Epic Of The Demonic Sage

The lessons from Bishop Reynald continued that day until late evening. All manners of simple but useful artifacts were shown to Lucius and he was given a chance to replicate them.

"It is far easier to create artifacts that are made from metal and metal-like substances," Bishop Reynald explained to Apostle Asher. "As you've seen with the Aetherite, it helps effectively be a conduit of the rune crystal to the base object."

"And that is why it is actually difficult, even impossible to create artifacts that are made with cloth as the base?" Lucius hummed slightly under his breath.

'In my own world, there are all fashions of magical pieces of equipment. And while they are similar to the artifacts of today's world, the idea of magical carpets to be used as transportation was actually something found in my past world, though not necessarily within the regions of the Barrom clan or the Tharian Theocracy. I suppose there are limitations to this world.'

"Yes, it is far better to have something made from components or a base that can allow the Aether to conduit properly. There are things like a view enhancer, a telescope for the eyes, the armors and weapons which are well known to even accessories used by the royalty and nobility."

"Accessories. Do you mean their crowns, Bishop Reynald?"

"Indeed. I have once been commissioned to repair, or rather replace a princess's tiara before. It was ordinarily decorated with precious gems which made it already valuable before, but it also has some special rune crystals embedded on it. In the case that their knights are vanquished and they are left in a vulnerable position, they will be able to protect themselves while they try to flee or perhaps wait for reinforcements to arrive."

Lucius was surprised and looked at Bishop Reynald. The idea of a rune tiara was a fascinating ordeal in of itself, witnessing Bordeaux using artifacts himself being a good example as to how it could turn the tides even against Epic Ranked Gifts, but it was not the thing that captured his attention the most.

Bishop Reynald was a bit vague about who he was referring to.

"Do you mean the Grantz Royal family?"

"A long time ago." Bishop Reynald smiled at the memory. "It was a great honor bestowed upon me back then. And while many do still seek my services or knowledge, such as yourself, Apostle Asher, they are hard pressed to do so due to my decision to dedicate and pour my time and energy into research."

"I see… I am quite fortunate to have your dedicated time, Bishop Reynald." Lucius said.

'Since he was commissioned long ago, and with how most royal families function, I do not think that they are able to show some favoritism between the three churches here in their kingdom. Any signs of favor might create mistrust and disharmony, so it is unlikely for me to approach the royal family in any case except for that of a noble if the time comes.' Lucius thought.

Since Asher Inanis was given the Wind Scar Sword by the King himself out of the young man's deeds of fervor and also was willing to show favor to Rancor, or Count Inanis, despite his bloody past, it meant that the King knew how to reward people but also find their use.

'Duke Wilda is one of His Majesty's greatest supporters and was antagonistic against Count Inanis but the King still went along with his own decision and was not swayed, despite no doubt earning the displeasure of the Duke. I can only deduce what kind of man the King of Grantz is. Or know of the people related to him.'

The few weaker nobles complained about Inanis Family desiring and coveting much during the banquet made in the Count's honor and while Lucius did not think that Count Inanis had such lofty ambitions… the same could not be applied to Lucius.

"It seems you are curious about the royal family, Apostle Asher." Bishop Reynald pointed out. He noticed the way that Apostle Asher seemed to look, while normally attentive, he was now a bit lost in thought.

"A little. I have not been able to gain an audience with His Majesty before due to the injuries I sustained during the war, so I admit to my curiosity."

"Oh. Perhaps once you decide to reveal yourself to others in the Church of Etara, Apostle Asher then you can hold an audience with His Majesty by yourself. As you are the divine messenger of Etara herself, it is only right, no, an obligation of His Majesty to come see you and learn of her desire!" Bishop Reynald said fervently.

"We shall see about it sometime in the future then, Bishop Reynald. Perhaps we should continue with the lessons?"

"Very well, Apostle Asher."

"I am actually curious about some artifacts that I have inherited from my father, Bishop Reynald. They were bestowed to me recently and while they are good weapons, the state of their rune crystals, or lack thereof has made them more or less just good and sturdy weapons." Lucius said.

'It is possible that I might be able to get Bishop Reynald to repair these artifacts for me without any cost. While these lessons are substantial, it would also be good to gain more powerful artifact. Maybe find some use for it and reward it to someone.' Lucius thought.

"Perhaps it will be a great project to you then, Apostle Asher. When we have gone into more advanced lessons then you will be able to repair them yourself. While it is often sometimes better to replace an already worn down artifact with a new one, there is no doubt about the lingering attachment that one feels for artifacts. Especially ones that are handed down from family member to family member such as yours."

"Then I will look forward to our next lessons then, Bishop Reynald." Lucius said.

"Indeed, Apostle Asher!"

Once their lessons ended that evening, Bishop Reynald bade the young man a good evening and left for his current residence. It left Lucius by himself until he remembered something. 'Ah, the spar between Viscountess and Kiana. How did it go?'