Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 96 Baptism

<Vienna Cathedral Square>

It was a week after Schicksal's forces had occupied the city. Contrary to the rumors, the army was as holy as the church should be. Though tension stirred in the people's hearts each soldier lent a helping hand. Whether gently picking up a boy's basket of apples or eating after the citizens had their fill, they picked away the hostility that couldn't quite settle. What was also quite peculiar was that none stayed in the city. Despite the better living conditions, they stayed in tents just outside the walls. Frederick Kaslana guided the rebuilding process, he was allowed to stay in the palace but only for diplomatic reasons. Drawing upon his experience as city lord, he cooperated with the Queen, her fiance, and a few vassals to repair the city of Vienna. It extended beyond fixing the aftermath of Kallen's battles, renovations, and structural improvements fell under his jurisdiction.

"What are we to do now? Do we fight? Do we believe in the Holy Son?"

"I'll believe in the Queen. She's sure to have us meager folk at heart."

"For certain?"

"Aye my nephew was sick, set to die before the war but she worked a deal. The princess, the one with the horns. She cured him in a flash."

"The Anti-devil."

"She's no devil. Just blessed with those happenings."

"Yes, an actuarial in her blonde hair. The Schariac princess. T'was me father that was saved by her. I'll not hear a lick of puss towards her."

"Aye, perhaps a second Holy Maiden has awakened."

"Can't be. Vienna is just blessed with two living guardians, Valkyries. Though her Holiness, she's a bit..."

"Blasphemy!"

The man sheepishly looked at the patched floor of the square. Bricks, fresh and untrampled shown in many places. Some buildings scarred by chains were still being worked on across the distance. Wrath was a sin.

"She faced hundreds of them. Her judgment was divine. My wife still missing. From what I heard, they lived."

"Fates worse than worse than death."

"Would you have it any other way?!"

"No, no sir."

They quieted down as the church bell tolled. Dressed in the Holy attire of white and gold, the Holy Maiden emerged from those divine doors with a giant basin in tow. She ascended the steps of a wooden platform which strangely had two sets. One of the steps faced the church and the other the people. The queen followed close behind looking healthy and unharmed. Her fiance followed suit.

Guards and Valkyries surrounded the platform. A tall handsome and dashing man was the last to step on stage. Frederick Kaslana, looking sharp and majestic cleared his throat, a little bear growl to the common folk. The whispers quieted like landing flies, he had their attention.

"To the people of Vienna, the citizens of Austria. You've committed the crime of seceding from the teachings of the Holy Church. You've sinned before the Father Above All."

Murmurs ensued, some wanted to escape but before they could Frederick continued.

"But it is not your fault. You've been tricked. Devil worshippers hoodwinked the Queen planning war between Austria and Schicksal. They intercepted our correspondence letters, crushed our diplomatic ties, and ravaged your city aiming to blame the Church for the emergence of those pillars of destruction. I have failed Austria, I have failed my duty as next-in-line Overseer. Let us have a moment of silent prayer for those we have lost."