The young Sultan radiated authority.
Although he was about the same age as Zahid—one could even say they were peers—
his personal presence far surpassed Zahid's.
Ude's words caught in his throat.
Facing the Sultan, he could not deal with him using the same methods he had once used to intimidate Zahid.
Seeing that he had fallen silent, the Sultan took several more steps forward.
"The people of Sarranid revere and love the gods."
"But none of this would be possible without the protection granted to us by the kingdom!"
"Without a nation, how can there be secure faith?"
"Therefore, 'Pillar of the State' must come before 'Loyal Servant of the Gods.'"
"The former is the prerequisite of the latter."
The young Sultan delivered his final verdict in an unquestionable tone.
He had not expected Bishop Ude of the Golden Unfallen Imperial City to be so bold.
It seemed Prince Ayub's sudden death had stirred the ambitions in his heart.
Divine authority and royal authority had always been sensitive subjects.
Unlike the many kingdoms across the continent, the Sarranid Sultanate had always maintained a deeply cooperative relationship with the Crescent Moon Cult.
To be honest, the ruling class was not all that devout.
They did not place much value on so-called faith, merely treating the Crescent Moon Cult as a tool for stabilizing their rule.
This had been the prevailing principle since Sarranid's founding.
Zahid had ascended to his position in haste.
Moreover, more than ten years ago, in a fit of stubbornness, he had chosen to venture into the Desolate North.
His experiences in the Bloodwar Pioneer Legion had made him an outstanding officer.
But he lacked sufficient political sensitivity and wisdom.
For a prince, those two qualities were even more important.
So it was perfectly normal that Zahid