everyone in the inner council could tell something was different with Alfred. He felt more relaxed, a vast difference from how he had been for the last year. It was strange but not unwelcome. Isra walked in shortly after and went next to Alfred, the two sharing a small kiss.

No one said anything but they felt the puzzle pieces fall into place realising what happened. Letting the two have the moment they waited awkwardly for the seconds to pass. It seemed Alfred realized as he shook his head and smiled. "Forgive me. Now it’s a shame not everyone can be here, but they have work to do and so do we."

"First of all, Dimitri, thank you for joining us. Usually, we don’t let outside apart of this, but today it is something that you must hear." Everyone turned to Dimitri and the man gave an awkward smile as he raised his hand.

He couldn’t help but feel a little shocked sitting in the room. Everyone was one of the most powerful people in the Empire and whilst it wasn’t strange to see them in a formal setting, the whole thing was anything but. He had been in close contact with the upper echelons of Vladmire to know that the nobility, especially as they got more powerful, always had their eyes set on themselves.

He also knew that this wasn’t the council of the Empire. Whilst Issac and Charles were in it, the rest weren’t. ’So this is the real thing.’ He could only bitterly chuckle to himself seeing it as the dots all connected.

"First things first." Alfred turned to Catherine. "Are the preparations complete?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Catherine gave a small nod sliding over a small document. "Marcus is about to set off with the full weight of the Ammary Navy. I have left behind what is needed to protect the trade routes but other than that, the Chent Pirates will be dissolved."

"Good. William, have the coast defended heavier for a while? If need be have some of Charles’s men assist you. I don’t expect anything, but I won’t make the same mistake." William gave a stern nod as he wrote down a few things.

"Now, the reason I have called you. I have prepared the final part of the Schism." Everyone stiffed hearing the words as they realized the plan that had been set in motion for years, was finally going to begin. Dimitri looked around and saw that the faces of the people showed they weren’t surprised by his words.

"The church has been left for too long and it gave them a chance to attack, to try and end the threat they perceive once and for all. We all knew that this day would eventually come and whilst it is earlier than I hoped, an opportunity has presented itself."

"Dmitri. I’m sure you understood this was always going to happen since your arrival. I know Prince Ivan expected it, it’s the type of man he is. But your worries about how it would be done is something that I expected." Dimitri gave a small nod getting a smile in return.

Alfred got up and slowly walked around the room. "For too long the church has become a foreign entity that has been allowed to worm its way into positions of power. Taking positions of power and stripping wealth from Empires and Kingdoms they claim to be a guiding light for. It has cost us all, some more than others."

"But no more. Today I proclaim to you all, the foundation of The Pantheon." It was a bold statement and everyone sucked in a mouthful of air. To create a schism under the belief of Sol as the lone God was one thing, but to include both was unheard of. The name alone told them what he wanted.

Both sides were bitter enemies. The followers of Sol having to put Khors on a pedestal were asking them to spit in the face of everything they had been taught. For the Followers of Khors, it was a sign of failure. To give up on the eternal battle they believed they had to fight. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Your Majesty," Issac called out. "This can’t happen. No side of the conflict will accept the union of both Gods." Everyone silently nodded in agreement but Alfred only smiled in response.

"When I was twelve they tried to kill me in a fake trial for marrying a heathen." His voice was full of disgust saying that. "And yet they were proven wrong. I showed the world that I was Sol’s champion and I have wondered, why was I sent to this world, given this responsibility. Allowed to marry someone who Sol’s followers called heathen."

"Given knowledge that is impossible, a responsibility that would burden any man until they killed themselves. I wondered why I came here. And I understood Issac. I came to bring unity, under one crown, one sword, one faith." Alfred leaned over the table and stared deep into Issac’s eyes.

The man could only look away. "You all know my wife, is she a heathen that must be purged? Even Raven, a man who loved Sol more than his own life accepted her. How can any of us dare claim unity can’t exist between the two when a man like him, could accept a Follower of Khors as his Empress and friend."

