Chapter 106
(......I see, he's a man you can't afford to underestimate.)
After finishing his greeting to Clael, the bishop of the Holy Nation of Shinecross, Carmine Imari, clicked his tongue in irritation.
(If things had gone well, I would've turned him into a puppet... but he must have used a defensive spell or had a charm equipped. It seems it was repelled.)
Officially, Carmine had co to this country to attend the recognition ceremony of the priest Clael Byrne, who was the foster parent of the Saint.
However... his true purpose was to sohow lure Saint Reina to his own country.
He had managed to get a brief mont to speak with Reina before the ceremony began... but since the cardinal was also present, he couldn't make a blatant offer.
If that's the case... then shoot the horse before the general.
He had tried to brainwash Clael, whom the Saint likely trusted, using magic—but that had failed as well.
(The blessing Saint Reina possesses is far beyond what I had anticipated. No matter what, we must bring her to our country.)
The Holy Nation of Shinecross is the land where the goddess descended to the land, making it the most sacred country in this world.
Therefore... all Saints must reside in the Holy Nation. It must be so.
(The position of guardian to the Saint should not belong to so backwater priest of unknown origin, but to soone chosen—like . That's how it should be...)
"No... that was going too far."
As he walked down the corridor of the Grand Shrine, Carmine shook his head.
Clael had been recognized as a Saint and even received blessings from the Holy Spirits.
If that's the case... then he must be qualified. He's worth welcoming into the Holy Nation of Shinecross.
He is worthy of receiving that honor.
(It's difficult to brainwash and bring him back... then perhaps I'll take him by force. I'd rather avoid damaging our image, but if I put him in the underground prison... no, the 'special room' and preach the teachings of god, he'll eventually submit.)
"If that's decided, I should imdiately have my subordinates..."
"Oh... heading out already, Bishop Carmine?"
As Carmine muttered to himself while walking, soone called out to him.
The one who spoke was Cardinal Dilet Horst.
"Ah, Your Eminence Cardinal. Is the cleanup after the ceremony going well?"
"Yes, I left the rest to my subordinates."
"I see... I was just about to co greet you. For today, I'll be returning to my country."
Carmine bowed his head politely.
It wasn't a lie. Officially, he would return ho... but he planned to act behind the scenes.
"Please give my regards to everyone else as well. Now then, if you'll excuse ..."
"...Allow to give you one piece of advice."
As Carmine turned to leave, Dilet lowered his tone slightly.
"It would be wise not to lay a hand on Saint Reina or Priest Saint Clael. It takes ti to stack building blocks high, but they collapse in an instant."
"............"
Carmine narrowed his eyes like thin threads and cast a nacing glare at Dilet.
"...To think that the Holy Nation of Shinecross, beloved by the goddess, would dare to offer advice to a bishop like . Know your place, shepherd of a lowly country."
"Hmph..."
Dilet snorted at Carmine, who had bared his fangs.
Carmine stared daggers at Dilet... but soon returned to a gentle smile.
"If you wish to pass through the gates of the land of god, you'd best hand over those two quietly. I'll pay handsoly."
"I've given my warning. The rest is up to you."
"............"
"............"
Dilet and Carmine glared at each other for a mont, then turned their backs at the sa ti.
Though both were clergyn, they were also key figures of their nations. A raccoon and a fox, skilled in political maneuvering.
They were similar in many ways... but they could never see eye to eye.
The great rift between them... lay in whether or not they understood the terrifying nature of the Saint.
That seemingly minor, yet significant difference would ultimately bring a decisive divergence in their fates.
Reviews
All reviews (0)