Ch.584584. Driving Out (1)

When did the Church’s image fall so drastically?

Clearly, when I was in danger of losing an arm in the Beltrin Mountains, it was the devout priests and the power of Divine Power that treated me with sincerity and dedication.

And in the first large-scale battle I fought here, the Wall War—we were able to hold the walls for so long and push back the enemy thanks to the dedication of countless priests.

But now, the Church has become nothing more than a group that deliberately obstructs our path. Nothing more, nothing less.

‘Well, the Church is still…’

They are still the most common embodiment of justice and miracles on the continent.

Though they may be greedy for donations and overly vigilant about losing their influence, they still occasionally help beggars in the slums. Even without money, there are priests who uphold the spirit of philanthropy written in the Church’s doctrine, finding joy in sharing God’s miracles with everyone without asking for anything in return.

The Holy Nation and the Church are massive organizations. While those in high positions may debate right and wrong while weighing practical benefits, it’s fair to say that many of the common believers below them generally have good hearts.

‘But what’s important is…’

From their vigilance about losing influence to whether there’s a shameful or hidden history of the Church in this place where forgotten history sleeps. Now that the Magia that not only roams the demon realm but even rots bones to nothing has been swept away.

Unfortunately, it’s the Church that guards against and interferes with us who are trying to inherit the ancient spirit found there.

‘It would certainly be better if we could get along well with each other.’

For someone like me who has already died once, not only given a new chance and various tools, but also this power. Though it may be somewhat distant from the ability to revive the injured, nothing can match this power when it comes to achieving the goal of killing demons.

The power that pushes against each other, either corrupting or purifying, and the power that unilaterally erases Magia. How could I possibly give up this Divine Power?

‘Even Divine Power will be useless against that demon.’

Choosing the power that can twist even fate is the obvious choice.

For this, we need a smoother supply of Divine Power and the presence of helpers who possess the same Divine Power.

The Barony has been working toward this all along. The ripple that began to bloom in our family has finally spread definitively to the County, beginning to bring about great changes.

“Mother is quite bold.”

Having returned to her own room after a long time away, Sione slipped into her blankets.

The coziness of this room, which had existed as her own sanctuary all this time, was apparently impossible to ignore. She moved limply and fluidly as she popped a cookie into her mouth.

“To make such a family statement two days before the meeting with Bishop Kali.”

I noticed quite a few cookie crumbs falling onto the blanket, but Ahela would clean that up later anyway.

After wandering around somewhere this morning, she seemed to have brought back some interesting news.

“Statement?”

“I thought you already knew since you had a private meeting with Mother.”

It seems the interesting reward Ainel mentioned has finally surfaced.

When I urged her with an expression that said to tell me quickly without beating around the bush, Sione gave in with an adorable smile and told me about the statement.

“While we were in the demon realm, Tasha worked hard to spread the faith, and quite a lot of people gathered. Since the County’s relief efforts were also led by Tasha from the beginning… using this as leverage and connecting it with the Barony’s new religion—”

Sione’s smile grew wider, finding it amusing.

“They spread the word that the new saint was actually born and raised in the County. Along with drawings of the holy city and temple from the demon realm.”

“…The temple and holy city?”

“It’s like a surprise research announcement. The temple doesn’t belong to the old Church, but to the god Tasha believes in. And even the County has its roots there.”

“Ah.”

After hearing Sione’s story, I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

‘She did say she would make the Church squirm…’

But to drop it all at once like this.

I thought she would just apply proper pressure to warn them not to cross the line and reduce their influence. But to boldly reveal information that hadn’t even been shared with the Church yet.

I can only think how interesting this has become.

“So this statement is…”

“Since this matter goes beyond the simple and touches on the County’s roots, it’s essentially a warning not to think about interfering easily.”

With such an open threat issued two days before the meeting.

Although Bishop Kali, a former heresy inquisitor, seems quite displeased, no matter how large the County’s church has grown.

Confronting the County, which possesses the strongest military and power in the kingdom, would only earn the enmity of the County that has already made up its mind.

