Chapter: 599
The very next day after deciding what to do, I reached out to my friends. I needed their help, so I asked for their cooperation.
Of course, that was a rather sanitized way of saying it; in reality, it was more like an overbearing demand that gave them a chance to be useful. But my friends, used to my tone by now, didn’t question the details and asked when they could come.
“Is it the place where a doll resembling the former Ruel is lurking?”
“Are we going to fight the hero?”
Not long after arriving in the territory, I informed them about the enemy we had to face, and Arthur and Frey’s eyes sparkled.
One of them looked calm, but he was an otaku obsessed with hero tales, while the other didn’t care about a strong opponent; he was a fool, after all.
Hmm. They really do make a good match. Arthur denied it last time, but wouldn’t it be funny if there was something going on that they themselves were unaware of?
“But… Lucy. Ruel is residing within your weapon, right?”
I nodded at Joy’s question. Since my grandfather previously mentioned that he was dwelling within me, there’s no point in denying it.
“The one we are going to meet is a fake created by the pathetic old man. It’s a doll that reenacts his youthful days filled with vinegar.”
Even if it’s fake, it’s not an easy opponent to beat.
Especially now that I’ve become a burden instead of a powerhouse.
However, I believe my friends now are more than capable of handling it. With this caliber of members gathered, losing would be nonsensical.
“By the way, the old man is still pleading that leaving isn’t an option.”
“…Why?”
“Hmm. The idiot probably remembered some foolish act from the past and is trying to kick the blankets.”
“W-Why do you ask that?”
Seeing their eyes wander, it seems there is indeed something. It’s not unusual for an idiot to make a mistake at least once a day.
“Imagine if that fool suddenly appeared before you.”
“I’d turn him to ashes.”
“That’s the spirit.”
Right now, things are quieter than they were last night. Garad is having fun suppressing my grandfather, which is amusing, to say the least.
Thanks to that, my inner world is currently witnessing a battle between heroes. It’s not a sparring match to hone skills but a genuine fight with the intent to kill.
Watching those two fight has been quite beneficial.
It’s a shame I don’t have popcorn. This scene is more cinematic than an actual movie.
“I think you underestimate yourself. In the eyes of others, Ruel is a legendary figure regarded as a saint in the church.”
Phoebe mentioned that she was excited, but the reality would probably be quite different from her imagination. If that was the case, my grandfather wouldn’t be fighting back so desperately.
“Back to the main point. Lucy Alrn, where are we heading now? Is it to another desert like last time?”
“Your brain must be starving. Do you really think the pathetic old man would leave the toys in the same spot?”
“Then where is it?”
“To a place filled with idiots who think they’re gods.”
Sacred ground. The place I’ve been avoiding like the plague. Originally, my plan was to sneak in unnoticed and slip out.
However, since I decided to seek my friends’ cooperation, I need to change the plan.
If my intrusion is discovered alone, it could be brushed off as Lucy Alrn’s strange behavior, but if we all sneak in and get caught, it would be a national issue.
I don’t want to give the First Queen a reason to interfere!
“Normally, I’d have a headache because of all the hypocrites trying to act noble, but thankfully, there’s someone who adores those trashy people so much that they don’t know what to do about it.”
Right now, Phoebe surely embodies what it means to be a saint.
In the past, the lower-ranking folks would only admire her without knowing the situation, but now, she has even gained favor among those higher up.
Even the cardinal who visited last time seemed to respect Joy without even realizing it, so it’s not just a simple misunderstanding.
“Is that possible? Pathetic saintess?”
I expected Phoebe to excitedly say it’s possible, but strangely, no response came.
What’s going on? Please, don’t tell me all of this was a delusion! I didn’t ask Karia, so I don’t know the exact situation!
“…Y-Young Lady.”
Phoebe stuttered after garnering our attention and took a long moment before calling me with a trembling voice.
“Are you coming to the sacred ground? The Apostle of the God is finally coming to where they belong!?”
And then it hit me. The reason Phoebe had remained silent for so long was not hesitation but an effort to hold back her excitement.
“If you’d told me earlier, I would have prepared to escort you! Oh, wait! Since I know now, it’s okay! I’ll contact Cardinal Johan to make the minimum preparations! And for the outfit… Huh?!”
My usual calm demeanor was thrown out the window. I grabbed Phoebe’s cheeks, which appeared to be running wild like a cowboy in a Western.
“I don’t want to be treated like an old fart! It’d be troublesome if you misunderstand that’s my style!”
“Wha-What have I done!?”
Doing something like that while not knowing what schemes the Pope has up his sleeve would make it way too obvious!
