Chapter 214-2: Sisters - Niko and Nilo (Part 2)

"Can you tell me why you don't believe in the Dawn Order?"

He was genuinely curious. Logically, with Nilo being a Holy Priest, her faith should have deeply influenced those around her. Yet the person closest to her, her own sister, didn't believe in the Dawn Order at all. That was interesting.

Nilo's face went slightly pale, and she was about to apologize, but sensing that Li De wasn't the least bit displeased, she breathed a subtle sigh of relief and began to explain.

"Your Majesty, Niko has always loved freedom. She's never felt the need for faith.

She's always admired explorers who venture into the deep sea, and she's had a rather untamed personality since she was young, so..."

Li De raised a hand to stop her. "No need to apologize. I'm not upset. I'm simply curious what the Dawn Order looks like through Niko's eyes."

This was the first time he was discussing the Dawn Order seriously with someone outside the inner circle. To Li De, the creation of the Order was largely a product of coincidence.

If it hadn't been for that lunatic Emi's obsession with studying godhood…

If it weren't for the fact that he happened to acquire a few believers...

If he hadn't built a city entirely under his control…

Without any one of those factors, the Dawn Order wouldn't have existed at all.

He'd always treated it as just another faction, maybe even just a way to generate Faith Energy. He'd never been too concerned, his infrequent visits to the cathedral were proof of that.

But after witnessing the conviction in his believers' eyes, he realized he might have underestimated what he'd created.

The Dawn Order had, without exaggeration, profoundly reshaped Dawn City, even changing many people's lives.

Now, his curiosity had been piqued and he wanted to hear the perspective of someone uniquely positioned to give it.

After all, Niko was Nilo's sister, and Nilo was his.

Niko hadn't expected such a question from Li De. She paused, then replied, her voice full of admiration.

"Lord Kachar, the Dawn Order is a magnificent institution. It changed Dawn City. What might've descended into chaos has instead become unified and steadfast."

Oh? Now that was a fresh take. Li De leaned forward with interest.

"Why do you say that? Why would Dawn City have fallen into chaos without the Dawn Order? What makes you say that?"

Niko's expressive eyes turned slightly, thinking for a moment. Then her voice, clear as a lark in spring, rang out in the room.

"Because faith is essential to any city. My sister and I have traveled to many cities and seen many religious Orders.

In cities with too many competing Orders, no matter how strict the law, chaos always emerges.

Everyone believes their god is the one true deity. Everyone despises the others' beliefs.

And once thought becomes divided, it leads to factionalism and opposition. Over time, even the most peaceful cities sink into conflict.

Now imagine Dawn City, it was founded by the Saintlight Vampires. If chaos ever did break out here, it would probably be crushed instantly by the Vampires.

That means even if the city stays peaceful on the surface, deep fractures would keep widening until one day they exploded.

But the Dawn Order's tolerant and gentle doctrine has softened ideological divisions and allowed the city to gradually become united."

Li De was refreshed by this unexpected analysis. Though her thoughts were still a bit naive and partial, and such disorder could never truly happen under his watch, he had to admit her lively mind and perspective impressed him.

Compared to regurgitating refined strategies, this kind of original thinking was far more valuable.

A true seedling of talent. If nurtured properly, she could become highly useful.

"A very fresh perspective. You underestimated the strength of City Hall's hand a bit but considering your age and experience, being able to see the essence behind peace is quite impressive."

Niko pouted, a little unwilling to concede.

Li De chuckled. "What's your view of the current Dawn Order? What are your thoughts on its future?

If your answer satisfies me, I'll officially place the Dawn Order under your management or even assign you to City Hall to learn how to run a city."

That promise made Niko's eyes shine, though she looked skeptical the next moment.

"Lord Kachar… you're not teasing me, right?"

Li De burst into hearty laughter. How long had it been since someone had the nerve to question him face to face?

As the Vampire Progenitor, Lord of Dawn, his status was so high that even Betty, the proud Valkyrie of the North with royal blood, would at most act aloof around him but never doubt him openly.

Niko realized she may have gone too far. She pursed her lips, wanting to apologize but too stubborn to say the words. In the end, she glanced over at her sister Nilo with a pleading look, hoping for rescue.

Nilo stepped in with a slight smile. "Your Majesty, Niko didn't mean any offense."

"That's enough, no need to defend her. Niko, go ahead share your thoughts."

Li De wasn't bothered in the slightest. He was eager to see what kind of surprise this little girl might offer.

Niko slowly composed herself. Her dark, clever eyes gleamed as she began to speak in a small but confident voice.

"The Dawn Order already has a solid foundation. Especially here in Dawn City, no other faith can even compete.

So no matter who's in charge, development will always go well.

But if we want the Dawn Order to become truly vigorous, to gain vitality, there's still a lot we have to do.

The reason most residents accept the Dawn Order boils down to three things.

First is you, Lord Kachar. You are the eternal core of the Order. As long as you exist, so does the Dawn Order.

Second is our relaxed doctrine and teachings, which align with the hopes of the people. Everyone yearns for a better life and our doctrine reflects that exact desire deep in their hearts.

Third is the absence of rival Orders. In Dawn City, we're the only faith. No matter what we do, we'll continue to grow.

Those are the basics. There are deeper layers I'll report to you later.

But although the Dawn Order has grown steadily… I don't think this is the kind of faith you ultimately envisioned.

The Dawn Order needs more life, needs the kind of resilience that can rival even the Order of the Goddess of Life.

To build such a living, breathing faith, requires much more.

I've personally studied over fifty Orders' doctrines and regulations. I've figured out most of the ways that churches develop and retain believers.

Give me time, and I'll craft an evangelism model more resilient, more perfectly aligned with the Dawn Order's essence. My plan is…"

Li De stared, slack-jawed, as this girl who couldn't be older than seventeen, spoke with eloquent fluency.

Niko went from explaining the doctrines of the Temple of Life to the codes of the God of Death. She spoke about how the Gods of Light used justice to spread faith, and how Evil Gods gathered believers through fear. She analyzed the influence angels had on followers, and contrasted it with the reverse psychological impact demons had.

This seemingly delicate girl was already a seasoned scholar of religion and divine institutions. By the end, even Li De was stunned.

So many wildly imaginative ideas. So many bold, insightful methods.

This girl was... brilliant.

A full half a sun-hour passed before Niko reluctantly stopped. It was the first time she'd ever unloaded all her thoughts in one go.

Seeing the astonishment still on Li De's face, Niko suddenly felt a bit bashful. Especially looking at that handsome face, her heart thudded in her chest. She stammered, "I-I'm done…"

Li De finally returned to his senses. He looked deeply at Nilo, who was standing off to the side with a proud, smiling expression.

"Not bad. From this day on… your sister is hired."