A Crucial Meeting

//Author's Note:

I had time again today but I'm not sure if I can upload a new chapter tomorrow

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"... that concludes my report" Elias said

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they awaited Esther's words.

The time had come again for a crucial meeting, where the fate of the southern territories would be decided.

"Esteemed council," Esther began, her voice steady and filled with determination. "We have conquered the eastern slums, vanquishing the cults and restoring hope to the people. As Elias reported, our Holy Knights far outclass our enemies.

Now, it is time to turn our attention to the south. Their lands are ripe for liberation, and we shall bring the light of the Divinum to those who dwell in darkness."

As Kami watched Esther passionately address her advisors, urging them to initiate an attack on the southern territories, a sense of concern filled the atmosphere. Memories of history echoed through Kami's mind, reminding the him of similar moments in the past, where conquerors had met their downfall due to their insatiable hunger for expansion.

He recalled the imperial ambitions of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose relentless desire for expansion across Europe eventually led to his downfall. Despite his military brilliance, Napoleon's conquests faced staunch resistance and drained the resources and morale of his armies. Ultimately, his overreach culminated in defeat, as other European powers joined forces to topple his empire and conquered countries began to rise in rebellion.

***

As Esther spoke, her eyes glanced towards the sacred medium. It shimmered with an ethereal glow, its presence felt by all in the chamber.

Esther continued with her address, unaware of the interruption that was about to occur.

However, in the midst of her speech, the sacred medium began to emit a brilliant light, growing brighter with each passing moment. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards the artifact, captivated by its sudden radiance.

The sacred medium, began to vibrate, and the book it held within its ancient pages slowly opened. Words appeared, glowing in a soft golden hue.

Esther paused, her voice trailing off, as she and her council members leaned forward, straining to read the divine message.

The words illuminated the room, their meaning clear and undeniable. They spoke of caution and a different approach to the southern territories. The message urged the Divinum Church to focus on securing the recently conquered regions before launching a direct assault on the south.

Esther's brows furrowed in both surprise and contemplation. The divine guidance before her challenged her initial plans, offering a new perspective on the path forward.

She absorbed the words, sensing the weight of the message and the significance of this unexpected revelation.

"You're right, Kami," she whispered softly, her voice filled with a tinge of regret. "I became too consumed by my own ambitions, too focused on expanding our domain and eradicating the darkness. But in the midst of it all, I lost sight of your presence. Is that the reason you no longer show yourself to me?"

Esther's eyes scanned the grand chamber, searching for a sign, a glimmer of the divine. She had always felt a deep connection to her Lord, a guiding force that had propelled her forward in her mission. But now, in this moment of reflection, she felt a void, an emptiness where the reassuring presence of Kami once resided.

She couldn't help but question, "Where are you, Kami?" Her voice trembled with a mix of longing and uncertainty. "Have I strayed too far from your path? Have I allowed my own desires to overshadow your divine will?"

As she spoke these words, Esther closed her eyes, attempting to reconnect with the sacred energy that had guided her so faithfully in the past. She sought solace and guidance, hoping to once again feel the reassuring touch of the divine upon her soul.

In the silence of her inner contemplation, she acknowledged her own shortcomings, acknowledging that her ambition had clouded her judgment. She had become blinded by her hunger for power and the desire to vanquish the darkness that plagued their world.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, "I need you, Kami. I need your wisdom and your guidance to lead us back onto the right path. Please talk to me. Help me find the balance between ambition and humility, between strength and compassion."

With a deep breath, Esther made a solemn vow to herself and to Kami. She would recommit herself to the divine cause, not as a ruler driven by greed, but as a humble servant guided by the light of the Divinum.

"I will seek you out, Kami," she vowed. "I will open my heart and my mind to your presence, and together, we will restore harmony and righteousness to our land. Forgive me for my transgressions, and grant me the strength to be a worthy vessel of your divine will."

And with that, Esther opened her eyes, her gaze filled with newfound determination.

With a deep breath, Esther addressed her council once more, her voice filled with a newfound reverence.

"My esteemed advisors, it seems the divine has spoken. We shall heed its wisdom and adjust our strategy accordingly. We must secure our recent conquests before venturing further south. The words of the sacred medium guide us on a different path, one of prudence and careful planning."

The council members exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and respect for the divine intervention.

They understood the importance of divine guidance in their endeavors and were ready to adapt to this new directive.

Esther concluded the meeting, her heart filled with a renewed sense of purpose. The unexpected interruption had not derailed their mission but had instead redirected their focus.

The southern territories would have to wait as they consolidated their hold on the recently liberated lands. As the council members dispersed, Esther remained in the chamber, her eyes lingering on the open pages of the sacred medium.

//Author's Note:

How did you like the chapter?

I wanted to show that my characters are not perfect and can be blinded by power like anyone.

This is exactly why it is so important that Kami has lost his human emotions so that he can lead his religion rationally as a real god

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