The headache from dealing with the First Queen and Rene was already enough; why add more trouble?
I get that she’s excited about the fact that I’m visiting the holy ground, but there has to be a limit!
I pulled her cheeks until they puffed out, let out a long sigh, and glared at her when she turned teary-eyed.
“Don’t try to please the smelly old folks over there. I swear; I don’t plan on doing anything!”
“Right… With the Pope abruptly leaving previously, and now Young Lady Alrn arrives, I mistakenly thought it was a chance. The person you least want to see is the Pope himself, after all.”
“…What?”
According to Phoebe, after intervening in the fairy forest last time, the Pope completely disappeared.
There’s a royal secretary who conveys orders from the Pope, and Phoebe can take on his role too, so no major chaos has erupted yet, but it seems various rumors are spreading about the Pope’s sudden disappearance.
“The situation isn’t good. The final decision-maker has vanished while the purging was ongoing. Karia mentioned that there are many who think this is their last chance.”
Though they’re still cautious, if this disappearance persists, it will definitely escalate into a huge uproar, and unexpectedly, I furrowed my brows upon hearing Phoebe’s worries.
This situation is too advantageous. Just when I decided to visit, the Pope disappears?
It’s not like there’s anything happening at this time. Besides, there’s no way a powerhouse at the level of the Pope would have trouble working alongside Lasha.
This disappearance is clearly intentional.
But why?
Frowning at the unanswered question, I realized how ignorant I was of the ongoing situation in the game and clicked my tongue.
“It’s not difficult to assist with entries. Despite appearances, I am a saint of the church. However, if you go through official channels, there will be some procedures.”
“Are you saying it’ll take time?”
“No. Prince. Those minor details can be ignored due to my authority. What I wish to convey is about the regulations regarding the sacred ground. The rules maintained since its establishment are not to be taken lightly by anyone.”
*
Former Archbishop Johan, now a cardinal, let out a long sigh before a towering pile of work that only seemed to increase despite his efforts.
Though he had no intention of refusing any of it, as it was all for the church, it was somewhat burdensome for his aging body.
So, he felt pleased. It was akin to the great God proclaiming that he mattered.
However, if he continued working in this state, mistakes would undoubtedly occur, so he needed a breather.
As Johan reached for the tea leaves that he loved since his bishop days, waiting for the temperature to rise, the precious crystal he kept on one side of the desk began to shine.
“Saintess?”
– Cardinal Johan! I need to contact you urgently.
“Speak.”
– I plan to visit the sacred ground with my friends. Could you please start the process?
“Are the friends you speak of… those people?”
– Yes.
Hearing Phoebe’s affirmation, Johan felt his heart racing.
After such a long time, the Apostle of the God was coming here. For the first time in the history of the church, the hero chosen by the God is coming here.
Realizing this, Johan thought he had to prepare the appropriate etiquette immediately and jumped up.
– Just a moment, Cardinal Johan. The one coming here is, after all, my friend and Lady Alrn herself, Lucy Alrn.
“…Oh. I see.”
Yes, Lady Alrn doesn’t want her identity to be revealed just yet.
She knows that the current church would not acknowledge the existence of an apostle.
Haah, damn it. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but I can’t help but curse.
A year.
If only she had arrived just a year later.
At the very least, after this purging concludes, she could have come, allowing me to present her with all the respect due to the apostle.
“How soon do we need to prepare?”
– The sooner, the better.
“Then let’s aim for tomorrow around lunchtime. I’ll have everything ready by then.”
At least it was fortunate that the Pope wasn’t here.
If that person, whom the Young Lady was extremely wary of, had been around, I would have had to dissuade her from visiting for her sake.
– Uh, Cardinal Johan.
“Why?”
– There’s one more favor I wish to ask.
“From your hesitation, it seems to be something personal.”
– …It’s a bit embarrassing.
“Just say it. If it sounds reasonable, I’ll agree.”
– …C-Could you provide church attire for my friends?
While I expected it was something personal, never did I think it would be this personal.
Given Phoebe’s bashful demeanor, I easily guessed what her wish was and pondered for a moment before nodding with a light chuckle.
“Very well. Let’s create a suitable excuse.”
– A-Thank you!
There’s no need to become a stiff, stuffy person bound by rules. After all, the most important thing is the intention to do good, something the Apostle of the God made me deeply aware of.
So, even if I create this ruckus for someone I feel almost like a granddaughter towards, no one will have a problem with it.
I’d love to see her in church attire, after all.
Johan, realizing just how much he has changed over the past year, took a sip of tea before leaving his office.
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