Brunhilde frowned slightly: "It seems that your god has extremely high requirements for his believers, whether it is speaking or even breathing. The gods I serve, on the other hand, value results more."
Cumberland could faintly detect a hint of sarcasm in the other person's words, but instead of refuting it, he changed the subject: "I heard them call you Brunhilde, and as far as I know, that's the same name as the daughter of the gods in Northern Island mythology. Is it just a coincidence, or does it have a deeper meaning?"
Brunhilde found a clean spot to sit down, removed the feathered crown from her head and placed it on her lap, and said quietly, "A name is a spiritual symbol, and it also represents a responsibility. In my village, once someone becomes the leader of the Valkyries, after the 'Winter Fire Ritual,' their original name will be discarded, and the name Brunhilde will be bestowed upon the new leader by the previous leader."
“It’s like how fathers give their names to their children and grandchildren,” Cumberland said thoughtfully, stroking his beard.
Brunhilde picked up a feather and gently rubbed it: "No, it's not that simple. As the inheritor of the sacred name, people will think that the soul of the Valkyrie has also entered my body."
Cumberland paused for a moment, then said with a wry smile, "That... would be very tiring..."
Brunhilde abandoned the discussion and asked Cumberland, "Chaptermaster of the Knights of Twilight, I also have something to ask you."
The old man sat up straight, indicating that he was all ears.
“In the minds of the North Islanders, bravery in battle and boundless strength are the standards by which heroes and leaders are judged. But in my opinion, Todd does not meet these requirements…” Brunhilde tilted her head and said as she pondered.
Cumberland interrupted him: "Please address him as His Majesty, or at least King Todd. After all, he personally bestowed your knighthood upon you, as did the title of the Knights of the North Island."
Seeing Brunhilde's bewildered expression, the old knight sighed. Knowing that this woman from the North Island didn't understand the meaning of knighthood, he helplessly continued, "Never mind what I said, please continue with your question."
Brunhilde nodded: "I've seen the warriors of the Twilight Knights, whether it's you, Alfonso, or Hudgens, your strength is far greater. Why..."
Cumberland interrupted her a second time: "Leader of the Valkyries, please stop. I understand what you mean. Um... Emmanuel in the Bible, witnessing the world filled with sin and depravity, and unable to escape the punishment and bondage of sin himself, led his disciples on the path of redemption..."
Brunhilde's increasingly puzzled expression made the old knight helplessly pat his forehead with his right hand.
“I’m telling a story from the Bible to a North Islander. What am I thinking?” Cumberland pondered for a moment, then said to Brunhilde, “Let me put it another way. In my whole life, I’ve seen more kings and lords than there are holes in my chainmail. Most of them share common traits—a worship of power, a lust for authority, and insatiable greed. But I can’t blame them; it’s the original sin that God gave to mankind.”
"From the first moment I saw King Todd, I thought he was strange. He knew things that mortals didn't, yet he harbored a grand vision that we couldn't comprehend. He firmly believed in the equality of all beings and was dedicated to creating a better world. Perhaps he was the legendary Son of God, who willingly descended from the light to the mortal realm to end all this darkness. Even if he wasn't, I believe he is a monarch of unparalleled talent, very likely to usher in a new world, a world without war and famine." Cumberland gripped the pendant on his chest and slowly said, "I have a foolish son. He is loyal, brave, and highly skilled in martial arts; as a knight, he is undoubtedly qualified. But after meeting the king, I realized one thing: my son chose the wrong sworn brother."
After they finished speaking, Cumberland and Brunhilde fell silent.
After a long while, Brunhilde said softly, "Todd... I mean His Majesty, he is indeed different."
Cumberland patted the dust off his clothes and said to Brunhilde, "Brunhilde of the North Island Knights, go to sleep. Get a good night's rest. We'll be able to reach Silver Ring City tomorrow."
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