Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world-Chapter 80: Discussions [1]
Chapter 80: Discussions [1]
Brandon sat on the couch thinking about it for a while and Charlotte stayed silently beside him.
Looking at him, she muttered "What are you thinking? if you tell me... I can help you."
Brandon’s gaze flickered to her "My first doubt... is the Goddess even real?"
She leaned back slightly, resting her elbow against the couch’s armrest "That’s a dangerous question to ask in a place like this."
With a deep sigh, he mumbled "What if this goddess is not real and this whole thing is well-crafted stuff to control me and make me stay within the Church?"
"I never cared about the Holy Church before. I never prayed, never thought about the Goddess of Rhéanne, never even considered if she was real or not."
"And yet, somehow, I’m supposed to believe that I, of all people was ’chosen’ by her?"
"This is ridiculous."
Charlotte hummed lightly before responding, "Think about it, Kael. Whether the Goddess exists or not, does it really change anything for you?"
"The Church isn’t powerful because some divine being declared it so. It’s powerful because of its people... centuries of tradition, faith, and governance."
She met his gaze directly. "And right now, that power is trying to wrap itself around you."
"You saw how they acted in there. The moment that golden pillar appeared, they dropped to their knees like you were some kind of messiah. Whether you believe in their Goddess or not, they believe in you."
She tilted her head slightly "But, if you want my advice? Play along for now. You don’t have to believe in the Goddess, but as long as they think you are the Herald, you’ll have control over the Church."
Brandon’s gaze narrowed in thought "Maybe I should ask Aunt Elize and Aunt Rave before making a decision."
Hearing this, Charlotte replied "You can’t ask such things through your mobile phone. I have a mobile phone, which you can use to make encrypted calls. I will ask my assistant to bring that."
Brandon nodded his head "Mhm."
Charlotte took her mobile phone and called her assistant to bring the encrypted mobile.
As Charlotte ended the call with her assistant, the wooden doors of the chamber slowly creaked open once more.
A group of attendants, dressed in pristine white and red robes, entered in, carrying large silver trays adorned with delicate engravings of sacred symbols.
The rich aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air almost instantly.
Golden candelabras flickered gently on the dining table as the attendants began setting down an array of dishes.
A large, ornately carved tray was placed before Brandon first, revealing a succulent cut of roasted beast meat.
A bowl of rich sauce accompanied it.
Beside it, a plate of steamed golden rice was set down.
A second plate followed, carrying an array of colorful, thinly sliced fruits from the Etherwood region.
For Charlotte, they placed a fine cut of seared venison alongside a selection of roasted root vegetables, caramelized to perfection.
A goblet of deep crimson wine, aged in sanctified barrels, was gently set down beside her.
A smaller dish containing freshly baked bread was placed between them.
After the last tray was placed, the attendants respectfully bowed and silently withdrew, leaving the two alone in the chamber once more.
Brandon, still somewhat tense from the events of the day, exhaled slowly before picking up his fork. "At least something good is coming out of all this..."
Brandon cut into the beast meat as the knife slid effortlessly through the tender flesh.
The aroma was rich, and as he lifted a bite to his mouth, the deep, savory flavor coated his tongue.
He chewed in silence, his mind still occupied with the weight of everything that had happened in the past hour.
Across from him, Charlotte remained silent as she swirled her goblet of wine.
She hasn’t touched her food yet; instead, she took a sip of the red wine.
Brandon took another bite, then scooped a spoonful of the rice and swallowed, exhaling slowly before reaching for one of the thinly sliced fruits.
The chamber remained quiet as the faint clinking of utensils against the plate and the occasional soft rustle of fabric echoed as Charlotte shifted in her seat.
---
Brandon wiped his mouth with a napkin and poured himself a glass of water from the pitcher on the table, taking a long sip before setting it down with a quiet clink.
"How long until that encrypted phone gets here?" he asked.
Charlotte took another sip of the wine and spoke "Shouldn’t be long now. My assistant is efficient."
Brandon nodded, tapping a finger lightly against the wooden armrest of his seat.
At this time, Matilda stepped in, along with some women.
Brandon and Charlotte both turned their gazes toward her as she approached, her eyes lingering on Brandon with something that almost resembled reverence.
The women hurriedly picked up the remaining vessels and leftovers, and left the room.
With a smile, Matilda spoke "You’ve eaten. Good. You’ll need your strength for the discussions ahead."
"There is much to discuss about your position as the Herald of Divinity."
Charlotte leaned forward slightly, "Then get to it."
Matilda met her gaze and then she turned back to Brandon "The Church is already preparing an official proclamation of your status,"
"Your revelation within the baptism chamber has already begun to spread among the clergy. There is no stopping it now. Whether you accept it or not, Brandon Kael, you are already the Herald in their eyes."
"You are a figure of divine recognition, and as such, you hold the power to command."
"The Church. The clergy. The faithful. Whether you realize it or not, thousands of believers will see you as the living proof of the Goddess’s will."
Brandon sighed softly as this was too much and it felt like a massive cage was closing around him, even if it was gilded in gold.
Matilda’s smile didn’t falter, "Even if you refuse, it will not change the truth of what has already happened. But refusing may bring... complications."
Brandon’s gaze narrowed "Complications like what?"
Matilda exhaled, stepping closer. "Your rejection of this role would not be taken lightly. Some within the Church may see it as an act of defiance against the divine will."
Charlotte took another sip of the wine in her hand "Meaning you’d paint him as some kind of heretic?"
Matilda shook her head. "Not necessarily. But understand, the Church is not a monolithic entity. There are different factions, different ambitions. Some will accept your reluctance. Others... may see it as an insult to the Goddess herself."
Charlotte looked at him for a moment...
The choice was his, but either path carried its own dangers.