Ch.587587. So You’ll Never Rise Again (1)

After the surprising conversation with Sione who had followed Tasha out, the meeting between Bishop Kalli and Ainel soon grew much larger in scale.

‘This involves a new god and an emerging religion. It’s strange to try to settle this with just Ainel alone.’

While the qualification to be appointed as a saint is determined by the choice of the Absolute One, doesn’t it follow that for her to be called a true saint by all people, actions befitting that title must follow?

Just as a goblin who repeatedly dreams of infiltrating human jewelry stores to steal gems isn’t called a saint despite receiving divine revelation and blessing. The nobility recognized by all is what distinguishes a saint from an ordinary person.

Coincidentally, Tasha is both a genuine believer chosen by me as a proxy, and has also joined the ranks of everyone’s savior by leading the territory’s people during the territory war, even sacrificing her own health.

The firm support and testimonials of the baronial territory’s people are spreading. A conversation that views her unfavorably, when she cannot be denied as chosen by god…

‘They’re trying to talk without including us?’

Soon Ainel acknowledged that the new religion and its orthodoxy were directed toward its roots.

She elevated us to the same level of treatment as the church, raising the justification that the absence of the involved parties in a conversation between two religions might be an insult to the new divinity.

So for this meeting, both Tasha and I as her guarantor were included.

‘And the person who was supposed to come with that bishop…’

It was said to be Sharenne from the Demikin Special Operations Unit.

The Demikin Alliance and Special Ops Unit are largely puppets caught by the church’s collar, but…

At least I could gain some confidence from the bombshell statement that Sione had told me in advance.

‘She said they use religion as a check against religion.’

The Demikin Alliance doesn’t particularly believe in religion.

They simply value the concept of martial prowess highly, respecting and following those who excel in it. They’re far removed from the religious view of offering deep prayers and loyalty to a single entity or multiple objects.

Well, that’s generally the case, but the world is vast and Demikin too are filled with various kinds of people.

They also hold the perception that Divine Power is merely a small means to enhance their own martial strength.

‘Even if there are those who deeply respect and worship old heroes…’

If Demikin learn about someone stronger than their original object of respect, they are the type to switch their worship target without hesitation.

‘The reason why such a Demikin Alliance specifically accepted the religion of the Holy Nation…’

It was simply because they were trampled by an organization with overwhelmingly greater martial power than themselves.

Since they don’t particularly have deep religious thoughts…

‘Rather than that…’

It seemed they had judged it far more advantageous to accept a politically friendly religion where the incomprehensible existence of God clearly remains, and to balance against the church.

‘This actually works out well.’

Having shared this information, Ainel and I could leisurely wait for Bishop Kalli and Sharenne to arrive.

“Bishop Kalli, accompanied by holy knights and priests as escorts, and Commander Sharenne of the Special Operations Unit have entered the lord’s castle.”

“Holy knights, you say. I wonder if they entered the lord’s castle armed.”

“They had light armament strictly for escort purposes, but as instructed beforehand, we politely requested them to disarm, and they complied.”

“Hmm. Guide them here immediately.”

“I will comply.”

And finally, Bishop Kalli arrived at the lord’s castle.

At her appearance, Tasha showed quite a stiff demeanor.

‘That’s understandable.’

After all, Tasha had experienced another bishop coming all the way to the barony and grating on her nerves.

That incident, where a considerably older adult sincerely vented complaints to the still young girl, certainly couldn’t have remained as a good memory.

I casually spoke to Tasha who was like that.

“You don’t need to be nervous.”

“…Lord.”

“Why do you think I’m here?”

“…?”

“If they say anything to you, I’ll answer as your guardian, so you don’t need to worry.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

What would Tasha have to do?

Even if there was something for her to do, it would just be showing Divine Power following the atmosphere and cheering us on.

In that sense, my words unexpectedly seemed to get through to her properly. She soon showed a small smile.

“Tasha?”

