### Chapter: 210
The Freeman Holy Kingdom.
This was the kingdom that birthed the treasure of the gods known as the saint and one of the four kingdoms that had served as a holy nation through generations.
Kraush was passing through the familiar streets of the Holy Kingdom after a long absence.
“As long as Master is safe, that’s good.”
Kraush recalled his conversation with Dorma for a moment.
Since returning from the endless night, he had visited Dorma to tell him about Veltoa Lacroix.
Kraush had suggested to Veltoa that he should visit Dorma at least once, but Veltoa had reacted rather lukewarmly.
From his expression, it was clear he had no intention to go.
He only asked Kraush to convey that he was doing well and not to worry.
Reluctantly, Kraush relayed this to Dorma.
In response, Dorma simply flashed a bright smile, assuring him that everything was okay.
‘That old man is a nuisance.’
If he’d been eagerly waiting for a reply, then he should have sent some news.
What a bothersome old coot he was.
[Just so you know, that kid is actually older than you.]
Kraush stole a glance at the crow sitting quietly on his lap.
It seemed it could read his mind once again.
He had a barrier necklace made by Baioren that should have blocked any prying eyes from getting through.
“… I said I was coming alone.”
As Kraush frowned at Crimson Garden, he was suddenly met with a huffy voice.
There stood the saint, Astrea, looking displeased.
The reason was simple.
Kraush had another figure beside him.
“Um, did I interrupt something?”
He gave a slight apologetic smile.
His name was Aslan Igrit.
He was the top of the second years at the Magic Department and the grandson of the infamous Demon King, Anagni.
There was something decadently charming about his smile—which practically had the power to enthrall onlookers.
However, Astrea, who was staring directly at him, was completely unfazed.
Of course, her heart was set firmly on Kraush.
For her, there was no choice but to take a liking to his face.
“Apologies, Saint. My friend wanted to see the festival at Freeman.”
Aslan’s heart was swirling with anticipation.
The one eager for the festival was none other than his lover, the spirit, Dorothy.
When he sensed Dorothy’s excitement about attending the festival, Aslan promptly made his request.
“Complaining, are we? It’s good to have more people who can help with the guarding duties. Even if he looks puny, this guy’s got some serious skills.”
As Kraush had said, Aslan appeared as if he could drop at any moment.
Yet, he was precisely why he was the top of the second years.
In terms of raw output alone, he was already at the level of high-ranking magicians.
He was famous even among the top of the Magic Department’s first years.
He wore a brooch of the Lion’s Order on his attire.
As soon as recruitment began, Aslan quickly submitted his application to join the Lion’s Order.
“What’s the reason for your application?”
And it was none other than Charlotte who received that application.
She was the top student in the Literature department.
If she truly set her mind to it, she could found her own faction.
When she inquired about his intentions, Aslan simply grinned.
“It’s because Kraush is in the Lion’s Order.”
Upon hearing this, Charlotte’s eyes widened.
“What’s your relationship with my brother?”
“He’s a friend.”
“Come on in.”
Charlotte accepted him in one go.
“Are you really going to let him in without properly checking?”
“Do you really think someone would lie in front of Senior Charlotte?”
Kraush also accepted it easily.
Indeed, no one would be crazy enough to make up lies in front of Charlotte.
Anyway, that was how Aslan ended up joining the Lion’s Order.
Incredibly, they now had a total of three top students from the second years.
Kraush Balheim from the Unnamed Academy.
Sigrid Ephania from the Literature Department.
Aslan Igrit from the Magic Department.
Aside from the Special Class in Theology, it was a full house for top students.
Thanks to this, the Lion’s Order was at an all-time high.
Almost every second-year wanted to join the Lion’s Order.
‘Not that it was intentional.’
Things had just turned out this way.
Now ironically, there were also three top students in this space.
The saint in the Theology department was none other than Astrea herself.
“Since we’re all here, why don’t you try to get a little closer?”
Astrea glanced at Aslan.
Aslan stared softly at Astrea in response.
Then, as if realizing something, he slowly smiled.
“Saint, though I may seem different, I’m actually one of Kraush’s few close friends. I feel like I could tell you everything about him.”
“Uhm.”
Astrea’s eyes shook with surprise.
She looked over at Kraush, then lowered her head slowly.
“Well, if you say so, it doesn’t seem impossible to get closer.”
Kraush watched this scene with a somewhat dumbfounded expression.
At that moment, Aslan jabbed Kraush in the ribs with his elbow.
“Kraush, don’t forget about Lirina.”
What on earth was he talking about not to forget?
Thinking he might have brought the wrong one along, Kraush sighed deeply.
Clunk—
The carriage safely arrived at the Grand Temple of Freeman.
Was it because preparations for the festival were in full swing?
No one paid much attention to the passing carriage.
Thanks to that, Kraush could comfortably enter the Grand Temple alongside Astrea.
White pillars lined the way, and golden ribbons decorated the temple around those pillars.
Kraush felt somewhat familiar with this scenery, having visited before entering Rahern Academy.
It was then.
Kraush caught sight of a familiar peach-colored hairstyle.
And a tall man with black hair standing beside her.
