Chapter 17: The Long Road to the Imperial Capital – 02
The next day, I decided to take a break to deepen my bond with Sakurahime.
However, Freinir and I were summoned to the cathedral by His Holiness the Pope in the morning, so we parted ways with the others and headed there.
The area in front of the cathedral was bustling as if the previous day’s commotion had never happened. A large number of tourists and worshippers were coming and going, and it even felt like there were more people than before. It was evident that the priest-knights were stationed in greater numbers, keeping a watchful eye on the crowd.
As we approached the cathedral without a care, a group of people, presumably worshippers, gathered around us and began to bow, seemingly directed at Freinir.
“Oh, Lady Freinir, thank you for helping us the other day!”
“When will Lady Freinir take on the role of the Saint?”
“We’re looking forward to the ceremony of the Saint’s succession!”
I was taken aback by their words, which treated Freinir as a Saint. Freinir herself looked up at me, clearly bewildered.
Thinking back, it was undoubtedly Freinir who had stood out the most during the recent undead incident. She had annihilated hundreds of undead in an instant and had taken down a boss-class Dullahan with a single blow. Given that display, it was no surprise that people would regard her as a Saint.
Rather, it seemed we had underestimated the situation.
“I apologize, but we have been summoned by His Holiness the Pope and must proceed to the cathedral. Could you please let us through?”
As I spoke, they parted the way, murmuring, “Oh, Lady Freinir is the Saint…” Yet, Freinir had become such a celebrity that they continued to bow in reverence. I couldn’t help but feel anxious about whether it was appropriate for an old man like me to be accompanying her.
Whether she was aware of my concerns or not, Freinir clung to my arm. I quickened my pace and entered the cathedral.
Inside, a middle-aged priest named Canary came to greet us and guided us to the Pope’s office.
We exchanged a few words, and I learned that he was one of the few priests who had opposed Freinir’s expulsion.
“I deeply regret that I could not help you more,” he said, bowing his head to Freinir. She replied, “I am grateful to have met Soushi, so being expelled was actually a blessing,” which left him with a complicated expression.
In the office we were led to, His Holiness the Pope welcomed us with a smile. He seemed to be in even better health than yesterday.
As Freinir and I took our seats on the plush sofa, the Pope settled down across from us.
“I apologize for calling you again so soon. There are matters I must discuss with you and something I wish to present.”
“Yes, I am all ears.”
“First, regarding Holwood, the inquiries from both the royal family and the church have concluded. Although it has not been publicly announced yet, he will be stripped of his cardinal title and likely face the death penalty for being a grave sinner who allowed hostile forces into the royal capital.”
“Could it be that he will face a public execution?”
“No, it will be a noble’s execution, where he will take poison in a private chamber. I find this situation truly sad and regrettable. Normally, I would be expected to take responsibility and abdicate, but I have received the King’s words to remain in my position for the sake of the state, so I will continue to serve, albeit as an unworthy Pope.”
This was undoubtedly a delicate matter. The failure of a subordinate falls on the superior, and that principle holds true in this world as well. However, for the King to publicly declare that he would not hold the Pope accountable… this would create a debt of gratitude from the royal family to the church. While I was unaware of the original power dynamics between the royal family and the church, it was clear that the royal family had gained the upper hand in this incident.
Given the numerous calamities currently unfolding, it was also understandable that the royal family would want to avoid further strife with such a significant force as the church.
“I understand. What will happen to Lady Mirannera?”
“I mentioned this briefly yesterday, but all members of ‘Supreme Radiance’ will return to their families. Since they all hail from noble families, we will leave the rest to them. Sakurahime is from the Empire, so she will be a bit far…”
“Sakurahime has joined my party as of yesterday. We will be heading to the Empire soon, and she plans to return home for a visit.”
The Pope’s expression shifted from surprise to a gentle smile.
“Is that so? That’s wonderful. I don’t know much about her, but according to Priest Canary, her presence was crucial to ‘Supreme Radiance.’ It seems she has been shouldering a significant burden alone. If she has joined your party, I can rest easy.”
“I do feel a bit sympathetic towards her. I hope you can trust us to take care of her.”
“Of course. Regarding ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ I have also heard from the King. This may be a sensitive way to put it, but I truly believe that ‘Soul’s Guidance’ embodies the essence of ‘Adventurers of Salvation.'”
“I’m not sure if we’re worthy of such praise, but I do intend to continue our activities in the same manner.”
“That is reassuring to hear. By the way, I would like to present you with something from the church that may assist you.”
With that, the Pope retrieved a decorative box from his desk and opened it before us.
Inside was a finely crafted magical item resembling a silver handbell.
“This is called the ‘Bell of Return,’ a magical tool used to return from dungeons, which ‘Supreme Radiance’ also utilized. Sakurahime should know how to use it. It is one of our church’s treasures, and we would like to lend it to ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ However, I must apologize; it is a loan, and I would like it returned when ‘Soul’s Guidance’ concludes its activities. I believe it will certainly be of great help.”
“This is… indeed a remarkable magical item.”
I see, this could significantly enhance our party’s survivability. It seems we can forcibly escape from boss rooms as well, so if we can borrow it, we should definitely do so.
“I humbly accept this. I will return it once our business is concluded.”
“Thank you. Additionally, I have requested that the guild provide a generous reward for the upcoming ceremony of the Saint’s succession. If anything arises concerning ‘Soul’s Guidance’ in the future, we will fully support you, so I hope you can forgive us for this matter.”
“As for Holwood, I have no further demands. What about you, Freinir?”
Freinir was undoubtedly the most affected by Holwood’s schemes. I wanted to confirm her feelings on the matter…
“I have no particular thoughts. As long as I can be with Soushi, I need nothing else.”
Freinir’s response radiated a pure, serene aura befitting a Saint, yet the content of her words stirred my anxiety.
However, the Pope merely nodded with a narrowed gaze, offering no further reaction.
“That concludes our discussion. I apologize for taking your time. May the blessings of God Archulum be upon you and the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance.'”
Thus, it seemed we had reached a tentative resolution regarding the delicate matters with the Arshuram Church.
What remained on my mind was Lady Mirannera… Freinir’s family, the House of Duke Armand, but first, we needed to head to the Empire, so any issues there would have to wait. Given that Freinir had grown stronger from this incident, I would likely face any troubles head-on. Of course, I intended to back Freinir up powerfully.
But before that, we needed to tackle the A-class dungeon.
In fact, I had received word from the King that there was no rush to head to the Empire. It seemed all necessary information regarding the ‘Kin of Twilight’ had already been sent to the Empire.
While there were discussions of calamities looming over the continent, as adventurers, it was crucial to conquer as many dungeons as possible and solidify our footing. It was precisely because we had managed to do so that we could respond to difficult situations.