“Johann, it’s been tough to see your face lately.”
“Yeah, yeah! We were super worried since we haven’t seen you around!”
“…I’ve been a bit busy.”
“But you still need to take a break sometimes.”
…Can’t argue with that.
I nodded at Karina’s words and cut a piece of steak to put in my mouth. Lately, with all the chaos from guarding duties and running around like a headless chicken, I hadn’t had a proper conversation with anyone.
But it couldn’t be helped. Preparing for war was no easy feat.
Besides the request I made to Director Merlin, I also needed to send separate letters to Archbishop Pierre with various documents, and keep tabs on the Empire’s movements through the information guild.
If the cult actively cooperated, getting support from the Empire wouldn’t be hard, but if we’re following the original story, the other archbishops, aside from Pierre, were cowards who wouldn’t easily step forward.
If he could persuade the others, things might go more smoothly.
If not… I had my own plans.
“It’s not time to rest yet.”
“What are you doing? Can’t you tell us?”
“I-I can’t… But, can you not tell us?”
Is it okay to tell them? Of course, it wouldn’t be a problem if they knew, but for some reason, I hesitated to speak.
I felt like they might try to dissuade me… but lying felt wrong. Lies could be the reason to break trust. I didn’t want that to happen.
Even for me, that would be painful.
“I’m thinking of wiping out the Halphas Cult from this world.”
“…Huh? The Halphas Cult?”
At my words, everyone stared at me with wide eyes. They looked genuinely shocked.
“The Halphas Cult? The one that cursed Karina?”
I never told Millia about it, but it seemed she remembered.
“I raided one of their branches and obtained a lot of information. I found out where their main base is. So, I’m planning to hit their main base hard.”
If I ambush them quickly before they move their main base, Halphas, who loves to show off, will definitely dash out if he thinks he’s got a shot.
That would be the perfect opportunity to smash him with a hard counter he hates. No matter how strong Halphas is, he can’t unleash his power if caught. Besides, Halphas himself isn’t particularly strong in terms of stats.
He’s a demon specialized in tactics, strategy, and fortifications.
If it came to direct combat, just that alone would almost guarantee victory.
“…Isn’t it too dangerous?”
“Don’t worry. Trust me. I’ve lived in that hellish place for ten years. Compared to that, Halphas is nothing.”
“But…”
Karina looked at me darkly, obviously worried. Was she afraid I might get hurt? But I couldn’t let my plans stop because of that. It was already underway; stopping now was impossible. Besides, the Halphas Cult’s rampage was causing complaints everywhere. It had been suppressed just before exploding, so the higher-ups needed a vent.
Soon, the Empire and the cult would start preparing for war.
I had set the preparation period to about a month.
Tight schedule, but not bad considering it’s moving an army. In the meantime, I had to diligently prepare for the war myself.
“Someday, I had to root out Halphas. I can’t live with this curse hanging over me forever.”
If it weren’t for the saint, I would have been dead long ago. I could withstand the curse of a high-ranking demon because of the god’s grace. And since Halphas himself isn’t particularly adept at curses, it’s no wonder I’ve been able to endure so far.
I couldn’t live like this forever.
Eventually, the curse would eat away at me.
“But…”
“Karina, no matter how much you try to dissuade me, I have to do this. When an opportunity arises, I can’t let it slip away.”
“…You knew I wouldn’t listen, didn’t you? Just promise me one thing?”
“Sure.”
“Come back safely, okay?”
Karina’s gaze, filled with worry, met mine in the air. I didn’t look away as I spoke.
“Of course.”
“But can you promise not to get hurt? I’ll just wait here with Karina…”
“I-I will too…”
“Thank you.”
“If you’re going to do it, just make sure you win.”
[So popular among the contractors… sigh]
Having someone waiting for you is such a nice feeling.
Recalling the ten years without a welcoming party, I nodded.
————
“Whoa. A war, huh…”
“A mere escort knight is going around saying we need a war. He’s crossed the line.”
“But he’s blessed by Saint Philia. A blessed one’s words wouldn’t be nonsense.”
“Being blessed by a saint doesn’t mean anything is certain! And that hasn’t been proven—”
“Are you looking at the ancient flute sent along by him that belongs to Saint Philia?”
Everyone looked down at the old flute placed on the table. It was the flute of Philia, revered as one of the saints in the cult. People had already confirmed its authenticity.
It’s a mystery how a mere escort knight came to possess such an item, but regardless, it was a good thing that a sacred artifact had returned to the cult, so the archbishops didn’t comment on the matter.
Denying the overwhelming sacred power would be meaningless.
Moreover, the miracles he performed had been directly felt and seen by many.
“Whoa…”
The five archbishops gathered in the Grand Temple couldn’t hide their discomfort as the meeting continued.
Yet after an hour of discussion, hardly any progress was made. The topic of war was slowing down the conversation.
“That person knows nothing of war. Who knows how much blood will be spilled in the meantime?”
“But isn’t it true that this is a good opportunity, as he said?”
“You can’t guarantee that another opportunity won’t appear, right? Rushing in might cause an even worse bloodbath.”
“Archbishop Pierre, you should speak up too.”
While other archbishops heatedly exchanged opinions, Archbishop Pierre, who had been in charge of educating Karina, remained silent.
He was mulling over the contents of Johann’s letter.
‘To lift the curse on Lady Karina, we must eliminate the Halphas Cult…’
“Hey Pierre. Share your thoughts too. Are you just going to sit there like a mute?”
Unable to contain his frustration, Archbishop Cotin pressed Pierre. The other archbishops silently turned their gazes towards him.
‘If what he says is right, then this must be done. But I wonder if these old geezers will readily step forward.’
The manpower that could operate independently had its limits. Most were scattered, getting ready to fight the Halphas Cult, and gathering them would take forever, but they also couldn’t be easily used.
“Hey!”
‘…No, there was no need to worry from the start.’
“I intend to wage a crusade, according to his words.”
“What did you just say?”
“What did you just say?”
At Pierre’s sudden declaration, the other archbishops questioned if they had heard incorrectly. Archbishop Pierre spoke once more towards the elderly gents with heavy backsides.
“Whether we fail or succeed, whether it’s dangerous or not, this archbishop will be taking part in this ‘crusade.'”
“Think carefully, Pierre. This isn’t a joke.”
“Then it must be done, right?”
Pierre’s blue eyes scanned the archbishops as if asking if they intended to join. The archbishops exchanged quiet glances.
Should they follow? Or should they resist?
If they succeeded, they could gain glory, but if they failed, they would fall. Old folks would be reluctant to let go of what they held onto.
‘This is why the Halphas Cult managed to seep in so quietly.’
The courage had faded away, leaving behind fearful old men.
Pierre closed his eyes, meeting the guilt lurking in a corner of his heart.
Guilt whispered his sins as his eyes flashed. You have committed such acts.
You are a sinner.
Archbishop Pierre had no intention of looking away.
‘If only I had confirmed more thoroughly, this wouldn’t have happened. Oh Kalon, please assist me in repenting.’
“…Think about it until tomorrow.”
Without waiting for a response, Archbishop Pierre exited the meeting room.
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