Finally, the first piece of our plan is in place.
Its a mont of great emotion, Your Holiness. There is a minor issue, however...
A minor issue?
The candidate for the Empires Saintess has chosen a sowhat significant person as her escort.
The Pope tapped his staff in disbelief.
Significant? In this Holy Kingdom, status ans nothing. So, who is it? Duke Haval? Or did she bring her father, Duke Senestia, perhaps?
Your Holiness, your words are reassuring. Indeed, what can Count Erindale do, acting freely in this Holy Kingdom?
Who did you say?
That, the fledgling minister from the Empire.
The Count Erindale who made crucial contributions to magic stone refinent, discovered a hot spring in the wasteland, was the first airship pilot, the leader of the Empires erging noble faction, and supervised our Severin Cathedral?
The Pope spoke hurriedly.
Send him back. Right now. What happens if we let the queen bee out of the nest?
The bishop sweated coldly.
Unfitting for a high-ranking priest, the bishop hurriedly left and returned shortly.
.
.
.
So, you sent him back?
Your Holiness, he refuses to leave.
Why?
He says its too comfortable here. He even wants to put down roots.
...
****
Ascal, who was brought to the Holy Kingdom, proudly looked at the religious badge on his chest. It was of the prestigious Platinum rank.
Initially, when he was conscripted to the Holy Kingdom, he thought, How can this be, Im a minister, but then it made sense.
In reality, he could have easily avoided being dragged here. The Holy Kingdoms conscription was at the level of a beggar asking for a coin on the street. If he had resisted, he wouldnt have co.
Its not the Holy Kingdom thats bad, but his own hesitation.
Oh, faithful ones, sing of the magnificent light of the stars. Guide us all through the dark night. In that brilliant light, we shall find our path.
Wonderful, brother. To sing the hymn at such a level in such a short ti. Ill give you a sticker.
It's all thanks to Pireiel.
Pireiel.
Ascal made the sign of the holy cross.
Now, just three more stickers, and he could ascend to the coveted Diamond rank.
Such an unprecedented promotion, Ascal. I wish everyone could emulate your devotion.
Thats too kind of you, Priest.
All is guided by the Star, Pireiel.
Pireiel.
After morning prayers, Ascal headed to the dining hall.
Good morning, brother. What would you like to have today?
I think Ill have the pork special with seasonal vegetables and spices. Heres your Lumina.
Thank you for the paynt of 10 Lumina.
The Star churchs dining hall was more majestic than any he had seen before. The ceiling was wide open, allowing in abundant light. And perhaps because they grew their own vegetables and raised their own at, the food tasted exceptionally good.
Sushia must be munching on greens right about now...
Until coming here, he had a misunderstanding.
A ridiculous belief that you had to be a vegetarian in the Holy Kingdom.
But it turned out that only the Saintess candidates had to be vegetarians, while regular devotees could enjoy a balanced diet. Quite a sensible arrangent indeed.
Ascal glanced around and, seeing no one, surreptitiously packed away so leftover pork.
It was ti to visit Sushia, as her attendant.
****
Please, let out of here, please! Ill be good, Minister-nim, I dont want to stay here anymore, waaah!
Take a breath and talk, Sushia.
Sushia was looking haggard as she sobbed.
The special chamber for the Saintess candidates was under strict surveillance. Only high-ranking officials and attendants of the candidates were allowed access.
They only feed greens and fruits here. Im so weak, and they still make dance and sing. And in the remaining ti, I have to pray, and wake up before the sun even rises...
Contrary to her depleted ntal state, Sushias body was in its pri. The slight weight she had put on from snacking had vanished, and her skin was completely clear.
But you just have to endure it for one more month, right?
What if I actually beco the Saintess?
You think you will?
Ascal dismissed the idea.
Then, he secretly handed her the wrapped pork.
People need to eat to live, after all. Here, eat this.
Minister-nim... can I call you Oppa?
No.
The pork, though a bit cold, still glead invitingly at Sushia.
Without a monts hesitation, Sushia grabbed the pork with her bare hands and devoured it greedily.
It was over in an instant.
Sushia, having licked even the seasoning off her fingers, leaving no trace behind, smacked her lips.
Is there no more?
Too long a tail gets caught. Be content with what you have.
Haa.
Ding-dong-
I have to go now. Off to that hellish practice...
Ascal watched Sushias drooping, puppy-like figure leave, feeling a twinge of sympathy.
