Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world-Chapter 61: A talk with Acolyte

Brandon pushed open the large wooden doors to the headmistress’s office and stepped inside.

His eyes immediately flickered toward Esmery, who was seated behind her desk.

However, it wasn’t Esmery who drew his full attention... it was the unfamiliar woman in the room.

A woman is sitting on the chair with elegant composure, facing Esmery’s desk.

She was draped in formal red and white clerical robes, and a black veil cascaded over her head, partially covering her long, silver-white hair.

One of her eyes was hidden beneath a blindfold, while her other eye revealed her clear blue iris.

Brandon walked to the desk and sat on the chair beside the new woman.

Esmery smiled gently and spoke "Brandon, this is Acolyte Valiene Himelle, from the Holy Church of Rhéanne."

At the mention of the name, Brandon’s brows narrowed slightly.

Himelle? That was the name of the divine figure worshipped in the grand temples across the world... the goddess Rhéanne Himelle.

’I see, she is from the Holy Church.’

Esmery continued to speak "She has come here to ask about your baptism."

Brandon blinked in surprise "Baptism?"

His gaze shifted toward Valiene, who had just remained silent thus far.

Valiene finally spoke in a calm tone "It is a sacred rite. A blessing and an acknowledgment from the Holy Church. With your awakening as an Ether user, it is only natural that you are properly sanctified." freewebnøvel.com

Sanctified? Since when did he need the church’s approval?

He had already been tested, examined, and questioned by the Academy and Government... was this just another formality?

Still, he kept his thoughts to himself "I wasn’t aware this was necessary..."

Valiene looked into his eyes "It is not a matter of necessity. It is a matter of ensuring that your existence is recognized within the divine order."

Brandon narrowed his eyes slightly. "Divine order?"

The acolyte inclined her head slightly "Ether is a gift bestowed upon those chosen by the heavens. As the first male Ether user, you exist as an anomaly... a break in what has been understood for centuries."

"The church, in its wisdom, sees this as both an omen and a revelation."

Brandon frowned. He could already tell where this was going.

The Holy Church likely saw him as some kind of prophesied figure... or worse, a deviation that needed to be handled.

He shot a look at Esmery, who remained silent.

Brandon let out a sigh and spoke "And if I refuse this baptism?"

Valiene’s expression did not change "Then you refuse. Free will is an essential part of faith. However, the church will proceed with or without your cooperation."

"For others, they only get baptized on their own consent.. but you, Brandon Kael, you are different."

"Your existence raises questions. It is the church’s duty to seek understanding in all things."

Brandon’s eyes twitched in irritation ’So I can’t even refuse? I don’t want to get involved in this religion mess.’

First the government, now the church?

Looking at Valiene, he asked "And what exactly does this baptism involve? Prayers? Holy water? Do I have to swear some kind of oath?"

Valiene folded her hands on her lap, "The Rite of Baptism is a sacred ceremony. You will stand before the altar, where the High Priestess will conduct the ritual."

"Holy water, will be poured upon your body to cleanse your soul of impurities. A divine scripture will be read to affirm your place in the celestial path."

Brandon tilted his head slightly, unimpressed "Sounds an awful lot like a public branding."

Valiene’s expression remained unchanged hearing the tease "If you wish to see it that way, I will not argue. However, this is a rite of acceptance, not submission."

"You will not be forced to kneel, nor will doctrine bind you. It is simply a declaration that you, Brandon Kael, exist within the will of the heavens."

Esmery, who had remained mostly silent, finally leaned forward, "Brandon, the reality is this... your existence is remarkable."

"You already have eyes on you from the government, the academies, and the other organizations. The church is simply the next in line."

"Whether you accept it or not, you have become a symbol, and symbols hold power."

Brandon rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "And if I accept, what happens then? Do I suddenly become a follower of the church?"

Valiene shook her head. "No. Your faith, or lack thereof, is your own choice. The baptism is not a conversion, merely a recognition. However..."

She paused, tilting her head slightly. "It would be... favorable if you were to attend certain religious gatherings in the future. As a gesture of goodwill."

Brandon narrowed his eyes slightly "Favorable for who?"

"The Church. And yourself," Valiene said without hesitation.

"Your position is unstable, Brandon Kael. You may not see it now, but you will soon come to understand that alliances are invaluable."

"The church is offering you protection... an acknowledgment that you are not an anomally, but a part of the divine plan."

Keeping her calm smile, she spoke "There are those who fear what they do not understand. And there are those who would rather eliminate uncertainty than seek enlightenment."

Brandon’s expression dimmed. He understood her implication.

He always knew that being the only male ether user would bring trouble, but this was the first time someone had so openly hinted at the possibility of people wanting to remove him from the equation altogether.

He finally realized what rejecting the baptism could mean...

Would it paint him as a heretic? A danger to their established beliefs?

Would it push the Holy Church from a neutral observer into a more antagonistic role?

His gut told him that outright refusing them might just make things worse.

Valiene looked at him for a moment before speaking "You do not need to answer now. The ceremony will be held seven days from now, in the Grand Cathedral of the Holy Church."

She then gracefully rose from her seat, adjusting the folds of her ceremonial robes "I will take my leave now."

Brandon watched as she turned, her veil flowing behind her as she strode toward the door.

Just before exiting, she paused and glanced back at him.

"Think carefully, Brandon Kael. There are forces in this world that you have yet to see."

And with that, she left.

The room was silent for a long moment before Brandon let out a long sigh and slumped back in his chair.

"...Well, that was a lot."

Esmery nodded with a chuckle "You should take this seriously, Brandon. The church has power... power that rivals even the government in some areas."

Hearing this, Brandon stared at the ceiling ’I am fucked...’