Chapter 198

Chapter 198

Raven and Ridrian both assured me that I had the freedom to choose my course of action, leaving me momentarily bewildered. Should I be overjoyed at the recognition?

As I remained silent, Ridrian interjected, offering his assistance. “If you’re feeling unwell, please let me know. I’ll ensure that no one comes near the temple.”

“That’s not possible. You still haven’t received the cardinals,” I pointed out.

“I don’t anticipate any conflict until we reach their capital, thanks to your compelling speech. So even without the cardinals, it shouldn’t pose much of a problem. If necessary, we can always push Ravis to the limit.”

“Why is that a thing?”

As Ridrian and I were having a leisurely conversation, it seemed like the cardinal’s treatment was done. The rude voice came from behind Ridrian again.

“Ah! You think we’ll let this….! Ugh!”

As he suddenly stopped, I pushed Ridrian slightly out of curiosity. Then I saw Dylan’s hand getting away from the back of the cardinal’s neck.

‘Ah! Did he just hit the cardinal’s neck?’

As Ridrian completely stepped aside, Dylan bowed deeply.

“I’m truly sorry you had to witness this, saintess.”

“Y, you’re not the one who threw accusations at me.” I waved my hand in panic as he was so serious. It looked like I was going to accept Dylan’s apology, as the other two cardinals quickly came and bowed deeply in front of me as well.

“We also apologize.”

“Truly sorry.”

I had to accept apologies from these old cardinals. Ridrian’s swordsmanship and Dylan’s action made me feel better but I rolled my eyes on whether I should accept their apologies.

‘I don’t care but.’

Last birthday, I remember Ridrian’s advice on not accepting knights’ apology so I cleared my throat. I don’t think this should be taken lightly.

“I will accept your apology.”

“S-saintess! Thank you.”

“You truly are merciful! I’m touched.”

“But.”

Their expression darkened once more.

“I dread returning to the temple, fearing that there may be more individuals like him. Although His Majesty safeguarded me this time, such protection cannot be guaranteed in the temple. I will remain in the palace where I can be certain of my safety and await the completion of my duties.”

“I will protect you,” I vowed.

“Dy, Sir Fortis.”

Had my determination touched him? He knelt on one knee with a stern countenance. Although fear gripped me, I endeavored to comport myself as a saintess. I sought solace in Dylan’s desperate gaze.

“Such an occurrence is unlikely to happen at the central temple. His Holiness has vowed to select only the most devout individuals. Please, I implore you to reconsider.”

Then he bowed deeply.

‘Hm, he’s giving me some trouble.’

I was a bit troubled. But then I saw Ridrian’s eyes. As I stared at his jewel like golden eyes, I became determined again. Not that I was ever going to change my mind to begin with.

“My place is by His Majesty’s side.”

“Saintess.”

“Don’t call me that please. I’m Iona Lesprey. Even though I’ve brought will of Theres, I’m going to be helping His Majesty save this continent on my own will. That is the choice I made.”

Dylan frowned. He looked like he was trying hard to hold back.

“…. You really won’t come to the central temple?”

I nodded.

“I’m not going to the temple. But, if the sect think the existence of a saintess if really important, then the sect will just have to follow the saintess.”

“W-what do you mean?!”

The cardinals were the one who reacted.

“I don’t think it’s hard to understand. I’m a secretary that serve the Emperor of Ivant as well as a saintess. Accept me the way I am, and just follow me and it will bring much needed charm for the sect. I believe you know what I mean.”

The two cardinals and Dylan looked at me in disbelief. To be fair, in the history of saintess, they were always devoted to the sect so it was hard for them to accept a saintess who was demanding and wanted to become the head of the sect.

‘That’s probably why the Theres sect became the way they are now. They look down on saintesses.’

I would’ve hated my followers if I was God if they treated my messenger like this. I felt like I realize why the Theres sect was diminishing in the continent.

“I’m afraid that’s not a decision I can make on my own. May I consult with His Holiness the Pope first and get back to you?” I requested hesitantly.

Cardinal Rampard appeared troubled by my response.

“There’s no need for that,” Ridrian intervened.

“Your Majesty?” Cardinal Rampard responded in surprise.

“Contact the Pope at once,” Ridrian ordered abruptly. I was left bewildered, wondering how they intended to reach the Pope without modern communication technology.

“I have matters to discuss with the Pope, so it works out well. I’ve delayed my departure for long enough, and it’s time to reach a resolution,” Ridrian declared.

“B, but.”

“I’m warning you now that I haven’t slept in two days.”

“AH! I, I’ll contact him right away, Your Majesty.”

I think he heard how cruel the Emperor can get when he didn’t sleep from other messengers. Cardinal Rampard quickly took out something.

‘A crystal ball?’

I quickly realized that that it was a magical object. They politely lifted up a small ball. Soon white light started to flow.

[Hm? Is it Rampard?]

“Y, Your Holiness. Yes, it is Rampard. Do you have a moment to talk?”

[Doesn’t matter.]

“To tell you the truth…”

I had my mouth wide open as the cardinal explained to the Pope what was happening.

‘Wow, it’s a phone. They have a phone in this world!’

Of course, it probably was something very expensive that is used by the leaders of a sect and will work differently, but it was a phone nonetheless. Honestly, I didn’t really understand the level of this world’s civilization.

Ridrian, after listening for a while, intervened.

“Give it to me.”

The cardinal gave Ridrian the ball without a word, and he sat at the sofa. The office was quite large so I couldn’t hear what Ridrian and the Pope were talking about.

“…. Less people… That basement… The message…”

It was hard to guess what the conversation was from these broken words.

‘Perhaps they’re talking about that holy water and letter we found at the basement?’

That seemed to be the case. As I observed Ridrian conversing with the Pope, I noticed that Dylan’s gaze remained fixed upon me.

“Sir Dylan?” I called out.

“You appear more at ease,” he remarked.

“Is that so?” I hadn’t realized. While Dylan had been guarding me, I was preoccupied with anxiety. Although little had changed, I felt more reassured with Ridrian at my side.

“I still believe it would be preferable for you to accompany us to the central temple,” Dylan asserted.

“I…” I trailed off uncertainly.

“Yes, I recall that you have decided not to come,” he remembered.

He looked a bit grim.

“Sir Dylan.”

“Ever since you went to the palace, I realized how much of a fool I was. I should’ve told you how I felt and tried to persuade you rather than trying to take you by force.”

That moment, I realized what Dylan was about to say. And almost instinctively tried to stop him.

“That’s…!”

“Then let’s do that.”