Raven walked through the large halls of the Cathedral. He wore his bishop's robes as those of lower rank gave slight bows towards his direction. Opening a pair of hidden doors leading underground, the upper brass of the kingdom's religion gathered. Bowing towards the symbol of Sol, Raven took his seat amongst the others. He was one of the few who looked out of place due to his young appearance.
"I call this meeting of the clergy to discuss a topic of utmost importance." An old man, sitting underneath the symbol of Sol, spoke. His every word gasped with air as he slowly spoke. "The arrival of His Holiness is a blessing to our Kingdom, and it is our job as Sol's loyal servants to make sure that his representative on Earth is treated with the same amount of respect."
The room broke into murmurs. The archbishop watched from the head of the room, his eyes betraying his old and weak appearance. Finally, his gaze landed on Rave,n who leaned back with his eyes closed. He wasn't foolish enough to not understand what was happening in the background in the clergy, but his power waned each day as he got older.
"Bishop Raven." The man spoke with a firmness foreign to how he had spoken previously. "Does talk of His Holiness tire you?"
"Of course not. It's just, I believe we are going about this all wrong, Arch-Bishop." Raven stood up and walked to the centre of the room. "His Holiness Samuel 'the pious' is old, but more importantly, here for solely religious reasons," Raven spoke, emphasising the Pope's title. "Whilst a banquet must be held for his arrival in the capital, that is the Crown's responsibility. The man would appreciate and expect philanthropy more than anything from the Church."
"That is why I propose that for the first two days of his holiness's arrival, the Church undertake a vow of generosity. We shall give goods and money to the poor, leaving enough for us to run our operations."
The council room went silent. Those who were more pious and truly followed Sol nodded in approval at Raven's actions, while those opposite felt their faces stiffen. The Arch-Bishop looked at the man in the centre of the stage. His motive was obvious. His eyes fell on those nodding, seeing Raven solidify his camp within the clergy.
"As pious as always, Bishop Raven. His Holiness is indeed a generous and kind person, and I'm sure he would appreciate the vow. However, it is also important to recognise that such actions can lead to problems. When goods are handed out, people tend to flock towards them. Without a policing force to keep things in check, we could have a large disaster on our hands." His words were slow and precise, his eyes unbroken from Raven.
"Then we shall have our troops. The city guard, the Crown and the Kingdom's inquisitors should be enough. That is, of course, if you would be willing to lend the few inquisitors that we have, Arch-Bishop."
The Arch-Bishop clicked his tongue. The inquisitors were the Church's only fighting force, but more importantly, they served as bodyguards to the other Bishops. Looking up at those in the stand, he could see that a few were weary to accept. Despite that, most were fine. After weighing the options, being seen in a good light by the main Church was overall a better deal.
"Of course, we can spare the inquisitors for such an event. They are the lord's soldiers and must protect the lord's people." Raven smiled at the Arch-Bishops before giving a slight bow and retaking his seat. The meeting lasted for a few more hours before coming to an end.
Outside the Cathedral, Raven waited next to his carriage, his eyes like a hawk as he watched the exit. Stumbling out, a fat man was followed by two other bishops. Raven went over with a kind smile on his face that didn't reach his eyes.
"Bishop Reyes", Raven stretched his hand out in greeting.
The fat man looked at Raven coldly before quickly putting on a polite smile. "Marquess. This is a surprise, I must say." Reyes took the hand, pressing hard as he shook fiercely.
"It's Bishop in the house of the lord. Please,e won't you spare me a little of your time and join me for a ride?" Raven pointed down the steps, still wearing his kind smile. Reyes looked at him, giving a little scoff. Everyone knew Raven was an unemotional man who wouldn't smile even at a child.
"Of course not, I'm sure you wouldn't approach me for no reason after all." Reyes walked down the steps, being led by Raven. Entering the carriage, it sank. Raven followed quickly after, and with the door closed, the facade fell, replaced by cold eyes.
With a bang on the wall behind him, the carriage began to move. "Drop out of the running, Reyes. You're a disgrace to the Church, but more importantly, Sol." His words were blunt but coated in hate.
Reyes could feel the sweat on the back of his head, but kept up the friendly face. "Your words hurt Raven. I am as devoted to Sol as anyone. For you to say otherwise honestly makes me feel betrayed. If you fear my position so much, then that's fine, just don't discredit my character."
"The White Crown House." It was four words, but Reyes's entire demeanour changed. His smile fell, and his eyes became daggers. "I would kill you here and know if I could, but I will settle for your dropping out and support. After all, news of your frequent visits to the White Crown House coming out would surely be terrible for your reputation. Even the Arch-Bishop would have to make a move."
"I don't know what you're talking about. The White Crown House is a disgusting rumour in itself. If you wish to frame me, Raven, use hard evidence, not the boogeyman of brothels." Reyes remained steadfast, his eyes not breaking contact with Ravens. There was a tense silence between the two, which saw sparks flicker between them.
Reaching into his breast pocket, Raven pulled a slip of paper. "Here I have also got all the funds you have been embezzling, of course, it is only a fraction, I would be a fool to bring the entire logbook. It does make me wonder, did you use all of them at that accursed place?" Raven handed the paper to Reyes, who unfolded it with shaken hands. "Whilst the Arch-Bishop may still be lenient with you about your private life, to steal his money, that will get you killed, Reyes."
Reyes looked at Raven's face. A rare smugness was plastered over it. Through gritted teeth, Reyes looked down, spitting out, "I will do as you say, if this does not reach that man's ears."
"What are you on about, Reyes?" Raven looked out the window, feigning ignorance. "Please do not go back on your words, or it will not be good for you. But I'm sure I don't need to worry, you're a devoted servant of Sol after all."
"Of course. My word is second only to my faith in Sol." His words were spoken in an earnest tone, catching Raven off guard, who chuckled lightly. Reyes looked at the man with strange eyes, having never seen the sight before.
Banging on the wall behind him. The carriage came to a quick halt as he opened the door. "We arrived at your drop-off point. Reyes looked outside, his face going stiff. Taking a step out he felt nervous. In front of him was a large building with a white chimney. He looked around at those looking at him, giving a light smile as he fixed his appearance and walked off.