“…Sione said the exact same thing when we went out last time. That this is precisely when her guardian should step up.”

It seems my words somehow overlapped with Sione’s again.

I let out a chuckle at those words, and then Ainel stared at me intently.

“They say people who love each other grow alike. It’s truly nice to see that the Baron and our Sione care so much for each other.”

“Thank you for acknowledging it.”

“Now you’re even joking around? If you understand, don’t think about sending her back. It’s obvious our daughter can’t live without the Baron.”

After saying that, Ainel calmly shifted her gaze toward Tasha.

“And… thanks to you, our family baker is finally so happy that he doesn’t have to bake those endless cookies anymore.”

“…Did Sione eat a lot of cookies?”

“Yes, she ate them every day and used to be extremely fat because of it.”

“…?”

It’s obvious at a glance.

Right now, Tasha is desperately pretending not to know in order to survive.

It was just a few years ago when the entire kingdom, beyond just the territory, was gossiping about Sione.

Could Tasha, who has lived in the county all this time, not know about that rumor?

As Ainel and I let out small laughs at her desperate pretense of ignorance, our guests finally arrived.

“Lady, Bishop Kalli and Commander Sharenne are here.”

“Let them in.”

As Ainel gave her approval, the two women finally revealed themselves.

Bishop Kalli, whose gait differed from ordinary priests—heavy yet agile—and Commander Sharenne, exuding the proud and solemn atmosphere unique to Demikin warriors.

“At last we meet like this. I, Bishop Kalli, a devout servant of the Sky God, pay my respects to the Count and Baron.”

Sharenne quietly followed Bishop Kalli’s actions.

Then, with the Count’s permission, they took their seats, and the Bishop’s gaze fixed on Tasha.

“And… this must be the chosen Saint? It’s an honor to meet you for the first time.”

“…I am Tasha, chosen by God, insufficient but called a Saint.”

“Hmm… there is a Saint but no proper name for the religion yet. Then I shall call you Saint Tasha for now—”

And at her unnecessarily aggressive and brazen attitude, I cut off her words.

“Bishop Kalli, how rude.”

“……”

“The reason a proper name hasn’t been attached is because the history of the new religion is much deeper, and we’re leaving it until we discover the old name. What kind of manners is it for a mere bishop to express that she will ‘call’ a saint of another religion a saint ‘for now’?”

Furthermore, indeed.

“The Baron is right. Bishop, as a clergy who has walked the path of a devout believer, you should know better than anyone the importance of words and actions.”

As Ainel also backed up my words.

“It seems both of you desire a straightforward meeting.”

After keeping her mouth shut for a moment and putting on the most benevolent expression possible, she began to speak in a lowered voice.

“Please understand that I must react this way because I’ve walked the path of a devout religious person. I understand better than anyone that the appearance of a new object of worship is not just a good thing.”

“When one worships not an always righteous being, but an entity from hell below or from the earth, worshippers easily become dissolute or fall into wicked paths. This is like committing sin through false faith, and I, as an inquisitor of heresy, know its dangers best.”

“But what should be feared even more is hastily believing in a god whose goodness has not yet been clearly proven.”

Bishop Kalli had much to say.

“How much does Saint Tasha know about the god?”

“……”

“Have you received divine revelation? Have you truly felt the will of that being? Did you hear a voice when you were chosen as a Saint?”

“……”

“There are many flaws. Also, those who do not reign over humans but simply exist never leave flaws when they take the trouble to bestow blessings upon the mortal realm.”

And her words continued.

“Moreover, a religion that has declared its connection to the roots of the County. The pinnacle of that faith disappeared from the continent for centuries and has only now revealed itself.”

She pressed forward with truly obvious orthodox arguments.

“How can one offer faith again to a god with such capriciousness?”

But there was also something to say about her words.

I personally stepped forward in response to Bishop Kalli’s words.

“I’ll refrain from commenting on flaws and capriciousness, but I want to let you know there is certainly enough value to offer faith.”

