“Kunta, I have a question. Can you answer it, Arno?”
“...Hmm, I don’t mind answering, but please finish your food first. Also, you shouldn’t speak so loudly in the dining hall, Kunta.”
“Got it!”
Slurp!
“...A steak is ant to be chewed, not drunk.”
Kunta had swallowed five thick fillets of tenderloin steak as if they were soup.
Even if they were cooked to be incredibly tender, eating like that would usually upset the stomach.
‘Well, maybe it’s not a problem for him?’
As expected from the mysterious Barbarian race.
Successfully pulling off his boisterous steak-drinking act, he smiled brightly.
“This is delicious. Lots of water cos out.”
“That’s not water; it’s juice.”
“Common language, very hard.”
“...You’re doing fine.”
Arno knew that while Kunta’s grasp of the common language might make him seem a bit dim, he was far from being a fool.
In fact, he was one of the quickest learners Arno had ever encountered.
‘So people call Barbarians savage warriors, but I believe that’s entirely wrong.’
It was a slanderous misconception, likely spread to dean them.
If anything, their lifestyle was a testant to prioritizing practical knowledge while discarding unnecessary information.
‘Had I not t Kunta, I might have remained trapped in those prejudices forever.’
Now, Arno understood.
Barbarians were not only brave warriors but also born strategists.
They possessed a blend of kindness and diligence that made them truly admirable.
Though Arno had yet to et any other Barbarians, just from what Kunta shared during his stay with Arno’s family, it was clear how remarkable the Barbarian race truly was.
‘I really hope he becos a knight alongside soday.’
There would hardly be a more reliable companion.
“Whew, I’m done eating!”
“...Did you have enough to eat?”
“Not quite enough, but I’ll manage. Kunta needs to eat modestly.”
“...I see.”
Kunta had devoured ten massive steak fillets all by himself.
That was a total of 7 kilograms—and he called it modest eating.
...He was certainly a dependable companion, but perhaps they’d run out of provisions while traveling together.
“Can I ask my question now?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“What is a ‘temple’?”
“...A temple, you an?”
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Arno blinked a few tis. But as Kunta continued, it started to make sense.
“Yes. The wisest elder in Kunta’s tribe said to beware of ‘temples’ when studying abroad.”
“......”
Arno now understood why Kunta was curious.
It was true that mysterious races like his had to be cautious around such organizations.
“But everyone I’ve t from the temple was kind and good. The priestess in the healing ward was beautiful and kind. I’d like to make her my wife.”
“...Unfortunately, temple priestesses are only allowed to marry after fifty years of devotion.”
“...Is this heartbreak? Kunta feels pain.”
“Also, once they turn fifty, they’re said to regain the appearance of a teenager, as if the gods are rewarding them for their hardships.”
“Wait, does that an I just have to wait?”
“...Just give up.”
Sigh...
Arno was montarily speechless at his friend’s ridiculous train of thought, but soon composed himself.
“...The temple is fundantally a benevolent organization. They provide free healing for all the sick in the kingdom and enthusiastically engage in volunteer work.”
“Then why should we beware of them?”
“That’s because...”
Arno looked around carefully.
Although the facility was exclusively under the Offen family’s jurisdiction, the temple’s reach was known to extend everywhere.
He had to be cautious, ticulously checking for any signs of eavesdroppers before he cautiously spoke ‘that na.’
The na of the most dangerous and infamous faction within the temple.
“The temple has the ‘Inquisition.’ That’s probably what the wise elder ant by advising caution—not the temple as a whole, but them specifically.”
...Even citizens of the kingdom felt chills at the thought of crossing paths with them.
Arno instinctively furrowed his brow as he explained.
“Why are they dangerous?”
“...So inquisitors within the Inquisition harbor intense hatred for mysterious races and advocate for their complete extermination.”
“...Kunta suddenly loses appetite.”
“......”
It wasn’t a statent one would expect from soone who had just polished off an entire cheesecake in addition to his steak.
Still, Arno could understand his sentint.
It was indeed an unpleasant topic.
“Even so, don’t worry too much. Kunta is an officially enrolled student at the academy, and the Inquisition no longer engages in senseless acts like they used to. ...However, caution is always wise. I recomnd not wandering the capital alone.”
“...The more Arno talks, the more confused Kunta becos. Should I be cautious or reassured?”
“Just understand it as: it’s best to avoid getting involved with the temple at all.”
That was the best advice Arno could offer, though Kunta still wore a frustrated expression.
