Season 2 Chapter 9: Aria's Resolve and Arrival of the Luminescent Faith

[1st Week of April 2021 — Meadowville City — Day 12 — Early Morning]

Today is the day when the Supreme Matriarch and the Luminescent High-Ranking Authorities will visit Velthuria Continent, on Darnathi, the third largest island. Everyone is having breakfast together with Count William von Mondragon, his wife Countess Freya von Mondragon, their oldest son David, their daughter Raizah, and their youngest son Kevin. They are all seated on the right side of the table. Count William's wife and their two sons just arrived a few days ago, as they wanted to greet Count Accel's parents. However, they were unable to meet, as Count Accel's mother has not responded for over a week.

At the left side of the table sat Count Accel von Winchester, accompanied by his two younger siblings, Axton and Asher. While Accel's brothers were still practicing proper table manners, Count William and his daughter Raizah already understood the situation. Count William's wife and their two sons were just becoming aware of it, and they didn't mind that Count Accel's siblings were still learning.

Suddenly, the door opened, prompting Accel and his brothers to stand up. It was their parents who had just arrived. Asher and Axton immediately ran to hug both of them. Accel hesitated, unsure if he deserved to hug his mother, Aria, given the events surrounding the truth and mother's past. However, Aria approached him and wrapped her arms around him, apologizing for everything. Accel returned the apology, and then they all sat down to enjoy dinner together. During the meal, Aria initiated an important discussion.

"Accel, my son, after what happened, I have made a decision regarding with your father. I will return to my noble roots and this time, I intend to bring down my parents and become the new head of the Valenwood family. This decision comes from deep reflection and a desire to overcome my past. I want to end everything and reclaim what I had pushed away, choosing to no longer live in fear of them—fear that they used to manipulate me for their own greedy purposes. So, my son, what do you think?" 

Accel was surprised by his mother's determination to confront her past and the fear instilled in her by her parents, who had abused her as a means to an end. He smiled and replied, "Of course, I would gladly help you achieve your goal, Mother." 

After hearing his response, Accel's mother asked, "If I become the head of the Valenwood family, what will happen to you, my son? Will you become part of it?" Accel already knew his answer. "I will respectfully decline. I have already achieved something on my own. Instead, why not make Axton your successor for the Valenwood family?" Axton dropped his utensil in surprise upon hearing that.

Axton shook his head, clearly resistant. "Sorry, Axton, my younger brother, but I have my own noble roots in the Winchester family. If you succeed in becoming the new head of the Valenwood family, I will include you in the alliance I established with the Ishikawa and Mondragon families." Accel's mother smiled happily and nodded in agreement. 

As this conversation unfolded, Count William, sitting on the right side of the table, asked a question. "Ms. Aria, isn't the Valenwood family ranked as a Marquis? Wouldn't your goal take longer to achieve?" Aria understood that it would indeed take time, but she was determined to persevere. She responded to William's inquiry confidently.

Then Aria shifted the topic. "Let's change the subject. Since our conversation has been quite personal, I'm curious—when I entered the dining room, why was everyone so tense?" 

Accel quickly replied, his mother looking shocked upon realizing the reason. "What? The Supreme Matriarch of the Luminescent Faith and her high-ranking authorities are coming here? For what reason?" 

Accel then explained, "According to the Lumen Disciples, I was blessed not by the Acolytes but directly by the Primordial Goddess of Light, Hope, and Protection." Accel's mother felt a headache coming on, and although she wanted to faint, she resisted. 

After Accel explained everything, two hours passed...

[Meadowville City — Teleportation Hub — Entrance Way]

Count Accel von Winchester, along with his family, Count William von Mondragon and his family, Viscount Ishikawa Haruto Kazuyoshi and his family, Baron Welt von Hawkstree and his family, Countess Amelia Rose Brown and her family, and Marquess Charlotte Anne Davies and her family, have arrived at the Entrance Way. A few days ago, Accel invited all the members of the Dawnshire (formerly Drakenshire) Alliance to this gathering. Everyone accepted the invitation, as many were eager to meet the Supreme Matriarch for the first time or to learn more about Accel's engagement partner.

Knight Supreme Marshal Accel brought his 75th Valkyrie Company, which now includes a total of 2,000 Knights and 1,500 Squires. The number of Knights has increased from 1,000 to 2,000, and the number of Squires has risen from 500 to 1,500. All of them are recent graduates of the Knight Academy.

Knight Commander William brought his 85th Drakeshire Platoon, which consists of a total of 1,000 Knights and 500 Squires. The number of Knights has increased from 500 to 1,000, and the number of Squires has grown from 200 to 500. They too are all recent graduates of the Knight Academy.

Royal Squire (50th Military Rank) Welt led his 125th Dawnbreaker Squad, which now consists of a total of 500 Squires, an increase from the previous 250.

Vanguard Knight (45th Military Rank) Ishikawa commanded his 105th Delta-Lux Squad, now comprising 500 Knights and 250 Squires. The number of Knights has risen from 250 to 500, while the number of Squires has grown from 150 to 250.

Knight Commander Amelia brought her 80th Sunblade Platoon, which includes a total of 1,000 Knights and 500 Squires. The Knights have increased from 500 to 1,000, and the Squires have expanded from 200 to 500. All members are recent graduates of the Knight Academy.

Steelsoul (30th Military Rank) Charlotte led her 50th Crimson Aegis Battalion, which consists of 10,000 Knights and 5,000 Squires. The number of Knights has doubled from 5,000 to 10,000, and the number of Squires has increased from 2,500 to 5,000. She is also the General of the Dawnshire Alliance Army.

The Dawnshire Alliance Army consists of a total force of 22,000 soldiers, organized into various divisions. They are fully equipped and have begun patrolling Meadowville City, including its outskirts, to identify any potential threats. After waiting for a few minutes, the High Priest and High Priestess of the Velthuria Continent arrived to announce the entrance of the Luminescent Faith.

"I hereby declare that everyone present shall witness the arrival of the Supreme Matriarch!" the High Priest proclaimed. At this announcement, every citizen and soldier present knelt down as if in prayer. The Supreme Matriarch entered, flanked by her Protectors. She wore radiant white clothing and a veil that obscured her face, yet they all felt as though a golden, radiant gaze was upon them. 

"Everyone, you may be at ease," she said, her powerful voice bringing a sense of calm. As she spoke, the crowd could finally see that she stood two meters tall, holding a divine scepter. When Accel attempted to get a glimpse of her stats, he found all the information was a mystery, except for her name and title. Noticing him peeking, the Supreme Matriarch smiled beneath her veil. 

"You must be Count Accel von Winchester, a new lamb who will walk the Path of the Righteous and has received a Supreme Level Blessing from our almighty Primordial Goddess of Light, Hope, and Protection. Come now, Accel, follow me to the Cathedral, where we will witness the blessing you have received." 

Accel followed the Supreme Matriarch, accompanied by the high-ranking authorities of the Luminescent Faith, while her Protectors cast a multi-layer barrier around the Cathedral.