“That’s true for the moment. However, there is no question that the Teachings of Levetia will be cast out once the Empire unifies the continent. Eastern Levetia will become the main religion, and its dogma will spread rapidly. Do you think the Empire will protect the Flahm then?”
“…”
As the image of Lowellmina, her friend and Earthworld’s Empress, crossed her mind, Ninym found herself incapable of replying. She couldn’t believe Lowellmina would ever seek to oppress the Flahm. However, Ninym understood that sometimes a leader couldn’t go against the powerful will of their nation. There was no guarantee the Empire wouldn’t spurn the Flahm.
Then Caldmellia played her final hidden card.
“We shall revise the scripture and better the lives of the Flahm.”
“Wha—”
Ninym and Levan stared at her in wide-eyed shock.
The religious doctrine was the root of Flahm discrimination in the West. The persecution had been born of the deeds of long-gone Flahm, but the present-day populace was oblivious to that. The Flahm suffered because the sacred text demanded it. Followers wholeheartedly believed their discrimination and cruel behavior were justified.
However, that rationale would vanish with a revision of the scripture.
Of course, the people of the West had been molded by the Teachings of Levetia since their earliest days, so a mere rewrite was unlikely to convert anyone immediately.
However, the effects would slowly begin to show in future generations.
“Lady Caldmellia, do you speak the truth?” Levan asked. His tone was a mix of hope and tension.
“Of course. I’ve even prepared a written oath which includes the joint signatures of the Holy King and the Holy Elites,” she replied fluidly. “Needless to say, this is something Eastern Levetia cannot provide.”
What terrible irony. The Teachings of Levetia, the faith that embraced secularism and twisted its own holy scriptures whenever convenient, was the only organization that could secure equality for the Flahm.
“So what will you do?”
It was all or nothing. Acceptance or refusal were the only options.
Ninym thought giving such a black-and-white ultimatum was less than wise. However, this wasn’t her offer to refuse. Levan had the final say. After a drawn-out silence, he spoke with a look of anguish.
“I’d like some time to think it over.”
“Why didn’t you refuse?!”
Levan and Ninym returned to the palace after their meeting with Caldmellia but did not part ways. Instead, Ninym lashed out at him.
“Caldmellia is trying to divide Natra! We’ll either have to convince Wein or, if all else fails, help subjugate him. It’s obvious she wants us to turn traitor!”
“Yes…you’re right.” Levan accepted Ninym’s rage with a solemn nod. “We were only supposed to negotiate, yet Caldmellia made her intentions clear. There is no question we will become her expendable pawns. And when we’re used and discarded, no one will show a shred of compassion for the wretched Flahm.”
“If you understand that much, then wh—”
“They’re willing to rewrite the scriptures, Ninym,” Levan interjected. “I’m sure you realize the significance of this opportunity.”
“It’s nothing more than an empty promise! We can’t trust her!”
“The Holy Elites are involved. Even the director of the Gospel Bureau couldn’t afford to tell such a careless lie.”
“…Fine. Suppose it’s true! Regardless of any revisions to the scripture, the West is after more than just the Empire. It wants Wein out of the picture. We’ll be used to that end and lose our place in Natra forever! Is it worth all that?!”
“…”
Levan fell silent, although Ninym’s impassioned speech wasn’t the cause. His expression spoke to the fervor in his heart while he searched for the right words.
“…I feel guilty.”
“What?” Ninym was taken aback by his ludicrous statement.
“I always have, Ninym.”
“For what?”
“For our peaceful life in Natra.”
Unease rippled through Ninym’s heart.
“We’ve worked hard to earn our position since coming to this land a century ago. Why should you feel any shame or guilt?” Ninym said, but her assertion proved feeble. She already knew what Levan was trying to say.
“When I think of the other Flahm who still live in oppression, this peace weighs heavy on me.”
Natra wasn’t the only place the Flahm called home. Many more were scattered across both the East and the West, where their distinct appearance inevitably garnered attention. In truth, only a minority of the Flahm lived safely under Natra’s protection.
As Ninym said, Natra’s Flahm had carved a path for themselves and bore no reason to apologize. Even so, it was painful to know their brethren suffered the whip merely for existing a foot beyond Natra’s borders.
“We couldn’t do anything about that!”
“Previously, yes. But now a chance has presented itself.”
Ninym saw Levan’s eyes blaze with an intense light.
“I agree that we should walk the same path as Natra if we concern ourselves only with the Flahm of this nation. However, it is a different story if the scripture can be rewritten. That will be the salvation of every Flahm on the continent. Ninym…I know you understand. You saved our people in the Ulbeth Alliance.”
Ninym’s expression twisted. She had accompanied Wein on a diplomatic mission to the Ulbeth Alliance in the farthest reaches of the West. The Flahm there knew terrible hardship and injustice, but thanks to some good fortune and Ninym’s determination, they were invited to become citizens of Natra. Ninym was thrilled to see those who accepted the offer now living happily.
Yet at the same time, she understood that Ulbeth’s Flahm hadn’t necessarily wanted to leave their longtime home. If they had been treated with more kindness, everyone would’ve elected to remain. A new interpretation of the scripture could make that a reality.
“Still, I’m against it,” Ninym argued, her voice tight. “It’d be different if only you and I bore the risk. This decision could impact every Flahm in Natra, though. I cannot condone disrupting everyone’s peaceful lives to save the rest of the Flahm.”
“…”
“Besides, this proposed betrayal has one more fundamental issue.”
“And what is that?”
“We’d make an enemy out of Wein.”
This time, Levan’s face contorted.
Wein was, without a doubt, the continent’s greatest modern-day hero, and Ninym knew exactly what he’d do if betrayed. He’d mumble and grumble at first, but soon enough, he’d quietly mount a counterattack. There would be no anger, sorrow, or resentment over their treachery; Wein would just tell himself that his once-faithful allies had switched sides. He’d mercilessly strike down the Flahm who’d tirelessly served Natra for a century without hesitation.
“I don’t think anyone could match Wein except for me. Besides, what chance do throwaway pawns of the West stand against a hero? Antagonizing him would only earn us scorn as the filthy, ungrateful people who betrayed Natra’s royal family. We’d doom every Flahm to eternal shame and lead them to ruin.”
“…”
“Please, reconsider. We’ve made great progress in the last century. Let’s keep going.”
Had Ninym’s earnest plea reached Levan’s heart? The silence preceding his reply was long and painful.
“…I’ll think about it. Leave me for today.”
Ninym hesitated to comply. She wanted to talk further but sensed herself growing too heated. Was it better to continue anyway or pause to cool down? She deliberated with herself for a moment.
“Understood. We’ll discuss this later.”
Ninym chose the latter. This debate was inevitable, but it risked becoming an emotional argument if she and Levan didn’t allow themselves time to gather their thoughts. Allowing their relationship to sour because of impatience would be troublesome.
We can pick this back up once we’re both a bit calmer.
In any case, it had been an eventful day. Too eventful. Both sides needed time alone.
“Please excuse me, Master Levan. I’ll be in my room if you need anything.”
“Yes, understood.”
Ninym left the visibly tortured man behind.
✦ ✦ ✦
She’d quickly come to regret that decision.