And since he was in neither the imperial wing or the military wing, he was essentially in unknown territory. Or rather, that would have been the case had he not known where he was going.
Xavier pushed open the golden door and entered the private temple. It was a small room— barely even the same size as the Emperor’s office itself. And it did not help that the place was lined with rows of candles going all around the sides, creating a thin haze that partially obscured the figure standing by the altar.
The figure did not turn to greet Xavier even as he made his approach. Instead, the figure remained in solemn silence with his head bowed and his hands on the table. Xavier stopped right behind the figure as they continued their quiet prayer, muttering words of reverence to the Goddess of Light.
Finally, after the figure finished, they pushed themselves off the altar, straightening their back and tidying their robes. They were a man— an older man— senior to Xavier by two decades. But despite his age, he had a head full of tidy brown hair and a face belonging to someone ten years younger. Certainly, standing side by side, one wouldn’t be able to tell that there was such a stark age gap between Xavier and the man.
However, the stern look he carried did not betray his age, but told anyone who met him of his experience and rank. "Your majesty," the man said, turning to face the Emperor. "Your presence honors me."
"You know you don’t have to address me by my title, Justin. We’re friends here." Xavier offered a hand and a smile to him.
The Saint accepted the kindly greeting, but continued with his formal speech. "Did you need something of me, your majesty?"
"I would like to hear your thoughts on a matter."
"My thoughts on a matter?" He furrowed his brows. "Would your advisers not provide a better perspective?"
"You know I trust your advice, Justin," Xavier said, closing his eyes. A scene played in his head. And for just a brief moment, he could feel his heart racing and hands shaking once again. The feeling went away as soon as it came, but the gratitude he felt never left. "You saved my life. That amounts to more than I could ever give you."
Justin simply bowed his head. "I appreciate the sentiment, your majesty. But I was simply doing my job."
"Of course." The Emperor opened his eyes, and turned to the older man. "And it is because you are so diligent in your duties that I have come to you. I believe you must have heard the news?"
Saint Justin visibly hesitated, his lips drawing into a thin line beneath his beard. "If you are referring to the Fiend’s apparent… daughter, then I have been well informed, your majesty."
"Good, I—" Xavier cut himself off. He saw Justin avert his gaze for a single moment, before regaining his composure. "Justin," he said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"
"I am fine. Thank you for your concerns, your majesty."
The Emperor narrowed his eyes, boring his gaze into the older man. He knew he shouldn’t have pressed the issue, but he wanted to know. "Do you regret that she died—"
Justin spoke quickly, almost interrupting him. "The Fiend was exterminated. She deserved her fate. I have no regrets about the circumstances involving her demise."
The Saint paused, realizing his tone and caught himself. He bit his lower lip as he continued slowly.
"If I have any regrets, your majesty, it is that I wasn’t there to personally slay Valeria myself."
His eyes flashed— and it was not just in a figurative sense. Something in the hazel eyes of Saint Justin glowed a brilliant blue. Like a fire— but not a real one. Xavier nodded and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"The Fiend was truly a malicious individual," the Emperor said. He looked over at the alter, then at the candles lined throughout the room. He shook his head. "However, could the same thing be said of her daughter?"
"What do you mean, your majesty?" Justin asked after having calmed himself.
Xavier did not respond immediately. Instead, he lifted his hand off Justin’s shoulder and placed it gently on the altar. His fingers slowly traced the gold carving of a flame on its center, as he eyes found itself glancing heavensward— at the mural on the ceiling.
The mural painted atop in this private temple was a beautiful one. Made in collaboration with the best artists of the Holy Xan Empire. It depicted not a single scene, but a timeline. From the start of Damnation just above the doorway, to the end of Damnation with the Goddess of Light banishing the Devil directly overhead where the two men were standing.
The Goddess of Light was simply a figure of light. She had no features but the vague outline of a body that glowed. One that illuminated the darkness that came from Damnation, and purified the souls of all living things suffering within it. She had Her arms stretched to the side as the Devil— an incarnation of that darkness and suffering— cowered in fear before Her rays.
It was Her kindness that saved the world from Damnation. That was why all peoples worshipped Her, even if they might have had other disagreements about Her. No one believed that She did not end their suffering and the Devil’s rule. That was the truth of the world.
Kindness, Xavier thought. It was always taught in schools and by the Church. Such was an important quality for the existence of society. And yet, why were the heretics never treated the same?
He shook his head. "Saint Theron was the one responsible for slaying the
