First things first

Alaric's ears swiveled to catch the low tone of Azriel's promise. A smirk formed on his maws, a satisfied one. Not a mocking one. "We're on the same page then." He nodded, going back to listen as the black male began explaining the inner working of Judalia to him. He listened carefully, taking in every word and racking it through his mind. It wasn't until Azriel was finished speaking did Alaric finally respond. "What Atreyu is trying to do is a noble cause." He began, taking a moment to pause. "Although I'm no saint, I believe I can help her in her endeavors." He responded. He had done many wrongdoings. He had murdered, thieved, but never lied. Alaric despised liars. Although he was willing to get his hands dirty, Alaric did have some sense of morals. He refused to enslave another, he refused to outright bully another outside of his own version of tough love, he refused to rape, he refused to harm children even if he did scare them to an extent. "I appreciate what you're doing for her. She needs a strong military." He could agree on that much. "Otherwise, if she didn't have one, Judalia would be harmless, not peaceful. A grave distinction in this world." He nodded. He took a breath and switch his mind to the topic of religion, one that had always been a sore spot for him. He wanted scoff at the idea of the multiple gods that Azriel had, but the way Azriel had presented it did not seem forceful. So it was a poison he could swallow. He did give a dry, bitter laugh. "I am a man of little faith in the divine." He left it at that. He did not trust Azriel to spill over why, his past, or much else. Atreyu would possibly get more of the story, but that was for another day. "I can respect your beliefs from afar, but that's all I can do." He told Azriel with some firmness. He would be the last show any God any sliver of kindness or respect, only the followers. His respect would be for them, not the God itself.