Chapter 158: No Choice

She was planning to go to the Capital again to meet her father. She was going to propose her crazy idea to him. See, it might be crazy but it will work! Adeline was adamant about it.

She was very worried about how he would react when she told him she contacted Edward... It should be fine, right? She laughed nervously. Deep down she knew it would not- But alas, there are things she must do as the Goddess’ chosen one.

A fancy title that would make anyone envious of her, but she knew the reality. The Goddess was annoying!

Adeline adjusted her hood as the bustling streets of the Capital spread out before her. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods, the clatter of merchants hawking their wares, and the distant hum of a city that never truly slept.

She was happy that the Empire quickly recovered from the plague. She didn’t know how she did it but she was grateful it happened. Now, it was back to normal. Happy children, happy families... It made her feel warm...

Behind her, Aaron trailed reluctantly, his expression a mixture of irritation and begrudging amusement. "Did it have to be today?" He asked, weaving through the crowd to catch up. "I finally get a day off, and it’s spent chasing after you."

Adeline turned and laughed, "You got a day off because you have to chase after me. If you’d prefer to stay behind, you are welcome to leave." She said knowing full well he could not leave her behind!

Aaron snorted. "Alaric would kill me. And frankly, I’m curious to see what kind of trouble you’ll drag me into this time." Alaric had the excuse of their father’s absence and him being needed to look after the affairs... He didn’t! So now it was his turn to look after the hot potato.

What changed? Adeline pouted. Aaron used to treat her so kindly. Huhuhu so unfair. If Aaron heard what she said he would have yelled! After getting into trouble so many times, he learnt his lesson. No more pampering the gremlin!

Their exploration led them through the labyrinth of markets, taverns, and residential districts. While Adeline scanned her surroundings for information about her father, Aaron took the opportunity to soak in the Capital’s vibrancy.

She was looking for the intelligence guild. Where else would her father be? Unless... He has a whole family in the capital that he kept a secret from them! Adeline had a knack for overthinking and being dramatic.

She didn’t have TV, it was on her to entertain herself.

"Did you hear that?" Adeline suddenly asked, halting in her tracks. Aaron raised an eyebrow, watching as she subtly leaned toward a group of townsfolk gathered by a fountain.

The townsfolk spoke in hushed but animated tones, their words sharp with frustration. "It’s outrageous," One man said, shaking his fist. "The Holy Temple has no right to pull back its healers. My brother might still be alive if they hadn’t left our men to fend for themselves!"

Another woman chimed in, "And for what? So they can hoard their magic for the nobles? Do they think we’ll forgive this betrayal just because they’ve helped before?"

The conversation shifted, but the sentiment was clear: the Holy Temple’s reputation was faltering. Adeline and Aaron exchanged a glance.

As they continued their walk, they overheard similar complaints from other groups. The Capital’s lively streets were now tinged with an undercurrent of unrest. Adeline took mental notes, piecing together the fragments of discontent.

She turned to Aaron. "It’s worse than I thought. They’re not just angry- they feel betrayed."

Aaron crossed his arms. "You think Edward didn’t plan for this? He’s not stupid. He knew there’d be backlash."

Adeline frowned. "Maybe, but he underestimated how much the people love the Empire. The knights, the soldiers- they’re heroes to these people. Sacrificing their lives because the Holy Temple withdrew support? That’s a wound that won’t heal easily."

Just what was he thinking? Edward’s plan to recall the healers was intended to create dependence on the Holy Temple, forcing the Empire to bend to his will.

He wanted to use the plague as a way to gain power and leverage but Adeline ruined his plans. He expected her to come forward and start healing people... But how long would that healing last?

She would need the holy water to replenish her powers. But everything spiralled out of control. Adeline not only had a great amount of powers, but also she got rid of the plague in one go.

The commoners were grateful to the Temple, yes, they were greedy but it was the only way some of them could save their loved ones... But their pride and love for their Empire was more!

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Adeline and Aaron found themselves near a public square where a small crowd had gathered. A young man stood atop a makeshift stage, addressing the audience with impassioned words.

"They say the Holy Temple is a beacon of hope," He shouted, his voice ringing out over the crowd. "But where was that hope when our knights were dying on the battlefield? Where was their mercy when they abandoned us in our time of need?"

The crowd murmured in agreement, their faces a mix of anger and determination.

Adeline watched from the edge of the square, her expression unreadable. Aaron nudged her. "This could get out of hand."

They were children. If the crowd gets agitated then they might get hurt in the process. But Adeline had different plans. She seemed to sense something.

"I understand, but trust me, we need to keep an eye on this." She said with determination.

Meanwhile, Edward received reports of the growing unrest. Though he had anticipated some backlash, the speed and intensity of the people’s anger took him by surprise.

He paced his chambers, his mind racing. "Adeline," he muttered under his breath. "You’ve become quite the thorn in my side."

But Edward wasn’t one to admit defeat. If anything, the challenge only fueled his determination. He would find a way to regain control, no matter the cost.

The streets grew quieter as the speech ended, and the crowd dispersed. Adeline’s sharp gaze followed the man who had spoken with such fervour, her mind racing. Something about his confidence and the way he addressed the crowd struck her as familiar.

"Aaron," she said, her voice low and commanding, "We’re following him."

Aaron sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Adeline, why do I feel like this is going to end badly?"

"Trust me," She replied simply, pulling her hood tighter.

"Fine," Aaron muttered, rolling his eyes. "Not like I have a choice."

The man moved quickly through the labyrinth like streets of the Capital, clearly familiar with its every twist and turn.

Adeline matched his pace, keeping just enough distance to avoid detection. Aaron followed reluctantly, muttering complaints under his breath but remaining vigilant.

They had to work hard! Although their height was helpful in staying hidden, catching up with this man was hard! He was like a slippery snake! Clearly, he was someone experienced.

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