Ch.134EP.33 – The Knight Get Cracked Down On? (2)

“Kunta, I have a question. Answer me, Arno.”

“…Hmm, I don’t mind you asking questions, but please finish your food first. And you shouldn’t talk loudly in the dining hall, Kunta.”

“Yes! Got it!”

Slurrrp!!

“…Steak is something you chew, not drink.”

Kunta had gulped down five thick tenderloin steaks as if they were soup.

Even if they were cooked tender, eating like that would cause problems.

‘Or maybe it’s not an issue for him?’

Indeed, he was a mysterious Barbarian race.

Having successfully “drunk” his steak in a magnificent fashion, he smiled brightly.

“This tasty. Much water comes out.”

“That’s not water, it’s meat juice.”

“Common language, very difficult.”

“…You speak it just fine.”

Arno knew that while Kunta’s common language made him seem a bit slow, he was far from stupid.

If anything, he had quick wits and was a fast learner.

‘Some people call Barbarians savage warriors, but from what I’ve seen, that’s wrong.’

It was malicious misinformation created to disparage Barbarians.

If anything, they seemed to have eliminated unnecessary information to live in harmony with nature.

‘If I hadn’t experienced Kunta firsthand, I might have remained trapped in prejudice forever.’

Now he knew.

Barbarians were brave warriors and natural strategists.

They were also caring, diligent, and worthy of respect.

Though he hadn’t met other Barbarians, from what Kunta had told him during his stay at the family residence, he could tell how remarkable their race was.

‘I really hope we become knights together.’

Such reliable comrades were rare.

“Whew, finished eating!”

“…Did you have enough?”

“Bit lacking. But I endure. Kunta must eat less.”

“…I see.”

Kunta had devoured ten enormous steaks by himself.

He’d consumed a total of 7kg and still called it “eating less.”

…A reliable comrade indeed, but might he deplete all their provisions when traveling together?

“Now can I ask question?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“Mmm, what is Temple?”

“…The Temple, you say?”

Arno blinked at the sudden question, but then:

“Yes, most famous, wise elder in Kunta’s tribe said. When studying abroad, ‘beware Temple’?”

“……”

…Arno understood why he was curious.

Indeed, the Temple was an organization that mysterious races needed to be most cautious about.

“But, Temple people I saw all nice and good. Recovery room priestess pretty and kind. Want to make her bride.”

“…Unfortunately, I believe the Temple’s priests are only permitted to marry after 50 years of religious service.”

“…Is this heartbreak? Kunta, heart hurts.”

“Also, I hear once they pass their fifties, they rejuvenate back to their teens. As if the deity is rewarding them for their years of service.”

“Wait and see?”

“…Just give up.”

Sigh….

Arno was momentarily speechless at his friend’s absurd antics, but soon:

“…The Temple is fundamentally a force for good. After all, it’s an organization that heals all patients in the kingdom for free and passionately engages in volunteer work.”

“Then why need beware?”

“That’s because…”

At this moment, Arno looked around cautiously.

Though this facility only had people from the Ophen family, the Temple’s eyes could be anywhere.

He needed to be careful, and after thoroughly checking that there was no one around, he cautiously mentioned “that name.”

The name of the most dangerous and vicious force within the Temple.

“The Temple has the ‘Inquisition.’ That’s probably what the wise elder you mentioned was warning you about, not the Temple itself.”

…It was a place that made even kingdom citizens shudder if they crossed paths with them.

Arno reflexively frowned as he spoke.

“Why they dangerous?”

“…Because among the Inquisitors, there are quite a few who ‘hate’ mysterious races and argue they should all be exterminated.”

“…Kunta, suddenly lost appetite.”

“……”

It wasn’t something someone who had already devoured not only steaks but also an entire cheesecake for dessert should say, but Arno understood his feelings.

It was certainly an unpleasant topic.

“Still, don’t worry too much. You’re officially a student studying abroad at the Academy, and the Inquisition doesn’t commit indiscriminate atrocities like they used to. ……However, you should still be careful. I strongly recommend not wandering around the royal capital alone.”

“…The more Arno talks, Kunta confused if should be careful or not worried…”

“Just understand that it’s wise to avoid getting involved with the Temple if possible.”

That was the best advice he could offer, and Kunta still looked troubled.

“Then, if accidentally involved, what should do?”

“In that case…”

“In that case?”

“…You’d be unfortunate.”

“……”

“But you really shouldn’t get involved. These days, even Inquisitors aren’t that idle. Unless you were born with the misfortune of breaking your nose falling backward, you should be fine.”

“Can get hurt from falling?”

“…Looking at you, I don’t understand why Barbarians are a minority race. You’re sturdy enough to have established a kingdom by now.”

