episode_0321

Erne, the capital of Lucerne.

This is what I felt when I looked down from the sky, but I thought it was a very white city. Perhaps because they obsessively chose only white stone, the building was flawlessly white, and even the dust that fell on the ground was white.

In this extremely white world, the only people with color are the people walking on the streets.

Subjects of Lucerne. The black and white clothes they wear and the rosary hanging around their necks reflect a metallic luster.

However, even that only gives the impression that it is so plain that it is almost colorless.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve been here, but what can I say… it’s a city that’s hard to pin down.’

As soon as Seira landed at the dock, she muttered her thoughts.

10 years ago. I felt it when I followed Siron, but this city is too bleak for people to live in.

At the time, I thought it would be a reaction since I lived in Night Rail, but now that it’s still like this, I’m becoming more convinced that the city’s aesthetics itself is the problem.

“Isn’t it amazing?”

However, contrary to Seira’s negative impressions, Devialet, who took on the role of guide, was filled with emotion.

“The list of beautiful cities in the world is endless, but when it comes to understated beauty and neatness, Lucerne would be the best.”

“…It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad Lucia feels that way too.”

“But isn’t it too dazzling? In the middle of summer or noon, it would be so dazzling that I wouldn’t be able to walk properly.”

“Yes, that’s right!”

Devialet was strangely fussed and smiled. If it weren’t for his title of cardinal, I would have thought he was a guide who gave me a gold coin.

“When noon comes, tears naturally come to my eyes due to the dazzling light. There are even people who just close their eyes and sit there.”

“…Yes?”

“People pray there from noon until about 30 minutes. When the sun rises at the highest point in the sky, a spectacle is created where everyone on the street closes their eyes and prays.”

What kind of idiot are you talking about? Lucia thought so, and Yoru, who overheard, also thought the same thing.

“Then should we also pray at that time?”

“Haha, I recommend it, but you don’t have to do it. On the surface, prayers are compulsory because it is a theocracy, but in reality, it is the sanctity gained through prayers.”

“Divine?”

“…Because the subjects of Lucerne are thirsty for the presence of God more than anyone else.”

For a moment, a shadow appeared on Devialet’s face. Lucia tilted her head at his suddenly changed mood.

“The existence of God?”

“It means that everyone has their own reasons for clinging to God.”

It was Chiron, not Devialet, who answered. As he looked at the people’s faces, his expression was crumpled knowingly or unknowingly.

A refuge called faith.

At first glance, there are colorful facial expressions that go about everyday life, but like a castle made of sand, they barely maintain their humanity.

Latera looked around and looked into people’s souls.

A pale light is cast over the unclean filth. Dirt is the memory they want to forget, and light is the wrapping paper obtained through the practice of faith and prayer.

“Brother Siron is correct. For them, faith is a lifeline and an indispensable commodity.”

Devialet, who had chosen the title, smiled brightly, but Latera noticed the filth remaining on his soul, which was revealed at first glance.

“So, it is not unreasonable that humanity does not exist in the aesthetics of this city.”

When you get off the platform and walk a little further, you will find out why.

A faint but clearly felt divinity.

“Have you ever seen a miracle?”

“I think we need to decide the scope of the miracle first…”

“Of course, I have no doubt that I believe that Priest Siron’s existence is a miracle. But other than that, miracles are always with us.”

Devialet smiled brightly.

“Ern, the capital of Lucerne, was originally a small rural town. But one day, more and more people with mental illness began to gather here.”

“Did a miracle isolate the mentally ill?”

Sigh!

A spark flew into Yoru’s head. Lucia forced her head down and apologized to Devialet.

“Hey, there’s nothing he can’t say! Sorry, Cardinal. Please continue speaking.”

“…Keuhum. To put it briefly, God dyed the entire village white. And suddenly the act of prayer took root in rural villages where faith had not been spread.”

“It is the founding myth of Lucerne.”

“Yes, as Brother Shiron said. The town gradually grew into Lucerne.”

“…”

Lucia recalled the past 500 years ago. At that time, there were many priests who practiced healing arts based on their faith, but I had never heard of the country called Lucerne.

Maybe it’s David of the Desert. No, David’s Braham is a city built after Kylie’s death, so there is no need to compare it to it.

‘Now that I think about it, everyone in Braham seems happy, but something feels a little different here.’

Is it because they are descendants of mentally ill people?

Lucia recalled the lessons she learned at the academy. A subject called inheritance of traits. In it, there was information that one could inherit not only the qualities of nothingness and the intelligence to use magic, but also mental illness from one’s parents.

It’s not like you get mental illness from the time you’re a baby, but when you go through hardships, you’re more likely to get mental illness than others?

Lucia, thinking of various thoughts, stared at Devialet.

“Cardinal, were you born in Lucerne?”

