Lunesday, 25th of Juno, 470th Year of the Fifth Era

Josias felt quite surreal for the last couple of days. What was supposed to be the happiest day of his life took a turn for the worst when his grandfather decided to die just as he was about to give him and his wife an ulos. All the events that followed didn't even feel real.

Josias was under no illusion that his grandfather was going to live forever. But never for a moment did he expect the man to die so suddenly like that. But thinking about it, was it really all that sudden?

His grandfather had been battling his condition for years on end. Josias couldn't pretend to understand what sort of suffering and pain a disease like that could cause a man. If even a seventh star swordsaint succumbed to it, how much more terrible would it be for someone like him? He didn't even consider himself on the fingertip of his grandfather's level. But all the same, his grandfather was a man. And that one inevitable door is something every human must go through. Some sooner than others.

But it still hurt him. His grandfather was a hero, a protector of the realms. Everything his grandfather did was for the good of the family, the clan, and the realm. Josias could only pray to be half the man his grandfather was.

Josias sat there with the rest of his family, his left hand on his lap and his head bowed. His wife laid her head on Josias' shoulder as she held his right hand tightly.

Serena had been a dear source of comfort towards him especially throughout this ordeal. She didn't show even the slightest bit of annoyance when everything happened. She only screamed in shock for a little before she turned to help out. In her full ceremonial outfit, she had immediately rushed to aid her father in trying to revive the king. Though ultimately, his grandfather still passed, Josias greatly appreciated her efforts.

Josias would forever remember his grandfather's last words and that was for him to take care of his wife. It was something he was sure to do anyways, but now even more so.

He must remain strong. Both for his own conscience as well as to support his own father. Josias had to work harder to take his place as a worthy successor to the legacy of the king. But… not even a few days since his grandfather had passed, things looked to unravel.

His father had stood up with bloodshot eyes towards his uncle.

"Our father is yet to be dead for three days and you're already spouting stupid shit like that, Togi?!!" His father basically screamed. "Calling a shaman?! And for what?! What communication?!"

"Abang, calm down! All I wanted was to not leave things on loose ends like this! There is still so much to be talked about..." Uncle Partogi tried to reason in a calm manner "If there is a chance we could still commune with his spirit, then we should take that chance to-...!!"

"OUR FATHER IS DEAD, YOU BASTARD!! DO YOU HEAR ME?! DEAD!!" Josias' father had unleashed his aura as he grabbed his uncle Partogi by the collar of his shirt. A red, raging flame-like aura started being emitted from him. "Even when his corpse is in front of us, is regaining your status and the ways of our ancestors all you can think of?! DOES MY PAIN MEAN NOTHING TO YOU?!"

In response to his father's rage, Josias saw his uncle unleash his own greenish aura. But in the face of an aura warrior at the peak of his level, his uncle couldn't do much. Immediately the other warriors tried to intervene and set the two men apart. Their wives were already screaming in terror for them to not do anything rash.

Josias immediately hugged Serena to shield her from the frenzy of aura and energy coming from the two warriors. The other warriors were focused on helping the women and children get out of the way.

In this situation, the only person insane enough to get between the two was none other than Josias' aunt Pauli.

"WOULD YOU TWO IDIOTS STOP IT?!!" Aunt Pauli had thrown herself in between her two elder brothers, not caring for the crazed aura. Her husband tried to stop her but he was focused on getting their younger children away from the immediate danger of the aura.

"Bang Ruli, let bang Togi go!!" Pauli didn't seem to care as she threw herself against her eldest brother with a shout. Her breathing was growing ragged and blood had started running from her nose, but she didn't care.

Seeing their younger sister like that, the two men finally retracted their aura. Just like that, Parulian let go of his younger brother, but now the two seemed to be at odds with one another. Pauli had dropped to her knees, keeping herself from collapsing even further as she held the ground with both her hands.

"Hasian!" Her husband exclaimed before he turned towards "Lae!! Stop it! You're hurting my wife!! Cease this madness!"