"It’s not about us," William said with a deep sigh. "We all may feel a certain way, but this. It’s dangerous."

"I know William," Alfred said softly. His footsteps slowed as he looked around. "So we have to change how the faith is perceived." Alfred smiled and looked at the old General. "You have seen what power words can have over a person. You have seen how fast I can get my narrative out. And I promise you, a day will come when the world will only understand this as the true path. When all follow the Gods as they were intended."

Everyone looked at one another. Issac smirked and shrugged. He could hear the confidence in Alfred’s voice and if he wasn’t willing to try it, what was the point in anything? He had swore himself to this life and had decades ahead of him to figure it out. William looked to him and seeing he had resigned himself to it agreed.

Esmond sat unbothered, his eyes closed. He was loyal to Alfred. If it was his will then his only job was to make sure it happened.

Catherine and Charles looked at one another. Their eyes told them everything they needed and could only groan that it would be a busy future. Dimitri looked around unable to believe he was seeing everyone agree, but was wise enough to keep his mouth shut.

"How will it be done, Your Majesty," Issac asked confidently, his previous concerns being insignificant.

Alfred’s face nearly split into two with how wide his smile was and retook his seat. "Sol, Khors, Gaia. The Gods who created the universe, the people, and the world. Anahit and Morana, Gods who watch over us at night and protect us from the endless darkness."

"Both the Church and Followers believe they follow something like a Pantheon, but they don’t. The Church respects Gaia as the loving daughter but not as the God of the world. The Followers love Khor’s sister but only see them as a part of his strength. The world is outdated and we must be the ones to fix it."

"It’s a nice story, but will people accept it," Dimitri spoke up. "And the most important thing, who will lead your new Church? I don’t see Prince Ivan, wishing to be beneath you, even spiritually."

Alfred nodded. "Of course. But what did I say before? The Church was foreign and interfering. The power of faith should be in the hands of those who lead their people. The ones who protect them. Each nation shouldn’t have to answer to a man who claims they were chosen. So I propose independence. I will become the spiritual leader of the Amamry Empire, I will decide all matters of faith. But Vladmire. Well, I’m sure Grand Prince Alexei will make a perfect head of faith, followed by Ivan if he so wishes."

Alfred knew it was a risk to give independent rule of faith to each leader, but it was the only way he would be able to convince others. As long as he remained in control of his nation’s spiritual affairs it was something he could look over

Dmitri clicked his tongue but nodded. "Grand Prince Alexei and Prince Ivan will be willing to accept this I believe. Mainly Prince Ivan."

"Good. Now the matter of written text is necessary for the faith, but these things can happen over time. I mean the Church still adds to its."

"Has anything been created, Your Majesty?" William asked with concern.

"Yes. Enough so far. But it needs to be finished. Once it is, we can mass produce it." Everyone nodded, letting out a sigh of relief that they weren’t going in blind. "Now the most important part. Like any Pantheon, it grows. New Gods always appear as people create stories to add to it. And well, sometimes, humans are deified."

"You’re not claiming you want to be revered as a God, Your Majesty," Dimitri asked in disbelief. Alfred shook his head. If he was claimed to be one by his people it may help him in running the Empire in the Future but it was a dangerous thing.

He had seen in his old world when rulers did it. When things were good then it was fine and reinforced the belief. But when hard times struck, the people would be resentful, of the Gods and in turn the ruler. But most importantly he was scared of what it would make future rulers do. Those who claimed godhood would always be the most selfish and destructive.

"No, I’m just saying, these are things we must prepare for. Make sure to warn Grand Prince Alexei of this." Dimitri nodded as the table looked at Alfred.

"Everyone. This can’t be a quick process. We have our people in place to deal with the Church’s presence in our land. Any who try to leave, kill them, but for now, keep watch and be ready to strike."

Alfred got up finishing his piece with Isra following close behind. The council all looked at one another and sighed collectively at the hard work they would have going foward.