Chapter 1377: See All

As Kaino spoke, he glanced around the room for support and received a few nods from his people.

But he couldn’t help but curse the moment he saw some of the council members averting their eyes.

The ones who nodded were those loyal to him in the council. But the others, many of whom were loyal to the Saint, opposed him by displaying visible frowns.

The last group were those who weren’t interested in his enmity with the Saint. They remained silent, showing neutral faces.

Regardless, Kaino thought better of it. At the very least, he had received backing from other members of the council.

’I have the sentiments.’

He felt a sense of satisfaction going over his plans in his head. The sentiment of most of the resistance was with him. Who wouldn’t want the rescue of their comrades? Of those they called family.

The resistance was considered a safe place for many of them. A family. What family abandoned their own?

’She’ll have no choice.’

Kaino hid his smile. How long had he been searching for an opportunity like this... To get rid of this accursed lineage and rule the resistance like he was supposed to.

Satisfied with the support he gathered, Kaino turned back towards the Saint. But her abyss like eyes made his earlier confidence evaporate.

’Those eyes...’ Kaino clenched his fists underneath the round table. He hated those eyes. Eyes that stared without any emotion, like they could see through all things.

’It changes nothing.’

Her father also had the same gaze, and look how he ended up... Dead.

Kaino felt another wave of confidence, and he straightened in his seat, feigning worry.

"Our people look up to us for protection. If we don’t show we can protect them, we’ll lose their trust."

Another round of nods followed, and Kaino almost cheered when he saw the faint frown tug at the Saint’s face.

"You’re right, Kaino."

Kaino froze. He hadn’t expected her to agree with his words.

’What game are you playing?’

He tried to peer through her eyes. Nothing. Just cold, emotionless eyes staring back.

"We foster hope," Anorah continued. "We do not abandon our people. Which is why I’m a bit surprised, Kaino. For a man who seems to care so much, I would expect you to be tearing down those prison walls yourself, instead of sitting here, spitting words."

A hush fell over the council. The members could practically feel Kaino boiling.

"I wouldn’t dare carry out any operations without your permission," Kaino forced out. "More so, in cases like this, it is important to renew the people’s faith, that their Saint is with them. You’re in the best position to carry out the mission. You are the leader of this resistance, after all."

"Hmm, that’s right, I am the leader of the alliance." The Violet Saint tapped a finger against the round table. "My apologies, sometimes I tend to forget when fuckers like yourself talk out of place."

Kaino’s eyes flared at the insult, but he wasn’t given a chance to speak.

"I believe it’s more necessary to show the people that the resistance can function without the direct aid of their leader. After all, if my council can’t handle something as simple as this, then what’s the point of occupying your current seats?"

"But Saint—"

"High Synod One." Anorah’s voice cut through him like a blade.

The man beside her bowed. "Saint."

"High Synod Kaino will be in charge of retrieving our captured men. Make sure it is well known."

Kaino paled. He could feel his carefully laid plans collapsing piece by piece.

’This bitch!’

His eyes darted toward the other council members, but none met his gaze. They coughed, glanced away, refusing to intervene.

"Yes, Saint," One said, shooting Kaino a glare that froze the words in his throat.

"Now, I assume this meeting is over?" The Saint asked.

A brief exchange of glances occurred between the council members, as though deciding who should speak. Though Anorah sat down like a child amongst aged kings, there was no denying her dominance.

Finally, as though deciding, the High Synod Mathias cleared his throat and faced the Saint.

"If I may be so bold, Saint... we would like to know your intentions for that new god. We hear he is still on Asterra."

"Heard?" Anorah narrowed her eyes. "From whom?"

"I’m afraid my old memories fail me, Saint. But that is beside the point. I’m sure you’ve heard about the current bounty from the Willguard."

A wave of murmurs spread across the council.

One of the High Synod chimed in. "A hundred thousand will stones will go a long way for the resistance."

Another added, "We could acquire multiple veil roots, as well as other resources."

A tap of her fingers silenced the talk. Anorah’s gaze leveled on Mathias. The man, unlike Kaino, was more reserved, calm. Dangerous.

"Then I’m sure you’re also aware of the bounty on my head. You don’t think that would go a long way?"

Mathias’s face showed panic.

’He pretends.’

The world blurred in Anorah’s eyes. She no longer saw the council or their judging stares. In the infinite canvas of her vision, only one light remained. Mathias.

The path of Logoth was one free of all emotions. In this state, there was no anger, no sadness, no desire to cloud judgment. There was only what was. One acted in the most logical way.

In her eyes, Anorah stripped Mathias bare and read him.

"Of course we would never dare think of such things, Saint," Mathias said quickly. "It would be blasphemous."

’He used we to try and intimidate me. To make me think the council speaks with one voice.’

"So why then," Anorah said, her voice cold, "are you bringing this up?"

"Because unlike the Saint, this god is unknown to the resistance. He is trouble. During our findings, we discovered the Redflames issued a Burning against him... and that he killed two of Viscount Merek’s sons."