Chapter 74: A Dodge Ball-like Conversation

I see. Thats some rather deep story youre telling.

Ha ha ha

I didnt understand a thing from what she wanted to convey.

I cast some strengthening magic on my trembling hand, as I took a cup of tea and drank it.

I couldnt taste its flavor anymore, but since my throat felt dry, it couldnt be helped. I needed it.

Hahaha. Your Excellency, Duke Zest, you are the sea at sunset.For the rest of us who cling to Gods pity the night has come, unfortunately.

Again, she struck me with another puzzling riddle.

This person is unpleasant. I hope she leaves soon.

For the time being, she compared me to something.That has to be a good thing, right?

I selfishly decided that. In any case, there was nothing I could understand, so why should I have even bothered then? It was useless to worry about it anyway.

Thats much appreciated, sister. Well then, how about we start talking about your business here as a messenger.Did you bring a letter or the sort?

She was stunned for a moment then she took out a letter from her breastpocket.

Dont teach the sisters to keep letters at their chests! Thatplaceis not a container, you know?

Ah, I see theres noobstaclesin the way, so maybe thats why its the perfectplacefor her to carry things around, huh?

She handed over the letter and I opened it.

I played to God that this letters contents were not some sort of scriptures again.

Good. The contents looked decent enough.

It was actually a very polite letter that I havent seen in ages, and it even started with a seasonal greeting.

Recently, when I think about letters, I remember the scripture.

The name and address were actually longer than the letters content. I really dont want to read letters like that anymore.

I read the letter that the sister had brought. To make a summary, it said:

The Holy Country of Lilac is recognizing the former Tarminal Kingdoms lands as the territories of the Grun Empire.

Therefore, we will not oppose the Grun Empire. We will be neighbors from now on, so we expect some exchanges.

These were its summarized contents.

The sender was Pope Garbera, the man leading the Holy Country of Lilac.

But, if I were to judge by his letter, he seemed a person capable of holding a proper conversation.

However..There is a however after all.

At the end of the letter, there was a terrible entry.

The dispatched sister will create a new church there and shell be appointed the new Priestess.

Thank you and I leave it in your care.

It was clear to me that he didnt mean those words exactly as stated.

Ive sent a demoted sister to work as a Priestess there. Theres nothing in her head, but doctrines, so shes a great chess piece that wont ever betray us. What if you decide to dispose of her? Thatll be a great reason for us to start a war.

It was more likely like this.

Since he couldnt tear off the former Tarminal Kingdom, he sent in the bait.Because not having a clear pretext to move and attack would be too disadvantageous.

When I thought about that, it felt pretty much consistent. This Pope is quite a sly person.

The sister was not really a disrespectful person.

All she does is talk about her mysterious doctrines.

If she were to be punished because of that reason, something like this mightve happened:

We must pass judgment on the heretics who dont even understand the doctrines!.

The Lilac Doctrine is very understanding of other religious beliefs, therefore it is friendly towards heretics.

They are definitely up to disputes.

Realizing the Popes unpleasant expectations, I sighed deeply and drank some tea.

I must consult the others about whats to be done.

I perfectly understood the Popes thinking. You are to become a Priestess, am I right, sister? Do you plan to use the already existing church?

To accept donations from my beloved brothers and sisters and use them as a means to study this transient world is disrespectful to our God. The drifting ship floating on the great ocean is relying on Gods hem; its like searching for flowers inside a forest.

You do understand, right?

It was like her smile and her head inclined to the side in doubt, were asking me that.

I didnt get it.at all..

.Indeed.

Its like praying to God for his benevolence. As for your Excellency, Duke Zest, I pray for your peace and tranquility. Well then, I will excuse myself now.

She stood up and made a praying pose, before she left the room.

I was left alone and drank up the tea that had already become cold.

Send someone to tail that sister. And dont be discovered.

Certainly!

The black shadow that hid itself in a corner of the room disappeared.

He was one of the chosen former adventurers who enrolled my Intelligence Unit.

For now, we should hold a meeting..

I muttered to myself without realizing.

The situation was darker than I previously expectedand I felt very tired..

I gathered all the management staff inside the conference room.

Well, they were only Albert and my master for now.

Master just arrived yesterday.

It seems that the Empire doesnt plan on selling this place, after all.

According to the Intelligence Units report, the sister is at the churchs site, working on some renovations. I believe she will use that place as a base for communicating with her own country.

I see. However, its really troublesome to use religion as your diplomatic relations.

Your Excellency, should we kill her?

Albertyou should just shut up.

For the time being, I want to inform the Emperor and wait for his acknowledgement. As one would expect, my words alone dont have enough weight in this matter.

Indeed. You should probably take advantage of the imperial capital more, dont restrain yourself too much.

Master, you are so reliable.

Then, we will wait-and-see for the time being..Master, you will stay here for a while, right?

Yes, thats right. And I really dont mind you using me.

Good.I only had to work with muscle brains until now, so I was really happy when he said that.

I had an adviser now.

I really need a few other smart civil officials as my subordinates, otherwise things might get complicated.

The work that needs to be done is gradually increasing after all.

By the way, Zest. I have something to talk to you about.

His voice was so low that it felt like it belonged to some sort of creature, crawling at the bottom of the earth, and his eyes were darker than darkness itself.

I felt a burning sensation on my skin as I looked at his pretty much visible killing intent.

Huh? Why did he snap?

That rascal, he dared to run away!?

I heard you have a magical tool that recorded a naked picture of Bea, am I right? I didnt raise her to be an immoral person, you know? What did you do to her?

Master was drawing near, his magical powers shamelessly enhanced to the max.

Please wait, master. If we talk.Youll understand if we talk!

Youll understand if we talk.

Putting it differently, youll never understand unless we talk.

His magical power was like a whip, shaving the stone floor. As I watched him approaching me, I thought again for the first time in a very long period of time.

..I might actually die.

I personally like the lunatic sister, but its such a pain to translate her words, cause they dont really make any sense.

But shes funny