Season 2 Chapter 5: Accel's Duties and the Arrival of the Luminescent Faith

[4th Week of March 2021 — Meadowville City — Day 4 — Morning]

As morning began to break, Accel awoke on the balcony alongside Raizah, contemplating what he should do next. He gently roused Raizah so they could clean up before heading to breakfast. Accel asked the maids to guide Raizah to the guest room he had prepared for her.

After an hour of preparation, Raizah donned a silver-colored dress while Accel wore a matching silver coat and suit, making them look like a coordinated couple. As they made their way down, all the maids and butlers greeted them and escorted them to the dining room. Accel's father, Atlas, was still adjusting to being treated this way, having come from a common background, and Accel's brothers, Axton and Asher, felt the same.

"Good morning, Father and my brothers. How did you sleep?" Accel asked, noticing his mother was absent. 

"Good morning, son. The sleep was so comfortable that it was hard to wake up. If you're looking for your mother, she's in the room you prepared and doesn't plan to come out," Atlas replied, his expression sorrowful, unable to say more.

"That's alright, Father. Let her rest. I think she's still struggling to accept what I revealed and is hurt," Accel responded. 

Atlas then spoke, "Son, it's not like that. It's… it's…" He trailed off, unable to finish his thoughts. 

"That's alright, Father. Let's set aside the matter and enjoy our breakfast," Accel concluded.

An hour after breakfast, Accel's father returned to his duties, while Accel's siblings headed off to school. Accel had established a school that welcomed everyone, regardless of their social status—be it commoners, nobility, or military families. Accel made it clear that any student or family attempting to exploit their power would face his intervention without warning, and he would address the situation directly.

[Meadowville City — Meadowville City Hall — Council Room]

Inside the expanded council room of Meadowville City Hall, all the attendees who had worked alongside Accel for the past two and a half years had been promoted to new positions. Now, they stood as directors, executives, and advisors, gathered under the banner of a city that had risen from obscurity thanks to one man's guidance.

Count Accel von Winchester stood by his table and apologized to everyone present, including those few who already knew his true identity. He expressed regret for having kept his identity hidden for the past two and a half years. The others were relieved and accepted his apology, recognizing that the young child they once knew had grown into a fine gentleman.

After the apology, Count William von Mondragon and his daughter, Raizah von Mondragon, took their seats at the side of the table. William watched closely to see how Accel would fulfill his duties.

As the meeting was about to begin, everyone settled into their seats. Charles, a former advisor who had supported Accel during his challenging early days as a nobleman, stood up. Having since grown and reflecting the transformation of the village into a large city, he now held the position of Head of the Executives in Meadowville City. "This meeting will focus on Meadowville City's expansion strategy, resource management, and security enhancements for the upcoming quarter," he announced.

Accel continued the meeting with calm precision, transitioning from a heartfelt address to a more focused leadership mode.

First, Albert, the former Head of the Farmers, was given a new role as the Executive of Agricultural Resources. He presented plans for agricultural expansion, introducing new farming techniques and trade routes to nearby neutral cities.

Second was Marcellus, who served as the Treasurer when Meadowville was still a small village. With the village's growth into a city, he took on the new role of Executive Treasurer of the Meadowville Bank. He proposed an upgrade to Meadowville's banking system to support multi-tiered investment and resource management.

Third, Evelyn, a former village doctor, now serves as the Director of Meadowville General Hospital. Along with her trusted colleague, Michael, a former representative from the National Mastery Academy of the Health and Recovery Department, who has now become the Executive of Meadowville General Hospital, she spoke about the upcoming construction of a medical research wing at the hospital.

Fourth, there was Isaac, the former Head of Stone Productions, who has now become the Executive of Quarry Productions. Alongside him was Gregor, the former Head of Wood Productions, now the Executive of Sawmill Productions. They provided insights on logistics related to quarrying and wood transport, emphasizing the need for improved enchanted infrastructure.

Fifth, Joseph, the former Head Butler of the Winchester Family, is now the Exclusive Director of the Butler Institute of the Winchester Family. Mary, the former Head Maid of the Winchester Family, has taken on the role of Exclusive Director of the Maid Institute of the Winchester Family. They proposed expanding the butler and maid institutes to train not only staff but also disciplinary officers for internal service and ceremonial ranks, as well as to increase the number of combat butlers and maids.

Sixth, Thomas, the former Head Instructor of the Infantry Training Ground, has now become the Head Instructor of the 75th Valkyrie Company. With recommendations from his veterans, he was directly promoted to Knight Commander and is now one of Accels' four Knight Commanders. He updated the training efficiency of military divisions, categorizing them into Light, Medium, and Heavy Divisions in preparation for potential cross-regional deployments.

Seventh was Charles, who was formerly dispatched from the House of High Lord to serve and assist Accel two and a half years ago. Now that Accel has grown, he decided to appoint Charles as the Head of All Executives for Meadowville City. Charles has proposed the establishment of a new city branch focused on foreign relations and defense diplomacy.

Eighth was Anthony, a former Elite Squire of the 95th Frostfire Platoon, who has now become the Right-Hand Knight Commander of the 75th Valkyrie Company. He, along with his partner Olivia, also a former Elite Squire of the 95th Frostfire Platoon, is now the Left-Hand Knight Commander of the 75th Valkyrie Company. Together, they have introduced a recruitment plan aimed at increasing the number of knights and squires by an additional 1,000.

Ninth was Richard, who was previously dispatched from the Craftsman Overseer position and now serves as the Executive of Build and Construct. He submitted a revised blueprint for public housing and fortification upgrades, citing the rise in migration to Meadowville.

Lastly, there was Paul, a former Village Chief when Meadowville was still just a village, who has now become the Director of Trade and Economy for Meadowville City. He has submitted documents regarding the increase in trade within the neutral and allied cities of Meadowville City, utilizing the Trade Pact and Treaty.

As each department gave their report, Count William looked increasingly impressed. His stern expression softened the longer the meeting went on, while Raizah's eyes followed Accel closely, proud and quietly amazed.

By the meeting's close, there was no doubt: Count Accel von Winchester had earned his place not through title, but through vision, labor, and unwavering loyalty.

[Meadowville City — Teleportation Hub — Entrance Way]

"Welcome to Meadowville City, Lumen Acolytes of the Luminescent Faith." As the Guide spoke these words, the atmosphere changed.

The moment the name Luminescent Faith echoed through the corridor, everyone within the Entrance Way — citizens, guards, merchants, and travelers — instinctively lowered themselves to their knees. Each placed their hands together, pressing them over their chests in silent prayer. The radiance of the Acolytes' robes shimmered faintly as if reacting to the unspoken reverence.

The ten Lumen Acolytes, cloaked in white and gold ceremonial vestments, nodded silently and began their process — methodical, sacred, and precise.