Chapter: 278
Early dawn. The scene of the morning prayer starting just as the sun was about to rise was solemn.
No one was dozing off, and no one was raising their voice.
In fact, even breathing loudly seemed to be considered sinful as silence reigned.
The only one breaking the silence was the current Pope, Paolo Liberio, who was positioned in the center.
“Thus, Lord Jushin says…”
The Pope, who fit the description of an old man, made no small mistakes while leading the prayer.
He had done so in his youth, in middle age, and even before becoming Pope. Like a well-crafted golem created by a skilled alchemist, he conducted the service without wavering.
“Thank you, everyone. Let us conclude this morning’s prayer here.”
As Liberio stepped down from the pulpit, the clergy of the church rose promptly.
Everyone was bustling about to prepare for their day in the Holy Land.
And it was no different for Keddle, the Pope’s aide.
As soon as he saw the Pope emerge through the door behind the pulpit, he bowed deeply and took the various burdens the Pope was carrying.
“You chose a good prayer topic today. Thanks to that, I was able to deliver a good sermon. Thank you, Keddle.”
“Thank you, Your Holiness.”
On the surface, those words sounded like kind praise, but Keddle did not take them at face value.
Having served the Pope for several years, he was well aware that many things were intertwined with the Pope’s words.
Considering that the topic was mentioned, it must have left him somewhat displeased. I need to review it again.
While Keddle followed the Pope and desperately racked his brain, the usually expressionless Pope spoke up.
“Today’s schedule was a visit to the yacht or kingdom, correct?”
Though it was a sudden question, Keddle was not flustered at all.
Discussing work on the way back to his office was part of the Pope’s daily routine.
“Yes, that’s correct. We plan to visit around lunchtime for a parade, prayer, meal, and then a meeting.”
“Are preparations for support to the disaster-affected areas underway?”
“The advance team is already active, and staffing reinforcements are planned afterward.”
“Good. Please confirm that the personnel selections are being properly made.”
“Yes, Your Holiness.”
“Is there anything else to report?”
“There are a few things. First…”
As they walked, what Keddle reported was typically positive news.
A brilliant talent emerged from a certain church. A clergy member received a blessing. A noble promised substantial support. Such stories he could convey with a smile, indeed.
However, once the office door closed and it was just the Pope and Keddle, different news began to flow from his mouth.
“Bishop Korg has made another mistake.”
“And this time, who did he kill?”
“The third daughter of Baron Atlum.”
“Send someone to sternly warn Bishop Korg and have him handle it on his own.”
That was a matter concerning someone’s death, and.
“The experiment in Bardrog has borne fruit. They’ve succeeded in transferring the divinity of the subjects to another.”
“Hmm. Interesting. May I see the report with my own eyes?”
“I brought the report, thinking you would ask to.”
It was news about outcomes built on the blood of children.
“There’s suspicious movement coming from Count Polyu’s side. It seems he’s attempting to reach for more.”
“Those who desire more than what they possess must be punished, right?”
“Understood. I will send someone.”
That was a tale determining the fate of someone far away.
What was unsettling was that throughout the discussion, the Pope’s expression never changed.
Whether congratulating someone, speaking about good news, expressing annoyance, or discussing the necessity to kill someone, he always remained expressionless.
It was as if he had lost the ability to display emotion from birth.
“That concludes the reports for today.”
As Keddle wrapped up all discussions, he prepared to exit the office. Rarely did the Pope inquire further once the reports were finished.
“Keddle, I have something to ask for a moment.”
But today appeared to be one of those rare exceptions.
“How is the child who obtained Ruel’s Mace doing?”
“You mean Lady Allen? She’s been quite active at the Academy.”
“What’s her relationship with the Saintess?”
“It’s good. She considers her a close friend.”
“That’s a good thing. Indeed, it’s our masterpiece. I hope that relationship continues…”
The Pope suddenly closed his mouth as he stood up and gazed out the window.
Even his usually calm eyes were trembling.
Even for Keddle, who had served the Pope for years, it was the first time witnessing such a sight.
Keddle was suppressing the urge to ask why, waiting for the Pope to speak.
How long did the silence last? By the time the sunlight outside had shifted considerably, the Pope finally spoke.
“Keddle.”
“Yes, Your Holiness.”
“Today’s schedule… no. Currently, the Inquisitor Nian is staying in the Holy Land, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Right now, head directly to Duke Burrow’s residence in Soladin Kingdom and investigate the anomalies there. It’s an urgent matter.”
There was no forewarning, no grounds, and no understandable reason for the command, but Keddle bowed his head as if it was obvious.
In this Holy Land, the Pope’s words were like law itself.
*
The Weakness Detection skill generally informs you of the opponent’s weak points but has an additional function.
It also indicates what makes the opponent uncomfortable or horrified.
When I tested it against Frey, I thought it merely enhanced the provocation function, but it turned out to have other uses.
