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Episode 213: The Eve of the Storm (2)
The Church of the Royal Road and Letia.
The sunlight streaming down from the ceiling illuminated the statue of the goddess.
The faith in Luas, the god of light, flashes brightly.
God's love and compassion for humans are prevalent everywhere.
“Luas, please look down on me.”
A parishioner massacred in the parish.
A victim killed by the undead.
People who have lost their families and are hurting.
My condolences are full of sincerity.
A prayer for everyone rose from afar.
Archbishop Joseph took a deep breath and sat up.
The preparations are complete.
“Now prepare for consciousness.”
“Yes, Archbishop.”
Bishop Deherne.
Bishop Weidel.
Bishop Ronanderk.
The three bishops remaining in the kingdom brought one man.
The Glory of the Corpse Expedition.
The parish's Grand Master of the Knights, Glos Garcia, whose right arm had been cut off by the Grim Reaper, knelt before the archbishop.
The now healed cut surface still had an ugly red scar.
“Your Majesty, Archbishop. How dare I receive this grace…….”
"quietly."
Silence flowed at those words.
Joseph's hand touched Gloss' shoulder.
Whoa whoa whoa.
The Archbishop's sacred power is gradually increasing.
A warmth that permeated their skin, muscles, bones, and even their soul. As the light gradually became clearer and enveloped the two, the Archbishop performed a miracle.
<Grace of Light>
The divinity extends from the cross section.
As the light shaped like an arm slowly subsided, the severed right arm was completely regenerated.
"ah……!"
Gloss moved his arms slowly.
I lightly applied force and my fist clenched just fine.
The sensation is clear. It is not a dream.
This is the supreme miracle granted to the seven archbishops. The bishops who witnessed it with their own eyes could not hide their admiration.
Archbishop Joseph said.
“Glos Garcia, you have fulfilled your duty as a member of the church and as a leader of the church. You are worthy of the great miracles of the god Luas, and do not doubt that the grace you have received is more than you deserve.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
A trembling voice echoed.
The archbishop nodded with a kind smile.
Sacrifice is the concept he values most.
There is no reason to spare anything for one who has protected a sacred duty through great suffering, even if it means the Archbishop's own life.
But the opposite is not true.
Joseph's gaze turned to the side.
Beyond the church window, a castle was visible. It was a place filled with people who had abandoned their duties as nobles and believers in the Luasian faith.
Shameless criminals who sacrificed those they were supposed to protect.
At some point, Joseph's smile disappeared.
Didn't laugh.
They won't be able to laugh either.
That is the command of the 'Saint' and Joseph's wish.
* * *
The Marquis of Esperance headed to the castle.
As a high-ranking noble of the kingdom, it was my duty to welcome the Archbishop and the Transcendent One, and to attend the meeting that was to take place today.
Melzard and Edmon were called in as guards to protect the castle.
Only Verden and Kalia remained in the mansion.
“Ugh…….”
Thump, thump, thump.
Kalia paced around the living room, looking anxious.
The way she chewed her nails was not like her usual self.
Verden asked, sitting at the table sipping tea.
“Are you that nervous?”
“Isn’t that obvious? There are seven archbishops and the Dark Warton’s magic tower. It’s impossible not to be nervous…….”
If I had watched it from a distance, my expectations would have been higher.
Because it would be an invaluable, once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness those who have such influence on the world that even the kings of nations would not dare to look down on.
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But meeting in person is a different matter.
One-on-one conversation with the Archbishop.
There, the Transcendent One must be added and a three-way confrontation must take place. Right here in this mansion.
Kalia is loyal to the state, not the crown.
He has been capturing and punishing the untouchable nobles and executing the vicious criminals who cause anxiety among the citizens.
Because I want the world to become a cleaner place.
That is the right path that Kalia has established.
If I have to, I can point my sword at the royal family.
It is because of that determination and belief that Kalia has become what she is today.
But the current situation is a problem of a different dimension.
It was no one else but the Transcendent One. It was so burdensome that it was almost painful. Kalia's footsteps quickened.
“……Wouldn’t it be less unsettling to just sit there?”
“When your body is comfortable, don’t other thoughts come to mind? Asher, are you okay?”
“I’m nervous too.”
On one hand, I also feel anticipation.
However, it is not enough to keep you up at night for several days. Sensations and stimuli tend to become dull over time. I don't know about other people, but Verden was like that.
