Chapter: 509
As I shot my eyes wide open without backing down an inch, the First Queen’s smile faded slightly.
“Soul Academy is one of the kingdom’s key facilities. It’s not strange for the palace to handle the punishment for those who cause trouble there, is it?”
“Delusional Queen. Just because you believe something is right in your head doesn’t make it so, you know? If we’re going to play the justification game, let’s start with the Shoddy Church. This Shoddy Trash is related to the Evil God.”
I expressed that I would rather hand it over to Phoebe than to a person like you, and all traces of laughter disappeared from the First Queen’s face.
Whoa. That’s intense. Really intense. She might just pull out a sword any minute now.
[Is there some reason we can't hand over Luca?]
It seemed my unusually firm attitude caught Grandpa’s attention, and he asked a question.
‘Yes. This person will use Luca as a tool for his goals.’
Kabati Soladin is someone who would sacrifice everything for what she desires. The implications of that for herself are irrelevant. Her feelings about witnessing it are also unimportant.
What matters to Kabati Soladin is only whether the existence before her can be of help to the kingdom.
Knowing her madness, I couldn’t relate to her statement about punishing Luca.
It’s true that Luca has betrayed the First Queen’s expectations. It’s also plain truth that she is furious about it.
But if you ask me whether that means Luca is no longer useful, I would say no.
There are still many who claim to be Luca’s disciples throughout the kingdom.
Those who have overcome the trials assigned by Luca. Those who see him as a benefactor without knowing his dark side. People who formed connections under the tutelage of Luca.
Would those who have expressed gratitude to their teacher for a lifetime easily believe it when it’s said that Luca was just messing around?
No. Some might tremble in betrayal, but most will think that Luca fell into a trap.
And they would gladly use what they have built up to clear the misunderstanding with their mentor.
Luca’s connections built in the shadows can also be utilized.
If the information that flows from Luca’s mouth merges with the power of the First Queen, it would be easy to create a justification to pressure a few nobles.
But more importantly, there’s Yuden, who’s next to me.
Even though this guy has witnessed the events unfold, he still worries about Luca.
Although he’s putting on a calm front, he’s still subtly concerned.
If Luca ends up in the hands of the First Queen, she would use him to shake Yuden.
Moreover, there are countless benefits she could gain from obtaining Luca.
But to properly punish Luca? To set an example for others?
Nonsense. You’re not that person. I’ve seen you mess around with Luca countless times; how can I trust what you say?
‘I would rather hand him over to Jushin Church. Not this guy.’
[Then tell them to contact through the Allen Family later.]
Contact through the Allen Family? What does that even mean?
I barely understood Grandpa’s words, but the First Queen was quicker to speak than I could ask again.
“Lady Allen.”
Ahhhh. Damn. I don’t know. Grandpa is a seasoned political player, so his words must be right.
“Delusional Queen. I’m sorry, but I’m too tired to entertain your nonsense. If you want to chatter more, please do so through the Allen Family?”
As I spoke according to Grandpa’s orders, the First Queen halted her words and paused for a moment before smiling.
“Is it your intention to secure Professor Luca’s safety through the Allen Family?”
“Well, maybe. Maybe not?”
I can’t just leave this troublesome guy in the family, so I’ll most likely hand him off to that Perverted Apostle, but there’s no need to say that right now.
Now, how should she pressure me for her desires?
“Hmm, I understand for now.”
…Huh?
“Once the situation settles, I shall send a messenger to the Allen Family. Then we will converse again.”
The polite nodding Queen took a respectful bow to me, Yuden, and Prete before disappearing back down under the clock tower.
As the unwanted guest left, silence returned, and I couldn’t hide my bewilderment.
What? What’s with her throwing in the towel so easily?
The First Queen isn’t someone who would give up on her intentions so easily…!
As I blinked in surprise at the unexpected situation, Yuden showed signs of admiration next to me.
“I never expected Lady Allen to be so resourceful. Truly beyond imagination.”
Huh? What? What did I do? I just did what Grandpa told me to!
“Isn’t saying it’s beyond imagination a bit rude? This whole scene is Lady Allen’s plan.”
…My plan?
What kind of nonsense is this? Prete?
The only thing that went according to my plan today was Luca’s absolutely pathetic Shoddy expression!
Aside from that, everything was a mess; it’s not like anyone else followed my plan!
“Your words are correct, Apostle! Our lady isn’t doing it because she doesn’t know! She simply doesn’t want to do it!”
Hey. Karl. That’s not a compliment, that’s a jab at me, isn’t it?
Knowing and choosing not to act is worse than not knowing at all.
As I glared at Karl, he tilted his head in confusion.
He doesn’t even realize what the problem is? Did he genuinely think that was a compliment?
…Ah. Damn. I don’t care. I’m tired. I feel like I’ll lose my sanity from running around all day.
