CHAPTER 767: ELIOR

The island itself wasn’t large by any means but it loomed over the sea level. Jagged cliffs and arches forming a gateway of sorts.

Even from the distance, Kaia could see a zig zagging stairway leading towards the top of the island that couldn’t be seen while standing on the ship. Foliage flanked either side fo the stairs with statues of Solaris holding up the sun carved into the cliff face.

An act to make all those that approach know that this island belonged to the Sun Church.

As the ship neared the island, the water became strangely calm. A narrow stone dock extended from the base of the island allowed them to dock without issue and awaiting them were a group of Sentinels and priests wearing the uniform of the Sun Church.

However, there was one prominent figure amongst the group that Kaia couldn’t help but frown at.

Someone possessing six Sigils with an aura far greater than the people around him.

Tall, slender and his movements were slow. There was an air of. . . refinement with him, the ’ideal’ Cardinal presentation that Council tried to lecture Gwen about.

He has short white hair that was swept loosely to the side. A pair of grey eyes and a ’harmless’ smile on his face.

He wore a pair of golden Sun church icons as ear rings while the same motif could be seen decorated across his robes. Pure white and adorned with golden accessories.

Beneath the robe, he wore a black collared shirt with golden tassels.

"I hope your journey has been smooth." He greeted as his gloved hands moved for a potential hug but one stare from Gwen dissuaded him from continuing.

"It’s the same as every other journey really. Unless you wanted something to happen?" Gwen asked with a raised eyebrow while the man let out a small chuckle.

"Of course not. I would not want anything to happen to a fellow Cardinal. I simply wish that all is well and I am gladdened to hear that it is indeed the case." He shook his head.

"Is this the. . . Pardon my words, the stray cat you picked up?" He asked, looking towards Kaia while Gwen stood between them.

"The nickname stray cat isn’t something you can just call her, Elior." Gwen warned.

She disliked Elior considering he’s someone that interacts with the Council a bunch. While she wouldn’t go as far as to call him a rat or snitch, there’s been times in the past where he’s done things to benefit the Council at the expense of the Cardinals.

"Ah then it’s my mistake Lady Guinevere. Then would you be so kind as to tell me our guest’s name? I’d rather not offend you by calling her a Stray Cat again after all." Elior took a step back after seeing how defensive Gwen was.

"Just Kaia would be fine." Kaia shrugged. She didn’t really care what he called her since they’ll only be on the island for a short period of time.

"I see. My apologies for the conduct miss Kaia. Now, if you will, may the two of you follow me. We have already been informed of why you have come to this island." Elior turned around, gesturing for Gwen to follow him as the three of them made their way up the stairway.

"You already heard? So is that why you’re here? To see what sponsor I’ll get?" Gwen furrowed her brows.

"Is that so strange Lady Guinevere? To see what choice a fellow Cardinal would make as they take their first steps towards Lordship?" Elior returned the question without turning around.

"Yes. It’s real strange when it comes to someone like you. I’m sure you can make your report towards the Council even without being here in person. So why are you really here Elior?" Gwen frowned.

"I’m saddened by your harsh accusations. But no, I am here for a different reason this time Lady Guinevere. Just like how you are obtaining a sponsorship to reach Lordship, I too am here for a similar reason." Elior smiled cryptically.

"Similar? Are you going for Lordship too? Are you sure the Council are okay with their pet going beyond their control?" Gwen raised an eyebrow.

"Unfortunately, I am not as blessed as you are. The Abyss has denied my pathway into Lordship. I cannot receive a bounty." Elior chuckled with a shake of his head.

"Then what are you even here for?" Gwen frowned.

"Curious are we? In normal situations I would’ve declined to answer Lady Guinevere. But considering we are allies in the grand scheme of things, there is no problem. You see, due to the. . . on going issue of power being granted by only those blessed by the Abyss, even with our Lord Solaris’ blessings, the Council has been researching alternative measures." Elior explained with a smile.

