The incident of the Holy Kingdom’s attack by the Main Dragon came to an end.
Dragging their exhausted bodies back to the Gaia Church’s Temple, Rudell and his party were met by none other than the Pope.
Johannes Derenses Tubel Kainers and his priests were waiting for them.
“Your Holiness?”
“I have been waiting.”
What could possibly bring them all the way out here?
As Rudell lowered his head in thought, the Pope knelt on one knee.
At the same time, the Holy Knights and priests surrounding him also knelt.
“Y-Your Holiness!? What is the meaning of this!?”
“If it were not for the Hero, the Holy Kingdom would have suffered far greater harm, and many lives would have been lost in the process.”
The Pope spoke with his head bowed toward the bewildered Rudell.
“No, but there’s no need to go this far…”
“Just be quiet for now.”
“Umm…”
As Rudell fumbled for words, Leje elbowed him and said that.
Rudell looked at Johannes, letting out a low groan.
Seeing the Pope’s demeanor, the people around them also showed confused expressions and slowly began to kneel one by one.
Before long, everyone around Rudell and his party was kneeling.
Though it was a given, it was an extremely burdensome situation for Rudell.
‘Please just get up…’
Those words were at the tip of Rudell’s tongue, but the incredibly solemn atmosphere held him back.
A little while later…
“Thank you for saving our Holy Kingdom, oh Hero.”
Rising from his position, Johannes spoke to Rudell and bowed his head once more.
“Normally, I’d announce this to all nations and start a festival, but given the circumstances, I hope you understand…”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m fine.”
A festival while everything around them was burning and injured people were scattered?
Rudell thought that he wouldn’t be able to handle such a festival as if he were a psychopath.
“The Holy Kingdom will never forget this. Should you need our help, we will assist you with anything.”
“I hope that won’t be necessary.”
While Rudell found that to be a good thing, the best-case scenario would indeed be that it never happened.
Of course, Rudell knew all too well that it wouldn’t be that easy.
“I would like to speak more with you, Hero, but as you can see, the situation is such that I must leave to deal with it. Please forgive this impertinence.”
With that, Johannes got up and walked into the Temple with the priests…
“Wow… I’m astonished… I never thought the Pope would kneel before me…”
“Of course. The Hero is the chosen one of the gods. They are their representatives.”
“Is that really how it works…?”
As Rudell sighed with relief, Eleor spoke.
Thinking about it, the Pope’s attitude began to make sense…
Just then, screams came from a distance.
“Let me go!! Do you know who I am!! This is a setup!!”
Turning their heads, Rudell and his companions were greeted by a sight they couldn’t believe.
The Grand Priest of the Church, Carvel, was bound with ropes and being dragged away by Holy Knights in black clothes.
“The evidence was fabricated!! It’s a conspiracy, you fools!! You will all fall into hell and suffer for eternity!! Only I am the most faithful servant of the goddess!!”
Screaming, Carvel shouted at the Holy Knights, but they didn’t flinch as they dragged him away.
Surely, his end would be horrific, but Rudell felt no sympathy whatsoever.
This was all a consequence of the atrocities he had caused.
Hoping for him to pay for this in the most painful way possible, Rudell attempted to turn away.
At that moment…
“Count Weinstein… No, I should call you Hero now.”
“Filson?”
As Rudell saw Filson approaching and greeting him with a bright smile, he shook his hand.
It seemed that the accusations hanging over him were lifted, given the sight of Carvel being arrested just moments ago.
“I’m glad to see you safe. How are you feeling?”
“I’m still a bit uncomfortable, but I can move fine.”
Even though he had been healed with divine magic, the aftereffects of torture weren’t easily shaken off.
He should count his blessings that he could move at all.
“What happened?”
“While all this chaos was happening, there was an assassination attempt on the Pope.”
“An assassination attempt!?”
Rudell’s eyes widened.
Could they have gone that far…?
Thinking about what could have happened if the Pope had actually been assassinated, Rudell shuddered slightly.
“However, the Inquisition acted much faster. The assassins were all captured, and through interrogation, we were able to extract confessions from them.”
“As expected of the Inquisition.”
The Inquisition, consisting of the most extreme fanatics among the priests, also acted as the intelligence department, with a reputation so fearsome that once someone entered, even the most innocent could leave mangled.
That said, he never imagined they would handle it without his intervention.
He thought they might be even more competent than he expected, and nodded.
“By the way, are you tired? It’s not much, but we’ve prepared lodging for you, which is way more spacious and clean than your current one.”
“Ah, thank you… but we’d prefer our original lodging…”
In the current state of the Holy Kingdom, Rudell’s conscience wouldn’t allow him to indulge in such luxuries.
If they could save more people by enduring discomfort themselves, he would gladly accept that.
But…
“Even so, the Pope specifically requested it. Please, do not refuse.”
“Umm…”
Rudell let out a low groan at Filson’s perplexed expression.
How could he refuse when the Pope had specifically asked?
“Well then, I’ll accept. Please lead the way.”
In the end, Rudell had no other choice but to agree to the proposal.
“Understood, Hero.”
With a soft smile, Filson took the lead and started walking ahead, with Rudell and his party following behind.
*
After walking for about ten minutes, Filson arrived at a large door and carefully pulled the handle.
Beyond the grand door, a much wider, cleaner, and more refined lodging revealed itself.
“You may stay here during your time in the Holy Kingdom.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Church.”
“Well then, have a comfortable night. Meals will be prepared and brought to you as soon as possible.”
“I appreciate it.”
Filson bowed slightly and closed the door.
The sound of footsteps faded down the hallway.
“Ahhhhh…”
“I’m really tired…”
“Oh, my whole body aches…”
“…”
Then, Rudell and his companions collapsed onto the sofa.
It had been quite the battle with the Main Dragon.
If they didn’t feel exhausted, that would be more surprising.
“I think we need to wash up…”
“I can’t move an inch…”
“Just… want to rest.”
“M-me too…”
The smell of smoke, sweat, and various other odors mingled together, creating an indescribable aroma around the group.
Yet no one could muster the strength to get up from their spot.
This was a testament to how fiercely they had fought.
After a significant amount of time had passed…
“Ugh…”
The first to rise was none other than Rudell.
Stretching his weary body, he headed for the shower.
“If you’re not going to wash up, I’ll go first.”
“I’ll join you.”
Perhaps thinking it was more efficient, Kurt also got up from his seat.
“We’ll rest a little longer…”
“You look so tired…”
Leje and Silphier sounded like they were about to fall asleep, waving Rudell and Kurt off.
With that, Rudell and Kurt headed toward the bath, leaving them behind.
