Wielder Of Time

Bella leaned forward, her sharp gaze locked onto the Queen. "What do you mean by 'the Gods'? You're not seriously saying you believe in those fairy tales, are you?"

The Queen only smiled, as if she had expected that reaction.

Bella continued, her tone skeptical. "I acknowledge that religions have formed around them, but at the end of the day, that's all they are—stories. Stories created so people can find comfort and hope in something greater than themselves."

Queen Nereia met Bella's gaze with unwavering confidence. "The Gods are as real as you and I, Lady Bella." She let the weight of her words settle before continuing. "However, they are not omnipotent beings who emerged from the void. No, the truth is far more fascinating. The Gods were once human."

Khione's eyes widened slightly. "What?"

The Queen nodded. "They reached the apex of their power, ascended beyond mortality, and became something more. And some of them, for reasons unknown, still choose to interfere in the world they once inhabited."

Bella exhaled sharply, rubbing her temple. "So you're telling us that the Gods—who people worship, pray to, and dedicate their lives to—were just… powerful humans?"

"Precisely," the Queen affirmed. "And at this moment in history, there is only one nation under the blessing of a God—the Asterios Empire."

That statement made Khione sit up straighter.

Before the Queen could continue, Bella raised a hand to stop her. "How do you even know this?"

The Queen's expression softened as she leaned back. "It is something I discovered in my youth. When I was younger, I spent much of my time exploring ancient dungeons and ruins, seeking knowledge lost to time. In one of these ruins, I found records describing the life of someone who ascended—someone who became a God."

Khione's mind raced. "Did it say their name?"

"No," the Queen admitted. "The records were fragmented, but they detailed the path of a mortal who surpassed the limits of human power and was 'embraced by the divine.' It was then that I realized… the stories we hear today are not myths. They are history—one that most have forgotten."

Bella frowned. "And you believe this is something the Asterios Empire already knows?"

The Queen gave a knowing smile. "I would be surprised if your Emperor and the high-ranking nobles were not already aware."

Khione clenched her hands in her lap, her mind drifting to her father. Did he know about this? It wasn't unthinkable. If the Emperor was aware, then it was entirely possible that the Duke of Briston was as well.

As if sensing her thoughts, the Queen's gaze met hers. "If you doubt my words, Lady Khione, you may ask your father when you return home."

Khione didn't respond, but the thought lingered.

The Queen shifted back to their earlier discussion. "Now, where was I? Ah, yes—the Gods of Asterios." She took a slow breath before speaking again. "The Asterios Empire has three dominant religions, each centered around a different deity."

Khione and Bella listened intently.

"The first," the Queen began, "is Aurelion, the Radiant Sovereign, God of Order and Authority. He represents law, structure, and leadership, embodying the ideals of rulership and governance."

Bella's brows furrowed. "That sounds exactly like something the Empire would worship."

The Queen gave a small chuckle before continuing. "The second is Nytheris, the Veiled Arbiter, Goddess of Fate, Wisdom, and Balance. She is revered by scholars, mystics, and those who seek knowledge beyond mortal comprehension."

Khione felt something stir in her chest at the mention of Nytheris. The Goddess of Fate. It felt… oddly relevant, given her affinity for Time Magic.

"And lastly," the Queen said, "there is Ignis, the Eternal Flame, God of War, Conquest, and Ambition." She let the name hang in the air before continuing. "The Asterios Empire's history is built upon warfare and expansion. It is no surprise that a God of Conquest holds a place in their pantheon."

Khione exhaled slowly. It made sense. These three deities perfectly aligned with the Empire's ideals—order, wisdom, and ambition.

The Queen leaned forward slightly. "These three deities make up the divine figures that the Asterios Empire worships. And if my theory is correct, they are the ones who have blessed your Empire, ensuring its continued dominance."

Khione and Bella sat back, overwhelmed by the weight of everything they had just heard.

The Gods were real. They had once been human. And they had chosen to bless the Asterios Empire.

But why?

Khione barely realized she had spoken the question out loud until silence filled the room.

"Why?" she repeated, this time more deliberately. She wasn't speaking to the Queen or Bella—she was asking the question itself.

Why would these three Gods choose Asterios?

What was it about the Empire that made it worthy of divine favor?