Puzzle Piece (1)
Investigation is slow.
After conquering the Magic Tower, Estelle immediately began searching through her own home.
There is a traitor in the church who created an item to seal his holy power, and that rat must be hunted down.
I was planning to personally interrogate the person who had abandoned the faith and handed over the saint to the magicians.
“Holy lady, the priest Morrison we were going to interrogate today… was found dead.”
“also?”
“······sorry.”
Starting from the affiliated heresy interrogation agency to the priests of the lower organizations.
By the time Estelle started investigating, there were traces that she had either been found dead or had fled the country. Those priests who escaped would most likely have been murdered.
It seems that the rat who betrayed him has a higher position than he thought. To do something like this, you really have to be a cardinal to be able to do it.
“When researching, start with the minimum cardinal level. “If you want to make something like this, you have to be at that level.”
‘No, that can’t be possible.’
Cardinals are proven people with particularly outstanding religious faith in the denomination. They betrayed a saint who received God’s blessing?
In that case, you probably won’t be able to use your sacred power, which is evidence of your faith…
“I need to see His Holiness.”
Even with her authority and manpower as a saint, things are getting blocked. In any case, there was a very high possibility that the traitor inside was a high-ranking priest, so the Pope’s permission was needed to investigate.
“Welcome, Saint Estelle.”
Estelle had a private meeting with Pope Sicari as planned, and the answer was refusal.
“That is impossible, saint.”
“······Why?”
“It is absurd to think that there could be a traitor among the cardinals. They are all faithful people who have proven their faith. Doesn’t the saint know about the feast that took place before you were kidnapped?”
Yes, it was true. Although it was not intended to verify divine power, there was a volunteer service by high-ranking priests for the sick that took place every year at the shrine.
On this feast day, not only cardinals, but also saints and popes came forward to purify those who were sick, injured or possessed by demonic spirits during battles with demons.
As far as Estelle knew, none of the eighteen cardinals could use divine power.
“There is no wavering in their faith.”
It’s true.
“This situation is extremely regrettable. However, how could we betray God’s will?”
It’s true.
“The culprit could be among the Nine Churches. They also shared similar technology to us.”
“uh?”
“Saint?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just keep talking.”
What happened just now? Estelle tilted her head at the sensation that crossed her mind. But the doubts grew more and more severe.
“The cardinals are innocent. At least within our church, there is no religious person who would risk punishment for harming a saint.”
lie······.
“But… you don’t know, right? There might be a scoundrel who even abandoned his faith and began his work…”
“That’s not likely.”
truth.
Estelle was confused.
She is a saint chosen by God. That understanding surpassed that of criminals.
Eyes that intuit the truth. That’s why the five senses can even detect lies. The subtle truths and lies uttered by her Pope, who should be at the pinnacle of faith more than anyone else, confused her.
so that.
For the sake of certainty, she dares to speak.
“Your Holiness. Are there really no traitors among the cardinals?”
“Nothing. Their faith was proven by their holy power.”
Lies and truth.
Estelle held on tightly to the hem of her skirt.
“I see. The direction of the investigation should focus on spies of the Old Church.”
The person in front of me is telling a lie to me. Estelle, noticing this, calmly adjusted her expression and forced a natural smile.
“Shouldn’t we go up to the royal capital now? Leave the investigation of this matter to me and the saintess go to the royal capital to purify herself.”
The saintess, who left the reception room, barely managed to catch herself as her legs gave out and she almost fell.
I can’t be sure. There is no evidence, and the reason for this is not logical.
However, her innate understanding and intuition… the instinct of a child who was chosen by God pointed to one thing.
The Pope is a traitor.
「······Lord.」
A memory that suddenly comes to mind. The time when I felt the divine power of the sun. Why did that feeling that I ignored as nonsense come up now?
* * * *
“I’m a little worried.”
I could guess what the concern was.
After subduing the Magic Tower, she returned to the Holy Land, vowing to hunt down traitors within the New Church.
If she reacts in such a gloomy way, it’s probably because she guessed the truth.
“There’s still some time left until the prom, right? Can I talk to you for a moment?”
“Please.”
We sat down.
“I guess things didn’t go well in the West?”
“······Did you notice?”
“Roughly speaking. Is there anything else that won’t go as the princess wants?”
——————
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“Hehe, I told you to call me sister…”
There is no strength in the voice. As expected, it’s exactly what I expected…is the story exactly the same?
“Look at this, junior.”
She raised her right hand and weaved the sacred power within me into a halo of light. manifestation of sexual power. It’s as natural to her as breathing.
“What do you think about sacred power?”
“Isn’t it evidence of faith?”
It was both right and wrong. Faith, faith… the question is where does the source of that power come from?
“If sacred power is evidence of faith, then the ‘Lord’ we serve is its source, right?”
“I guess so?”
I had no intention of getting into a religious argument with her or any other member of the clergy.
But an unexpected answer came from Estelle.