"I’m sure you are familiar with the stories regarding a certain girl in the ease. A genius inventor that’s been abandoned by the Abyss. She cannot gain Sigils no matter how she tries yet she has been able to augment herself through a mix of technology and Abyss Blood.

"The Council decided to. . . investigate such pathways to power. While the mortal flesh may be weakened without the boon of Sigils, it can be supplemented to a certain extent using the right combination of Abyss Blood. To ensure that we can survive a battle against powerful enemies.

"But power is not so easily obtained. Think of my presence here as. . . an experiment. To see if such pathways are possible."

Hearing all of this, Kaia frowned.

"Power usually come at a price. You’ve already sold a portion of your soul to the Abyss when you agreed on the contract it gives via bounty. What kind of power are you paying to reach the rank of Lord?" Kaia asked.

At that moment, Elior paused momentarily and shot her a dirty glare. As though it was preposterous for someone who’s not a Cardinal to speak so casually with him.

However, a warning glare from Gwen made him stop as he shrugged.

"I’m not privy to such details. But I in our world, power is the foundation of all transactions. Without power, you do not deserve to sit at the negotiating table. With power, you hold the key to standing your ground.

"Without power. . . well. You will only be a subject of scrutiny and tyranny. I’m sure someone with a background such as yourself are well aware of such situations of one without power, am I correct miss Kaia?" He asked.

"Oi, just because you’re not saying it directly doesn’t mean I appreciate you acting this way Elior. This is the final warning." Gwen glared, holding her spear against his neck.

"Taking the side of an outsider instead of a fellow Cardinal. Am I to assume this is treachery? Lady Guinevere?" Elior lost his smile.

Golden chains were wrapped around the spear and Gwen’s neck, preventing her from finishing her attack.

"Don’t worry about it Gwen. But yes, you’re right. Power lets you sit at the negotiation table. But if you only look at power and where you sit, you might not realise the price you pay for sitting on that table." Kaia tapped Gwen’s shoulder and stopped next to Elior.

"Who’s to say the chef hasn’t poisoned your food while you were so fascinated with power and position?"

Elior’s eye twitched for a moment as he stared at Kaia.

After a brief pause, he regained his smile.

"That’s only if you don’t have enough power. I’m not sure if a scavenger like yourself have ever heard of the Lord of Poisons, but even someone at the pinnacle of Poison craft can be shut down with cures and powerful rituals of purification.

"And that, is the demonstration of power. With enough power, you simply spit the poison out and kill the chef responsible for such an act?" Elior continued ahead as Kaia shrugged.

While his words hold some merit, those with power are often times tricked the moment they let down their guard.

What’s to say that the goal of the chef was to poison the negotiator? What if they simply wanted them to step away from the table for a moment?

Perhaps when the negotiator returns, a deal has already been finalised with another client.

But that’s something she didn’t need to say out loud. All she’s worried about right now was this. . . alternative path to power they speak of.

With how the world has been shifting under Nyer’s influence along with the Outer Gods, this proclamation was now ringing warning bells in her mind.

And if it’s true. . .

The Sun Church will become her enemy. Even if. . . Even if Gwen’s dad is part of the Apostles.

There may come a time where she will become responsible for Gwen receiving news of her dad’s death.

Kaia clenched her fist.

Even though this. . . infiltration was so that she could achieve her own goals, having come to know Gwen, the seed of guilt was growing faster than expected.

She had thought that she would be able to detach herself from these emotions

But clearly, that was not the case.

[If you’re feeling like this, it’s best to learn what you can then leave. The longer this takes, the harder it’ll become. And the more it’ll hurt when she comes to know the truth.] Cayla warned.

’I. . . I know.’ Alice let out a sigh inwardly.

She can only hope that they part ways on good terms rather than become enemies. And. . . if she does become enemies with Arax, she hopes that it does not become a fight to the death.