Chapter 208 - Meeting The High Priest

Seeing the worry in his youngest son's eyes, Emperor Valentin stretched out his hands and patted Leon's shoulders. 

With a defeated look that very much wanted to give Leon assurance, Emperor Valentin mumbled, "Do not worry about me, son. Instead try to think of a way to settle your complications in bringing Eli and Little Han to the palace. I am afraid that I cannot hold out for two full years as I have previously promised to you before.."

Leon was not surprised by his Father's decision.

He too knew that he had to hasten resolving the problems at hand. They do not know how the Vesalas would create chaos in the Empire. 

At the very least, they have to get a way to know how to counter the curse magic in order to get a little bit of confidence that they can withstand whatever sinister plans the enemy had instored for them. 

"You may only have less than a year to do all these things. But rest assured, I will hold our ground as long as possible until all three of you are ready." Emperor Valentin emphasized once again. 

"I understand Father." Leon couldn't afford to increase his Father's burden anymore. 

If it was before he knew about the truth of his older brothers' births, he may still have not understood the depth of his father's guilt and struggle.

He may still have carried a grudge towards the scars of his youth. 

But now, it seemed like the Great One from above had orchestrated everything for Leon to know these things at the perfect moment. 

Perhaps, because he already became a father, he could now understand the pain and the dilemma Emperor Valentin was in. 

The conversation ended in a heavy manner. 

Leon watched his father's lonely back as he walked towards the portal to his bedroom.

Such a heavy load was placed on his father's aged body, yet he still had to carry it a bit little longer for his sons. 

Clenching his fist with his heart filled with determination, Leon abruptly stood up and went on his way. 

Instead of going back to the cottage, he teleported his way to the barracks and assembled some of the blades to construct an array, calculating the approximate coordinates of the Temple. 

With this, he would take less time in setting up the array once he managed to persuade the Temple to connect the portal to his place. 

He prepared everything before reluctantly leaving the remaining activities for tomorrow, lest Eli would worry for his health. 

As soon as the morning came,  Leon and Eli started their own matters early. 

Leon briefly explained his decision to hasten resolving the matter with the captives and the High Priest. 

Deciding not to dilly dally on the matter, the two prepare ahead for Little Han, in case they receive permission from the Temple.

Hoping that the High Priest would permit, they would immediately use the portal in the barracks once the Temple permitted connection on their side. 

The two seemed to realize that the High Priest was as eager as them to meet because they immediately received the response from their side. 

Jumping from portal to portal, they soon reached the hidden dungeons that were previously visited by Leon for Igor and Hasta. 

In the dim and eerie underground dungeon, Julian was eagerly waiting for the two to appear. With shining eyes, he immediately ran and greeted them. 

"Greetings Your Highness Third Prince and Great Inventor, Eli!" Contrary to the zealous sparkle in his eyes, the way Julian greeted was rather reserved and restrained. "Let me lead you straight into the High Priest's office."

Leon and Eli nodded in acknowledgement. Leon held Eli's hands as they followed Julian towards their destination. 

How could Julian not miss to witness this subtle display of affection by his Master and Madame?!

His eyes immediately widened and he tried to contain the shock he had in his heart as he saw how their cold blooded Master acted gently towards the Madame! 

'Oh it was a sight to behold!!! I must live long enough to tell this to my descendants!' Julian exclaimed in his heart. 

The two were oblivious of Julian's fan-boying. They did not even notice that the young man was already dying inside from too much excitement. 

Unfortunately, their minds were filled with thoughts and theories on the reason why the High Priest wanted to meet them as soon as the winter banquet finished. 

The greatest fear they have right now is the possibility that the High Priest would insist Eli to stay in the temple and be separated from Leon and Little Han.

Their son was too young, less than a year old, this time was the most crucial time for him to be closely cared for by his parents - especially his mommy.

They prayed that the High Priest would not force Eli to be away from him. 

With their thoughts all over the place, they just found themselves standing infront of an ancient looking wooden door, with the carvings of five deities prostrating to a Being of light. 

"This is the High Priest's office…" Julian stepped forward, knocking the door to announce Leon and Eli's presence. "Esteemed High Priest, the guests have arrived." 

"Let them in.." Leon and Eli heard a steady gentle voice, laced with the passage of time. The owner of the voice was undoubtedly the High Priest. 

Julian bowed and stepped backward before saying to the two, "This is where I could only accompany you…"

Leon and Eli took a deep breath and adjusted their state of mind. They found confidence and security with each other's presence. Leon slowly pushed the door open and finally stepped inside the bright and sunny room. 

As it was dark along the underground corridor, the two were surprised to suddenly see sunlight in the High Priest's office. It took them a few seconds for their visions to adjust before they finally saw what's inside the room. 

They were greeted by a carefree looking old man who was wearing a pure white robe with a golden belt. 

He looked far from the typical priest Eli had in mind because he looked simple and clean as his long grey hair and beard were completely complementing his plain clothes.

The contrast also intensified as he was leisurely sipping his tea on the couch, with his complexion slightly flushed by the golden morning light. 

"Here comes the young couple… You took too long to arrive here~" His ancient voice rang in the room, as he mumbled these words without looking at the two. 

"We greet the Esteemed High Priest!" The two greeted the High Priest with respect. 

The High Priest hummed in acknowledgement as he waved his hand to point towards the sofa across him, "Make yourselves comfortable, young ones.." 

Leon and Eli obediently walked towards the seat across the esteemed High Priest. "Thank you, Esteemed High Priest."

The High Priest did not speak right away for he was still leisurely enjoying his cup of morning tea. 

The two were also not impatient to hear the High Priest. They calmly waited for him to initiate the conversation because they knew that he had to say something important. 

Clank!

After some time, the High Priest finally put down the teacup on the table. He looked at the two with a satisfied smile. Their attitudes made the High Priest obviously happy. 

Who does not delight in well mannered people?

"Alright, let's get down to business." After enjoying his sweet time to observe Leon and Eli, the High Priest finally talked to them. 

They straightened their backs and tightened the clenching of their fists to brace themselves for whatever information or request they would be hearing from this point onwards. "We are listening, Esteemed High Priest!" 

"Uhn. You already knew that I was already aware of your current situation where both of you already had a lovely son." The High Priest started. 

"Yes, Esteemed High Priest." the two nodded. 

"Then I am sure that you already know that the bells of the Temple rang loudly the moment your son was born. Consequently, are you also aware that an oracle was sent right after, as if to conceal the real reason why the bells sang joyfully?"

Although the High Priest was asking, he had an expression showing that he was already certain of the answer.

Leon and Eli were taken aback, they have completely forgotten the fact about the ringing of the bells!

Too much has happened and they have forgotten about how they even asked the help of the guardians to conceal the reason behind it by sending an oracle. 

Since the High Priest had already figured out everything, the two directly confirmed the answer. 

It was Leon who calmly answered his question. "Yes, Esteemed High Priest, we are aware of this happening at the time of our son's birth."

"Hmmm…" The High Prince nodded upon hearing the truth directly on Leon's mouth. 

He looked at the two with an unfathomable expression and asked in a quizzical manner, "So when are you two getting married?"

"P-pardon?" 

Leon and Eli wore shocked expressions upon hearing the High Priest's question!