Chapter 1: Founding

The temporary bridge was completed. King Majagada and several of his followers approached the temple. They took Indarto from me and imprisoned him. "For public execution."

King Majagada then gazed in awe at the sacred tree. "Is the temple still open? I wish to pray at the birthplace of God 999."

"The temple is still open as long as you do not cause any disturbances," Kuti replied. "Apologies if it's a bit dirty, Your Majesty. They just caused a ruckus inside the temple."

A voice was then heard from inside the temple. "Only King Majagada and my divine envoy may enter. The rest must wait outside."

The three of us entered the temple. There, Maria revealed herself atop the altar. King Majagada prostrated himself upon seeing God 999. Wearing her signature mask, Maria accepted King Majagada's prostration.

"Thank you for purifying my teachings," Maria said. "Now continue to reclaim my territories taken by the Knights' Order. Establish the Holy Kingdom of Majagada with its capital here."

"Yes," replied King Majagada.

I approached King Majagada and handed him the holy sword. "This is your kingdom's heirloom. Only your descendants will be able to unlock its potential. Lead your people to prosperity and golden times. My divine envoy will anoint you, but regarding authority, you stand above them. Remember, only I have the right to appoint the divine envoy."

King Majagada accepted it and stood up. God 999 had vanished from our sight. He then exited the temple and raised the holy sword high. "From this day forth, I establish the Holy Kingdom of Majagada!"

The cheers of Majagada's soldiers resounded. I took the initiative to congratulate King Majagada. "Congratulations, Your Majesty. What will you do next?"

"Consolidate Majagada's influence, of course. The center of governance will be moved here. I will send letters to other Knights' Order territories to surrender and send emissaries to transfer power," King Majagada replied.

He then looked sharply at me. "I also need you. As you know, the blood of holy men has always flowed in the veins of Majagada's royal ancestors. My mother was a Majagada princess who married a previous holy envoy."

"So, I want you to marry my daughter." King Majagada patted my shoulder.

"What?" I was shocked.

"You have no right to refuse either. Under my authority as King of the holy kingdom, I rank higher than you," King Majagada smiled.

"But...," I stepped back. "I already have Kuti."

"Having more than one wife is normal," King Majagada said, moving closer. "My daughter is very beautiful. It would be a pity if you didn't accept her."

"I refuse, Your Majesty," Kuti appeared from her camouflage and approached me.

"Hmm, what if I offer noble titles to both of your parents?" King Majagada suggested.

"Uhm, how should I put this, Your Majesty. We have a mandate from God 999 to go to a distant land and fetch our lost friend. So Thomas must come with us and cannot stay," Kuti said.

"Then just get engaged," King Majagada insisted. "After that, you two are free to leave and fulfill your duties as divine envoys."

"Or I will use force," King Majagada threatened.

Kuti glanced at me, asking for my support. I saw the King's guards approaching. "Very well, Your Majesty, I accept your offer. Not just an engagement. We can marry right away. Afterward, I will travel, and I will return if your daughter bears my child."

Kuti seemed surprised by my response. Her angry face was evident. I approached her and held her hand. "I'll explain tonight."

King Majagada smiled in satisfaction and invited me to leave. We exited the sacred temple area and headed to the Knights' Order headquarters, now transformed into King Majagada's residence. "While this place is under renovation, I will send your party to the old capital. Take this letter and present it to my daughter in Dunsestra."

"Alright," I replied. "I was also asked to convey a special message from God 999. Worshippers of God 111 will not be persecuted and will be treated equally with followers of God 999."

"Is that all? I don't see any harm in letting the followers of the god of love and lust remain," King Majagada responded. "Alright, I will comply. You may leave now, and thank you for accepting my offer."

I excused myself from the building. Outside, the surviving citizens of Ludanes were being forced to rebuild their city. Soldiers watched them closely. I spotted Atmaja talking to the Majagada captain counting the prisoners.

"Hi," I greeted Atmaja.

"Hello, why are you stuttering again? We're friends now," Atmaja replied. "Kuti is very angry. I think you should head back quickly. Use my bike."

"Okay, thanks for the info. Oh! I forgot we are leaving for Dunsestra tomorrow. I'll give you the details tonight," I said, riding Atmaja's bike.

I pedaled quickly toward the temple. Kuti was waiting for me at the sacred temple entrance. I approached her and invited her inside. "Do you have any questions?"

"Many, you should start telling me everything," Kuti said.

"I'm sorry," I hugged Kuti. "We had no other choice."

"Yes, I know. But I'm still angry knowing you're going to marry someone else," Kuti said.

I remembered the artifact ring I found on Faore Island. I ran to the second floor and retrieved it from a drawer. Then I returned downstairs to Kuti. I gave her the artifact ring with the red gemstone.

I knelt before her, "So you don't feel like you're second, I'm proposing first."

Kuti's expression softened, and she smiled. She accepted it and helped me put it on her ring finger. Then I carried her upstairs and laid her on our bed.

"Thank you," Kuti whispered. "But first, let's cook dinner. We haven't had dinner or a bath."

"A kiss will do for now," Kuti kissed me lovingly before heading to the kitchen. "Please fill the basin with hot water for our bath. And don't forget to wake Romanova in her room."

"I will," I said, heading to the first floor with a bucket. I went to the well under the sacred tree. The view of Ludanes had changed slightly; the fires were extinguished. The residents who resisted Majagada were forced to rebuild the city.