Compared to the human kingdoms, the architecture of the orc kingdoms was much more simple, with an emphasis on large, open designs with high ceilings and big halls. Pazak brought along his brother, Allen, as the two crossed the large simple hall of the palace and knelt before the King of Menkaure.

Beneath a giant stone pillar, at the top of a row of stairs, there was a huge throne. The King had a pair of eyes that were completely different from those of regular humans. These eyes had an animalistic quality that chilled Pazak to the core. Pazak lowered his head, not daring to look up at the orc King, who was rumored to enjoy feasting on humans.

"Oh Great King, we are here to offer you the greatest respect. We come bringing a gift, with the hope that you can accept us."

The King of Menkaure was a middle-aged leopard man. After receiving the Sword of the King, his gaze glittered with enchanted greed. He was so focused on the sword, he did not look at the two humans at all.

He only had eyes for the beautiful long sword. He dismissed the two with a hand wave, causing them to retreat at once. "So, this is the legendary Sword of the King? Whoever holds it will have mastery over the Alen Continent?!"

A cat-person official approached. "Exactly! In the legends, whoever could activate the power of the Sword of the King would be the king chosen by G.o.d. So far, not a single person has been able to activate its power. Even the legendary Pope of the Church of Light has not been able to activate its divine abilities. Even so, the Church of Light has borrowed its authority in order to rule over half of the human nations. And now, it has fallen into your hands."

The King of Menkaure laughed. He was delighted. He could already feel the extreme power of the sword. "Ah, I feel as if the eyes of G.o.d are upon me."

A minotaur general approached. "Your Majesty, it is only a sword. Why would we want it, if it will offend the strongest force in humanity, the Church of Light? Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness, but this does not seem like a wise decision."

The King looked at the general, displeased. His green beast eyes glowed with irritation. "Are you calling me a fool?"

The general fell to the floor, fearful now. "I would not dare! Only, the Church of Light is likely to start a war with us over this Sword of the King. We have not fought with humanity for many decades. Why would we start a war now, after enjoying so many years of peace?"

The king harrumphed. "Be at ease, the Emperor of Crete Elliot VIII has died, so the succession may occur at any time. Thus, the Church will be unable to move any of the Crete n.o.bility and forces at this time."

The king continued his speech. "As for the four platoons stationed within the Kingdom of the Church, there have been 10,000 cavalry deployed with one army. Of the other three armies, at least two of them would not yet have been deployed. Considering the present unrest in the Crete Empire, there is nothing to fear, as they are unable to start a war with us now."

"As for the Church, since they would like the Sword back, they will be willing to pay any price. Haha, why wouldn't I take this sort of amazing bargain that has fallen from the skies? I will definitely ask the Church for gold, riches, weapons and horses. This time, we can get everything that we have always sought at once. I know for certain that the Church is completely swimming in wealth."

The King of Menkaure raised the Sword of the King, stepping on the beast skin carpet as he returned to his throne. "With this, we do not have to fear the Church's refusal!"

A week later, within the Kingdom of the Church, at St. Sarl City, a stream of letters arrived from afar. The letters were delivered with haste to the meeting room, where the Pope and four Archbishops were seated.

Archbishop Arthur was the first to speak. "We cannot agree to the demands of the Kingdom of Menkaure. This is about the glory of G.o.d. What are they thinking? They stole our divine artifact to blackmail us? If we capitulate to their demands, we will lose all of our dignity. Our reputation will be completely destroyed."

Another Archbishop remarked also. "But, we cannot declare war against the Kingdom of Menkaure. At most, we can deploy the Knights of Light and the Knights of Holy Glory, which is a total of 30,000 people. Even adding to that Cardinal Leon's forces, that is still only a total of 50,000 men. The Kingdom of Menkaure definitely has at least 80,000 in their regular army."

"Even if they are not as skilled as our men, it will be enough to block our advance. The longer this drags on, the more forces they can gather, maybe even up to 100,000 or 200,000 men, especially if reinforcements are sent by the other orc nations or clans."

At that moment, a thin Archbishop, who was newly anointed, shared his opinion. "According to the information sent by Chief Justice Sean, the affair in the Crete Empire, as well as the sudden emergence and destruction of the Gathering of Darkness, seem too sudden and too good to be true. He feels that there is a conspiracy, because it seems too easy. I feel that this is completely different from the careful style of the Gathering of Darkness from before."

"According to Chief Justice Sean, all of this may be related to Duke Vortigen of the Crete Empire. According to the report, His Majesty Elliot VIII has reached his limits. His health was already approaching the limit. So, with the recent injury, even with a priest giving him life support, it is likely that…"

Pope Hodap closed his eyes, still listening to their conversation, but also lost in his own thoughts. At this time, a sound entered the meeting room from outside. Saintess Kelly entered, accompanied by a few acolyte maidens. Compared to a few years ago, the Saintess appeared to be more mature, having a pure aura and appearance. She seemed like a living statue of the G.o.ddess of Light.

"The Sword of the King cannot be lost. I will go personally to ensure this. No matter what conspiracy is in the Crete Empire, and regardless of the orcs of the Kingdom of Menkaure, we cannot allow the shaming of the Church of Light."

Pope Hodap stood up to greet the Saintess. "Oh no, you are the nucleus of the Church of Light, the descendant of G.o.d and the symbol of divine authority. As long as you are here, the Kingdom of the Church and St. Sarl City will definitely be safe. If Your Holiness leaves, or even has any accidents, the entire Church would be thrown into chaos. It has not yet reached that stage. However, I have already made preparations."

Hodap turned around. "Issue a Church proclamation to Duke Vortigen of the Crete Empire, crowning him as the next Emperor of the Crete Empire. Arthur, you will represent me, going personally to Virginia City to host a coronation ceremony for him."

"You will also carry my message to him. He should use all of his forces to support us in attacking the Kingdom of Menkaure. I will order the Knight of Holy Glory and the Executioners to accompany you, while sending the same order to Charles. This time, we are aiming for a swift victory."

Hodap's tone was ice cold, completely forgetting that the previous Emperor of Crete, Elliot VIII, was still technically alive. Yet, no one there treated him as a living being.

"We are activating the Executioners? This eases my mind. This time, I will let them know the fear of holy judgement." Arthur stood up to carry out the order.

The Saintess looked at Hodap, who immediately replied. "I understand the intentions of Your Holiness, I already messaged Chief Justice Sean to investigate whether Duke Vortigen is connected to the Gathering of Darkness and the theft of the Sword. But, for now, it is more important to stabilize the situation and retrieve the Sword first. This way, we can also preserve the authority of the Church."

"If he really is involved with this incident, he will soon come to know the dark punishments that result from such misdeeds." Hodap thumped his scepter on the ground, his countenance turning incomparably frosty.