As he talked, he didn't even glance at the lady who had spoken. Instead, his eyes rested on the Head Priestess who had just chided them.
It was certainly not the wisest choice to offend the one who stood at the peak of this world when he wasn't even in the same league as her when it came to true strength, but Gabriel didn't care at the moment.
In any case, he was going on a suicide mission soon after, so what was the need to be scared at this point? Moreover, with Lambard here, these three weren't going to attack him. This place was the stronghold of Lambard, who had promised to keep them safe, so whatever he said at the moment held no consequences.
It wasn't as if he was going to meet the young Head of Church of Water again.
Both the Head Priestess were stunned to get such a sharp response from Gabriel. Even Elora herself was taken aback. No one dared to talk like that before her. Not only her but even Lira was also surprised. Gabriel said precisely what she wanted to say. The two of them really were similar in some things.
On the contrary, Lambard was more amused. He turned back, glancing at Gabriel. A smirk spread across his lips which the three ladies behind him couldn't see. This was fun for him. He did like the way Gabriel talked to them.
Elora didn't know that Lira and Gabriel didn't really need to give them any special respect. Just like her, the two of them were also the Leaders of their Individual Element Types. Even though they were all alone and didn't have hundreds of supporters, they were technically the Head of the Church as well.
Lambard found this whole thing very amusing, and he could even guess what the reaction from the other side was going to be.
"Y-you!" Ruyi's face turned red in anger. "Kid, you should really mind your language and consider who you're talking to."
"Exactly. Lady Elora owes you no respect! Who do you think you are to demand equal respect from her?" Joan also asked. She went even as far as to call out her Staff of Water as if prepared to show Gabriel his place this instant.
A powerful aura acted up on Gabriel, which placed pressure on his body to force him to his knees. "Apologize this instant!"
Elora wanted to stop the ladies behind her, but she was too late. Before she could even speak anything, Joan already did it.
The mighty aura of the Head Priestess wasn't harmful, but it did weigh heavily on Gabriel. If it were someone else in his place, he would've fallen to his knees already, unable to resist the aura, but what was the aura of a Head Priestess before the heir of Karyk and the holder of a Holy Grimoire?
The black ring on his finger released an invisible aura that surrounded the body of Gabriel. The aura of his own was so powerful that it basically neglected the effect of the Head Priestess' aura.
Fortunately, it was just the aura released by the ring. He hadn't called out his Grimoire, so the aura couldn't be sensed even by Elora, all thanks to Lambard's shroud.
Joan was surprised to see Gabriel still standing perfectly calm, as if the aura had no effect on him. How could it be? How could a young man stay so calm and composed under the effect of her aura? This shouldn't have been possible. Just who was this person?
Lambard also couldn't stand idle and watch the lady bully his guest in front of him. He also didn't want them to find out just how special Gabriel was.
He finally took the lead.
"Young ladies, I would appreciate it if you don't try to bully my guests. This place is my home, not your Church of Water. As the Head Priest of Light must've told everyone already, everyone who comes to this city is my guest. It doesn't matter how influential you are; I won't let you bully my other guests."
Joan finally got a reason as to why Gabriel wasn't being affected. She believed it was because Lambard was giving him his protection. That made sense. She had heard stories about Lambard, so it did make sense that he could do that much.
"But they insulted us. We didn't start it," Rayi chimed in.
"It doesn't matter. You're the first one who took action. Words should be answered with words. If you want to show your strength to those weaker than you, then I'll also be forced to show you some of what I'm capable of," Lambard casually stated. "And I'm sure you won't like it if that happens. So please behave while you're in my city."
"He's right, Rayi, Joan. You both should calm down. Not everyone needs to greet us. No need to be that offended over such a small matter." Elora agreed with Lambard.
She had heard the stories about Lambard. He was a really chill person who didn't care about many things, but when he got angry, he didn't care how influential one was. As long as he was in the city, he was no less than a demigod. He had even gone against the Head of Church of Light last time without a single care in the world, and he still managed to survive.
She didn't want to create bad blood between the two sides over such a small matter. Especially since the reason they came here was something that couldn't be ignored. They couldn't allow them to be kicked out before achieving the goals.
"I-"
Rayi couldn't believe Elora wasn't siding with her, but she also understood why. She probably didn't want to be kicked out of the city. But still, this didn't sit right with her.
She glared at Gabriel, who had his focus on Elora. Unlike her two followers, the young lady was much better. She was more careful and considerate. He wondered if she was being real or if it was all just an act.
"Fine. I won't do it again," Rayi lazily stated.
Joan also agreed that she wouldn't target Gabriel. At least not as long as he was in the city.
"Good. Now that we finally have an understanding, let's sit and discuss what you're here for. I'm sure it must be something important that brought you here." Lambard smiled as he gestured for everyone to take a seat.
Even though he knew why they were here, he wanted to hear from them directly.
Elora sat on a couch, and the two Head Priestesses stood behind her, not taking a seat.
"You know, you can take a seat too?" Lambard stated.
Both the ladies rejected. They followed hierarchy all too well. Only the two leaders should sit when discussing.
Unlike them, Gabriel and Lira sat down without Lambard having to insist. Gabriel stood on Lambard's left, and Lira sat on his right.
Seeing their actions, the faces of the Head Priestess also twitched, but they didn't react.
"So, what brought you here? How can I help you, lady Elora."
"I came here for two reasons," the young lady stated calmly. "The first reason being that I want the Ring of Apophis from you."
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