Chương 63: God Does Not Manipulate

Ten Years Earlier. Felicity was twelve years old. Her hair was shorter then, and she wore the white uniform of the Prinz Clan, with its emblem embroidered across the back: a sword embedded in the peak of a mountain. She had slipped away from the village unnoticed and begun making her way alone down the mountain trails. Her legs trembled from exhaustion when she finally sat down on a fallen log, leaning forward as she struggled to catch her breath. Suddenly, she heard footsteps. She turned around at once.

It was Father Leandro. Back then, his gray hair was longer, his beard shorter and neatly trimmed. His face looked weary, yet peaceful.

"Mr. Leandro", Felicity said coldly, "I want to be left alone".

"I only want to talk, sweet Feli. Just for a minute. May I sit down?" She remained silent for a few moments before finally nodding. Father Leandro sat beside her.

"What's wrong?" he asked gently.

"Why did you run away?" Felicity clenched her fists. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Because I hate my father. He's always hard on me. Nothing I do is ever good enough for him, and he spends more and more time with my brother. I can't stand him". Father Leandro let out a quiet sigh.

"Arthur is a strict father, that's true. And yes, he has his flaws. But he's so demanding because he wants to make you strong, not only physically, but mentally as well. He wants to prepare you for a world filled with danger and cruelty. That's why he's teaching you the hardest path". He paused before placing a hand on her shoulder and looking into her eyes.

"But there's one thing you need to know, your father wouldn't hesitate for even a second to die for you". Felicity stared at him in surprise.

"And how do you know that?"

"Because he told me. And because I've known him for many years", Leandro replied.

"He loves you more than anything else in this world. Believe me". Felicity lowered her gaze, then slowly nodded. Leaning forward, she wrapped her arms around him. Father Leandro hugged her back, holding her with genuine affection. Present. Felicity remained tied to the chair inside the tent. Her stomach growled, breaking the silence. Father Leandro walked over to her.

"Are you hungry, sweet Feli?" She said nothing.

"So you're ignoring me?", he said with a faint smile. At last, Felicity looked up at him.

"That sword of yours…what kind of power does it really have? Does it just talk?" Father Leandro slowly drew it from its sheath.

"This divine sword always tells me the right thing to do. In matters of morality, in battle, in everything. And every time I've ignored its voice, I've failed. Without it, I would have died long ago. That's why I always listen to it". Felicity stared at him in disbelief.

"Do you realize you're letting yourself be manipulated by a sword?"

"God does not manipulate", Leandro replied with complete serenity.

"He shows you the way, sweet Feli. And He'll show it to you as well. You only have to trust me". Felicity clenched her jaw.

"Whatever trust I had in you…you've destroyed it". Father Leandro watched her silently for a moment.

"Then I'll earn it back", he said at last.

"I'll go prepare something for you to eat". He turned and walked out of the tent. Felicity followed him with her eyes, exhausted, her face marked by fatigue, disappointment and heartache.