"...I… I don't want… you to fight..!!" Pauli muttered as her breath grew ragged and she heaved on the carpeted ground. The blood from her nose was dripping onto the ground. Hesekiel had worriedly rushed towards his mother, keeping her from falling.

As soon as the auras had been retracted, Serena rushed to Aunt Pauli and started holding her hands out to stop the bleeding with her magic. She sat Pauli back up upon a chair while raising her head up and clogging her nose with a piece of cloth.

Archbishop Ludwig arrived at the venue not long after that with a few other priests. He was also followed behind by the king of Saorma and the Head Shaman Honahata. By the time they got there, Parulian and Partogi were already standing off against each other, staring the other man down.

"What in God's name is happening here, boys?" Archbishop Ludwig said with concern. "Your father's corpse is barely cold and you both are acting the fools!"

"This does not concern you!" Partogi shot back in anger, unwilling to back down nor let the archbishop butt in. "This is between me and my family!"

"That's where you're wrong, little brother! It does concern the Lord Ephorus because like it or not, he is our realm's highest spiritual authority!" Parulian quickly shot down Partogi's objection.

"That was during the time our father was king, but as you said, our father is dead!" Partogi pointed to the body on the funeral bed.

"I am the king!" Parulian finally shouted with a commanding voice. Josias was surprised as it was the first time his father had asserted himself as such. "I have succeeded our father as such and therefore I too am the head of the clan now! And when I say that we will hold no profane pagan seance, then we will do no such thing!"

"...what? A pagan seance?" The Archbishop undoubtedly had a look of confusion on his face. Parulian immediately informed the Lord Ephorus of Partogi's proposal and his own rejection of it.

Josias saw as his father-in-law had a troubled frown on his face when he had been informed of uncle Partogi's proposition.

"Togi, your father was a christian. What good do you think would come from trying to contact his spirit? – that is even assuming his spirit can still be communicated with…" Archbishop Ludwig said with a tired sigh. "I do not mean to belittle the Elder Shamans here but I believe our talks on how we would proceed with the funeral arrangements have been concluded. Have we not reached a proper middle-way compromise on the issue?"

"No, we have not! You all decided that amongst yourself without the slightest bit of input from myself!" Partogi shouted out "It's like you've all forgotten that I too am my father's son! Is my voice so unimportant that you all wish to ignore me?"

"Your concerns were not ignored, but on this issue, we can not budge-...!" Archbishop Ludwig said with a worried tone.

"YOU NEVER BUDGE! You never have! All you have done from the beginning of your so-called 'ministry' is pretend to adapt to our ways! But all you have done is corrupt and twist the ways of my ancestors to suit the needs of your missionary work! You do not truly care about our people! We're just pawns to you! Lost sheep to convert for the glory of your god..!"

"...Togi, I will not grace your tone with further argument." Archbishop Ludwig finally shook his head. "My God is everything to me, yes. But don't try to twist things as if I'm forcing my will on anyone here. Not everything is a conspiracy against you! Your father is dead, yet you're still trying to make this about yourself. It is unbecoming of someone I know to be as intelligent as you. But, perhaps, I have indeed misjudged you all these years."

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"You insolent wretch! You think you're better than me, don't you?! That you're so far above my 'pagan convictions' that I'm lashing out because I'm being egotistical! YET YOU DON'T SEE HOW I'M ALSO HURTING! YOU DON'T THINK I CARE ABOUT MY FATHER?! He was the one to betray me, yet still I stand here mourning him! Do you not understand-...!"

"Get out…" Parulian cut in as he sat upon his chair, his arm resting upon the funeral bed.

"What?"

"Leave. I don't wish to argue further with you, brother. At least for the rest of the night, I will not suffer your presence around my father's body." Parulian no longer sounded like he was willing to engage his brother in further debate.

"Oh, just because you don't like to hear what I have to say, I'm the one who has to go now? What about you? Why don't you leave if you don't like me so much?"

Parulian no longer heeded his younger brother's complaints as he laid his hand on his father's cold chest. His face was stoic but his eyes were reddened as tears started to moisten them. Partogi scoffed as he saw himself being ignored.

