Chapter 25: The Choice of the Abandoned Ones 3

In the end, Archbishop Maxim granted permission to pursue Santana.

Although there were no specific charges, within the Church’s domain, apprehending and even killing an excommunicated individual without cause was tacitly permitted, rendering this a non-issue.

“Then, you may depart. I need not reiterate, but you must bring Santana back without fail.”

“Yes, Your Eminence.”

“We shall do so, without question.”

After politely addressing the archbishop, the two women departed her office.

Observing them, Archbishop Maxim felt a profound sense of relief, having rid herself of these troublesome individuals.

‘The requested funds for expenses are rather substantial, but… well, it remains within an acceptable range. If they capture Santana, so be it. Even if they fail, their absence from this city alone will alleviate my burdens.’

With the departure of Milan’s strongest holy knight duo, the other knights’ defiant spirits would likely be dampened.

All that remained was to placate the knights through a modest wage increase, putting an end to their stubborn occupation of the cathedral. This would allow Maxim to resolve the current situation at a minimal cost, as she desired.

‘To think they would go so far as to pursue Santana, unaware of the circumstances… As expected, those two have brawn but lack any brains. Very well, let them toil diligently for now.’

With a sense of relief, Archbishop Maxim leaned back in her chair, a deep smile forming on her lips.

Satisfied with her ability to conclude this matter without significant losses once again…

“Heh… Hehehe!”

“Puhahahahaha!”

Riding their horses toward Benetsa, the two holy knights, Nune and Tine, finally unleashed the laughter they had been suppressing after reaching a forest far from Milan.

“Ahahaha! I had expected it, but I never thought she would actually fall for it!”

“Nune, you’re a genius! How did you conceive of such a plan? Honestly, I never imagined that wench of an archbishop would so readily cough up the funds!”

“It’s all thanks to experience-based knowledge. Remember when we claimed the bishops were embarking on a pilgrimage to the Holy City of Rome, but instead, we went on a spree in Benetsa? I simply emulated that scheme.”

“Truly brilliant. To think she would be so easily deceived.”

Nune and Tine exchanged words filled with elation.

In their hands were the hefty moneybags provided by the archbishop as ‘travel expenses’.

However, at this moment, they had not the slightest intention of using these funds to locate Santana in Benetsa and bring him back to Milan.

Although lacking in cunning, they were not entirely oblivious or unaware of the situation.

At this juncture, even if they were to retrieve Santana, it would merely serve as a temporary vent for frustrations, without any prospect of positively transforming their lives – a fact they both understood well.

Moreover, they harbored no particular resentment towards Santana that would compel them to endure such hardships for mere retribution.

All things considered, the entire situation stemmed from the machinations of that deranged Archbishop Maxim, not Santana’s fault – a reality they acknowledged.

Yet, the reason they had taken on the pretense of pursuing Santana was singular:

To create a pretext for extracting as much funding as possible from Archbishop Maxim under the guise of ‘expenses’, a ruse that had indeed yielded a substantial sum of cash.

“As they say, one must use their wits. That foolish archbishop readily handed over 8 talents each, simply believing our words.”

“Haha, you’re right. With this much money, we can live comfortably for quite some time.”

While not an exorbitant amount, it was still a substantial sum.

They reasoned that this was far more practical than enduring an indefinite, squalid existence on the cathedral floors, oblivious as to when their circumstances might improve.

Furthermore, having departed under the ‘legitimate’ pretext of tracking Santana – a task of indeterminate duration – they could expect to receive the appropriate treatment and benefits accorded to holy knights in other regions.

A far better situation than a clumsy attempt at desertion.

Thus, having successfully ‘scammed’ their way out, Nune and Tine set their course northward, away from the supposed destination of Benetsa where Santana resided.

“So… you mentioned having relatives in the Holy Imperium?”

“Yes, specifically in the Bohemian region of the Holy Imperium. Our uncle operates a fairly large guild there. If we go there, at the very least, we won’t have to endure the miserable treatment and hardships we faced before. And with this substantial sum of money, they won’t raise any objections.”

In their current situation, effectively fugitives under the guise of pursuers, the only ones they could truly trust were their own kin. With this in mind, the two set off on their horses, heading toward the Bohemian region of the Holy Imperium.

Considering the considerable distance, they recognized the need for diligent travel.

Having thoroughly rejuvenated ourselves in Benetsa, Cazeros and I embarked on our journey once more in the early morning hours, when few people were present.

“Well then, we shall be on our way.”

“Indeed, take care. I have sent word ahead to acquaintances along the way, so mentioning my name should secure their assistance.”

“Yes, we are truly grateful, Lord Shaylok.”

“We are in your debt. Thank you sincerely.”

We exchanged final farewells before our departure.

Although we had ultimately failed to secure sea passage as desired, Shaylok had provided us with considerable assistance for our forthcoming journey.

We could rely on his extensive merchant connections across the continent, and he had also provided us with the staggering sum of 200 talents under the pretext of ‘travel expenses’.

Of course, while presented as expenses, we all tacitly understood that this was effectively a reward for saving his life – a ‘ransom’, so to speak.

‘As expected of the master merchant. By providing such aid, the profits he reaps must be immense. Indeed, connections are paramount in this world.’

Grateful for this stroke of good fortune amidst our miserable circumstances, I steered the carriage and began our departure from Benetsa.

Observing Santana and his companion Cazeros departing before his eyes, Shaylok wore an expression tinged with concern.

‘I have done all I can, but… their path will undoubtedly be arduous. The journey through the Holy Imperium to reach the Dragonian Empire.’

As a prominent merchant in Benetsa with connections across the empire, Shaylok possessed keen insights into international affairs.

And in his eyes, the situation on the continent was growing increasingly grave.

The religious conflicts were intensifying by the day, accompanied by signs of the empire’s fragmentation.

Compounded by successive famines caused by floods, the people’s sentiments were reaching a dangerous boiling point. Moreover, the figure most likely to become the next emperor possessed an excessive ambition and volatile temperament – wholly unsuited for the current circumstances.

‘Once the present Emperor Mattis passes away, the entire Holy Imperium will erupt… I can only hope they reach the Dragonian Empire before such events unfold…’

As Shaylok harbored these thoughts, wishing for the emperor’s lifespan to be extended, if only slightly, an urgent matter arose.

“Master… Master! Please, take a look at this!”

“What is the matter?”

A butler rushed in, clutching a missive, his urgency prompting Shaylok’s sense of foreboding as he examined its contents…

“Ah…”

He inadvertently heaved a heavy sigh.

The message contained news of Emperor Mattis’s passing three days prior.