“I wish I could be like that too…….”
“Well, it wasn’t something that could be avoided in the first place.”
It's easier if you just accept it.
It was a well-established argument that no one could come up with a counterargument to.
“……Well, that’s true too.”
Kalia rested her chin on one hand.
Then he sat down on the chair and called the servant. Drinking tea like Verden and distracting his mind seemed to relieve some of his anxiety.
Oh, but.
“Lady Kalia.”
“Huh? Why is that?”
“I thought you had something to say to me.”
The day I arrived at the royal residence.
Kalia called Verden. Although it was somewhat hushed up by the news of the Transcendent One's arrival.
“Ah, that…….”
“Is it important?”
“No, it’s not important. It’s not official. I just wanted to ask you something privately… Well, I don’t think it’s something to talk about right now. Let’s talk after we finish what’s right in front of us. Is that okay?”
I'm a little curious, but it doesn't matter.
If the goal is conversation, it shouldn't take too long.
Currently, Verden's interests were focused on the Archbishop, the Lord of the Black Tower, the staff that Linus was forging, and the Dark Lord's tomb.
At that moment.
“……!”
An unprecedented magical power is detected.
It wasn't inside the royal palace. It was from far away that a presence was strongly stimulating Verden's senses.
Even more so because he is a wizard.
‘… … It’s astonishing.’
It's completely different from what I felt in the past.
Because I had risen to the 5th rank, not the 1st, I could perceive it more clearly. An overwhelming power that no human could possibly possess.
A chill runs down my spine.
Eventually, its existence reached the royal capital.
Only then did Kalia realize this, albeit belatedly.
“Hey, Asher, this is…….”
She's right.
The Transcendent has arrived.
* * *
The center of the royal capital, Letia, is the royal castle, Eznoren.
Hundreds of people moved in unison. Shouts could be heard from everywhere, and most people's expressions were stiff.
Knights in full armor lined up on either side of the main gate, spaced out at precise intervals.
The wizards were on guard in case of an emergency, and the servants without rank quickly left the castle and went into hiding.
The nobles were gathered together by faction and making a fuss.
“The day will come when I will see the Archbishop and the Tower of Matap…….”
“This, this is a heavenly opportunity. If we can catch the eye of even one of them, our family will gain immense power!”
“Ahem! A person of the rank of Viscount should not act rashly. First, I, the Count, should take it one step at a time…….”
This is a truly pathetic conversation.
The authors of the high-ranking nobles are only discussing their own power. They are so shallow in their knowledge that they do not even realize how powerful and great beings are coming.
Then, a voice was heard.
“Archbishop Joseph Galaxy enters!”
Kuuuung!
The main gate of Esnoren opened.
Archbishop Joseph.
A great priest of all times had entered the palace.
He was followed by two knights, each wearing white metal body armor and carrying a sword on their waists. It was clear that they were Paladins, knights directly under the Archbishop.
Thump────Thump!
The knights of the kingdom drew their swords and faced each other.
Below, the Archbishop and the Paladin walked about as if they were familiar with each other.
Perhaps it was because of the high position of Archbishop, or perhaps it was because of the Archbishop’s cold expression, but a solemn atmosphere quickly took over the crowd.
“……Where is the magic tower?”
“Aren’t you coming soon?”
Only a few nobles murmured.
The prime minister representing the royal family welcomed the archbishop.
“I sincerely welcome you to the Kingdom of Estiria, Archbishop Joseph. I am the Prime Minister, Paloran────”
“I’m not curious.”
"……yes?"
“So, would you please guide me to the First Prince?”
The prime minister couldn't hide his embarrassment.
Even though he was an archbishop, he was so outrageous that he was insulted like this, even to me, the prime minister. My mouth was barely open because it was so absurd.
This needs to be formally protested.
It was a matter of course, and the prime minister was in that position.
At that moment, one of the nobles pointed to the sky.
“What is that…?”
The gaze was focused upward.
Something is approaching from far away in the kingdom.
A vast darkness that swallowed up even the bright summer sunlight. Soon, it surpassed the walls of the royal capital.
“What, what is this…?!”
“Huh, huh?”
Fur stone.
The nobles who had learned magic sat down in shock.
