Chapter: 397
“I’m sorry. My speaking skills weren’t up to par, and I failed to persuade the church members.”
The Perverted Apostle returned to the reception room, unusually stiff, unlike his usual cool and smirky self.
It seemed even he hadn’t expected things to go this way.
I felt just as perplexed. Just a while ago, those crazy perverts were running at me like maniacs, and now they’re saying they can’t trust my words!?
Seriously?!
If you can distinguish between public and private affairs this well, couldn’t you keep your wits about you in public!?
I was so flabbergasted that I bit my tongue, and Alsatine, sensing my disbelief, cautiously asked, “Prete, was it really a matter of trust? Given the materials I provided, one would easily understand the situation.”
The material Alsatine quickly compiled was quite impressive. Anyone could sense that something was off.
Sure, my words as a mere brat from a noble family may not be trustworthy, but there was no reason to deny Alsatine’s irrefutable evidence, right?
The Perverted Apostle, awkwardly smiling at Alsatine’s question, sighed while ruffling his hair. “It’s a bit uncomfortable for me to say, but the people from the Arts Church tend to be rather irrational when it comes to matters concerning the Evil God.”
“…Ah, I understand now. Is that the issue?”
Why are they speaking in a code only they understand? Not liking that, I raised an eyebrow, prompting the Perverted Apostle to cautiously elaborate.
“Miss Young Lady might not know, but our Arts Church hasn’t been around for that long. Just a few decades ago, it was regarded as a place that could vanish without a trace.”
The Arts Church he spoke of was similar to the one I knew from the game.
Not a very large faction.
There were a few events, but it wasn’t a place that required a visit.
It became a zone people would avoid due to the Crow Goddess’s annoyance later on.
That was the Arts Church I knew from the game.
However, the current Arts Church was different.
It now wielded enough power to stand against the Jushin Church.
“The reason we’ve grown so much is not just due to the efforts of the current church leader and priests but because we became a sanctuary for those who lost their way.”
The Perverted Apostle had been roaming the continent tirelessly ever since he was chosen by the Goddess.
Many people thought this wandering was part of his eccentricity, but that wasn’t the case.
His wandering was mostly guided by the Goddess.
According to her lead, the Perverted Apostle repeatedly raided places where the followers of the Evil God were causing havoc and rescued many in the process.
“Those who survived from hell mostly lost their way and even forgot the reason for living. I couldn’t just leave them behind.”
Thus, the Perverted Apostle brought those who survived from the followers of the Evil God into the Church.
By showing them his art, he gave them a reason to live.
He brought them hope.
As this continued, the Arts Church grew its influence organically, eventually becoming a notable power among the various churches on the continent.
“Most of the people with status in the Church now are survivors from the past. So, it’s only natural for them to be fierce regarding matters related to the Evil God.”
The Perverted Apostle shrugged, saying that while they might realize something was off with their heads, they probably didn’t want to accept the reality.
“It’s just that things didn’t go well this time. If I keep persuading them, they’ll listen eventually. After all, I’m an Apostle of the Arts Church, you know.”
Seeing him so serious now, after witnessing his usual crazed antics, I understood why he became an Apostle.
Before his artistic talents even came into play, the Perverted Apostle was undoubtedly a true sage.
If he’d shown this side of himself regularly, I wouldn’t have been so disgusted.
I chuckled and stood up instead of replying to the Perverted Apostle, who professed he would sort things out.
“Hey, Pervert. Where are those grotesque perverts from the Arts Church gathered?”
“You don’t have to go there yourself. I can…”
“Hey. Pervert. Why aren’t you answering and rambling instead? Are you doing this on purpose to get stepped on? If that’s the case, why not just bury your head in the ground and beg me to step on you?”
If you look so pitiful that it tugs at my heartstrings, I might just squish you.
The Perverted Apostle stared at me blankly before breaking into his usual grin.
“…I’m sorry. They should still be discussing things in the meeting room. Not everyone is opposing me.”
“Really? That’s great. No need to waste time on those disgusting bastards then.”
I moved without hesitation. I originally came here prepared for this situation.
