The Divine Hunter

ike an assassin than a princess.
However, that day, Foltest noticed that his daughter was acting like a proper lady born to royalty.

“Do you think that’s bad?” Adda asked.

“Of course not.
At least you’re more likable than how you used to be.” It was a great change, of course.
At least she could find a better husband this way.
However, the change happened too fast.
It was as if she were brainwashed, and that worried Foltest.
“The Lady of the Lake doesn’t sound like a goddess to me.
She’s more like a demon who brainwashes her believers.” I will not allow the princess to be controlled by a so-called god. 

“Father.” Adda persuaded softly, “I know you will never believe me no matter how much I try to prove the goddess’ power.
Why don’t I arrange a meeting? You can witness her power for yourself.
I’m the high priestess, and I can request an audience with the goddess.”

Foltest shook his head.
Approaching a legendary creature without a strategy was foolish, and it was not what he wanted either.
“I have an appointment with Old Baron La Valette.
Lammas has come to an end, and it’s the perfect season for bear hunting.
I shall travel to the baron’s estate and hunt with him.
Let’s talk about this later.” Foltest held his daughter’s left hand and gave her an expectant look.
“Come with me, Daughter.”

“I’ll do it next time.
Thanks for the food.
Enjoy your breakfast, Father.” Adda wiped her mouth off and stood up.
She looked outside the west window and smiled.
“It’s almost time for the morning congregation.
I have to be at the temple area now.
The believers need me.”

Foltest stared down in slight disappointment.
“I’ll ask Rudolf to escort you.” He gazed at Adda.
“Before you leave, my daughter, allow me to give you some advice.
You’re Temeria’s princess first and a priestess second.
Do not spend too much time on religion.”

***

After Adda was gone, an evil-looking, male sorcerer with a nose ring and stud appeared out of thin air.
The sorcerer bowed to the king.
“Your Majesty, everything is going as planned.
Give us your word, and we will launch the attack.”

“Azar Javed, are you sure that her blood can grant me eternal youth and boundless vitality?”

“I guarantee it, Your Majesty.
The Lady of the Lake is not that different from dragons.
The blood of all legendary creatures are magical elixirs.
All it takes is some tinkering around, and we can create potions with different but equally potent effects.
Coincidentally, I know how to create those potions.
All I need is her blood, and I can make a potion that will grant you a longer life and better health.”

Foltest nodded.
“What about the other matter, then?”

“The medicine is entering its last phase.
Three days later and it’s done.” The sorcerer bowed lower and huddled closer to the king.
“It’ll make sure the madam and her child are safe.
She will deliver the prince safely.”

“The prince… My heir!” Foltest stopped frowning, and a look of delight crept onto his face.
“What are you waiting for then? Take the medicine to me the moment it’s ready.
I wish to surprise her.” My beautiful Louisa, I can’t wait to show you this.

“Yes, Your Majesty.
There is only one god in Vizima, and that is you.” Azar hung his head lower, and a subtle smile curled his lips.

“I don’t care about any gods.
Just make sure Adda is safe.” Foltest paced around the table.
There was reluctance on his face, but only for a moment.
“Do not break her heart if possible.”

***

A big crowd had already gathered around the plaza when the witchers came, Hundreds of believers congregated under the statue of Vivienne.
Some were kneeling, some were staring, while some were muttering praises under their breath.

The witchers stood out among the crowd with their swords strapped behind their backs.
Some of the order’s knights came to stop them before they could even get near the statue.
Fortunately, they used to work with the witchers back at the battle on Black Tern Island, and a strong friendship was forged then.
They did not point their blades at the witchers.
Instead, they welcomed them with a smile.

They knew Adda was their friend, so they let the witchers approach the statue.
Two ladies in white robes stood beneath the statue.
They left the center empty.
The spot was reserved for Adda the high priestess.
There, she would face the goddess’ believers, and there she would bask in the goddess’ blessing.
However, she was not here yet.

Roy came to the back of the statue.
The tail blocked him from everyone’s sights, and he cast Observe on it.
The young witcher noticed that it was filled with golden light.
The faith of the believers crashed like the ocean’s waves.

‘Statue of the Lady of the Lake

Holy Manifestation.
Vessel of Faith

???’

“What is faith anyway? Why do gods desire it so much?” Roy took out the bloodstone and put it closer to the statue as Vivienne asked.
The moment he did, he saw a stream of golden light swimming into the stone.
He felt the stone getting heavier in his hand, and it started struggling, as if the stone were alive.
This lasted for two minutes before it came to a stop.
At the same time, the bloodstone started to gleam golden.
The statue, however, was bereft of faith, as if it were sucked dry.
It was just a regular statue at the moment.