Holy Kingdom – Crossed Paths (3)

“…Excuse me?”

Suddenly being told to leave the Hero Party.

It was only natural for Rena to be bewildered by the Pope’s outrageous statement.

“….”

Rena, momentarily speechless, struggled to maintain her composure. After a moment, she calmly asked the Pope for his reasoning.

“This is far too sudden, and I find this demand completely unacceptable. May I at least hear your reasons for making such a request?”

“To be precise, it would be more accurate to say ‘Miss Rena must leave the Hero’s side.’ After careful consideration, I’ve concluded that your presence will become a burden to the Hero’s journey.”

“That phrasing is rather unpleasant. Jade and I have been together for quite some time, and I’ve never been a ‘burden.’ On the contrary, we’ve worked together to overcome numerous challenges.”

The Pope nodded as if acknowledging the truth in Rena’s words.

“Of course, I’m grateful for your role in safely bringing the Hero here. But during your first meeting, you said the Hero was too good for you, didn’t you? That shows you’re well aware of your position.”

“…That was meant as praise for Jade’s excellence, not a statement carrying that level of implication.”

“I say this for your own good. Under normal circumstances, I would support your relationship. But this situation is different. The world won’t accept someone like you standing beside the Hero. A commoner with decent swordsmanship but only at the 5-Star level, carrying a problematic past. I’m not blaming you as the victim here. But the world’s gaze won’t be kind.”

“No, that doesn’t matter. Jade told me he’d love everything about me. We won’t care about others’ opinions.”

Rena’s eyes shone with unwavering faith in Jade.

“You seem to misunderstand the sweet nothings men whisper about love. Eternal love doesn’t exist. More beautiful and talented women will flock to the Hero as time passes. Do you truly believe his love for you will remain unchanged then? For instance, what thoughts might the Hero have when he sees the beautiful Saint?”

“The Saint…”

The firmness in Rena’s eyes began to waver at the Pope’s words.

It would be difficult to find any man who wouldn’t be shaken by the Saint’s angelic beauty.

“Even if his love does continue, that presents another problem. What lies ahead isn’t child’s play. If your relationship deepens, the Hero might make wrong choices or suffer great harm to protect you. You must sever this relationship before it’s too late. At this stage, he’ll understand your decision.”

Having finished speaking, the Pope drank his tea as if his throat had gone dry.

-Slurp.

“Having explained this much, I believe you now understand what the right choice is.”

“….”

Rena remained silent for a moment.

Perhaps thinking she was wavering, the Pope continued pressing her.

“I understand this is confusing, but I need a definite answer from you.”

But Rena-

“Hoho, this is amusing.”

Suddenly burst into laughter.

The Pope frowned at this unexpected reaction.

“My, it seems my words didn’t reach you after all.”

“No, I understood everything perfectly. Thanks to that, I believe I’ve finally grasped Your Holiness’s true intentions.”

“Hoho, my true intentions you say? As I mentioned earlier…”

-Clap!

Rena’s sudden applause cut off the Pope’s words.

Smiling at the slightly stunned Pope, Rena rose from her chair and began pacing the room with arms crossed.

-Step, step.

“The reason you want to expel me from the Hero Party is to manipulate Jade, isn’t it? Mentioning the Saint earlier makes me think you plan to control him through her. And I’m an obstacle to that plan, so you want me gone?”

“That’s an extreme leap in logic. I spoke out of concern for you. Hearing this hurts me deeply.”

“Really? I’ve been contemplating what Your Holiness truly desires since arriving in the Holy Kingdom. What could be the ultimate purpose behind monopolizing Holy Power through the Saint and amassing enormous wealth? And now trying to seize control of the Hero too.”

“Hmm… It seems Sir Antonio has fed you much misinformation.”

“Sir Antonio focused on Your Holiness’s greed in monopolizing Holy Power for luxury. How this action causes suffering among poor citizens across nations unable to receive treatment. He believes simple extravagance is the goal… but I see something different.”

“Very well. Then how do you perceive me?”

Though the Pope maintained a benevolent smile, his eyes had turned chillingly cold.

-Tap.

Rena picked up a golden statue placed by the window.

The statue depicted an angel with massive wings sheltering small carved kingdoms beneath them.

“Your Holiness seeks to devour the whole world. Like a Demon King.”

“…How amusing.”

The Pope’s ever-present smile finally disappeared from his face.

Undeterred, Rena continued explaining her reasoning.