“I mean, I don’t believe in the Lord right now. To be exact, I denied it for a moment.”
“yes?”
“I looked at something and looked for God in another being.”
What is this sound? Although Estelle was a delinquent saint, she was not a person who abandoned God. That she denied her ‘lord’?
“Despite this, this holy power has not left me and has not changed at all from before. And the same is probably true for the apostates who betrayed me.”
She calmly denied her faith and questioned her remaining spiritual power despite denying her faith.
“Isn’t it strange? Why are non-believers who don’t believe in the Lord able to control divine power?”
If sacred power is evidence of faith, then it is a natural question whether sacred power should be manifested only when there is faith.
“Maybe God is different from what we thought.”
I know the truth about this question.
The beings that can be called gods in this world are the Sky Titans of the creation myth. They are the Danans of the mythical era who shaped the world after that.
The beings who took care of the world until mankind and the Goidel people drove out the gods.
Conceptual beings who contained the vessels of divine power on this earth.
Danan Lu of the Light.
Danan Dagda of the land
Danan Nuada of the sun.
May the light dispel the darkness,
May the earth give abundant produce,
May the sun purify the evil things…
A faith that is able to give to those who believe. Those concepts come together to form God.
However, the Goidel people drove out the gods. They killed them and also denied them.
In a land that had lost its divinity and was devastated, and in a world full of ‘demon beings’, they had even forgotten the God they had driven out.
Humans began to believe in a being called ‘Lord’.
Among the numerous believers, those who have faintly inherited the blood of Danan or giants awaken their talent for divine power and become high-ranking priests.
In other words, the basis of their faith is the divine status of Danan.
This is the hidden story of the myth of
‘I was worried about this with Park Si-hoo in the previous episode as well.’
Why not reveal the existence of Danan and aim for the collapse of religious forces?
The problem is that if there are only a small number of people, it is impossible to prove this broadly, and above all…
‘Paradise Arrival Party. High-ranking clergy in both the Catholic and Protestant churches already know this.’
The reason why they can still exercise their holy power even after abandoning the Lord. They simply shifted the object of their faith from ‘Lord’ to ‘Danan’.
“What do you plan to do?”
“······I don’t know. There is evidence that contradicts what I have believed my whole life.”
It was like that in the previous episode and in the story. Estelle eventually discovered the corruption of the new church, but there was not enough time to solve all of these corruptions.
How did they find out in the previous episode? They found out about the apostasy of the Pope and the Cardinal and started investigating, but they couldn’t solve it until the final battle.
If that happens again this time…
‘I’m not sure. But I think we can try.’
“Saint… no, older sister Estelle.”
“Huh? Who, are you calling me sister, just now?”
As if she hadn’t expected it, Estelle made a wide expression.
If I have a lot of her favorability and the trust I gained while rescuing her…
“Would you mind giving me some time after this dance?”
“······You know something?”
“It’s up to you to judge everything.”
Will she accept the truth? If she accepts, what direction will she take?
I had a strange feeling that at least they wouldn’t be hostile to me.
* * * *
The royal ball begins. Numerous nobles, knights, and wizards were named, and the ceremony of introducing their titles, provinces, and official positions continued…
“Corin, it’s our turn.”
“Ya~ I’ve lived and lived to be on the verge of royalty at the prom.”
We are the last to enter, excluding the royal family.
“Kuhm… Be quiet!”
“You too. Why are you killing our Corinthian?”
“Boo, ma’am?!”
Duke Mard immediately cringes under Duchess Elencia’s blows. This guy is also the type that can’t use his energy at home.
Anyway, why am I entering with the Duke and Duchess and Marie…?
“Corrin, stay right next to me! We’re partners!”
This is because I am participating in this ball as the partner of Duke Dunaref.
“Then should we just link our arms? It seems like everyone is doing that.”
“Huh! Is that so? W, fold your arms? Right? That’s right? Ugh, yes! It’s only natural for a gentleman to escort a young lady…!”
Marie’s cheeks blush red. Why is this so great and why are you so embarrassed?
“You, you bastard! You are manipulating our Mari…!”
“No, I said it’s okay to hold hands.”
“I-I-IK!”
Duke Mard had an expression like a piece of iron heated to extremely high temperatures, but from what I learned, this should be basic manners…
“Oh, I see you studied well.”
Unlike Duke Mard, Duchess Ellencia clapped her hands and smiled.
“Our Corin son-in-law… No, not yet.”
“Ma’am? Madam?!”
“Please be nice this time. This is the first time our Mari has socialized with a male partner her age.”
“Keu, keuhm… I’ll keep that in mind.”
The beautiful Duchess whispered to me with a sly smile, wondering if Marie would be like this when she grows up.
“For your information, there is an unspoken rule that in the odd-numbered lounge on the second floor of the ballroom, a red magic light turns on when there are guests, and no one is allowed to touch it.”
“yes?”