"Oh, I get it. Alright. You're 'the king' now. Very well, my king. I'll remove myself from your presence." Partogi shook his head as he turned to leave. His wife had sighed before also getting up to leave.

His wife held their youngest son Togar in her hands as they were about to leave. However, she looked like she was hesitating when she also moved to grab Tiur and Tigor. Partogi noticed this before sneering towards his elder brother.

"Will you also continue father's policy of berefting me of my younger children?" Partogi called out once more. Parulian lifted his gaze from their father's body before staring at him. He let out a sigh before shaking his head.

"Take your children with you…" Parulian said before turning his gaze away. Partogi scoffed before finally leaving with his wife and younger children in tow.

Timotheus stared at his father's back with great disdain while Maria only had tears in her eyes. Johannes did his best to try and comfort his wife. Their family was more fractured than ever before.

Josias let out an exasperated sigh at the whole situation. He didn't know what else he could do. They said in Halak society, one was truly considered a man once they had gotten married. Josias was already married. Yet at that moment he felt just as helpless in regards to his own familial problems as he ever was before.

Why can't his family just live in peace? Was that too much to ask?

***

As the night got later, Parulian remained next to his father's body. His wife and the rest of his younger children had already returned to their home. His sister had also left with her husband. Parulian shook his head as he was reminded of how he had acted earlier.

Not only had he indirectly caused harm to his little sister, but he had also turned away his younger brother. And all of that by posturing his own position as king. Some king he was. He couldn't even lead his own younger siblings, let alone an entire realm.

Only the Archbishop, his eldest son Josias, and the king of Saorma along with Elder Honahata were left in the venue. Well them and some warriors and priests who stood guard at the venue. A few of the servants were also there, sleeping on the carpets awaiting for the next day of activity.

"I really need a good drink, right about now." Parulian said as he breathed out.

"I don't think it wise to be getting drunk in such a mood. Especially not in a somber period like this." Archbishop Ludwig advised.

"Oh! I believe I have just the solution!" Elder Honahata smiled as he got up and took a few cups for everyone there. He then used his magic to summon water into the cups before creating a small flame to heat the cups up. The old shaman then took a small pouch full of flower petals and leaves from his belt. "These tea leaves are very aromatic. The taste is also no joke. My brother and I never skip a single morning without it!"

The old shaman quickly put the leaves and flower petals inside of the cups and presented them to everyone there. "Please, take a drink while it's still hot!" The old shaman beamed a smile before drinking his own cup.

King Lombutua also started drinking from his cup and gave a refreshing sigh after taking his sip.

"Tuan Guru, I assure you it's a good drink and most definitely not a poison I concocted to kill you." Elder Honahata said cheekily to which the Old Archbishop chuckled a little.

"Pffft hahahaha. Well, so long as you kill me because of my faith, I'd be happy to drink it even if it were poison. You'd make me a martyr and grant me a ticket to paradise!" Archbishop Ludwig joked back before taking a sip of his own. He widened his eyes before looking at the drink and giving an impressed smile. "The elder isn't lying. This tea is quite delectable indeed!"

"Young prince Josias, please drink. Don't be shy!" The Elder said.

Josias merely smiled and shook his head. "Forgive me, elder, but I don't quite like tea myself."

"Oh really, now?" Elder Honahata raised an eyebrow.

"My son's not lying. He would eat anything, even a whole horse if he could, but when it comes to drinks, he's always been picky." Parulian explained on behalf of his son.

Parulian then grabbed the cup and drank the tea. The elder really wasn't lying. The tea wasn't too pronounced but it was just right on the tongue. He also felt somewhat relaxed by it. It was… calming. It was enjoyable to just be sitting there in the cold of night, drinking good tea. It would've been much better if his father was there to enjoy it with him… It was a shame.

"Here, take this. It's the least I can give to you." Elder Honahata handed the pouch of tea leaves and flower petals over to Parulian.

"Ah, I thank the elder for this." Parulian accepted the pouch as he put it into his pocket. Tea in the morning was always good and this was some good tea. His father loved drinking tea too. It was comforting seeing him on the porch of the great hall, drinking tea and looking over the great courtyard. Now he could never see that scene ever again.

