her desire to flee with him.

"Did you not promise your teacher, Theodorus, that you would obediently return to fulfill your engagement?" The bishop smiled gently, showing no sign of reproach, yet Elaine felt her cheeks flush.

"I know. For young people, love is indeed the most beautiful thing, and there's nothing that can't be given up. You are not wrong... but you cannot do this. Do you know what the consequences will be if you run away? Your father's impending military power might be lost. Whether it is the military or the Ernie family that gains that power, it will lead to a great war between the Empire and Orford. Even if we can reconcile in the end, thousands of soldiers will perish, and the Empire and Orford will harbor animosity from then on. This will bring no good to anyone."

Elaine bit her lip, responding quietly and sorrowfully, "I understand."

"And even for his sake, you should not seek him out." Bishop Ronis's voice was gentle and kind, but it left no room for negotiation. "Many important responsibilities will soon rest on his shoulders, and a very bright future awaits him. If you run away with him now, this precious talent might be ruined by romantic entanglements. Let me tell you..."

After listening to Bishop Ronis's words, Elaine fell silent for a long time, finally lowering her head to answer, "I understand. I cannot delay him..." She lifted her gaze for one last look at the large house visible in the west before turning to walk toward the duke's residence.

Bishop Ronis watched Elaine's figure disappear into the darkness with a sigh. He originally intended to continue toward the large house, but after some thought, he turned back to the Magic Academy.

"...Do you wish to marry the man beside you and promise lifelong fidelity?" The High Priest's voice pulled Elaine's thoughts back to the cathedral. The officiant's unattractive face strained to appear holy and loving as he asked her.

What is he busy with now? Is he preparing for that great future? Elaine felt dazed for a moment before softly responding, "I do."

As soon as her words fell, the guests around them erupted into cheers. She turned to look at the hundreds of people in the cathedral who were cheering for her response, feeling a cold sense of confusion and loneliness.

Asa was now alone in the large house, staring blankly at the corpses surrounding him. The invitation from Duke Murak had long been crumpled and tossed into the corner.

With a swift stroke, the bishop acquired a diploma from years of rigorous study at the Magic Academy. The three High Priests unanimously agreed that his grades were excellent, his abilities outstanding, and he was highly suitable for the position of priest. His diligent work guiding the deceased in the academy's body storage was also a testament to his devout faith.

When Sandru heard this evaluation, he exaggeratedly spat. But now he had no idea where that old man had gone, and Asa couldn't even find someone to talk to.

He and the person who missed him not far away both felt a sense of confusion and loneliness at the same time.

At that moment, in another part of the Magic Academy, Sandru was having tea with Bishop Ronis.

"It will probably be hard to find such opportunities in the future; I will be very busy. You know, supporting a hero involves a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work." The bishop took a sip of tea while listening to the faint sounds of revelry and music outside. "But fortunately, it started off well."

"Are you really planning to have that kid do something great?" Sandru, who had been quiet, suddenly frowned. "Don't you think that's asking too much of him? It's obvious that he's not cut out for that."

"I will gradually train him." Bishop Ronis smiled.

"That's not the point. Don't you think his personality is completely unsuitable for doing anything great?"

"I know, so I haven't told him the truth. I want him to start with small tasks and gradually get used to it."

Sandru sighed deeply and said slowly, "You can't change one's nature. Making a bird that originally soars in the sky into a lion is rather awkward, don't you think? That kid will definitely be very uncomfortable, and he probably won't ever get used to it."

"But I have no other choice." Bishop Ronis's expression darkened. "Do you not agree with my approach?"

"I don't know. I'm just an old man who guards corpses. Whether it's you or her, no matter what great things you want to do, I won't interfere."