“Then, what should I do if I accidentally get involved?”
“In that case...”
“In that case?”
“...You’d be unlucky.”
“......”
“Still, it’s rare for such things to happen. These days, even inquisitors are quite busy. Unless you’re extrely unlucky, you should be fine.”
“People get hurt from falling over, too?”
“...Looking at you, I can’t understand why Barbarians are considered a minority race. You’re sturdy enough to form your own kingdom.”
“?”
Kunta tilted his head in confusion, and Arno shook his head in exasperation.
Thus unfolded another peaceful day in the lives of the two students.
...And on the flip side, if soone was enjoying a peaceful day:
“Brother, how have you been today?”
“...I was fine until you showed up.”
“Ha ha, such jokes.”
“I’m not joking...”
There are always people who can’t experience peace at all.
Ihan, a man so unlucky it seed like there’d be a raging inferno waiting if he tripped, sighed deeply as he muttered.
Then.
“...Have so tea before you go.”
“I’ll gladly accept your hospitality today as well.”
“......”
...This cursed sense of morality.
‘Why can’t I just act like trash?’
Ihan hated himself for being unable to treat a kind old man badly.
...The eting with Father Raphael had been completely unexpected.
One day, while Ihan was pouring his enthusiasm into training, an elderly priest with a cane slowly walked up to his house.
For a walking path, this place is absurdly rough...
Ihan was understandably perplexed. His house was in such a rugged and remote area that it was practically wilderness in the middle of the city. The road was in complete disrepair, and wild animals posed a threat to anyone passing by. At night, it was so dark that even a torch barely helped visibility.
All in all, it wasn’t the kind of place anyone would want to visit.
That’s why Ihan had been able to buy it so cheaply.
So, when the elderly man, clearly a clergyman, reached his house, Ihan was baffled. The man looked entirely harmless, without a trace of combat ability.
At first.
You must have taken a wrong turn.
Ihan had intended to politely redirect the priest, offering to guide him back or even carry him to his destination if necessary.
But contrary to his expectations:
Ha ha, no, I’ve co to the right place.
The old man was a “big deal.”
My na is Raphael. I am but a servant saved by the Light of Radiance.
...Later, through the guild, Ihan learned that Father Raphael was one of only five cardinals of the Light of Radiance, and although he had resigned from his position, he still held imnse influence.
Understandably so.
[- Cardinal Raphael is 116 years old this year, older than the current Pope. Known for his devoutness and self-sacrificial ways, he’s even been considered for sainthood but humbly declined, saying he was unworthy. He manages the Inquisition personally, though his reasons for taking on such a role remain unclear even within the temple. Suffice it to say, he’s an extraordinary figure, and any harm to him would bring unimaginable consequences. Please act wisely.]
This was part of a letter Ihan received from Simon, the head of the kingdom’s guild association.
And to Ihan, it was maddening.
Why would such an incredible figure walk all the way to his remote house, and why had he sought him out specifically?
Initially, Ihan had been wary and unsure of how to respond, but Raphael...
I simply wanted to see your face today. I’ll co again another ti.......
...The first day, he really just looked at Ihan’s face and left.
But Raphael kept returning.
On windy days, sweltering hot days, and even on rainy days.
Eventually, Ihan relented.
...Assistant, grab a shovel.Huh?We’re fixing the road....Who is?Us.......
And so, he repaired the disastrous road leading to his house.
With just one assistant and a shovel, Ihan restored a path that would normally require twenty laborers, all in half a day.
Afterward:
Ha ha, the road was truly pleasant to walk today....I’m losing my mind.
To Ihan, Raphael was an unbeatable foe.
He would have preferred dealing with hostile individuals. At least then, he’d have a reason to retaliate. But Raphael showed no ill will, only visiting to greet him.
Not that the old priest ca empty-handed, either...
I thought it’d be rude to co empty-handed, so I brought a little gift. Do you drink milk?
Raphael would bring goat milk, butter, or other gifts he made himself.
Such acts proved him to be a considerate man. Over ti:
...If you’re not coming just to annoy , could you at least explain your purpose?Ha ha, I simply wish to see your face. You’re a hero who saved the capital, after all.......Seeing you in person exceeds my expectations. Your spirit rivals that of the heroes I t in my youth. ...Have you considered following the Light of Radiance?......Damn it.
...Eventually, Raphael started recruiting him.
Ihan admitted it.
He’s my nesis...
Truly, the greatest nesis of his life.