Let’s wrap up what we have to do and get some rest.
It’s fine if I push the complex matters to later.
“Perverted Apostle. Hold onto this Shoddy Trash.”
“Gladly, I will do so.”
“Hey, you perverted old man. Stick around too. You never know what might happen.”
“I was already planning on doing that without you saying it.”
After tossing Luca offhandedly, I stepped onto the clock tower’s stairs.
“Sloppy Fox. Did you properly set the barrier?”
“Despite today’s fatigue, there’s nothing wrong with the barrier. Even after that woman came, the barrier remained intact.”
“If you’re lying, I’ll wipe the floor with that Shoddy Dog of yours.”
“…It’s true! Aside from that woman entering, there were no other intrusions!”
Come to think of it, it’s true. The First Queen did come inside, but no one else managed to reach the clock tower. Even with all the commotion going on above.
Is there something I don’t know about the First Queen?
Ugh. My head’s hurting more. Has something changed with the First Queen?
“Employer!”
As soon as I came outside the clock tower, Karia rushed towards me.
“Are you okay? That crazy woman was just here!”
“Delusional Queen? She just left when I told her to contact through the Allen Family.”
“…I can’t tell if Lady Allen is actually foolish or just messing with me on purpose.”
After hearing my words, Karia sighed in relief and bowed her waist. I don’t know what exactly I did, but the way Karia is reacting makes it seem like I did well somehow.
Grandpa truly is amazing! He’s the hero who survived in a murky church and filthy noble society! Incredible!
<...I wish you'd think about what your actions mean rather than praise me.>
‘If you come at me like that, next time I won’t even say thanks.’
[Then I won't help you next time either.]
‘I’m sorry.’
After calmly acknowledging defeat to Grandpa and turning my head, I blinked at Karia, who had suddenly transformed.
Just a moment ago, she was in her original form, and now she’s changed into the appearance of an academy attendant just because I didn’t see her for a moment!?
Is she still Karia?
Did Karia leave, and the academy attendant came in?
“I’ll explain how the situation unfolded as we walk. Just listen without talking. I already know what you’re thinking, Employer.”
It really is Karia. That’s amazing. It’s like real magic.
“The situation itself is quite good. Thanks to the Sword Saint dramatically killing the dragon’s head at the end, everyone’s eyes were focused on that.”
When the barrier broke and everyone woke up, thanks to Yuden handling the situation, most of the credit went to her.
“The Saintess being alongside the Sword Saint also helped. If it’s said that the Sword Saint acted alone, there would be some suspicion, but having the Saintess’ assistance makes it all understandable.”
Besides a few who know the truth, no one doubts that Phoebe is fulfilling the Will of God.
As the Saintess of Jushin Church, she is a person well deserving of that title, having built countless achievements until now.
So if Phoebe fought alongside Yuden against the Followers of the Void, everyone would nod in agreement.
What if doubts arise? You’re a heretic! That’s what would happen.
Regardless of how it came about, the outcome turned out as I wanted. Thanks to that, I doubt anyone will suspect that I’m an Apostle of God.
“Right now, the Saintess is cleaning up with the people from Jushin Church. Ducal Young Lady Partlan is checking on the safety of the other young ladies. The Third Prince went towards the Second Prince.”
“And the fool swordsman?”
“The Third Prince half-forced him to go. He’ll probably just be waiting for a chance to escape nearby.”
Hearing that my friends are doing their respective duties, I look around.
The students of the academy don’t seem to realize that they had just nearly died.
Some are dazed as if waking from a dream.
Some are talking casually about how the exam would go.
Some are wishing it was postponed.
Some are frantically trying to earn the favor of the queen.
Some are lamenting that they also wanted to see the Sword Saint.
Others are exclaiming in awe about the Saintess.
In their conversations, there was no fear, no anxiety, nor nightmares. Everyone was living their usual lives.
Hmm. Well, this is fine.
Someone is grieving over a sacrifice.
Trapped in a nightmare with no way to escape for a lifetime.
That’s better than curling up in a corner trembling in fear.
Not knowing anything is better.
Thinking that way, I nod and stretch as I opened the blue window.
Now, let’s check what the great and honorable Lord Armadi has bestowed upon me.
As your Apostle, I have surely given that pathetic Shoddy Agra a right proper kick, so I believe I’ve earned something good.
The Lord of all good deities, Lord Armadi, is surely generous in such matters, right? Isn’t that so?
As I prepared to lower that pathetic Shoddy Pervert to the level of a disgrace, I opened the message and blinked at the line that appeared first.
[Arthur Soladin’s favorability has surpassed 70!]
[Arthur Soladin feels a deep and profound grace towards you!]
Nah?
…
What did I do?
I didn’t do anything!
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.