“By strictly controlling and limiting priests dispatched to each nation while recalling others to monopolize Holy Power, the Holy Kingdom exerts tremendous influence. It was Your Holiness who manipulated the Rika Kingdom into directing the Hero Party toward Growburn Village, wasn’t it? Of course, many nations resent this, but money and Holy Power can easily silence them.”

“Miss Rena, you should calm yourself. While it’s true I hold influence over most nations, swallowing the whole world? That’s quite the imagination. What leader would refuse strong diplomatic power? I’ll admit to enjoying luxuries because I appreciate wealth, but that’s merely a hobby.”

The Pope methodically countered, but Rena only snorted.

“Hmm… For someone who loves luxury, these decorations seem terribly neglected.”

When Rena set down the statue, her hand was covered in dust.

“This must be to hide your true goals from enemies.”

“….”

The Pope could only sit speechless, hands trembling on the desk.

“We’re currently in an era of peace. But everyone knows what choices humans make when their common enemy disappears.”

Greedy humans always thirst to take what belongs to others.

They’d only temporarily suppressed those desires during the demon calamity.

“You plan to exploit the inevitable war, don’t you? While humanity underestimates the remaining demons, if a Legion Commander strikes even once, the only place they’ll turn to is the Holy Kingdom. Thus, the Holy Kingdom gradually consumes the world.”

“…All this is for the Holy Kingdom’s development. If we lose power, calamity would befall the world.”

The Pope offered this weak defense…

But Rena, filled with conviction, remained unmoved.

“Were this merely some king’s ambition, it might not matter… but Your Holiness leads the Holy Kingdom serving the Goddess. That position exists to spread Her teachings, repel demons, and show mercy to countless people. How do you think the world will react upon learning you’ve not only monopolized Holy Power for profit but now seek global domination? I doubt the response will be favorable.”

-Step, step.

After speaking at length, Rena returned to the desk. She snatched the Pope’s teacup and drained it.

-Slurp.

“My throat’s parched from all that talking. So what do you think? About my deductions.”

Silence fell over the papal chamber after Rena finished.

The Pope sat blankly, expression vacant.

After a moment, his lips slowly parted.

“Well, that’s quite the blow. Was the naive, innocent act you showed me from the beginning all an act?”

“That’s for Your Holiness to judge.”

Rena shrugged.

“Ha, truly unbelievable. That someone as young and inexperienced as you could demonstrate such insight. It now seems you, not the Hero, lead the Hero Party. One might even mistakenly think you’re the true Hero.”

The admiring Pope suddenly glared at Rena with icy eyes.

“But tell me, Miss Rena. What do you intend to do about this?”

“Now you’re being presumptuous?”

“While I do harbor such ambitions, even with the Hero’s name behind you, the Hero remains a fledgling. He’s achieved nothing noteworthy. Most nations and high-ranking Holy Kingdom officials support me-do you truly believe you can dethrone me? Frankly, I doubt anyone would believe these claims if you made them publicly.”

The Hero Party’s current reputation was negligible compared to the Pope’s absolute influence in the Holy Kingdom.

The foundation the Pope had built over years couldn’t be toppled by mere speculation lacking concrete evidence.

“Showing your true colors now. But did you really think I came unprepared?”

-Swish.

Rena produced a circular device from her pocket.

“Hoho, what might this be?”

“Ha!”

Instantly recognizing the device, the Pope sighed.

“I’ve truly fallen for your scheme. Bringing a Recording Device-you planned this far ahead?”

“Let’s say chance played a part. This contains Your Holiness admitting your goals. What happens if I distribute this to every nation? I imagine hyenas would come flocking to you.”

As if concluding business, Rena turned away, waving one hand mockingly as she approached the door.

“Thank you for today. I never expected to gain the upper hand so effortlessly.”

“Miss Rena! Wait a moment!”

“Have more to say? You know bribing me won’t work, right?”

The Pope hastily stood and bowed deeply to Rena.

“Could you grant me just a little more time?”

This humiliating display was unimaginable from the arrogant Pope of moments before.

“To think you’d grovel this pathetically. Planning to promise reform now?”

Rena shook her head at his sudden change in attitude.

But when the Pope raised his head, he wore a broad smile.

“Haha, this much time should suffice. I won’t abandon my plans.”

“…What? You’ve got to be-“

Suddenly, Rena began staggering.

“Huh?”

-Thud!

She collapsed to the floor.