Staring intensely at their backs, they too seemed to have sensed him and turned around.
A veil danced lightly before her.
“W-Why are you here?”
“That’s my line.”
As Kraush replied, she awkwardly smiled back.
It was the princess of Sephira.
Seirang Sephira.
She was here, accompanied by none other than Blavi, the one who had bestowed the celestial blessing upon Kraush.
Even though the celestial blessing had vanished and there was no longer a reason to remain in Sephira, she remained as a guard beside him.
“Hey girl, it’s the day of the festival. I came to see my friend Astrea.”
Seirang and Astrea had formed a friendly relationship.
Thus, she boldly stated her reason for being there.
However, Kraush couldn’t view her as just a pretty face.
“Did you see something with your astrology and come here?”
Sephira had been a family of astrologers for generations.
They were known for listening to stories hidden among the stars and sometimes interpreting prophecies.
Kraush had no certainty regarding it.
He didn’t know much about Seirang.
After all, she had been murdered by a World Erosionist when she barely knew him.
So when Kraush questioned her, she shrugged lightly.
“I’m not quite sure.”
She looked at Astrea with a meaningful glance.
As soon as he saw that, Kraush surmised.
It was clear she had seen something through her astrology.
“Kraush, who is this?”
At that moment, Aslan, who had been quietly listening, suddenly asked.
Now that he mentioned it, this was Seirang’s first meeting with Aslan.
“She is Seirang Sephira, the princess of Sephira.”
“Oh, I see. Nice to meet you, Princess Sephira. I am Aslan Igrit.”
“Ah, so it was you. The Flame Star must shine quite brightly to meet a person like Aslan.”
Aslan greeted her politely, and Seirang returned his greeting with equal courtesy.
‘Why does she treat him so differently?’
Kraush thought while Asrea approached Seirang.
“Seirang, welcome back.”
“Whew, long time no see. Astrea, your face looks a bit fuller than before.”
“Really? Oh, it might be because I’ve been out and about more compared to when I was in Freeman.”
The two began chatting amicably, indicating she indeed came for the festival to see Astrea.
‘Not that I really know what’s going on beneath the surface.’
The key point was how much astrology could predict.
I should just ask her later.
Meanwhile, Kraush locked eyes with Blavi.
Reading his gaze, Kraush decided to answer right away.
“I’m handling the celestial blessing just fine.”
“I see.”
Blavi didn’t elaborate further.
He’d never been known for being loquacious.
Clack—
Just then, Kraush heard the sound of many footsteps approaching.
When he looked that way, he saw a priest leading several acolytes toward him.
As soon as Kraush caught a glimpse of the lead priest, he became distinctly aware of the presence.
For that man was none other than the youngest cardinal, Mirei Beakiss’s father.
The mighty Holy King of the Ten Great Lords, Tersada Beakiss.
Recently mentioned as a potential candidate for the papal position.
Following him was Mirei Beakiss, who had returned to Freeman ahead of everyone else.
As soon as she spotted Kraush and Astrea, she bowed her head first.
She owed her life to both of them.
“Thank you for coming, Lady Astrea. I appreciate your long journey.”
His kind smile glimmered beneath his middle-aged demeanor with blue shining hair.
However, Kraush did not have a pleasant feeling about his smile.
This was because the man standing before him belonged to the opposing faction, which could erupt at any moment.
‘Tersada wants to turn the corrupt Holy Royal Family upside down.’
The Holy Royal Family in charge of maintaining their power was increasingly resorting to controversial means.
It birthed both the saint and the Holy Grail.
After nearly executing his daughter, the youngest cardinal, he could no longer tolerate the existence of the Holy Royal Family of Freeman.
Kraush was also not particularly fond of the Holy Royal Family of Freeman.
To be honest, he would prefer it if Freeman collapsed entirely.
However, the real problem was Astrea being involved.
Astrea was practically a symbol created by the Holy Royal Family.
Thus, she was also the most effective card to display for a new revolution.
The repercussions of deposing the saint would resonate throughout the world.
‘A religious revolution.’
An idealism that opposition forces dreamed of.
Kraush knew full well how meaningless that would be.
“Thank you for participating in the festival, Princess Seirang.”
“No, it’s a day dedicated to the gods, so I must willingly join.”
He greeted Seirang as well, and then his eyes met Kraush’s.
“Oh, what do we have here? The young hero, Kraush Balheim, is it?”
The moment he laid eyes on Kraush, he welcomed him with enthusiasm.
“I’ve heard about your daughter’s matters. Thanks to you, she was safe. I would like to express my personal gratitude, but is there a suitable place for that?”
From his kind words, Kraush sensed an ulterior motive.
‘Throwing around words in front of everyone, huh?’
This was clearly an indication that he wanted a private conversation.
Kraush’s gaze turned toward Astrea.
She didn’t seem to give him any attention.
However, Kraush could read a message in her demeanor that urged him to go along with it.
Meanwhile, Aslan and her knight, Diona, flocked closer to her.
With Seirang and Blavi also siding with Astrea, Kraush felt assured that they would protect her while he was gone.
“Sure, then.”
Kraush replied to Tersada in an equally polite tone.
Let’s see what this old holy snake has up his sleeve.
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