I was a bit uneasy about walking back into the midst of those perverts.
Well, if it becomes too much, I could just break someone’s head.
As long as they don’t die, we can recover them, so it’ll be okay.
“Lady Allen.”
Just before I stepped out, the Perverted Apostle caught my arm.
“Um, if I bury my head and beg, will you really step on me?”
…Should I take care of him first before smashing someone else’s head?
*
“Are you really willing to give up the chance to defeat the followers of the Evil God just because of the words of one unproven girl!?”
One of the bishops from the current Arts Church raised his voice, causing an uproar in the meeting room. The impact of the Apostle’s words still lingered in the air.
“The most important thing is not to create unnecessary victims, rather than defeating the followers of the Evil God. It’s right to retreat if there’s even a slightest possibility of danger.”
“Nonsense! What about those who might be suffering there!”
“Didn’t the Apostle say it’s better to retreat? We should confirm things first…”
Those remaining in the meeting room were locked in a fierce confrontation without any retreat.
One side protested that they should risk some danger to rescue those who are likely still suffering, just like they did in the past.
The other side argued that if innocent victims arose from an unprepared action, what would that even mean?
Since both sides believed their point was valid, the discussion had lost any ground for compromise and started to escalate into an emotional battle.
“Everyone, calm down.”
Amidst the chaos, the church leader of the Arts Church hoped that the Apostle would return soon.
Even if they were currently at odds emotionally, at least they would pretend to show some manners in front of the Apostle.
Knock knock.
“Excuse me. I brought a guest, and is it okay if we come in together?”
“Of course! Please come in quickly!”
The church leader cocked his head in confusion but allowed him inside, hoping he could cool down the heated atmosphere.
In no time, when the door opened, the church leader lost his words upon seeing a girl standing at the center of the entrance.
…When I heard about the commotion on the street today, I thought I was under some spell, but seeing her, I can slightly understand their feelings.
How could our church members maintain their composure in front of a living piece of art?
Thinking about the church members discussing whether they could set up a statue, create a doll, or paint her if Lucy Allen would allow it, the church leader decided to support her if she gave her permission.
The others in the meeting room were equally mesmerized upon seeing Lucy.
Those who had just treated her like a kid, those who had called her untrustworthy, and those who thought she was merely beautiful—all had been overwhelmed by the presence of Lucy Allen.
With just her entrance, Lucy took control of the meeting room.
Wearing a playful smile, she stood in the middle of the chamber.
“I won’t bother with formal greetings. I don’t think it’s necessary to introduce myself to those fools who are dying to throw their lives away.”
“…What do you mean by that, Lady Allen?”
As the church leader finally regained his composure, Lucy’s eyes narrowed.
“How do you know my name when I didn’t even tell you? Such attention is disgusting.”
“How could the head of a group not know the name of their guest?”
“Is that lady the church leader? How intriguing. Even looking like that, you can become such a great person in the Arts Church.”
“…But can you please elaborate on what you just said?”
Despite being slightly agitated by her previous remark, the church leader did not raise his voice.
It was true that her insolent tone and the disdain concealed within it were irritating, but Lucy’s voice carried enough impact to overshadow it all.
Honestly, the church leader was struggling not to explode from anger, but instead to suppress his artistic inspiration.
“Why? Didn’t you guys want to die? I thought you were crawling in knowing it was a trap. I guess you’re just foolish? Hahaha. Pathetic.”
Though her tone looked down on everyone in the meeting room, there was no one expressing anger against her. They all thought somewhat similarly as the church leader.
While everyone was striving to maintain the decorum befitting their status, Lucy made eye contact with one person and cocked her head.
Pure curiosity without a hint of disdain, mockery, or playfulness.
However, that moment was fleeting. A short while later, she donned an even more playful demeanor and padded over to the elderly man in the bishop’s seat.
“Excuse me, grandpa, but I have a question for you.”
“…Yes?”
“Why are you staring at me with such disgusting eyes when you can’t even stand?”
As soon as Lucy asked, pretending she didn’t understand, the old man’s face turned beet red, and with a giggle, she revealed her true colors.
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