Hostilities (Start of Book 6)

Exiting the portal, the scent of incense hits my nose as the Saintess and a group of twenty holy knights greet me at the entrance. The Saintess has visibly matured a bit, looking a bit more adult than before.

In unison, the holy knights get on their knees with their weapons pointing to the floor and say, “We sinful ones greet the purest of the pure. May the Gods ever protect you as we serve as your shield from the impure.”

Seeing the knights, my royal guard, consisting of twelve knights and Atlas the captain of the royal guard, position themselves protectively between me and them.

Atlas scoffs, “Is this what passes as knights in the church these days? It’s a good thing we came here to protect her Highness, if it were just you even a bear attack might have been too dangerous.”

A beautiful man in his thirties with long blonde hair in shining white armor moves up to him and gets so close that their noses are almost touching.

“Perhaps you are right. We are quite thankful for the aid of the saintess’ holy mother. A knight can always make use of a steed afterall. Should we inform the stable master that her Holiness’ pets have arrived?”

Giving him a wide smile, showing his draconic teeth, Atlas answers, “At least you aren’t a pushover, I guess the strict requirements of the temple don’t regulate humor. I’m glad they are able to employ clowns such as you to entertain her Highness’ knights on the way.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you will get enough entertainment. The temple always takes good care of their animals, we’ll give you a nice enrichment area and when you’ve been a good boy you’ll get a treat.”

“Oh? I must be mistaken because I-”

While tugging on the blonde holy knight's arm the saintess interrupts, “Please, there is no need for animosity. Whether we are Human or animals, it ultimately doesn’t matter. As long as we all share a common goal of serving the Gods even the lowliest creatures are more holy than Humans that don’t follow the path. So please, let us all work together peacefully as one.”

“As you wish, your Holiness.”

Turning around, the blonde knight returns to his squad when Atlas says, “Oy, ‘your Holiness’. Shouldn’t that follower of yours be reprimanded? By insinuating that we Dragons are just animals did he not insinuate that her Highness’ is an animal as well? I believe there are quite strict laws within the temple against such blasphemy.”

“There are but I do not understand how calling you Dragons animals would insinuate that Rose is also an animal.”

“Because her Highness is a Dragon as well.”

“Chuckle Sir Knight, there is no such thing as a demihuman saintess. I assure you no matter what appearance Rose takes she is still human.”

Looking utterly baffled Atlas answers, “I know faith is blind but this is on another level. Didn’t your knight call our majesty the holy mother? Her majesty is obviously a Dragon, thus her Highness, who is her daughter, is also a Dragon.”

“I understand your confusion knight commander, but divine miracles transcend the common understanding. As such, even if the holy mother of Rose is of a lowly birth, Rose is still a Human.”

Both the knight commander, my other knights and my friends and family are left speechless by the saintess’ claim.

I move forward and say, “But I’m not Human? Here, I’ll show you.”

Closing my eyes I transform into my draconic form.

“Gao!”

“My~ I didn’t know that my new sister could be so small and cute!” The saintess swoons.

“Eh?”

I then hear ane get quite angry, “She’s not your sister. She’s our sister.”

“Damn right!” Scarlet agrees, “You have no right to call her your sister!”

“Hmm? By all means I did not mean to offend you, us saintesses have a bond that transcends blood. In the eyes of the Gods and ourselves we’re all sisters to each other. There is no bond as tight as our divine sorority.”

Turning back to my cursed from I answer, “Look, I’ll be honest. I don’t like you, I don’t like the church and I don’t want to be a saintess. The only reason I’m doing this is so demons stop attacking me.”

“Hmm…” pointing at John she asks, “Is it that demon that convinced you to say these things?”

“That ‘demon’ is my best friend! And he did not tell me to say these things and even if he did, I would still trust his words a thousand times more than yours. Because John is a better person than any of you people from the church could ever be! And if you harm him, I will fight you!”

“Don’t worry sister, I understand very well that everyone is redeemable. I would not bar anyone who seeks to walk the path of righteousness from doing so. If you speak so highly of him I will of course not harm him. But I do hope that you understand that I can’t in good conscience let someone as young, vulnerable and inexperienced as you be the only one to lead his path towards redemption.”

“Why not? What are you scheming?”

“I am not scheming anything dear sister. I’m simply worried about your safety. As such I suggest assigning a guardian angel to supervise your friend’s redemption. Will that be alright with you?”

“Uhm…” 

Unsure, I put my hand in my mouth and look at John who puts his arm around me and answers, “If these are the only conditions we’ll accept.”

“Splendid! Then please, follow me.”