The next dialogue won’t be about rejecting Tasha. Now that the territorial people are most tightly united under the family name through various wars and achievements, the discussion will inevitably focus on how the Church can weather this storm with minimal damage in the face of the emergence of a new religion that continues the County’s roots and lineage.

“Well.”

Though I wasn’t the one who directly provoked the Barony’s bishop, I can’t help but think that my mother-in-law is quite formidable.

As I was deeply contemplating Ainel’s statement, considering various factors.

“More importantly, Ray.”

Sione, who had risen from the bed, grabbed my hand to break my concentration.

“Mother is never one to make reckless decisions, so put your worries aside for now.”

She pulled my hand and led me to her bed.

“Let’s focus on resting properly as you were told. We’ll need to prepare for the expedition soon… when else will we get to rest until the war is over?”

In the end, I became Sione’s body pillow as she immersed herself in a novel.

“Ah, always the same spot.”

“I told you not to move and just rest.”

Trapped by Sione, who pinched me whenever I tried to squirm even a little, I had no choice but to remain captive for a while.

* * *

“Commander Sharenne, have you confirmed the statement released by the County?”

“Of course I have. With the entire territory buzzing about it, it would be strange if it hadn’t reached our beastfolk ears.”

Bishop Kali briefly closed her eyes and then opened them at those words.

In her previously calm eyes, irritation and annoyance briefly appeared and then vanished.

“Haha, that’s true. It was a statement that touched on nothing less than the County’s roots. For territorial people with such strong local pride, there could be no better topic of conversation.”

Having composed her emotions in that fleeting moment, she continued in a pleasant voice.

“But separately from that, the Church that serves God must approach this matter with extra caution. Don’t you agree? The complete disappearance and forgetting of a religion typically means that its god walked an unvirtuous path and lost power. The fact that this power has awakened again in these turbulent times is a highly suspicious matter.”

She was clearly expressing her displeasure with this statement.

“The County’s reluctance to share the materials and research results obtained from the temple until now was likely in preparation for this. Thanks to that, we’ve only recently come to clearly recognize that the temple in the demon realm possesses something different from the Church’s.”

Her increasingly verbose speech had the power to mesmerize her listener.

Unfortunately, her innate ability was blocked by the ominous energy and stench-like smell that Sharenne’s senses detected from her.

To Sharenne, it was just a waste of time.

The commander cut off Kali’s words with a crisp tone.

“Bishop Kali.”

“Yes, Commander Sharenne.”

“Would you please tell me exactly what you want to say? Unlike in battle, I’m not skilled in rhetoric, so I find it difficult to grasp your point.”

After a brief confrontation at those words.

Kali smiled a sardonic smile.

“The religion endorsed by the County is highly suspicious. I wonder if their new faith will undermine the Sky God who has dedicated himself to the continent until now, and whether it will make these turbulent times even more chaotic.”

“……”

“I simply wanted to say this to Commander Sharenne and the Special Operations Unit, who seem to have grown closer to the County recently.”

The path to becoming a heresy inquisitor is not an easy one.

Unlike ordinary priests, they must awaken fierce Divine Power and be prepared to soil their hands representing only the justice of the Holy Nation, not anywhere else.

“Especially since you, Commander, seem to have taken quite a liking to that child called Tasha.”

Her low voice was quite threatening, and moreover, it revealed the complaints and irritation deep in her heart.

“The Special Operations Unit is a symbol of cooperation and friendship between the Holy Nation and the Church. If you change your hearts before the Church gives its approval, it will create a major crack in our mutual trust.”

Seeing Kali’s first show of strength, Sharenne began to sense an even stronger stench.

“…Judging by your demeanor, it seems the bishop wants something for the Holy Nation.”

Accordingly,

“I would like the Special Operations Unit, which has carried out various operations with the County and even set foot in that ruined city, to personally vouch for us.”

Finally, Sharenne could hear Kali’s true intention for calling her.

“Neither more nor less, just that the newly returned god may not be such a benevolent being.”

At those words, Sharenne couldn’t help but frown.