I just needed to pour out many things I had heard during my journey.

“I swear by Mana. The World Tree of the Great Forest revealed that the god was a close friend and sought to save the continent more than any other being.”

“I heard that the arrangements this god wished to leave behind are in the Demon Realm, and furthermore…”

“In the ruins of an ancient city, not only infiltrated by Magia but with time itself distorted, I directly saw and experienced the god and its believers fighting against demons.”

Surprisingly, all the words I’ve uttered so far were things I had consistently experienced during that short time.

Having gone through such terribly intense experiences, I declared with a voice full of sincerity.

“What other reason would there be not to believe in such a god?”

Not only did the World Tree, which you recognize as a god, acknowledge it, but even sent praise.

What I actually saw and experienced was nothing short of divine, so why wouldn’t I believe?

“The County’s will is the same as what the Baron has said. My daughter Sione and I can handle power with the same source as this Saint’s Divine Power. Through this power that has dwelled in our blood and been passed down, we have been sealing off the Demon Realm. And wasn’t it the church until now that praised this noble power?”

“……”

“So I want to tell you, Bishop Kalli.”

Ainel’s pale eyes gleamed sharply.

“I’m well aware of the church’s attitude of constantly opposing the County since the exploration of the Demon Realm. But I’ve tolerated your rudeness as much as possible until now. The church has made many efforts together for our family and territory.”

“……”

“But lately, it’s been quite irritating. The respect you had for us is gradually disappearing. From the common slum improvement projects to before the Saint awakened, you viewed our efforts and passion to comfort everyone’s hearts with suspicious eyes.”

“……”

“What exactly are you afraid of? Or is there something in the Demon Realm you don’t want revealed? Are you frustrated because you can’t touch us?”

A bleak atmosphere began to spread with Kalli’s silence.

‘It seems this bishop knows something.’

That subtle atmosphere dissolved in silence is enough to suggest many things.

In the confrontation that continued like that.

As if they would tear at each other’s throats the moment tension eased, sharp words attacked each other.

“As I said, it’s because the new object of faith is not trustworthy. There is nothing more dangerous than worshipping the wrong god.”

“Haven’t we sufficiently communicated its legitimacy and goodness through the declaration and two days of additional information disclosure? I expected the Bishop to bring up discussions of coexistence and mutual prosperity in this meeting.”

“Haha, to simply accept and acknowledge the existence of a new god—”

As if there had been a reason for continuing to bare such sharp teeth.

“It’s because of the words of Commander Sharenne of the Special Operations Unit, who roamed the Demon Realm with the County’s people.”

Just as I had heard from Sharenne in advance.

Bishop Kalli brought up Sharenne.

“Commander Sharenne, would you not share your thoughts?”

Finally, as Sione had told me, Kalli’s hidden card began to speak.

As I opened my ears wide and listened attentively to her voice.

“I—”

I couldn’t help but doubt my ears.

“I think Bishop Kalli has valid points. Even saying so, since it hasn’t exerted much influence in the current world yet, we cannot definitively call it a good entity. From the perspective of the Holy Nation and church, already busy with declaring holy war against demons, it’s naturally concerning.”

…This bastard?

“But separately from that. The Demikin Alliance Special Operations Unit, which has the duty to cooperate with the Holy Nation and send help and advice…”

Huh?

“Unlike Bishop Kalli’s suspicions and concerns, we have judged that this new god and religion are worthy enough to send our faith to.”

Indeed, as they say, one must listen to the end of what someone has to say.

“This is a matter acknowledged by the highest exchange institution within the Demikin Alliance with the Holy Nation, which received urgent reports through magical tools.”

At her words, Kalli suddenly frowned.

Seeing that expression, as if she had been waiting for it, Ainel showed a chilling smile.

I couldn’t help but be certain.

‘Finally, from now on…’

The timing had come for Ainel to tear off the limbs of the church in the County territory.