"Allow me to cut to the chase, King Parulian, Tuan Guru." King Lombutua finally called out, pulling Parulian out of his slight lull. "I am not here to defend my son-in-law's actions or to force you to accept him back into your realm. Quite the opposite, really. I will be frank when I say that I wish to appoint my hela as the heir to my realm."

With that being said, Parulian exchanged glances with Archbishop Ludwig. It was quite a surprise to be sure.

"How would that even be possible, don't you have a son? Little Bonar?" Parulian asked, still slightly confused. "How would you even go about proclaiming such a thing?"

"To be exact, I wish to appoint him as regent in my son's stead. I trust my hela and he is one of the only half a dozen five star warriors in Saorma. I admit it now, we don't have as many powerful warriors as you here in Goria, nor do we have the support of a foreign power like the Sinaria and Hutapadan. I am already old while my son is barely eight. Seeing my contemporary, your father, dying like that has really gotten me thinking a lot lately…"

Parulian scratched his beard as he heard the King of Saorma's reasoning. It sounded somewhat reasonable, but one could never be too sure with these kinds of people. King Lombutua wasn't called the 'Old Fox' of Saorma for nothing. If Parulian wasn't careful, it would be he who'd get the end of the stick.

"While I do understand your reasonings somewhat of trying to keep your base of power strong and loyal, but I do not see how Goria can do anything in regards to this." Parulian said.

"Oh, but you see that's where you can. I want you to maintain your law of exile upon him and prevent him from inheriting anything in your realm. Only by doing that would I be able to convince the elders of my court that this isn't some scheme of Goria trying to expand its influence. That way, I can keep him dependent on my patronage as well as maintain his loyalty."

Parulian exchanged another look with the archbishop, but this time, they somewhat frowned. This was far too deceitful but at the same time it made no sense to Parulian why the old king would be saying things like that to him.

"Had it not crossed your mind that I would bring these discussions to my brother's ears? What do you think he would do if he knew his own father-in-law was conspiring to take away from him something that even up to now, he's been fighting to regain?" Parulian asked, slightly incensed. The old king merely scoffed before smirking.

"Based on the shouting and argument we all saw earlier between you two? What makes you think that he would even believe you?" King Lombutua chuckled a little before taking another sip from his tea cup. "If you do this, you're also doing yourself a favour. For one, your church gets to keep itself free from your brother's 'pagan influence'. Did not your court exile him in the first place?"

"Forgive me, lord king, but all I can see from this is you blatantly trying to sow seeds of animosity between brothers by such an act." Archbishop Ludwig still frowned as he crossed his arms.

"Hahahaha! Don't jest with me, Tuan Guru." King Lombutua finally said as he looked at the foreign missionary with a relaxed expression yet a sharp look in his eyes. "Can you honestly look at me now and tell me that there isn't any animosity between you all already? Or am I supposed to pretend that you allowing him back into your realm will somehow magically make him a christian again and make him forget the ways of our ancestors."

Parulian and the Archbishop couldn't say anything in contrast to what the old king was saying. He had a point. His brother in his current state was the furthest he'd ever been from the church and from his family. It didn't seem realistic to expect him to somehow magically apologise and leave his apostasy.

As Parulian and the archbishop were put to deep thought, King Lombutua finally sighed as he got up along with Elder Honahata.

"I don't expect a quick answer and the next day of ceremonies is also to start in a few hours." King Lombutua said as he finished his cup of tea. "But I'm only going to say this as a friendly reminder, King Parulian. The Tonggoraja will soon commence and outside of our little proposal, there are many other things that could end up happening. Either for good or for bad. All I can do is hope that you'll be prepared."

With that, the two elders of Saorma took their leave of the venue. Parulian exchanged looks between himself, his son, and the archbishop. He then gave a long sigh before dismissing everyone there. There was a lot to think about, and it would be better to think about those things after a night of rest.

That is assuming he could get any rest, of course.

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