When I decided to torment Nakrad, I initially planned to beat him up as punishment for what had been done to me.
But no matter how I thought of it, I figured just hitting him wouldn’t relieve my frustrations at all.
It might feel fun at first, but it would surely turn into work halfway through.
So while I was deliberating, Weakness Detection provided an amusing idea.
How could I make Nakrad feel shame?
“Heh♡ hehehe♡”
In that moment, I thought.
Instead of a momentary pain that would fade away, creating a black history that would stay with him forever would be the proper revenge.
Recalling the imminent death I faced at Nakrad’s hands was less painful than reminiscing about the moment I was caught by Joy and Frey in a bunny girl outfit, which solidified my conviction that I would create an unforgettable memory for Nakrad.
“Hey♡ how about this♡ It’s so cute, right?♡ It totally suits you and♡ hehehe♡”
“… I’d rather die! Just take my life!”
“How strange~♡ Why does this disgusting pervert doll have so much to say?♡ Where should I tap to fix you?♡”
“NO. I get it. I will cooperate. Uwaaaah!”
Of course, the process wasn’t smooth, but thanks to our dear negotiator’s efforts, I managed to get Nakrad’s cooperation.
The character creation process for Nakrad was quite enjoyable.
To begin, the base was a dress that Lucy used to wear!
I had stashed it away in my inventory just in case, but who knew it would be useful like this!
It was a bit small, making a crackle sound, but who cares? It’s not like it’ll be worn again.
And the hairstyle… not bald but in twin tails.
Hmm. I see. I’ll just shave the middle part!
And more… as I put my heart into this character creation, old memories started flooding back.
There was a time when I pondered how to make an even more sewer-like character.
I once asked someone doing similar things for advice, but after witnessing the depths of the human psyche, I gave up.
Finally completed, Nakrad’s appearance was that of a tall figure wanting to be a cute girl.
Wasting time gazing at this horrendous sight, one that could scare off a robber late at night, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Puhhahaha♡ you’re so cute!♡ I bet it will have a strange story if you sell it to a doll shop in some back alley!♡”
Upon that, Nakrad’s shoulders began to tremble, but he had no way to escape this hell.
Bound by ropes blessed multiple times by Phoebe, he was unable to use his apostle powers and significantly weakened.
“Grandpa, what do you think of my aesthetic sense?”
<...It’s terrible.>
“Puhhahaha. Aww. Grandpa, you don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re so old-fashioned.”
[If this is the new age, I’ll live my whole life as a boomer.]
Satisfied with the grandpa’s tired response, I nodded and approached Nakrad.
“What’s that?”
“Is your education still lacking?♡ Why is this disgusting pervert doll talking so confidently?♡”
“… Wh-what do you mean, Lady Allen?”
“Puhuh♡ Puhahaha♡ A~♡ I feel like I’m going to throw up from the disgust♡”
With a look that could kill me a hundred times over, Nakrad’s gaze was ferocious, but that only made me happier.
Somehow, I felt like he was getting closer to being a mesugaki, but…
Ah, whatever! I don’t care! As long as it’s fun!
Today, I’m going to enjoy myself to the fullest!
“Get down, you perverted doll♡ I’m giving you a chance to be my adorably cute chair~♡ How about it?♡ Aren’t you happy?♡ Huh?♡”
“Yes. I’m… happy, my lady.”
“Ugh♡ How can this disgusting pervert be happy?♡ Is this thing even human like me?♡ Is there something weird mixed in the blood or what?♡”
Looking at Nakrad, whose face was bright red as he lay on the floor, I burst into a fit of laughter and opened my quest window while sitting on top of him.
To check why I wasn’t receiving a reward despite having completely subdued the Apostle of Evil God.
[Quest G#@!…]
[Agra is…]
[Armadi is…]
[Agra is…]
[Tariki is…]
[Que$%…]
[Armadi!#…]
A moment of lightheartedness turned into a display of a clash of divine powers that had unfolded unbeknownst to me.
A struggle between Armadi, who tried to assist me, and two evil gods who sought to kill me by any means.
The moment I saw it, I let out a snicker.
Seeing how dire Armadi was, I thought, “This time, I was really in danger.”
And the persistence of the two evil gods in wanting my head was just ludicrous.
I was going to call the Lord Jushin sloppy god, but now I can’t do that!
As I scrolled down the window, I watched the fierce battle of the gods unfold.
– Ding!
What’s this?
Is the reward finally being given out?
“Oh Armadi, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Since I’ve worked my ass off this time, I believe I’ll get a reward that’s worthy of satisfaction.
A reward grand enough to satisfy this sewer!
[Quest Occurred!]
Huh?
[Hide Your Identity!]
Hmm?
[The church inquisitors are coming this way! Now is not the time to reveal your identity! Do not let your identity be discovered!]
… Huh?
Naniii?!
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