The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 91. Locking Eyes

Warrick and I were led by Aqua into the main room of the church. What I saw was surprising. All black walls and black tinted windows. Religious paraphernalia hung all around. Candles were lit to help light the halls. And to top it off. A bunch of strange demons I never saw before were staring at me. It's like a scene from a horror movie. I turn to Warrick and Aqua.

" Is this normal?"

" What do you mean?"

" Like... The whole ambiance?"

" Hm? Ah! Yeah, it might be a little strange for someone who's never experienced it. The Gods we worship are specialized in darkness John. So, we praise and celebrate them in the dark. We praise the others as well, but our faith is called the Faith of the Dark Gods for a reason."

Warrick answered my question. I let my observation leak out.

" It looks like I'm about to be sacrificed to a dark lord or God."

" Well, that depends on how you view our daughter I gue--- Ouch, Aqua!"

Warrick began to speak his mind and was elbowed in his side by Aqua. She began to speak.

" To alleviate some of your concerns John. Warrick and I's wedding was just like this. The darkness is two-fold for our faith. The 1st being that the Faith of the Dark Gods is a more conservative religion. The darkness allows a person to pray in complete privacy. Along with that, it allows the kiss of a marrying couple to be hidden from other's eyes and make it a moment shared only between husband, wife and the Gods. The 2nd reason being that the Faith of the Dark Gods preaches for equality between all beings. And all beings are equal in the dark."

" I understand Aqua. I take it you're a devout follower of the Faith then?"

" I do practice it. The gods have brought me my husband and my children after all. I feel that my Gods have even brought you John. I prayed and prayed for answers in my times of need. Sarah's curse being no different. I said one final prayer, for my daughter's wellbeing and to bring a smile back to her face before we attempted the summoning spell. and you were brought before us. Not only did you heal her but, you also make her smile in a way I've never seen before."

What she said froze me up. I didn't expect her to express her gratitude towards me again. Warrick began to speak after silence had come between us.

" What we are trying to say is thank you John. Also, please, look after her from now on as well, would you?"

" Of course, I will. You have my word on that."

They both smiled at me. Then we were approached by a man with the head of a goat with black fur and 3 red eyes.

" Ah, little Warrick, Little Aqua. I take it this is Matthew?"

" Yes, Father Wock. You're ready to guide him from here, I take it?"

" Yes, I can take the groom to the altar. Come now child, I'll lead you to the groom's place."

Seeing the puzzled expression I had on my face, the goat spoke again.

" Ah! Sorry, I'm so used to people knowing me here. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Wock, I'm the Head Priest of this Church. You may not know but, I'm the priest who presided over Warrick and Aqua's wedding."

" Ah, you guys got the same priest for Sarah's wedding day. That's sweet of you."

I smiled at Warrick and Aqua. I then turned back to Father Wock.

" Well then, Father Wock, please take care of me."

" Of course, child, please follow after me.

Wock guided me to the center of the room. Even though they call it a church, I think in my world it would be called a cathedral. We walked for about 2 minutes to get to the altar. I couldn't see anyone, but I felt presences all around me. It had to be close to 1000 people sitting in the pews all around us. Wock happily explained everything I had to do. It more or less was the same as how a groom would act in my world. The thing that puzzled me though was the way Wock acted. I couldn't feel a hint of malice from him.