“?”

Kunta tilted his head, and Arno clicked his tongue.

It was a peaceful daily life for the two students.

…And conversely, if someone was enjoying a peaceful daily life…

“Brother, how are you today?”

“…I was fine until you arrived.”

“Haha, always with the jokes.”

“That wasn’t a joke…”

There were also people who couldn’t enjoy peace at all.

Ihan, a man with such bad luck that he felt like he’d find a sea of fire if he fell backward, sighed deeply.

And then:

“…Have some tea before you go.”

“I’ll impose on you briefly again today.”

“……”

…This moral conscience is my enemy.

‘Why can’t I act like trash?’

Ihan disliked himself for being unable to treat a kind old man poorly.

*

*

*

…The meeting with the old man, Father Rafael, had been truly unexpected.

One day, as he was diligently training as usual, an elderly priest with a cane slowly walked up to Ihan’s house.

– This is quite rough terrain for a walking route…

It was bewildering for Ihan because his house was located in an extremely rugged area.

It was like a patch of nature in the middle of the city, with completely unmaintained paths in terrible condition, and there was even a risk of encountering wild beasts on the way.

Also, it got so dark at night that even with a torch, one could barely see ahead.

That’s why Ihan’s house was a place people would be better off not visiting.

Well, that’s why he had purchased it cheaply.

Anyway, given these circumstances, Ihan was perplexed when an elderly man who seemed to struggle even with walking first visited his house.

From his attire, he was clearly a clergyman, and he appeared to be a harmless old man without any combat ability.

So at first:

– Excuse me, are you lost?

He had intended to kindly send the clergyman away.

If he had taken a wrong turn, Ihan was willing to guide him back or even carry him to his destination if needed.

But contrary to expectations:

– Haha, no, I believe I’ve come to the right place.

The old man was a “big shot.”

– My name is Rafael. I am a servant who received salvation from the Light of Radiance.

…As he later learned through the guild, this old priest named Rafael was one of only five cardinals in the Light of Radiance, and although he had resigned from his cardinal position, he still wielded enormous influence.

And for good reason.

[-Cardinal Rafael is 116 years old this year, older than the current Pope. He doesn’t rejuvenate through sacred law and follows only the words of the Light of Radiance, with such sincerity and self-sacrifice that he was nominated as a ‘Saint’ candidate, but he declined this too, saying it was more than he deserved. Perhaps because of this exemplary behavior, he has an enormous following among the Temple’s priests. Shockingly, he’s currently the direct supervisor of the Inquisition, though opinions within the Temple are divided on why he volunteered for such a role. Regardless, he’s clearly an extraordinary person, and I dare not predict how the Temple would react if he were harmed. Please make a wise choice…]

…That was part of the letter Ihan received from Simon, the Kingdom Guild Association President.

And it was maddening information for Ihan.

He couldn’t understand why such an important person would walk alone on this treacherous path, and why he specifically came to meet him.

So at first, he was wary and unsure what to do, but Rafael:

– Today I just wanted to see your face. I’ll come again another time.

– …….

…On the first day, he really just looked at Ihan’s face and left.

But Rafael continued to visit him afterward.

Even on windy days, scorching hot days, and rainy days.

So Ihan:

– Apprentice, bring a shovel.

– What?

– Let’s fix up the ground.

– …Who’s going to do it?

– We are.

– …….

First, he fixed the unmaintained, messy path.

With just one shovel, he and his useless apprentice managed to transform a path that would normally require twenty laborers into a proper road in just half a day.

Afterward:

– Haha, the path here has become quite comfortable.

– …This is driving me crazy.

For Ihan, there was no greater adversary.

It would be easier to deal with someone showing hostility, but with Rafael who showed no animosity and just came to greet him, Ihan had no grounds to say anything.

Yet the old man wasn’t just some strange elder who came to stare at him:

– It seems impolite to come empty-handed, so I brought a humble gift. Do you drink milk…?

He would bring gifts like freshly milked goat’s milk or butter.

This clearly demonstrated that he was a considerate priest, and gradually:

– …If you’re not coming to torment me, at least tell me why you keep visiting.

– Haha, I simply wanted to see your face in person, brother. The countenance of the hero who saved the royal capital.

– …….

– Seeing you in person exceeds my expectations. Your spirit surpasses the heroes I met in my youth, beyond the rumors. …Would you perhaps like to follow the Light of Radiance?

– …Damn it.

…At some point, recruitment efforts began as well.

Ihan admitted it:

– A natural enemy, truly a natural enemy…

It felt like he had met the greatest nemesis of his life.

The old man cast only kind gazes without any hostility, and strangely seemed to think well of him.

Plus, he never came empty-handed, showing such consideration…!