Well, I know that too. That’s what I’m saying…
“My husband and I were indebted to a lot of people when we were young. Marie was also there…”
“Uh, Mom?!”
Oh, oh… you’re so blatant. Are you okay, this family?
“What’s wrong? Mom wants to be a grandmother now. This mom had you when she was your age——”
“Ma’am, please. Please stop. I did something wrong.”
“By the way, Marie is an adult now, so what’s so shameful?”
“Well, I’m an adult, but Corrin still has a year left?!”
“Ah, but it’s okay. Unlike women, no one says anything even if men are exposed to blatant obscenity, right?”
“Mom, it’s a bit…!”
What a great family. Personally, I want to take your mother’s side.
While we were having a messy conversation with the Duke and Duchess of Dunareff, a royal servant approached us.
“Your Excellency the Duke… It is now time for you to enter.”
“Keuhum… Please tell me.”
Is it finally our turn?
“Viscount of Crancia, Count of Kadriol, Marquess of Langol, Duke of Dunaref, owner of 2 million hectares of land in the south, 5.6 million hectares of farmland, guardian of 25 cities and 47 mines. and His Excellency Duchess Mard Dunaref, owner of 67 ranches, and Lord Elencia, High Knight recognized by the royal family, Margrave of Cydriol, Guardian Knight of Banane, and Duchess of Dunaref…!”
······Long.
Why is it so long?
No matter how much he is called the King of the South, is he talking about all those rituals?
In the previous episode, there were high-ranking nobles who had titles, cities, mines, and sins, but this is the first time that there was a noble who spent years just calling out the titles he owned. Why now… Ah.
In the previous episode, Dunareff went into seclusion after Marie went missing. There was no public activity at all…
The servant soon began reciting Marie’s title.
“He is the Baron of Colon, the Count of Montwol, and a semi-special guardian recognized by the royal family──”
“Baron? Count?”
“Hmm…! I inherited it in advance because of tax issues in the past…”
You’re talking about tax evasion.
Moreover, Marie is also unusually long.
“─omitted─Dunaref’s enemy eldest daughter Marie Dunaref Archmage──”
How are you? Are they even treated as archmages now? In fact, Marie might be a destroyer, but it’s not at that level yet… but she’s probably calling it that to build up the Dunareff family.
Anyway, now it’s my turn as a partner. I also have a title. How would you explain it?
“This is ──’s partner, Baron Corrin Locke.”
·········
·········
Yeah… I thought so. They don’t even treat it as level 1, right?
“Ah… Corin. That’s strange. You’re a high-ranking guardian, so why didn’t you tell me that you’re a first-class magistrate?”
“Hmph! I could have introduced you to the Baronet, who gave it to me for free. Just go.”
-Wow!
“Ah…honey?”
Duke Mard looked with mouse-like eyes at Duchess Elencia, who had patted his back… no, it would be no exaggeration to say that he had shocked her.
“You can’t help your son-in-law.”
Uh… Strictly speaking, she’s not her son-in-law… But Elencia called out to the gatekeeper, who was staring at her with an expression that asked, “Why aren’t you coming in yet?”
“Look.”
“yep?”
“again.”
“yes?”
Should I repeat the introduction to announce my position? That’s the expression. But Duchess Ellencia’s expression was stern.
“Again, introduce my son-in-law straight.”
“Ah, yep! Yup!”
So, you’re not a son-in-law?
“Ah, ah…! You are a high-ranking knight recognized by the royal family…!”
“No, no, we should also tell you that you are Marie’s partner.”
“Ah… Yep! You are Lady Marie Dunareff’s partner… you are a high-ranking knight recognized by the royal family and a first-class magistrate who has done great service──”
·········
······
···
We were only able to enter after the attendant’s embarrassing introduction.
Duke Mard, who had been slapped on the back by his wife, entered with an expression of disgust.
While Duke Mard and I have rotten expressions, the duchy’s heroines look very satisfied.
“Cancer. A person of this caliber is my son-in-law.”
“Ah, ah… Uh, Mom, don’t do that… Not yet~ Hehe…”
“······.”
“······.”
Duke Mard and I shared the same silence as we watched the two people walk on the red carpet with triumphant expressions.
“Father, would you like to have a drink with me later?”
“Don’t call me father.”
Anyway, it’s finally the royal ball.
It’s worth it to be recognized for your contributions here and be highlighted as an official hero of the kingdom.
As Marie and I enter, arm in arm, a corner of the venue. A beautiful woman wearing a provocative black dress with a familiar face is seen chatting with her.
Lenya Claire. A member of our Guardians and an executive of the Intelligence Guild. At first glance, the person she was chatting with was a woman wearing a plain dress.
Edna Level 4 Secretary.
Her true identity is the SM queen who is operating secretly in the royal capital.
There were two people who attacked me in the previous episode, one succeeded and one failed.
Edna was the one who failed.
176. ReturnKilled the Academy player.
fantasy,