But isnt it worth calling out? The hymns? Theyre fun and beneficial.
Ascal took out the holy scripture from his chest pocket. He nodded as he read through it thoroughly, underlining the parts he didnt understand.
I should ask the priest about this later.
Life in the church.
Maybe it was his true calling.
****
Oh, setting an example by cleaning the cathedral so thoroughly. Truly exemplary, brother. Heres a sticker for you.
It's all thanks to Pireiel.
So ticulous in transcribing the scripture! Your devotion is evident, brother. Heres a sticker for you.
Thank You, Pireiel.
Congratulations, Brother Ascal. You have reached the Diamond rank today. You are the first in our history to ascend so quickly.
Its all thanks to following the guidance of the Star.
****
A week had passed.
Ascal had beco a Diamond devotee.
It was the fastest in the history of the Star church.
Ascal looked at his comndation with pride.
****
You may now return to the Empire.
Ascal, summoned by Bishop Picol who had brought him to the Holy Kingdom, entered the temple and was greatly shocked.
Ascal asked with a trembling voice.
What have I done wrong?
Nothing at all. Brother, youve been exemplary in your conduct. Its just that Candidate Sushia seems to have adapted to the life here, and Count Erindale, you have your own responsibilities. Its ti to return...
Bishop!
Ascal raised his voice suddenly, startling Bishop Picol.
Here, I am not Count Erindale. I am rely Ascal, a faithful servant of the Star.
Oh. My mistake, Ascal. Then perhaps its best to spread the will of the Star from your original place.
Bishop!
Ascal recited the doctrine.
The Stars Scripture, chapter 23, third line says, The Star shall never cast out those who earnestly seek its embrace. Are you, Bishop, intending to cast out a poor servant from the embrace of the Star?
No, thats not it...
The Bishop was in a dilemma.
The Empire was already sending daily protests, demanding the return of Count Erindale. Even for the Holy Kingdom, the growing authority of the Empire couldnt be ignored.
Hes morized the scripture already?
But when the person in question was citing scripture to actively resist repatriation, the Holy Kingdom had little choice. Besides, his argunt was sound.
The Bishop sweated profusely.
Lets discuss this again later...
****
The Crown Prince was always smiling. He knew how to match the mood and consider others feelings. Thats why people were drawn to him.
But even he had his monts of anger.
Count Erindale doesnt want to return to the Empire? What nonsense is this? Is the Holy Kingdom taking us for fools? They must be planning to keep him forever with these excuses as a hostage!
Its better to have peace.
At first, he dismissed it as a simple mishap.
It was the first Saints ritual in a hundred years.
The Crown Prince understood the significance of this ceremony to the Star church.
But this was crossing a line.
Count Erindale was a vital figure to the Empire, transcending importance to beco an icon.
Investigate the Holy Kingdom thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned and expose any corruption theyve committed.
The order was given to the Empires special forces.
Known colloquially as the Emperors hounds, they handle the Empires most secretive missions.
They typically obey only the Emperors commands, but upon hearing of Ascals detainnt in the Holy Kingdom, the Emperor said,
Rescue him.
That single statent was all that was needed.
The Star church is the state religion of the Empire.
Until now, the Empires tarnished reputation had been offset by the charitable and philanthropic image of the Star Church. Thus, so corruption and irregularities were overlooked, but...
With the developnt of airships and recent royal scandals, the Empires reputation has significantly improved. This ans they no longer need to be cautious of the Star churchs influence.
Your Highness, the Crown Prince.
Yes. Have you completed the investigation?
The Star church is far more... problematic than we thought.
The Crown Princes expression hardened as he listened to the intelligence agent. He slamd his fist onto the desk.
Hmm... If we had remained passive, the Empire would have been blindsided by a massive betrayal.
What should we do?
Hmm.
After a mont of deep thought, the Crown Prince let out a sigh of relief.
Had Ascal not been detained by the Star church, and had they not thoroughly investigated it, the Empire would have been caught off guard, unprepared for the betrayal.
Is this a blessing in disguise? Ascal, you are truly an enigmatic figure.
Your Highness, the Minister of Developnt and Innovation requests a private audience!
Let him in.
He heard that the Empires Saint and Dragon are close friends.
Bernstein must also be angered by Ascals detainnt.
There will be much to discuss with him.
[TL: You can support the translation and read 5 chapters ahead of the release here on Patreon: /OracleTls]
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