I play a Evil God in Otome Game

Chapter 38 - 37:Paladin(10/10)

"That’s it, anything else?"

"No."

"Good! Let’s not meet again!" The merchant left without even looking back, and the workers remained silent as they quickly departed.

"Old man," Simon said while watching the departing merchant, then turned his gaze to Frank. "Do you think he’ll report us?"

Frank shook his head with amusement, his eyes gleaming with sarcasm. "I’d be surprised if he didn’t."

"Still, Grandpa, you hit him well! His teeth won’t be straight for at least 10 years," Emily said, bouncing with joy as she smiled sweetly at her grandfather.

"What did you think of me, young lady?" Frank grabbed his back and laughed. "This body may be old, but it can still fight."

George laughed and patted Simon’s shoulder. "You should learn something from this, Simon. These methods will come in handy in the future."

Simon rolled his eyes. "Sorry, but I don’t want to end up in jail for threats and extortion."

Urien’s eyes narrowed with amusement. "I’m impressed by this method; the merchant couldn’t even look Frank in the eyes."

Frank looked at Urien, impressed. "You’re a smart young man. Sometimes, a punch is more effective than words."

Simon had to agree. Even the arrogant merchant had been tamed like a dog. And the look of fear on the merchant’s face had secretly entertained Simon.

"Have you hitched the horses to the carts?" Frank asked a peasant who approached him. The peasant nodded. "Yes, everything is ready. We’re just waiting for you to give the word."

Frank nodded in approval. "Alright then, if everyone is ready, let’s go."

Everyone agreed, and they slowly left the town. After about 10 minutes, they reached the rugged road leading to Gwyndor.

The merchant had given them 20 horses. Frank, in a bit of opportunism, had selected the best ones (by threatening the merchant) as gifts. Of course, the merchant didn’t break the old man’s heart and gave him even more horses.

There were three horse-drawn carts, each pulled by four horses, large enough to fit 12 people. The other two carts were also pulled by four horses each. Emily and a peasant who knew how to handle horses would drive them.

The three carts were for passengers, while the other two served as cargo wagons.

The cargo wagons were loaded with fresh food, wine, water, vegetables, clothes, tools, and various supplies. Frank had been very greedy during the extortion of the merchant.

He had taken winter clothes, silk fabrics, carpets, linens, and even soap. It was practically a robbery. The merchant had probably lost at least 30 gold coins.

Still, it was deserved. Even though Simon didn’t approve, they would live comfortably for at least one or two months.

At least they robbed a dishonorable man, according to Emily.

By now, the merchant had probably already reported them to the guards, so it was best if they left before the authorities arrived.

"Let’s go," Frank said grumpily, sitting in the driver’s seat. As everyone took their places, Simon sat down with a sigh.

After George gave the final check on the cargo, he confirmed they were ready. "All set here!"

Emily nodded in agreement, and with everyone ready, they decided to leave.

Frank called out one last time. "If anyone has a problem, speak up now because we’ll only stop to sleep. Other than that, we’ll keep moving!"

Urien sat next to Frank and nodded.

"This looks like it’s going to be a long journey..."

"Yes," Frank nodded in agreement.

Then, with a flick of the reins, the horses started moving, and the wagons set off. Their destination was Gwyndor. They had at least two weeks of travel ahead.

All they could do was pray for a smooth journey...

Meanwhile, Seth had come back and was writing holy scriptures in elegant handwriting on a piece of paper with a pen in hand.

Although he was a bit inexperienced, the fact that many religions could now be learned online had given Seth a clear idea of what to do.

Naturally, the religion he would take inspiration from was the Hebrew faith. "Something like the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses would be good for now."

Having made up his mind, Seth began writing. "The First Commandment, Do not stray from the path of the Dark God."

"No, too cliché."

Seth rested his chin on his hand, thinking. He wanted to create something that wasn’t cliché, but still just and appeared as if it had been written by God.

He picked up the paper and placed it on a flat surface.

After thinking for half an hour, he finally decided. The paper looked old but sturdy, with some strange patterns around the edges.

Seth had crafted this paper himself. Strangely, when he was in his Avatar form, he became very talented.

He didn’t hesitate any further and began to write.

1. Power Brings Justice: The weak must be protected by the stronger. Those who abuse their power shall be punished.

Seth was well aware of his reputation. He was portrayed as a terrifying, chaotic, merciless, and purely evil being, especially by the church.

To change this perception, some strict but just decisions were necessary.

2. Every Crime Has a Price: Every crime committed in the shadow of darkness shall be met with the punishment it deserves.

This was a classic element found in every religion—punishing the guilty. Seth saw it as fitting.

