Chapter 16: Turmoil in the Royal Capital – Part 17
At that moment, the meeting took a break.
After all, it was a flood of information. It was clear that my mind couldn’t sort through it all immediately.
I glanced at Freinir to see how she was holding up, and it seemed she was looking back at me.
“Is there something on your mind?” I asked.
“No, I was just trying to absorb everything being discussed. I believe I had read the scriptures once before, but I was embarrassed to realize how much I had forgotten. I truly think I am not suited to be a Saint,” she replied.
“That’s not true. The contents of a book become ingrained after reading it dozens of times. Conversely, it’s not something you can grasp after just one or two readings.”
“Is that so? Regardless, I am no longer a candidate for the Saint; I am now one of ‘Soul’s Guidance’…”
As we spoke, the Holy Father approached us.
“I apologize for interrupting your conversation. Freinir, I would like to ask if you would consider returning to the church,” he said, his tone earnest.
It was a sudden request… though given that she had demonstrated both Divine Attribute Magic and Divine Spirit Magic, it was somewhat predictable. Still, I hadn’t expected it at this moment.
Freinir looked surprised for a moment, but then her expression hardened with resolve as she replied, “No, Your Holiness. I am now an adventurer, Freinir. I have decided to follow Soushi wherever he may lead. I have no intention of returning to the church or my home.”
Seeing Freinir respond without hesitation, the Holy Father narrowed his eyes slightly but nodded quietly.
“I see. It seems Freinir has found her place. In that case, I will not press further. While this incident was orchestrated by Holwood, it is also a failure on the part of the church as a whole, and mine as its leader. I would like to offer appropriate compensation later; would you be willing to accept it?”
Freinir turned to me, and when I nodded, saying, “As you wish, Frei,” she faced the Holy Father again.
“I understand. I will accept your offer.”
“Thank you. I pray that Freinir continues to thrive as an adventurer,” he said before quietly returning to his seat.
I had a feeling this wasn’t the end of the discussion, so I couldn’t help but interject.
“Forgive me, Your Holiness, but what will happen to the Saint moving forward?”
“Well, Faransino, the current Saint will continue her role. The change in the Saint was initially due to her health issues, and now that she has recovered, there is no longer a need for a transition.”
“The cause of your and the Saint’s health issues was due to that priest’s spell, correct…?”
“Yes. It appears that was part of Holwood’s scheme. The priest did cast some sort of spell, but when Freinir used ‘Divine Halo,’ it was dispelled.”
“I see. Then what will happen to Mirannera and ‘Supreme Radiance’?”
“Regarding Mirannera, her status as a candidate for the Saint will be reconsidered. Although Holwood’s involvement complicates matters, it was a decision made officially within the church, so it cannot be easily changed. However, given her recent actions, I cannot deem her suitable for the role of Saint. As for ‘Supreme Radiance’…”
At that moment, the Holy Father lowered his gaze slightly, a pained expression crossing his face.
“It seems that the leader, Garsonia, has suffered a mental breakdown and will be unable to continue his activities.”
“Garsonia…? He did seem off yesterday,” I remarked.
The Garsonia I had seen at the venue was a shadow of his former self. The arrogant confidence he usually exuded was completely absent, replaced instead by a look of exhaustion…
“He possesses a unique skill known as ‘Divine Fortune,’ which indicated he had the potential to become a renowned adventurer. However, ‘Divine Fortune’ is said to impose severe trials on its bearer, and if one cannot overcome those trials, it can easily lead to their demise. He had received considerable support from Holwood and had gained some strength, but… it seems he was broken after nearly losing Sakurahime in battle.”
The Holy Father’s words were met with a solemn nod from Guild Master Dwight.
‘Divine Fortune’… I could certainly relate to that. I had referred to it as ‘Bad Luck,’ but it was indeed a skill that presented high hurdles while also providing opportunities for growth. It occasionally placed its bearer in uniquely challenging situations. If their abilities and judgment aligned well, it could indeed elevate someone to the status of a hero. However, if they did not align, it could only lead to genuine misfortune, drawing in a fate of calamity.
“Garsonia is originally from a noble family, so he will likely return there and live a life free from conflict. Naturally, ‘Supreme Radiance’ will also be disbanded.”
“And what of the ‘Adventurers of Salvation’?” I inquired.
“That will certainly be forgotten. However, fortunately, it seems that true ‘Adventurers of Salvation’ are beginning to emerge, so there should be no issue.”
At that, the Holy Father softened his gaze, alternating between Freinir and me.
Behind us, Dwight was covering his mouth with his hand, though his eyes betrayed his amusement.
I understood what they were implying, but I was perhaps too old to accept it outright.
“I wish to do everything within my power. However, I believe the survival of the party must take precedence.”
“Of course, it is not for me to dictate your actions. However, it is interesting to note that long ago, an adventurer who repelled a horde of monsters and founded a nation said, ‘I merely did what I could.’ It is a curious coincidence, isn’t it? Hehe…”
As expected from the leader of such a large group, I felt I could never measure up as an actor in this play.
Yet, the fact that ‘Supreme Radiance’ had come to such an end was undeniably disheartening. Regrettably, I did not have a favorable impression of that party, but considering the burdens they had to bear, perhaps there was some room for sympathy as an adult.