Chapter 2802 - 1199: Each Has Their Own Backer (Part 3)

Chapter 2802: Chapter 1199: Each Has Their Own Backer (Part 3)

Duke Sigfried said solemnly, "The old Duke himself just said it: Zalanda now enjoys the protection of the Gods, and this will draw many ignorant lieges to swear fealty to her.

And the only thing that can contend against faith is another faith. We too require a True God who stands upon the same battle line as we do."

"Indeed. We suffered a loss on precisely this point earlier. Had she not been the Chosen of Lady Strategy, I would have raised my banners long ago and annihilated her." Duke Francis nodded in deep agreement. "Only, whence shall we obtain a True God who stands upon the same battle line as we do?"

Duke Sigfried did not answer them directly, but instead intoned with grave and solemn mien, "So long as the Nobles continually fulfill their duties, they ought to be the lawful Rulers of most Humans.

Nobles bear the obligation to govern the people under their sway in the best manner possible, even when such obligation comes into conflict with their private desires.

The descendants of noble bloodlines inherit the Charisma and latent wisdom of their exalted ancestors; the wealth of their houses grants them ample leisure in which to receive the education required to become Rulers.

Through strict rules of inheritance, the orderly transmission of noble titles is ensured, and the likelihood of violent conflict among rival claims to leadership is thereby reduced.

A powerful noble class—concerned for the various realms and seeking the best means to safeguard the rights of the commoners—is, among all governmental forms thus far arisen in history, the most stable and the most just."

"Well spoken!"

"As it should be!"

The other three Dukes listened with their brows dancing in delight and could not help but cry out loudly in acclaim.

This doctrine struck straight to the depths of their hearts.

It perfectly expounded the legitimacy and orthodoxy of their noble class’s rule.

Duke Walter pressed forward impatiently with his question: "To which Deity does this doctrine belong? Why does it sound so unfamiliar? How is it that I have never heard of it before?"

This time Duke Sigfried did not keep them in suspense, but replied truthfully, "This is the doctrine of Lady Noble Saiyamofu.

It was only in The Year of the Dusty Throne (1356) that she reconstituted her doctrine.

In last year’s guild war in the City of Brilliance (Waterdeep City), she shone brilliantly because she sheltered the Nobles.

It was precisely through her protection that the City of Brilliance did not fall into endless chaos and turmoil from a great purge of those lawful Rulers, which would have led to the slaughter of even more innocent people."

"No wonder. No wonder such a profoundly righteous doctrine was one I previously had no opportunity of Listening to. So she is a New God!"

"Such a True God ought to be vigorously promoted; such doctrine should be heard and studied by every liege within our domains."

"This is a Deity belonging exclusively to us Nobles, our Guardian by birthright. She is worthy that we should raise Churches in her honor, and erect statues to praise her."

On this matter, the four Dukes, for once, again reached a unified opinion.

For they had no way to doubt or oppose it.

To question such doctrine would be tantamount to questioning the legality and orthodoxy of their own rule.

Duke Zeber asked eagerly, "Did you bring Lady Saiyamofu’s Missionary Priest? I can hardly wait—I already long to Listen in person to his preaching!"

"Missionary Priest?" Duke Sigfried could not restrain a proud smile. "Do you think there is anyone in this world more fitting than we to become this Lady’s Missionary Priests?"

"You mean to say... that you yourself are now Lady Saiyamofu’s Missionary Priest?" Duke Zeber asked back, his face filled with incredulity.

Duke Walter clapped his hands and laughed aloud. "Reasonable—utterly reasonable! Who in this world can represent the Nobles more fully than we?

Hahaha... We must ask Duke Sigfried to present us before the Noble Lady... Convey to her that we are willing to convert, willing to serve her, to hallow her as our Main God..."

Sigfried did not answer directly, but turned his gaze toward the other two Dukes. "What say the two Dukes?"

"Is there even any need to ask? It was one thing not to know of the Noble Lady before; now that we know, we naturally must serve her!"

"The Noble Lady is the one and only choice to become the Main God of our Nobles." The other two Dukes likewise gave firm assent.

In their eyes, faith was but a special kind of transaction.

Whosoever was advantageous to their rule, they would revere; even the faith of their lieges was counted among their chips.

"Worthy indeed of being the most elite stratum of the Tesser Kingdom; your comprehension of the essence of rule far surpasses that of common folk. It is through your guidance and leadership that this Kingdom may prosper and flourish."

A cordial yet gentle female voice sounded within the council hall.

Duke Sigfried’s body blossomed with dazzling yet soft Divine Nature Radiance, and from within it stepped forth a Human woman who bore the bearing of a monarch—graceful, noble, and solemn.

Her black hair was elegant, threaded with streaks of gray; her iron-gray eyes were keen, shimmering with Divine Nature Radiance that one could not gaze upon directly. The crow’s-feet at her eyes indeed lent her a touch of age, yet they also bestowed mature Charisma, making it easier for others to trust her.

She wore a long white robe edged with Gold and silver embroidery, adorned with countless priceless gemstones. In her right hand she gripped a Fine Gold Scepter; upon her left forearm coiled a miniature silver Giant Dragon, its wings spread as though about to take flight.

Upon her head rested an exquisite Crown, carved from a single piece of diamond, upon which suns seemed to dance, radiating Divine Nature Radiance too bright to behold.

"We have seen the Lady."

"We have seen the Noble Lady."

The four Dukes rose as one to bow in homage. They required no introduction; at the very first sight of this figure, they had already ascertained her identity.

She was none other than the Noble Saiyamofu spoken of by Duke Sigfried—the Guardian God of these Nobles.

Though the Divine Nature aura emanating from her was not especially overwhelming, it caused them, from the depths of their hearts, to feel a profound cordiality, as though she were a long-unseen intimate friend or kin—no, even beyond such bonds.