Berenice had been poring over a thick stack of documents when the soft patter of footsteps reached her ears from just outside her office. A small smile touched her lips. Rising from her seat, she brushed a faint layer of dust from her dress and straightened her posture.
When the doors opened, a familiar figure stepped inside.
"Ah, Dominic. It's good to see you," she greeted warmly, her voice carrying the gentle authority of the Cardinal of Fire. "What brings you to my office?"
"Good morning, Berenice. I just thought I'd drop by to say hello—after all, it's been a while since we last met." Dominic's tone was casual, though the faint shadows under his eyes betrayed his busyness. The Cardinal of Wind had been sequestered in his quarters for days, emerging only for meals and the occasional shower.
"Have you finally finished revising the Catharsis Scripture's reports?" Berenice asked, curious.
"I have," he replied with a shrug, "though nothing in them was particularly remarkable."
The Catharsis Scripture had recently returned from assisting the Draconic Kingdom with their ongoing beast-man crisis. They had departed Kami Miyako a month prior and arrived back only the day before. Dominic had chosen them for the mission because the other Scriptures were preoccupied—primarily with the Theocracy's protracted war against the elves. That century-old conflict had drained both nations' resources, though the Theocracy was slowly tightening its grip on the enemy.
"So, everything went smoothly?" Berenice inquired.
"Indeed it did."
They spoke for a few more minutes, the easy rhythm of old friends in their voices, before Dominic finally rose.
"Much as I enjoy our talks, I have business with the Pontifex. I'll see you later," he said, taking his leave.
Berenice watched him go, a faint smile lingering. He never changes. Always working, always carrying the Theocracy's burdens on his shoulders. If he doesn't learn to rest, he'll burn himself out one day.
Stepping out onto the terrace, she let her gaze drift over the capital. The morning was peaceful—citizens strolling through the streets with smiles, worshippers coming and going from the grand cathedrals, merchants setting up their stalls.
Then, without warning, the ground shuddered.
"What in the world—?" Berenice gripped the railing for support as the tremor rolled beneath her feet. Such quakes were rare; the last time she had felt one, their gods themselves had clashed with the Eight Greed Kings.
Before she could summon the other Cardinals, the shaking stopped as abruptly as it had begun.
She turned back toward the Capitol Building, unease knotting in her chest. Could this be a sign of something terrible to come?
She had barely reached her office doors when the Thousand Leagues Astrologer burst inside.
"Lady Berenice, are you hurt?" the young, blue-haired girl asked, concern flashing in her eyes.
"I'm fine, dear—just a bit dizzy from that sudden quake."
"Thank the gods." The girl exhaled. "I came to tell you that the other Cardinals are convening in a few minutes. The meeting was called by the Pontifex Maximus himself."
"Well then, I wouldn't dream of missing it," Berenice replied with a small smile.
"Shall I escort you, my lady?"
"Please do."
As they walked through the marble halls, their voices lowered to quiet speculation over the tremor's cause and the reason for the Pontifex's sudden summons.
"We've arrived," Thousand Leagues Astrologer announced, opening the grand double doors to the council chamber.
"Ah, Cardinal Berenice—it's good to see you," came a voice from within, smooth yet carrying the weight of authority.
"It's good to see you as well, Maximus. How have you been?" she replied.
"Good, good," the Pontifex answered simply.
The Pontifex Maximus—the highest authority in the Slane Theocracy—had once been a member of the Black Scripture. Years of tireless service had elevated him first to Cardinal of Light, and, a decade later, to Pontifex after his predecessor's retirement. Though no longer on the front lines, he was still every bit the warrior he once had been.
The chamber was filled with thirteen figures, including Berenice. Six sat at the great round table—five of them fellow Cardinals:
Ginedine Delan Guelfi, Cardinal of Water
Dominic Ihre Partouche, Cardinal of Wind
Raymond Zarg Lauransan, Cardinal of Earth
Yvon Jasna Dracrowa, Cardinal of Light
Maximilian Oreio Lagier, Cardinal of Darkness
And presiding over them all, the Pontifex Maximus himself.
Flanking the walls stood the captains of the Six Scriptures:
Nigun Grid Luin, Captain of the Sunlit Scripture
Alizeh Flos Folium, Captain of the Windflower Scripture
Rosalyne Kruzchka Lohefalter, Captain of the Catharsis Scripture
Safí Neró Katharos, Captain of the Clearwater Scripture
Sinere Tristitia Lugeo, Captain of the Holocaust Scripture
Novus Mortem Plaga, Captain of the Black Scripture
Berenice took her seat beside her fellow Cardinals.
"Now that everyone is present," the Pontifex began, his voice firm, "we may proceed."