For Ihan, Rafael was more “normal” than any other elderly person he had met in the kingdom, which made dealing with him extremely difficult.

……But questions remained.

From how such a person could engage in radical activities like inquisition, to why he visited without asking anything.

– According to the Dark One, I’ve been marked as a dangerous target by the Temple…

According to the returnee, he had stirred up so much trouble that even the Temple had marked him as a person of interest.

The reason?

He wasn’t quite sure yet.

While he had some suspicions, nothing was clear enough to say for certain.

– Sigh, this is maddening…

So Ihan had a headache.

He wished the old man would just speak plainly, but it felt like he was constantly testing the waters.

And now, in the present:

Sip.

“Mmm, this tastes good. What kind of tea is this?”

“…Just some dried herbs from the mountain.”

“Haha, so it means drinking nature’s blessing. I’m receiving a precious treat.”

“…It’s just something that grows everywhere.”

“How many hands must have been involved in picking these herbs, drying them, and brewing them into tea?”

“……”

“Humility and diligence, truly the qualities of a devout believer!!”

“…Why does everything lead back to that?”

……He was reaching a state of enlightenment where he was getting used to such zealous recruitment.

‘Well, this gentleman who’s easily over a hundred years old is still quite vigorous.’

He’ll probably live another 30 years at least.

Sip.

Ihan drank his tea.

* * *

“It was another good meeting today, brother.”

“Please don’t come tomorrow, I beg you.”

“Haha, just when I’m getting closer to you, how could I not? I’ll see you again next time.”

“…Hmm.”

The old priest’s steps looked unsteady as he left.

His cane looked fragile, and his legs seemed even more fragile than the cane.

“Apprentice.”

“Yes?”

“Carry him on your back. Then rent a carriage and take him home.”

“M-me?”

“Should I do it instead?”

“…No, I should do it. Damn it…”

“You’re talking too much, apprentice.”

Damian grumbled as he approached Rafael, who tried to refuse, but:

“I don’t want to attend a funeral in this summer heat, nor do I want to feel guilty. So just accept the kindness. You have no choice.”

“Are you saying it’s forced kindness?”

“No, it’s necessary kindness.”

“Hmm…”

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Unlike your appearance, you’re a kind person, brother.”

“…What’s wrong with how I look?”

“It makes me want to bring you to the Temple even more.”

“Hey, answer me.”

“I’ll accept your kindness. Thank you, may the blessing of the Light be with you.”

“…What’s this? Am I talking to a tree?”

After saying only what he wanted to say, Rafael was carried on Damian’s back, and Damian carefully walked while carrying him.

As the old priest’s back receded into the distance, Ihan scratched the back of his head.

“…Kindness, huh.”

Hmm…

‘Is it because he reminds me of my old man?’

The grandfather who raised him after his parents abandoned him in his previous life.

Though he passed away not long after, it was because of him that Ihan could live diligently without going astray during his teens.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Rafael resembles his grandfather.

Their personalities, speech patterns, and even appearances are all different.

However.

‘He’s a good person…’

Character. That flexible, upright way of living without stubbornness—that character alone seemed quite similar.

Though they hadn’t met much, his instincts told him that Rafael wasn’t approaching him with ill intentions.

‘If he were trying to trick me, I would have sent him to heaven long ago.’

Tsk…

It’s difficult, so difficult.

He couldn’t bring himself to be harsh to someone who wasn’t fundamentally bad.

The sky was growing slightly dark.

He watched the descending shadows and the two receding figures until even their shadows completely disappeared from his sight, and then…

“So, what brings you so close today? You perverted bastard.”

…Ihan spoke without even turning around.

There was no one around him.

However.

“You don’t have to show yourself, but next time you come, risk your life. I’m just short of being disgusted.”

Whoosh.

Suddenly, as if making a curtain call, someone revealed themselves.

It was a mystical sight, like parting a spatial curtain, and in this eye-doubting situation, “he” walked out.

“…I apologize. It seems I’ve tested a knight, which was presumptuous. I was merely guarding the Cardinal.”

“That’s why I let you be. Otherwise, I would have killed you already.”

“I see. So you knew all along.”

The man maintained an expressionless face with almost no emotion showing, nodded silently, and Ihan turned around to face him.

From his appearance…

‘He really looks like someone who would excel at inquisition.’

There stood a priest holding a Bible in one hand and a bell in the other.

With deep shadows around his eyes and gray-streaked hair, he wore a drab, worn priest’s robe.

His dead fish-like eyes made him look older than his actual age, and his aura was even darker than his worn robe.

There was something about him that made people feel intimidated.

But to Ihan:

“So, are you going to leave or not?”

“……”

He was just someone who made Ihan contemplate whether to crack his skull or not.