"That's what you get for talking about people behind their backs." Olmedo stifled a laugh.
The Saintess tilted her head, unsure what they were talking about.
"Never mind her. Let's go inside..."
Annan climbed the steps.
Olmedo was worried the Wealth Church might mean Annan harm. Annan, by contrast, had no guard up at all. He was curious why the Archbishop wanted to see him.
When they entered, the Archbishop was speaking with the Holy Crusade Commander.
"Big Litt, where did that scar at the corner of your mouth come from?"
"Those Believers dared attack our Monastery... Your Grace, you can see?"
"The eyeglasses. Remarkable, aren't they?" Archbishop Tomark adjusted them with a kindly smile. His clouded eyes peered through the lenses at Annan as he entered.
"Oh, there he is."
"You wanted to see me?" Annan walked over.
"Holy Son, I intend to have Big Litt protect you."
Annan looked at the expressionless Holy Crusade Commander.
"Don't worry. I'm safe in Free City."
"You mean the Tower Spirit and the Summoning Crystal?" Archbishop Tomark said. "I know about them, and so do your enemies. If they wanted to harm you, you wouldn't have time to react..."
"Who are these enemies?"
"Those Believers who have also lost the gods' radiance, who want to know the truth and envy what you have. Fortunately, the most dangerous period has passed..."
"The most dangerous period..."
It dawned on Annan that his greatest danger had come after he announced he was the Holy Son but before the Wealth Church arrived.
The Believers hadn't had time to respond. By the time they did, the Empire's Dreadnought had already arrived.
Well, he'd somehow ended up owing the Empire another favor.
Annan turned to the Holy Crusade Commander. "But I'm not used to having someone around..."
"If