episode_0009

At the end of the banquet, there wasn’t anything particularly special.

Apart from saying that it was successful and blessing us, there wasn’t much beyond receiving that immense sanctity.

Ugh, just thinking about it makes my head spin.

‘They’re all the same gods, even if they’re polar opposites in terms of divinity… No, is that why?’

No one around the heretical sect seems to be affected by sanctity, but I am greatly influenced by it.

Since no one specifically allocated any magic to me, others remain unaffected.

Could it be because I’m a god that I am influenced by the same divine power?

That seems somewhat plausible, doesn’t it?

“You’ve done an excellent job collecting all the information within two weeks. It’s comfortable when I’m with you, Teacher.”

Honestly, Theresia did almost everything on her own, and I just contributed a little.

Well, as long as she’s satisfied, it should be fine.

“Now, it seems okay to return to the church.”

“In that case, what should we do with everything we researched and used?”

“It’s simple; just manipulate their minds, and that should be enough. This time, we met the Pope, the Saintess, the Archbishop, and the Chief Inquisitor… but we’ll have to meet them again soon.”

Meeting them again implies war.

I am certain that war is approaching soon.

Let’s not waste sympathy, curiosity, or hypocrisy.

After all, I am someone who is content with that.

Let’s stop here.

“Yes, let’s go back.”

“Teacher, if you wish, I can easily hide people like the Saintess and the Pope using my power. However, it would be best to keep all of this strictly between you and me, as a secret.”

I nodded.

And so, we finished tidying up and returned to the heretical sect.

I thought we might teleport back, but due to her forgetting to bring it, we ended up walking.

Of course, I used mind manipulation to eavesdrop behind her.

I don’t know how to ride horses.

I’ve seen a few dance practices and instructions, but the main characters are all talented, so they naturally know how to ride.

So, I still don’t know how to ride.

“Evil One, are you here now?”

While returning to the church, I ended up sitting in a creaky carriage with them.

Veronica, Adel, Caesar.

The three of them were now finishing their work and returning.

“Hello, Evil One. Nice to meet you. I am your follower, Caesar.”

“Nice to meet you, kid. Looks like you received the gifts well…”

My first meeting with Caesar began with his gentle smile.

But perhaps it felt crowded because there were five people inside the carriage.

Caesar and I on one side, Veronica, Adel, and Theresia on the other.

It might be uncomfortable for three people on the other side, but I didn’t want to switch over there.

“So, on this mission to the Decarson Kingdom, I met a bar owner who approached Veronica and said, ‘Your arms are…’”

“P-Please don’t say that…”

“Isn’t it cute how nervous you get only in front of the Evil One?”

Adel said with a laugh, while Veronica looked quite embarrassed.

Seeing this, our Saintess and their Saintess have many similarities yet differences.

Both are aggressive and combative when fighting, but before a fight, our Saintess Veronica shows this cute side, whereas theirs is more stern.

Well, Veronica grew up with everyone, while their Saintess Rebecca was raised as a Saintess.

They bring an exceptional child from a young age and educate her as a saint, but in reality, it’s quite a cruel educational method.

“It seems that the evil spirit is loved. I’m not sure if what I’m saying is going too far, but it might be better to be cautious.”

Lately, there have been many underground activities in the church.

Underground activities.

Well, it’s not strange to do some work secretly.

From my perspective, I don’t want to delve into everything just because teenagers hide what they do.

“Of course, the evil spirit doesn’t need to delve into those things one by one. We, Abel and I, are blocking most of them… But it seems like the evil spirit should be careful too.”

His words were simply his concern for me.

Certainly, the gift attack I gave as soon as I arrived seemed to be effective.

Originally, Caesar was a ruthless assassin who would stop at nothing for his goals within his cold-blooded nature.

But still, well. It looks better now.

Because I can see him as he was before losing his harmonious family.

The gift I gave was simply an opportunity to speak to the souls of his deceased family members for the last time.

Just that alone made him return to being a kind person.

Of course, if you hear about the assassinations he has done, his unique torture techniques seem to still be present.

His loyalty to me probably came from that gift.

“We have arrived; everyone, please disembark.”

Inside the long-unvisited church of the evil spirits, many believers were working as usual.

Just like in the papal palace, various priests were working, and as always, the believers who trusted me welcomed us.

“Father, I didn’t expect you to return so soon.”

It seems he is quite tired, probably due to preparations for war.

He looks exhausted.

Given that it’s a massive temple built on each other’s religions, it’s inevitable that we are more tense and preparing more desperately.

Moreover, the opposing side believes in the evil spirits almost as much as they believe in their own religion, receiving support and investment from various sponsors under the table.

Traitors appearing during the war are common, and it will likely become a fierce battle tearing apart each other’s religions.

“I’ve heard recently from the Fracti that the Sacred Empire is not doing well. Suddenly born heroes and abrupt banquets to boost morale…”

Hey, brother.

Yeah, yeah. It’s true that I’m involved.

“Father, the Matap… Wait, could it be that the reason no news has come from you is… Teresia, did you do this?”

“…This is my first time going to the Matap, so I might as well enjoy it as much as possible…”

“Well, I think you’ve gathered quite valuable information. Fortunately, since Father went with you, it’s about the Pope… Wait, did you show your face to the saint as well?”

“I happened to meet her face to face.”

“…Information about the saint has been updated. An exceptional situation has occurred, so let’s discuss it at dinner tonight. Teresia, please be sure to attend.”

“Then I will join the dinner tonight.”

Abel, aside from me, uses quite an oppressive tone.

I certainly show as much respect as possible since they believe in the god they worship.

As time passed, dinner approached.

“Everyone seems to have gathered today. It’s been a long time since everyone gathered like this.”

Abel seemed much calmer than before.

“This time, we found something new in the documents. The saint of the Celestial Church, Rebecca, she owns Cheonan.”

Cheonan?

What does that mean?

But it seems like the other children understood exactly what it meant.

“Cheonan? The Cheonan I know? Wasn’t 174 years ago the last time?”

“Yes, originally the saint at that time held the last one. However, eyes that see souls. And eyes that discern faith and confirm truth. I have confirmed that Cheonan is certain.”

“Hmm, Cheonan. Unexpected. The teacher and my true form may have been exposed.”

So, it’s like eyes that recognize the truth.

What? That seems incredibly useful.

No wonder whenever I watch TV, they often expose lies to an unusual extent. It must be for this reason.

Wait, so the one who danced with me wasn’t just a normal face but because of the distinctive atmosphere of this evil spirit right now?

…Should I like this or not?

“And this time, Baekmatopju sent warning messages to other matops. They delivered the warning message from the Black Matop to us.”

Baekmatop declared war on other matops.

From this moment on, all those participating in the war will be considered to be against the Heavenly Faith and will boldly wield magic, according to the warning message.

“They declared war over there, so we should prepare here as well.”

Abel laughed as if finding it amusing.

And he said while holding a spear in his hand.

“Originally, an intermediary process was necessary, but if the opponent possesses Cheonan and has already declared war, there is no need to hesitate further.”

Originally, if other things were to be done gradually and swallowed up, now there is no intention to do so.

Anyway, even if we provoke her, if she holds Cheonan, she will definitely notice our identity.

“As expected, declaring war shows off strong power. Without exception, two days later, we will assassinate the outermost part of the Sacred Empire, Chugikyeong Aures.”

Along with the declaration to devour from the outskirts.

This meeting has ended.