I Became My Elf King Character In A Game-Like World
Chapter 91: HypocritePriests

Chapter 91: HypocritePriests

As the Elven army marched away, a surge of people broke from the crowd, running along the city walls and streets, desperate for one last look at their otherworldly visitors.

"Such a pity! They just got here, and now they are leaving just like they came!"

"The stories were true! Elves really are as radiant and noble as the old songs claim!"

"And those creatures! Did you see the unicorns? The golems? Mythical beasts, right before our very eyes!"

"I’d give a hefty sum just to see the Elf girls again!"

"Honestly, not even the Imperial Princess has such presence! The way the elven girls behind stood, and on those panthers like a true beauty..."

"Let’s hope the stars guide him back someday. And maybe next time, he’ll stay a bit longer."

From the high ramparts, Lord Alden and the other nobles watched the commoners scrambling after the departing Elves, their shouts echoing with awe and longing.

The nobles’ own expressions, however, were far less enthusiastic.

"The people didn’t cheer this loudly even when the Empire’s own Legion marched through," one lord muttered, a bitter edge to his voice.

"Fools. They have no idea. They’re cheering for the very blade that could slit their throats before they knew what happened."

"They’re just commoners. One can forgive their ignorance."

"Commoners? I spotted more than a few landowners down there," another noble snapped. "Viscount—your own son was practically tripping over himself chasing after them like a lovesick puppy over those elven girls!"

Viscount jaw tightened visibly. "When I get home, I’ll see to it that his legs are broken."

"A sound plan."

His face grim, Lord Alden turned to the Leader of the Mercenary guild standing nearby. "huhm, can you determine where the Elf King is heading with his forces?"

The old man narrowed his eyes, thoughtfully stroking his white beard. "There are no major cities in that direction. Only small villages, minor holdings."

"My thoughts exactly," Alden confirmed. "And I doubt war is his aim by any means... otherwise he wouldn’t have come here first."

The old man nodded slowly. "Then there’s really only one significant destination that way: the mountains. Towards the Wastes, the blighted lands where dragons once nested, and the dead are said to still stir beneath the earth."

Lord Alden frowned, disturbed. "What could the Elves possibly want in a place like that? It’s desolate. Cursed."

Beside them, a smooth voice interjected. Another man, his eyes glinting with faint amusement. "Perhaps Miss Lyanna of the Ironcrest Guild might hold the answer."

All heads turned towards Lyanna.

She met their gazes evenly, her posture calm and practiced. "I do not know," she stated simply. "Though I do count His Majesty as a friend."

And with that, she turned sharply, her cloak swirling around her, and departed with her attendants.

Her abrupt exit, without the customary formal farewells expected of nobility, was a breach of etiquette. On any other occasion, it might have sparked indignation.

But not here. Not today.

Lord Alden and the others merely exchanged resigned glances.

After all, Lyanna’s father was the renowned Marquis, a man whose military achievements and high rank made him untouchable. Even Alden, the highest-ranking noble present in the city proper, held only the title of Count. He lacked the standing to reprimand her.

Just as the nobles were preparing to return to the city’s inner districts, a commotion erupted near the gates.

A procession of white-robed priests hurried towards them, their ceremonial staffs gleaming with the holy symbol of the Temple. They approached quickly, faces radiating self-importance.

"Lord Alden," their leader announced loudly, "we have received troubling reports! Is it true an Elven army marches against this sacred city, consecrated under the Lord of Light’s protection?"

"Heretics must be cleansed with holy fire! Even Elves are not exempt!"

"Rest assured, the Temple shall uphold its divine duty to protect the faithful!"

A brittle, humorless smile touched Alden’s lips.

If not for the Temple’s considerable influence, he would have gladly had these fools struck down on the spot and delivered personally to their ’Lord of Light’.

These opportunistic hypocrites had likely been cowering in their home the entire time the Elves were actually here. Only now, after the perceived danger had passed, did they dare came here.

"If you hurry," Alden replied curtly, his voice flat, "you might still catch them. The army headed in that direction."

’And may the gods help them if they actually do.’

The priests from the Temple of Light exchanged uneasy glances.

Chase after the Elves?

Yeah, right!

It was pretty obvious they only showed up now because they heard the Elves were already gone.

"Ahem! Well," the lead priest announced loudly, puffing up his chest to regain composure, "since the Elves have withdrawn and spared our city from war, I trust the ever-merciful Lord of Light shall forgive their... intrusion."

"Indeed! Disaster has been averted!" another chimed in quickly. "Thanks to the Light’s protective power, peace prevails!"

"The Light’s grace shields us all!" chanted another, trying too hard.

The priests quickly put on their most solemn, pious expressions, launching into loud prayers of thanks directed skyward.

"Hmph!" A disgusted sound came from one of the nobles.

"Lord Alden, let’s be off," another suggested curtly.

Many of the nobles turned away sharply, their faces etched with distaste. This public display of fake piety from the Temple priests clearly rubbed them the wrong way, especially those who didn’t worship the Light God.

Even Lord Alden and the others departed without a word, their expressions sour.

"Damn heretics," one of the priests muttered under his breath as the nobles walked away.

"Mark my words," another whispered back fiercely, "sooner or later, those unbelievers will face the holy racks, and the sacred flames will cleanse their wicked souls!"

....

Miles away, Renjiro led his Elven host onward, deeper into the rugged mountain terrain.

They passed several small human villages and the edges of minor nobles’ lands. Predictably, no local force dared challenge their passage. The mere sight of the colossal stone golems striding at the vanguard was enough to deter any foolish thoughts of aggression.

Instead, humans gathered along the route, keeping a safe distance.

They stared, mouths agape, their faces a mixture of awe and disbelief as the Elven army marched by.

Elaria rode closer to Renjiro, murmuring softly, "Your Majesty, these humans... they don’t seem frightened of us."

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