Episode 25| A Polite Threat
The temple stood tall.
Sacred.
Untouchable.
Or at least—
That was what they liked to believe.
“…His Highness, the Crown Prince, has arrived.”
The announcement echoed through the grand halls.
And just like that—
Everything shifted.
Priests straightened.
Servants hurried.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
“…The Crown Prince?”
“…Here?”
“…Why would he visit the temple personally?”
At the center of it all—
The High Priest stood waiting.
Composed.
Unbothered.
But his eyes—
Sharp.
Calculating.
This is not a casual visit.
The doors opened.
Crown Prince Raymond Lucille entered.
Confident.
Relaxed.
Smiling.
As if he were visiting a friend—
Not stepping into a domain that rivaled the throne itself.
“…Your Highness.”
The High Priest inclined his head slightly.
“…Your Eminence.”
Raymond returned casually.
A pause.
Two powers.
Two authorities.
Clashing silently.
“…To what do we owe the honor?” the High Priest asked smoothly.
Raymond hummed thoughtfully.
Looking around the temple interior as if admiring the architecture.
“…Beautiful place.”
A beat.
“…Expensive.”
Silence.
The High Priest’s smile didn’t falter.
“…We are blessed by generous donations.”
Raymond chuckled.
“…Ah yes.”
“…Donations.”
Another pause.
“…Speaking of which…”
Raymond finally turned his full attention to him.
“…I have a small request.”
The High Priest folded his hands.
“…Go on.”
“…A certain priest.”
Raymond smiled faintly.
“…Ryan.”
A flicker.
Small.
Almost invisible.
But the High Priest noticed it himself.
“…What about him?”
Raymond’s tone remained light.
Almost playful.
“…He will be my brother-in-law soon.”
Silence.
“…And as such…”
“…I would like him to have unrestricted access.”
A pause.
“…In and out of the temple.”
Silence deepened.
Then—
“…I’m afraid that cannot be arranged.”
The High Priest’s voice remained calm.
Firm.
“…The temple is not governed by the Crown.”
A polite smile.
“…We operate independently.”
Raymond blinked.
Once.
Then—
He laughed.
Not loudly.
Not mockingly.
But enough.
“…I expected that answer.”
He stepped closer.
“…Let me rephrase.”
A pause.
“…I was being polite.”
Silence.
The air shifted.
“…Ryan is a Mid-level priest now.”
Raymond continued casually.
“…Technically, he already has certain freedoms.”
The High Priest’s gaze narrowed slightly.
“…Within limits.”
“…Of course.”
Raymond nodded.
Then—
His smile sharpened.
“…But imagine my disappointment…”
“…If those limits became… inconvenient.”
Silence.
“…Your Highness,” the High Priest said carefully.
“…Are you threatening the temple?”
Raymond tilted his head slightly.
“…Threatening?”
He chuckled softly.
“…No.”
A pause.
“…I’m negotiating.”
Another step closer.
“…After all…”
“…It would be quite unfortunate…”
“…If the Crown were to reconsider its annual donations.”
Silence.
Heavy.
“…Or worse…”
“…Begin investigating how those donations are used.”
The words landed.
Soft.
But devastating.
The High Priest’s smile—
Finally cracked.
Just slightly.
“…You wouldn’t.”
Raymond’s expression remained pleasant.
“…Wouldn’t I?”
A pause.
“…I do wonder…”
“…If everything here is… accounted for.”
The silence that followed—
Was suffocating.
Because both of them knew.
There were secrets.
And secrets—
Could be exposed.
Raymond straightened.
Brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve.
“…But I’m sure that won’t be necessary.”
He smiled again.
“…Right?”
A long pause.
Then—
“…Very well.”
The High Priest exhaled slowly.
“…Ryan will be granted unrestricted access.”
Raymond’s smile widened.
“…Excellent.”
He turned.
Already satisfied.
“…I knew we could come to an understanding.”
He began walking away.
Then paused.
“…Oh—and Your Eminence?”
The High Priest didn’t respond.
But he listened.
“…Do keep up the good work.”
A beat.
“…The temple’s reputation is… important.”
And then—
He left.
Silence lingered long after.
The High Priest stood still.
His expression darkening.
“…Insolent child…”
But beneath the anger—
There was something else.
Concern.
Because the Crown Prince—
Was not as careless as he appeared.
And now—
He had taken an interest in Ryan.
Meanwhile—
Outside the temple—
Raymond stepped into his carriage.
And laughed.
“…That went well.”
A pause.
“…Very well.”
His eyes gleamed with amusement.
“…Let’s see how far this game goes…”
Because now—
Riley had freedom.
And with freedom—
Came chaos.
And Raymond—
Was more than ready to watch her unleash it.