While spare cedar and flowers could be used to rebuild the altar, it was clear that the sacred space had already been defiled. The effort to prepare the finest offerings had been in vain.
Though the priests' frustration was understandable, their resentment toward Cesare seemed misplaced.
Eileen knew that the temple disapproved of him. After returning victorious from Calfen, Cesare had been hailed as the "God of War" by the empire's citizens, earning both reverence and awe.
But to liken a man to a god was blasphemous to the clergy, making it difficult for them to view Cesare favorably.
'But still…'
The idea of blaming Cesare for a random incident seemed unjust. Irritated, Eileen glared back at the young priest.
Caught staring, the priest flinched and quickly shifted his gaze to Eileen. When their eyes met, he froze for a moment, his face flushing with embarrassment before he hurriedly looked away, dropping his bundle of flowers in the process.
"…?"