Those who had not awakened to the power of the Ki were frightened by the uncontrollable trembling of their bodies. Darkness was approaching. The ominous and fearful sensation that had been brushing their skin now seemed to be gnawing at their souls.
────!
Soon, a shadow covered the palace.
A gust of wind blew by, making it difficult to even stand. The moment I slowly opened my eyes… … the darkness had disappeared without a trace, and in its place stood an unfamiliar old man.
no way.
“……!”
“……!!”
Thud. One by one, people fell down.
Everyone, including nobles, knights, and magicians, was helpless. None of the people gathered nearby dared to remain conscious.
It was because he couldn't withstand the level of the transcendent.
Silence flowed through the main gate of the palace.
Archbishop Joseph smiled kindly.
“You still hate noise, sir, Lord of Dark Warton’s Tower.”
“That goes for you too, Joseph.”
“Thanks to you, it’s quiet now. But more than that, I never thought that the Lord of the Tower would come to see me in person. I’m so embarrassed, I don’t know what to do with myself.”
“I came for personal reasons, so don’t worry about it.”
A world of silence.
Only the sound of two people talking can be heard.
No one watching from afar could take their eyes off the bizarre and creepy sight. They just stood there and watched.
That was the only thing that could be done.
“Let’s stop talking here and go now.”
The magic tower generated magical power.
At that fleeting moment, the prime minister, whose mind had been completely consumed by the curse, stood up alone. He lowered his waist infinitely and pointed to the palace with both hands.
“To the audience room. I will guide you.”
Those who lost consciousness were left alone.
I followed the prime minister, who had become even more polite under the control of black magic, into the palace. I passed through the red-carpeted corridors and arrived at my destination.
The prime minister shouted.
“The Tower of Dark Wharton. And Archbishop Joseph enters!”
Creak.
The door to the audience room opened.
* * *
The King of Estyria was absent due to ill health.
In his stead, Prince Valgna temporarily assumes the throne during the conference. This was the order of the King of Estyria.
'I can't believe I got this back for helping Leonil with his unknown experiments.'
Valgna turned his gaze to the side.
Leonil stood beside the throne, while the second prince Rotnil, the third prince Evers, and the first princess Silis, who was brought in for display purposes, each took their own seat.
Beneath the throne were two dukes and high-ranking nobles, including the Marquis of Esperanza.
'Here I must prove that I am fit to be king.'
If you do that, the nobles who support your younger brother will hesitate.
This is a huge opportunity.
Valgna intended to make this meeting a proving ground.
At that moment, a sound was heard outside.
───The Dark Wharton Tower. And Archbishop Joseph enters!
The two beings we were waiting for appeared.
'… … !!'
It is an indescribable presence.
Leonil groaned softly, and even the high-ranking nobles could not help but feel embarrassed. The entire audience room was shaken even though no one took any particular action.
'This is the Archbishop, this is the Transcendent One… …!'
But you have to endure it.
Valgna, who had bitten the inside of his mouth, greeted us with a welcoming greeting.
“I am Prince Valgna Bain di Estiria, entrusted with the throne on behalf of His Majesty the Estirian. It is an honor to meet with the Lord of the Tower and the Archpriest of Dark Warton.”
The story isn't over yet.
They are beings who are sick and tired of such superficial etiquette.
We need to get straight to the point.
“First of all, I would like to offer my deepest apologies to the Luas Church for the great damage they have suffered due to this undead incident. And I apologize for not being able to protect the followers. In that spirit……”
Valgna gestured.
Six bloody pockets were lined up on the floor.
These were the heads of nobles who had abandoned their duties and fled during the undead crisis, and who had been cut off in advance in case the responsibility was passed on to their superiors.
“Here, we have executed the nobles who turned a blind eye to the situation and only cared about their own safety. We hope that our sincere feelings, however small, will provide comfort to the victims.”
It was almost perfect.
I tried to restrain my arrogant speech as much as possible and treated them well as the king of a country. This would be a perfect start to the meeting.
Valgna smiled.
The nobles in his faction also raised their lips. It was very common in social circles to change the mood positively with a smile.
“…….”
Archbishop Joseph stared blankly at Valgna.
The smile directed at Matapju had long since disappeared. The Archbishop, with an expression that made it seem as if he had lost all emotion, spoke softly.
“Your Highness Valgna.”
“Yes, go ahead, Archbishop Joseph.”
“Are you laughing now?”