This elderly man, among all present, held an unimaginable authority.
The reason was simple: he was Fahela, the founder and originator of this sect.
Fahela surveyed the assembly, and after a long pause, another elder slowly stood up from the very back of the crowd.
"It was I who indulged them."
The speaker was one of the sect's elders, William.
"How could you want to do such things?"
Fahela gazed at him with a gentle yet urging look.
"If the Princess were to marry into this, all our efforts would have been in vain."
Unyieldingly, William said,
"She would bring not just herself in marriage, but also the systems, rituals, and laws of Danschel—of course, including those corrupt and ignorant priests, they too would follow her here.
Great Elder, we've finally achieved victory in Ausenco; do you really want to stand by and watch the fruits of our victory be handed over to others?"
