"That's right," Eli nodded with a serious and dark expression and continued.
"The High Priest always told me that one of the requisites for a person to be ordained in that position is to awaken those gifts.
If I am not mistaken, the Pope immediately used his power to read minds and managed to extract the information about Kayden possessing the last ring. Thus, they embarked on the journey to find him."
Governor Fidel subconsciously touched his chin in deep contemplation and analyzed Kayden and Eli's theory, then asked,
"If that was the case, then the Pope would have also known about the dimension and the exact way to artificially conceive asanis… Why did it appear that they were only successful at that?"
Kayden then answered,
"We are gambling the fact that the Pope only had a limitation to his power. Our guess is that it is either he could only read a person's mind once or he could only superficially read their thoughts because he could not bear the cost of using these gifts.
The High Priest had already told us that using the gifts they received from heaven could only be used for the people. Once it was used for personal or evil intentions, one has to bear the cost.
But despite that, he was still able to get this information and force me to seek the Imperial Family's help in disappearing and taking on a new identity."
Governor Fidel looked at Kayden with a convincing expression. As a member of the Imperial Family, he also knew what his real identity was.
"In that case, we can only hold on to this theory for the meantime. But there is no way for us to know if there was progress on their part in the experiment apart from the fake paladin… Now… What would be your next step?"
Eli looked at the governor and replied,
"Governor Fidel, we are positive that the asani corpses were under the Spectre's possession through the Pope. Moreover, if it was before we had gone to investigate the village, we would never have thought that Big Brother's parents were still alive.
But now, knowing how crucial he would be in this mission, then there is still a slim chance that they have kept them alive to extract information.
Because they needed them to realize the benefits of having the asani DNA in their bodies, which has been listed in this report.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWe also deeply think that their insistence on getting the prisoners to have something to do with the experimentation, after all, the prisoners were still vessels of Birsha's spirit fragment.
All of the evidence, as well as the most recent information we have from our intelligence networks, point to the Main Temple, and so…"
Eli and Kayden clenched their fists and continued with a solemn expressions.
"We would like to go and appeal to the Governor and to the Emperor himself that we needed to embark on an expedition to sneak into the Main Temple."
There was a long silence in the room and the heavy atmosphere intensified. Because the matter was indeed quite heavy and dangerous.
After a while, Governor Fidel could only sigh and look at the two,
"Give me more time to digest this information. When His Majesty comes back after their matters with the envoy, I will immediately pass this report."
He looked at them and noticed that they visibly lost weight and their complexions turned pale from not being under the sun,
"You will hear from us soon. But for now, take the next few days to rest. After all, I knew you had a hard time inside the dimension…"
Eli and Kayden bowed and saluted the Governor.
They knew that the decision would take time as the Imperial Family was also busy coordinating the traveling of the prisoners to the Holy Island.
It's better for the Emperor and the three princes to finish the matters with the prisoners first before taking another big matter on their plate.
And so, with the Governor's permission, Eli and Kayden went back to the Forgeworn Estate after thanking the troops who went with them on the journey.
Eli and Kayden declared that they will be conducting more research about improving the propagation methods for the herbs needed for the cure potion.
This way, the public and the enemies who were also monitoring their movements will not become alarmed by their disappearance nor surprised by their comeback.
As soon as they entered the Forgeworn Estate, they were enthusiastically welcomed by the butler and the servants, not forgetting to inform them that Little Han is with the family's elders.
Eli's heart immediately warmed at the thought of seeing her baby once again.
Kayden on the other hand realized the newfound depth of his affection toward his nephew. Not only that Little Han was his best friend's son, but now her sibling's child, his true nephew!
"Mommi!!! Umcleee!!!!" Little Han was first to look towards the door's entrance and beamed when he saw Eli and Kayden.
He stood up and hastily walked with his chubby legs toward the entrance of the plushie playground.
While he was still a year old, he was already capable of unlocking the picket fence and walking outside the playground.
"Mommi! Mommi!!!" He walked excitedly, his chubby little wobbly figure swayed adorably towards Eli who paused at a distance, squatting as she waited for Little Han to come into her arms open wide.
"Fairy auntie!!!" Estelle and the rest of the kids also beamed excitedly, they liked their fairy auntie the most who drew them cute dresses and outfits.
"My good daughter is here! Young Kayden, welcome back!" The Elders, Grandma Brygid, Tyce, and Kristine also welcomed the two warmly.
Little Han cupped Eli's face as he pouted his lips and gave her a kiss, then he hugged her neck tight and gently rubbed his cheeks towards his mother as if he wanted her warmth to come to him.
His soft gentle voice rang to Eli and Kayden's ears, "Johann miss Mommi…"
"Good boy… We miss you too." Kayden could only helplessly smile as the child had already stuck like a jellyfish to his mother.
While he wanted to also carry the child, he could only affectionately rub the clingy little boy's head.
After greeting the kids, who also welcomed them with kisses and adorable hugs, Eli and Kayden joined the elders for a quick catch-up.
They briefly told them the general happenings on the journey, albeit taking out the confidential information about the asanis and Spectre, as it was not yet time for this information to become public.
The elders also understood that and were already satisfied to know that Eli and Kayden did not spend a thought time in the wilderness in vain.
While the adults were talking, Little Han happily nestled in Eli's arms and soon drifted to a happy sleep.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmKristine noticed this, her eyes warmed as he looked at the mother and son and commented,
"Glad that you came back, my dear. Look at Little Han, the poor one did not have any afternoon naps at all since you left. Now he was peacefully sleeping in your arms."
Eli moved her arms and caressed Little Han's back, "
En… I want more than anything to finish all the things I have to do to deal with the enemies outside. After all, my son is growing… and he can only be a child once. The earlier we finish the matter, the more chances for me to witness my son grow into a lovely person."
The elders signed and agreed to Eli's words.
They could only sigh in their hearts how hard it is for Eli and Leon to continue being parents while staying true to their duties. What they could only do is to become a safe source of support for the two and guide them as elders.
As the evening approached, the elders insisted that the two have dinner before they went back to the cottage.
In the palace, Leon already received the notification that Eli came back and rushed to the main estate of the Forgeworn.
Of course, it was not only him who rushed to get back, but Grandpa Andi, Grandpa Ben, and General Farauld's family too.
With that, the dinner became lively once again and everyone celebrated Eli and Kayden's safe return.
When Leon saw Eli and Little Han, he was greeted by two pairs of misty eyes that were looking at him full of longing.
"Daddi!!/Leon!" They both greeted as they allowed Leon to embrace them with his trembling arms.
The little family stayed like that for a long while and everyone gave them space. After a while, Leon finally calmed his emotions and carefully inspected Eli.
His heart broke to see her lose weight and turn pale, but overall he is relieved to see her uninjured.
"Daddi.. Daddi…" While he was busy asking Eli something, Little Han cutely interrupted him by gently pulling his sleeves.
"Yes, son?" Leon patiently answered.
When Little Han saw his father pay attention to him, he then grinned proudly and replied while pumping his chest like a grown-up teenager,
"Gweat One answered Johann's prayers!"