Chapter 85: Holiness and Impiety – 1

Chapter 85: Holiness and Impiety – 1

…Fortunately, I didn’t have to pay for the clock tower’s repairs immediately.

To be precise, the caretaker, who was about to argue, saw my face, freaked out, and called for a doctor first.

According to him, not only were there injuries from the explosion I caused, but I also looked like I could barely stand up.

The doctor, who was called over, asked one thing with a curious expression before making any other diagnosis.

“…Doesn’t it hurt? At this point, it looks like it would be hard to just lie still.”

“Doesn’t it hurt? It hurts like hell, you know?”

“……I’m not a priest, so I’m almost sorry that I can’t heal you instantly.”

As he said, these damn priests go home at night.

Because of that, there were a few doctors in the capital who didn’t use divine power.

…Literally, they ‘existed’ to the extent that their limit was caring for people who needed emergency treatment at night like this.

Of course, from my perspective, that alone was fine.

……Rather, if I had met a cleric at this point, the situation might have gotten weird for no reason.

Once the emergency treatment was done, I could just drink a stamina potion.

“It’s okay. …But I’m a bit sleepy, so could I borrow your lap for a moment……”

……If my consciousness hadn’t just faded, I would have.

***

“……He went far. Really far.”

“I don’t know who this ‘heretic’ he’s chasing is, but they don’t seem to be an ordinary person.

To be able to escape chains shot out so quickly that the defense force couldn’t even react…”

“C-Captain! There was an explosion at the capital’s clock tower!”

“…An explosion?”

“Yes! There was an explosion just before we subdued that crazy inquisitor, and the ‘heretic’ that madman was chasing is said to be there!”

……It seemed she had managed to escape, somehow.

The chains had stretched out with such fierce speed, it was truly amazing.

‘…There have been many unpleasant incidents recently. The world is also becoming increasingly chaotic…’

There had been reports recently of a specific entity commanding demonic beasts appearing on the outskirts of the capital.

…To be precise, the same rumor was spreading not only throughout the Empire but also in all places located on this continent.

Fortunately, for now, the demonic beasts were heading towards uninhabited, ruined wastelands, but if the demonic beasts across the continent were to gather……

It meant that a full-scale offensive of demonic beasts against humans could soon follow.

‘From the imperial family to the suspicious movements of demonic beasts… I need to sort things out as quickly as possible.’

Of course, I first had to deal with the immediate situation.

…I expected it, but I never thought the church would touch Lucia in such a radical way.

“How is that person’s condition?”

“She’s reportedly asleep for now. According to the doctor, it’s fainting due to exhaustion…”

“If she crossed half the capital and was fine, that would be an even scarier monster.”

“By the way, I never knew there was such a mage in the capital. Mages generally go into specialized training institutions…”

He was right.

Mages were highly skilled, and also rare personnel.

Most people could handle mana, but processing it into magic was another matter.

……That’s why Lucia’s potions, which allow one to use magic without knowing mana, were so terrifying.

“Anyway, I should go check on the clock tower too.”

“The damage isn’t severe, but they say it’s quite an eyesore.”

“…Is there a specific reason you’re telling me that?”

“You’re not asking because you really don’t know, are you, Commander-nim? This… if it goes wrong, the defense force might have to pay a portion of the repair costs…”

“…… I’m going to get quite an earful from the imperial palace administrators.”

…Whatever they put in that clock tower, it was famous that its repair costs were half-insane.

***

“……So, you’re asking for permission to arrest a ‘heretic’ in a situation that hasn’t even been confirmed yet?”

“It regrettably came to that. I apologize for causing you concern.”

“I won’t say anything about the sudden disappearance of the escorts. Personal matters can arise. But…”

The two escorts who suddenly returned requested a warrant to arrest a ‘heretic.’

It was a request for permission without any context… but their faces clearly showed what had happened.

They probably went ahead to arrest the ‘heretic’ on their own without my permission, and were now requesting a warrant to make it official.

“The Commander-nim’s signature is missing, isn’t it? Surely, for those who came as my escorts to take action, the Commander-nim’s signature would be required.”

“Huh?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot grant permission for such an improperly prepared document. It goes against his will…”

“……Saintess-nim, the situation is serious right now. You must grant permission.”

…The escort Commander who hadn’t been seen since earlier.

The escort Commander had probably already captured that ‘heretic.’

No matter what anyone said, he was a capable person.

Furthermore, the faint divine power that had been subtly felt from afar since earlier increased that possibility.

“I clearly stated it. Rules are rules. Above all, whether to arrest a heretic or not is a matter for the Grand Cathedral to decide.”

“…No, isn’t it true that we’re not in a position to get permission from the Grand Cathedral right now? After all, the Cardinals, as well as His Holiness the Pope, would surely wish for it.”

“That’s something we can only know by asking them directly. If they command the immediate arrest of the heretic, I too will lend my strength.”

“So, the situation is very urgent r……”

However, his words could not continue.

Because the flow of immense divine power was felt too clearly.

“…You said it was an urgent situation, was it this?”

“……”

“You tried, no, you used this much divine magic in the Imperial Capital without permission? And you’re asking me for permission because you need to clean up the mess?!”

“……I apologize.”

“Then, from now on, that… Ugh……!”

A tremendous pressure felt in my throat.

And then, belatedly, a tingling shock felt throughout my entire body.

Immense divine power and the binding magic that only inquisitors in the Holy Kingdom trained in enveloped me.

“What are you doing?!! Don’t you fear His judgment?”

“I repeat, I apologize. According to God’s will, the impure heretic must be purified.”

“But isn’t it a situation where a proper judgment hasn’t even been made yet!”

“…The escort Commander-nim has already begun his actions. It’s irreversible. Look outside the window…”

……Outside the window, chains of light, far brighter and more powerful than those that bound me, were extending at a furious speed.

No, they weren’t just extending; for a very brief moment, they were taking over the capital.

“…You’ve truly gone mad. If the Imperial Army were to attack, do you think we could stand against them right now?”

“We also regret that things have escalated, Saintess-nim. However… shouldn’t we also do what we have to do?”

“……At least I have no intention of participating in this heretic hunt.”

“We have already prepared to contact the Grand Cathedral. And soon, the Cardinals’ warrants will descend.”

……In the end, it meant there was nothing I could do.

No matter how strong my divine power was, there was nothing I could do while my entire body was bound like this.

Honestly, even in perfect condition, I don’t think I would have beaten these inquisitors in front of me.

So, I decided to ask the last question I could.

“…Just answer one thing. Is this… His will?”

“To eradicate all threatening heretics, that is God’s will. And that heretic presumptuously impersonated God’s authority.”

“……I understand. I will write the warrant for you.”

“Thank you. I truly apologize for using such radical methods. But, if we were to be careless…”

“Enough with the excuses. If the eradication of heretics is His will, and that person is a heretic… then it is what must be done.”

……Is this the church I’ve seen and known?

Honestly, I’m not sure.

But… if the Cardinals, His Holiness, and everyone around me say this is His will……

Perhaps my thoughts are wrong, and they are right.

‘…What I must protect is… His will.’

If my mission is to spread His teachings and mercy across the continent, then my duty as a Saintess is to protect and carry out His will.

To exalt His name and practice His will before anyone else.

…That is my role as a Saintess.

……But why?

Why do I feel that His will, warmth, and holiness, felt from the word ‘church,’ have become somewhat fainter?

And why does my heart wish for the girl I saw today to survive to the end, and to prove that she is not a heretic?