Raphael looked at Ihan with genuine warmth and admiration, never coming empty-handed and always leaving a favorable impression.
To Ihan, Raphael was the most “normal adult” he’d t in the kingdom, which made dealing with him even harder.
...But the mystery remained.
How could such a person oversee sothing as violent as the Inquisition? Why had he sought out Ihan, only to leave without asking or saying much?
According to Blackie, the temple sees as a dangerous individual...
If the rumors were true, Ihan had drawn the temple’s attention due to his actions.
Why?
He didn’t know yet. He had suspicions, but nothing concrete.
Sigh... I’m going to lose it...
It gave him a headache.
If Raphael would just co out and say sothing, it would be easier. But his vague approach was maddening.
In the present:
Slurp.
“Mmm, this tea is delicious. What kind of tea is it?”
“...Just dried herbs from the mountain.”
“Ha ha, so I’m drinking the blessings of nature. I am deeply honored.”
“...It’s just sothing you can find anywhere.”
“How much effort must have gone into picking, drying, and brewing this tea? Your humility and diligence are truly the marks of a devout believer!”
“...Why does everything lead back to that?”
...By now, Ihan was reaching a zen-like acceptance of this relentless recruitnt effort.
‘This old man, over a hundred years old, is still so vigorous.’
He could easily live another thirty years.
Sip.
Ihan drank his tea.
“Thank you for the delightful eting today, Brother.”
“Don’t co tomorrow. Please.”
“Ha ha, we’re growing closer; how could I not? I’ll see you again.”
“...Yeah.”
Watching the old priest leave, Ihan noticed how frail Raphael seed—his cane and legs appeared ready to give out at any mont.
“Assistant.”
“Yes?”
“Carry him ho. Borrow a carriage and make sure he gets there safely.”
“?”
“Should I do it myself?”
“...No, I’ll do it. Damn it...”
“You talk too much, Assistant.”
Grumbling, Damian approached Raphael. Although Raphael tried to decline:
“I don’t want to hold a funeral for you in this heat or carry any guilt. Just accept the help—you don’t have a choice.”
“Is this forced kindness?”
“No, it’s necessary kindness.”
“Ha...”
“...Why are you looking at like that?”
“You’re kinder than you look, Brother.”
“...What’s wrong with how I look?”
“It makes want to recruit you to the temple even more.”
“Hey, answer .”
“I’ll accept the kindness. Thank you. May the Light bless you.”
“...What is this? Am I talking to a tree?”
Raphael allowed himself to be carried by Damian, who cautiously carried him away.
Watching the receding figure of the old priest, Ihan scratched the back of his head.
“...Kindness, huh.”
Hmm...
‘Maybe he reminds of the old man.’
The grandfather who had raised Ihan after he was abandoned by his parents.
Though he passed away not long after, his influence had kept Ihan on a straight path during his youth.
Not that Raphael resembled his grandfather in personality, speech, or appearance.
It was just...
‘He’s a good person...’
His character—steadfast, flexible, and upright—felt reminiscent.
Even though they hadn’t known each other long, Ihan’s instincts told him Raphael wasn’t here to deceive him.
‘If he were trying to manipulate , I’d have sent him to the afterlife by now.’
Clicking his tongue...
It was difficult.
Ihan couldn’t bring himself to treat soone genuinely good in a bad way.
As the sky darkened, he watched the shadows lengthen and the two figures fade entirely from view.
And then:
“So, what brings you here today, you sneaky bastard?”
...Without turning, Ihan spoke.
There was no one around.
But.
“I don’t mind if you don’t show yourself, but next ti, co prepared to die. I’m on the verge of being annoyed.”
Swoosh.
As if responding to a curtain call, soone revealed themselves.
It was like a veil being drawn back—an awe-inspiring, mysterious sight as “he” stepped forward.
“...My apologies. It seems I have tested you unknowingly. I was rely guarding the cardinal.”
“That’s why I let it slide. Otherwise, you’d already be dead.”
“...So, you knew from the beginning.”
The man nodded silently, his expression blank, as Ihan turned to face him.
From his appearance alone...
‘He really does look like soone who’d excel at inquisitions.’
In one hand, he held a Bible; in the other, a bell.
A priest with dark shadows under his eyes, graying hair, and a battered old robe that made him seem older than he was.
His lifeless eyes and even darker deanor carried an oppressive air.
To others, he might be intimidating.
But to Ihan:
“So, are you leaving or not?”
“......”
He was rely soone Ihan contemplated smashing over the head.
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