3. Loyalty is Sacred: Those who betray shall be cast into the darkest abyss.

Seth had always despised traitors, after all, betraying someone was a despicable act.

4. Respect Authority: Every rank, office, and leadership position is a gift from the Dark God to his servant. No one, except the God, and the chosen Pope, Holy Paladin, and finally his appointed Saint, can grant authority to others. Questioning God’s actions is not your place because He knows everything and does all things perfectly.

While writing this, Seth felt a bit like a tyrant. In reality, he wrote this fourth commandment so he could appoint or remove anyone from power at will. But upon realizing how bad it made him look, he decided that the Paladin, the Church’s Pope, and the Saint should also have authority.

He included this rule to prevent corruption in his church. He’d write a new holy text when the foundations of his church were established anyway.

5. Know Your Religious Duties: Each week, express your gratitude to your God, so that He may reward and bless you.

Simply put, he wrote this for more Miracle Points.

6. Forgiveness for the Worthy: Only those who atone for their wrongs and prove themselves to God can be forgiven.

7. Merit Must Not Be Ignored: Justice is equal before all; those who neglect merit shall receive twice the punishment of the criminal. If greed and corruption lead you to injustice, you too shall deserve punishment.

Seth didn’t want to see corruption or injustice in his church. After all, he had no intention of creating a second Light Church.

This was simply to keep judges and officials in check. Seth’s idea was to control them through fear—simple but effective.

8. The Price for Spilled Blood: For every life taken, the killer must provide for the victim’s family for life and become their servant. A child is not responsible for the crimes of their father.

This was the most reasonable solution Seth could come up with. By serving the family, the killer would prevent them from falling into hardship.

9. The Law of Darkness: Even those who hide in the darkness shall be judged, for the darkness belongs to God of Darkness. Witches, same-sex lovers, and dark mages—everyone is equal and has the same rights as ordinary people. He tests, judges, and rewards your humanity, not your choices, and He can punish as well.

This was something Seth saw as a small human rights law. For Seth, what mattered was character and morality—the rest was insignificant.

10. The Final Punisher: The ultimate judgment lies in the hands of the Dark God; there is no escape, justice comes from darkness. Those who stray from His path shall suffer the harshest punishment, for repentance is never a valid excuse for forgiveness.

Once he was done, Seth didn’t add any more rules. He picked up the paper and examined it. "This is complete. Now for the appearance..."

Seth didn’t much prefer his human form because it looked too human. After all, a God doesn’t appear in a human guise.

Surrounding his body with darkness, Seth inspected himself. He approached a lake and, upon realizing he looked like an ordinary floating cloud, he began to condense his form.

The shadows around him twisted, and a human figure began to take shape. After a minute, his long black hair flowed as his red eyes gleamed through the darkness.

To make himself look more menacing, he made his eyes glow ominously. The method was simple. He turned the dark smoke slightly red and concentrated it around his eye sockets.

Although it wasn’t very effective during the day, it still shone in the darkness. Satisfied with himself, Seth checked his new form.

The shadows, though not a physical substance, still had mass. Rather than being a mere cloud of smoke, this form had at least some physical influence.

In short, he could do everything in this form that he could in human form.

Satisfied, Seth didn’t linger any longer and left.

(10 hours later)

As the moon appeared, Frank continued to drive along the road. When the horses grew restless due to the night, Frank stopped the carriage and called out.

"Stop! We will rest! While the men set up the tents, the women should prepare the meals!"

As Simon led the horses out to graze, everyone else returned to their tasks. Meanwhile, Frank placed the idol he had just made and knelt to pray. "Almighty God, bless us and let us live in your shadow."

After bowing devoutly, he stood back, put the idol away, and placed it back in its spot.

"{Frank, gather everyone. Today will be a holy day.}"

When Frank heard the voice of the God in his head, he obeyed and turned to call out to everyone. "Stop what you’re doing and come here!"

Though nobody understood what was happening, they listened to Frank and began gathering. Two minutes later, when everyone was present, Frank announced, "Today will be a holy day. Listen to our God."

"Old man, did you receive a revelation?" Simon asked curiously, as after directly encountering the God, he had started to take divine matters more casually.

When Frank nodded, many instinctively straightened their backs, their hearts racing involuntarily. After all, a God was about to speak.

"Yes, I don’t know what’s happening either. We’ll just have to wait and see..."

As soon as Frank finished speaking, a voice echoed in everyone’s minds. "{Lower your heads, raising them is forbidden.}"

The moment the voice was heard, everyone knelt and bowed their heads to the ground.

