2 The Argumen

All these important figures started to greet each other. Social events like these were occasions where a lot was happening if one were to be observant enough.

The people who had a relatively lower status would walk up to the ones with higher status and try to flatter and do some boot licking to gain some benefits. The bachelors would have a completely different agenda on their to-dos. They would walk up to the young maidens that they fancied and try to woo them.

Regards to one's motives no one could be more accurate to spot the evil plot or sincere efforts from each other.

While looking at the small groups were forming one after the other, while they shared their boastful heroic battles or their business outlooks on the recent happenings of the empire.

Aaron was bored and in a swollen mood to not able to start his sword training. He found a sit and decided to go through all his newly acquired memories. He closed his eyes and began going through them.

After a while, a middle-aged man wearing white robes with golden thread embroidery and a rose red coloured cloth that went around the neck with both ends resting on his chest entered the hall with a magnificent smile on his face. Followed by two more men who wore a similar attire but less impactful and prestigious.

"His Highness The Holy Light Pope of the Light Church has arrived!" a knight standing by the hall entrance announced in a loud voice.

Everyone turned around or directed their gaze towards the entrance of the hall to see a figure walking with a smile and nodding at everyone while the others closer to the entrance took the initiative to greet him.

Aaron's father stood up and walked up to the edge of the elevated platform with a welcoming smile.

"My apologies everyone for making you wait. We ran into some bandits on our way." the light pope explained.

Hearing this, there was a subtle change in Aaron's father's face. The man's second sentence which mentioned bandits was like a taunt to him of poor management of his own province. But it was easily returned to the original welcoming smile and said.

"My apologies for the discomfort caused to The Pope during his journey here."

"Oh my, there's nothing to apologies Lord Alan Avron. It was no trouble at all. The bandits were not bold enough to offend the light church and in turn offend the Holy Light Goddess." the light pope replied.

Aaron's father Alan Avron didn't want to dwell in it too long so he just smiled in return.

The pope walked slowly taking his sweet time while doing some small talk with the ones present on his way to the platform.

Aaron had woken up from the deep inspection of his new memories. He looked at the man in robes, this man's face was average looking with that gentle and warm smile on his face he slowly walked closer to the stage. Aaron's attention was drawn to his dark brown eyes that looked ruthless contrary to his facial expression.

Aaron's vision blurred, he saw his future self's memories regarding today's event. Something told him that he should do and act the same he did back then. He stood up from his chair and walked to the side of his father.

"Congratulation to Lord Alan for being blessed with two outstanding children. The Avron family is truly blessed by the heavens. Hahaha... This must be the young prince of the Avron family. It's a pleasure to meet a genius swordsman to be of the Avron family." While expressing his regards to Lord Alan he spotted a young toddler walk towards him and stand beside Alan Avron.

"Indeed, it's a pleasure. I am Aaron Avron, the 'first' prince of the Avron family. Light Pope Martin, I have a question may I ask?" Aaron replied while putting the emphasis on 'first' prince.

The Pope's smile froze when he heard a toddler correct his noble self. But soon came another bomb of addressing him without honorifics while also using his name. He took a glance at Lord Alan, who seemed to be enjoying with a smile with no intention of intervening.

"Yes, of courses ask away, First Prince," he replied begrudgingly.

"The pope said that he meet bandits on the way here. Is it true?" asked Aaron.

"Indeed" replied the pope.

"If that's the case, did you capture them?" asked Aaron.

"No, we from the church do not capture or imprison the criminals. We only guide the people closer to the light goddess on their path to salvation." answered the pope.

"Then do you think that the bandits are not on this holy path to salvation?" inquired Aaron.

"They have indeed gone astray from the correct and holy path to salvation." confused with the series of question replied the pope.

"Then you still as the light pope of the holy light church let them go? Isn't it the pope's responsibility to confront this soul who has gone astray? Is the church turning a blind eye to their evil deeds of loot and plagiarising of others possession?" said Aaron.

"Hehe..." came a soft laughing sound from close by, it was Aaron's third mother the lady in a light blue gown who was not standing too far.

The light pope went silent. He had just used the whole bandit thing to put some mud on the face of these nobles. He didn't expect to be interrogated by someone much less by a toddler. Right now, everyone was looking at him with looks seeking answers. If he didn't come up with a good response he would become a hypocrite who only preached without any actual effort to change the people that need to be changed. But he soon gathered his thought and said.

"Of course we of the light church will always correct those who need help. We were late for the ceremony or I would have stopped longer to preach them the teachings of the Light Goddess. After the ceremony ends we shall look for them." The pope came up with a plausible excuse.

"It is of no use they might have already changed their location. Also, bandits don't..." said Aaron when he was interrupted by his father.

"Alright, let's end the bandit discussion here, everyone has been waiting for a long while. Son ask the pope your questions after the ceremony is over." intervened Alan Avron. "Light Pope, please..." he said while gesturing to the seat next to his.

The naming ceremony was not one with too many rituals or anything like that. The parents would hold the baby in front of the pope and announce the name they intend to give to their child. The pope would say a few words of blessing and cast purifying light magic on the baby. This ended the ceremony. The pope would then declare the names to everyone present.

"The boy, second prince of the Avron family has been named - Alfie Avron meaning noble and the girl and only princess of the Avron family has been named - Aoife Avron meaning beauty. May the Goddess of Light's blessing be upon them." The pope's voice echoed in the hall.