“Why are you asking that?”

“No. I’m just curious.”

“…I am not from Lucerne. I’m from an unnamed countryside in the western part of the continent.”

“In the West, there is David’s Braham, but he came all the way to Lucerne to study there.”

“Haha. That’s because a miracle has arrived.”

“Miracle?”

[miracle?]

Latera’s eyes opened wide. There was a brief glimpse of denial in Devialet’s soul.

“I am a former slave. The village I lived in was burned down by cultists…”

Wow-

Siron punched Lucia in the head. Lucia also got upset at her mistake and bowed.

“Sorry!”

“…No. Anyway, I was picked up by the Holy Knights who were passing by and I was able to come to Lucerne.”

“Sorry…”

“There is no need to be sorry. Thanks to you, I was able to reach the position of cardinal and meet Brother Siron.”

After saying that, Devialet looked at Siron with a profound gaze.

Goosebumps appeared on my forearms. Siron, who was putting pressure on his buttocks, said with a frown.

“Enough with the dark story, let’s move on.”

“Oh my gosh, look at my mind.”

Devialet slapped his forehead and took the lead again. Then the dirt in his heart disappeared without a trace.

The group arrived at a grand square.

Plaza of Light.

It is an incredible sight at any time. A tall white spire towered over the blue sky, and beneath it, stone statues with the appearance of angels showed off their majesty by holding torches or swords.

And in the center, there was an entrance leading to the main shrine.

It was clear at a glance that it was an important place. A strong energy can be felt from inside the building. And security is tight from the entrance.

“What do you want to do now? Would you like to go inside together?”

“Okay. I wonder what the plan is for so many people to gather together.”

“Haha. As expected, it wasn’t simply because of the return.”

When Siron responded jokingly, Devialet laughed.

It meant that he would make a mess if he did something strange, but his heart was closer to Siron than to Lucerne, whom he had already taken away and devoted his life to.

“Hello. It’s called Siron Prien.”

Daesinjeon’s co. Siron bowed his head without even looking at the faces.

As expected, many cardinals were gathered inside the main temple.

The cardinals, excluding Devialet, were sitting crowded together on the 12 chairs, as if a summons had been issued.

“Deviale. Please don’t sit here.”

12 cardinals overseeing Lucerne. The being standing above their heads spoke vaguely.

“Yes, your success is great.”

Devialet wanted to stay by Siron’s side, but he had to distinguish between public and private life. Since he still had to keep the fact that Siron was a warrior a secret, his regret and frustration grew as he took more steps.

‘A prosperous elf.’

Lucia looked around, preparing to draw her sword at any moment.

‘There are many cardinals with pointy ears.’

Not an elf. He is probably a mixed race with elf blood.

Among them were some familiar faces.

Cardinal Iris Cardiore.

Although it wasn’t as loud as the crowd, her ears were also quite pointed. I couldn’t feel pure mana. Instead, what filled the place was only divine light.

“It’s been a while. Siron rank priest.”

A voice rang out that brought peace to those who heard it.

Diego Rio Cali.

The Emperor of Lucerne smiled brightly at Siron.

“Long time no see. Your Majesty’s success. I came to return [Chesed’s Shield].”

Siron took out an old-fashioned looking shield from his chest and hung it up. The cardinals in the audience stared intently at the sermon approaching the Holy Emperor.

Half are hostile, three are neutral, and the rest are friendly.

But what can I do? Now is the time to call someone who is already busy and tell them to come. Siron’s steps were confident, as if he didn’t care.

“Thank you for using it so far.”

Siron gently placed the shield of Chesed at the feet of the Holy Emperor. Seonghwang looked at him and licked his lips with regret.

“I wanted to lend you more, but I cannot decide on the management of the relics on my own.”

He even sounds regretful. Siron tilted his head at his reaction.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. As you know, the matter of recovering the Shield of Chesed came up at the Council of Cardinals. Since Cardinal Devialet was not present, the majority voted in favor of recall.”

“…Why are you saying that here?”

“Because I believe that Brother Shiron can change their minds.”

how?

I didn’t ask such a stupid question.

“…I didn’t mean to bring it up in a place like this.”

Instead, he smiles mischievously. It is too frivolous for a rank priest to take. It wouldn’t be surprising if I got scolded right away. But none of the twelve cardinals stopped him.

Since I had already received word from the Emperor, I just wanted to confirm it with my own eyes.

“Just one time. So, don’t go somewhere and brag about it.”

Siron pulled the sword out of his arms with a slightly red face.

[Holy Sword]

A dazzling nova was placed on the floor.

“Are you done? I am a warrior.”

‘Kya… this is it!’

Lucia’s face was colored with excitement. And immediately regret came flooding back.

‘I would do that too!’

Siron knew what was cool.