The voice echoed again. "Good, now listen carefully. This is a one-time event. There will be no second chance..." This time, the voice was heard not only in their minds but physically around them.

Everyone, including Frank, tensed involuntarily. None dared to raise their heads. Silence followed for a moment.

"I will be watching over you, helping you, and testing your faith in me. From now on, you will have new ranks. I expect strict obedience and loyalty."

Seth then looked at Frank. "You will be the High Priest, the temporary spiritual leader."

Frank accepted his new position and swore allegiance respectfully. Seth then looked at George. "You will lead the new militia. I have high hopes for you."

Without protest, George accepted his new role, and next, it was Emily’s turn. "You will lead the hunters."

Emily nodded proudly, and then it was Simon’s turn. At that moment, Simon had no expectations, thinking he would only receive a minor responsibility, nothing more or less.

But things don’t always go as expected. Seth paused for a moment and then continued. "You will be the new leader, managing the people and handling administrative and military affairs."

"What!?" Simon, in shock, was about to raise his head but immediately lowered it again when he remembered the God’s warning. Seth chuckled at his reaction but maintained a serious exterior.

"Also, you will serve as a Paladin from now on."

Still shocked, Simon fell into silence, even feeling a headache. It wasn’t just that; he had received the one thing he least wanted.

Seth continued, though Simon was still stunned. "Write a letter to your family. I will give it to them as a reward for you. And as promised, I will heal them."

Simon quickly shook off his shock and laughed with joy. "I will write the letter as soon as possible!"

While George and Frank rejoiced for Simon, it seemed Simon had already forgotten he was now a leader.

At this moment, Seth continued. "That’s all for now. This is our first and last meeting. Even if you can’t see me in the future, know that I am always here..."

Then Seth’s body, which appeared as if made of darkness, suddenly exploded and scattered, the shadows creating a frightening effect as they passed through the crowd.

After about 30 seconds, everyone stood up, some clearly shaken by the experience. Frank stood and noticed a beautiful piece of parchment in front of him.

Picking it up, Frank’s eyes widened. He held it up reverently and showed it to the group. "Look, these are our first divine laws! They will be our first 10 commandments from now on!"

"What are they?" Urien asked in a displeased tone. To be honest, he was unhappy. Since fleeing the castle with Simon, he had thought of himself as something special. He realized now that the God of Darkness hadn’t even acknowledged him.

Still, Urien could only blame himself for this. Compared to Simon, he seemed far less capable, with no special skills to speak of. Why would a mighty God care about him?

Even so, Urien didn’t dwell on it for long and turned his attention to Frank. After everyone gathered around, Frank began reading aloud.

After 10 minutes, when it was over, everyone complied with the new rules and left after a brief prayer. As Simon excitedly searched for a pen and paper to write a letter, Frank’s voice interrupted him.

"Where are you going, Lord Simon?" Simon turned quickly, hearing the amused tone in Frank’s voice. "Not now, old man. I need to find a blank letter as soon as possible."

"Take this, it’ll help you." Frank handed him a pen and a blank letter from his pocket. For a moment, Simon couldn’t understand why Frank was carrying a letter and a pen in his pocket. "Why are you carrying a letter with you?"

Frank chuckled and then sighed sadly for a moment. "I was going to send this letter to the capital to question Isaac’s whereabouts, but it seems there’s no need anymore. You can have it."

Simon froze for a moment. "Frank, I thought Isaac was dead."

Frank nodded. "Still, as a grandfather, I hope my grandson is alive. If he is, I want him to know that I didn’t abandon him, that I’ve always missed him."

Simon stood thoughtfully for a moment, his eyes drifting to the letter Frank offered. Then he took it. "I hope you find a small clue soon, High Priest."

Frank smiled at hearing his new title. "And I hope you become a good leader, my lord."

Simon sighed at the mention of his new title. He would have to live respectfully for a long time. Probably. The old agreement was now invalid. He was entirely bound to the God of Darkness.

Still, as long as his wife and children lived a good life, Simon didn’t care.

Not wanting to wait any longer, Simon opened the letter after Frank left and began writing on the blank paper.

Five minutes after finishing the letter, a thin shadow tendril, as small as a thread, emerged from the bushes, grabbed the letter, and took it away before Simon could do anything.

"The way the god operates is truly creepy..."

Simon shivered as he felt the hair on his arms stand up, and then he wanted to help the others set up the tents.

"Now that you’re a Lord, you don’t have to work. You can rest if you want, my lord," Urien joked. Simon scratched his head sheepishly but still began to help.

"I still want to help," Simon said seriously, earning Urien’s respect. "As you wish..."

Then they quickly started setting up the tent.