Chapter 89. Holy Kingdom of Fernand (2)
'Not officially...'
At first, Frasion of the Chancel of Seven Seats was unsure of the meaning, but as he approached the border, he began to understand.
'Does this mean he did, unofficially?'
The Chancel of Seven Seats, which performs seven roles for the interests of the Holy Kingdom, also engages in all sorts of dirty deeds.
Those 'dirty deeds' are, as mentioned, 'unofficial activities.'
Assassinating key figures of rival nations, gathering information from other countries, and so on.
Finger-wagging as it may be for a country that claims sanctity as its milestone, the leaders of the nation must endure some negativity.
'So... when exactly?'
Frasion mulled over Yulian's words.
It could have been dismissed simply as a jest.
He had seen many who bragged out of fear of the Holy Kingdom's prestige.
However, he was from the 'Smiling Executioner'.
Could someone known to the Holy Kingdom as infamous as him, though belonging to the Empire, make such a statement just to brag?
'No, it's certain.'
Frasion deduced that he must have carried out espionage in the Holy Kingdom.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have shown such certainty earlier on the two-pronged path.
"Frasion, thank you for your efforts!"
As the border guards of the Holy Kingdom recognized Frasion and approached him with a respectful greeting, Frasion glanced at them and spoke.
"Tell the High Priest."
With eyes as sharp as daggers, he scrutinized the border guards.
Though the investigation was late, should Yulian's espionage be confirmed, he thought with chilling finality, 'You will die by my hands.'
"The leader of the delegation from the Empire may have engaged in espionage in the Holy Kingdom."
"Understood!"
After watching the retreating back of the guard, Frasion shifted his gaze back to the delegation from the Empire.
Specifically, to the 'Yulian' holding the horse's reins at the front of the procession.
'What were you thinking, saying such a thing?'
What on earth was he plotting?
Frasion looked at Yulian, but his slit-eyed expression gave nothing away, his inner thoughts hidden.
Even while setting foot in an adversary nation where only a ceasefire, not a peace treaty, was in place, the Smiling Executioner bore none of the emotions one would expect displayed.
***
The Holy Kingdom, the capital of Fernand and the heart of the Church of the Sun venerating the Sun God 'Solarun', Althea.
The atmosphere of this place can be summed up in one word: 'reverence'.
"There are many people praying. I've never seen such a sight before."
Rinne, upon entering Althea, grasped the reins of her horse and murmured. I understood, to some extent.
The sight of people of all ages, from children to the elderly, praying at the statue of Solarun stirred something deep within.
"Being the heart of the Church of the Sun, I expected as much. Even if no other place is like this, Althea's atmosphere is what I anticipated... but seeing it firsthand feels novel."
Murmured Eulsis, who was riding in a carriage.
Even he, the royal who had experienced much, found this scene unfamiliar.
"If you follow this road, you will reach the destination, the 'Sanctum of Rites'. I expect that the highest dignitaries of the Holy Kingdom will come out to greet Her Highness Eulsis."
"You seem quite familiar. Have you indeed been to the Holy Kingdom before?"
To Rinne's inquiry, I maintained a composed expression regardless of my inner thoughts.
The truth is, I've never actually been here but have only experienced it in 'play'.
Oh well, let's just say I've been here.
As we progressed along the well-maintained road, the people's presence decreased, while inversely, the grandeur of the buildings began to stand out.
The peak of this was when we crossed the stone bridge leading to the heart of Althea, the Sanctum of Rites.
Flap-flap-flap.
As countless white doves soared through the clouds and climbed the towering walls, Rinne let out a sigh of admiration.
"Wow..."
"Indeed, Yulian was right about the distinctive allure of the architecture. It's enough to cultivate a newfound piety."
Eulsis exclaimed in admiration at the sight.
Even if I came to siphon that piety away, should such a statement be made?
Of course, I was amazed too.
There's a vast difference between what is seen on a small monitor screen and what is perceived with one's own eyes.
Ahem. It's rather impressive.
Not wanting to display a foolish, open-mouthed expression of awe, I stifled any outward show of surprise.
As we neared the castle, sentinels came into view.
Dressed in white armor befitting the style, the glances they threw our way weren't especially welcoming.
"Their gaze isn't friendly."
"It's a ceasefire, but we were enemies willing to go to war at one time."
"Haha, true. We are unwelcome guests."
"Seeing such high walls built is quite pleasing, isn't it? It's almost as if they're frightened and trembling at the empire's magnificence."
At my jest, Rinne shot me a stern glance.
It seemed to say, 'What nonsense are you spouting?'
Of course, I knew as well.
That these high walls were built before the war with the Empire even began.
So bleak. It's a joke.
"It's not a bad way to think."
And Eulsis chuckled softly.
It seems when 'Yulian' makes such a joke, it sounds as truthful as a seal of authenticity.
That mug of his is a guarantee.
***
"Thank you for coming all this way, prince Eulsis. I'm one of Fernand's High Priest, 'Garot'."
As we delved deeper into the Sanctum of Rites, Garot, one of the twelve High Priest, came out to greet us.
They rarely moved unless for significant matters, but it seems the arrival of an imperial prince got them off their seats.
Though they wore robes similar to those of the priests with Frasion, they were adorned with slightly more ornate patterns.
"Pleased to meet you, High Priest Garot."
"Haha, the pleasure is mine, truly! The prince of the Adlaton Empire truly exudes the grace befitting his name."
Seemingly impressed by the prince's display of manners according to the etiquette of the Holy Kingdom, Garot wore a deeply satisfied smile.
"Ah, did you find the way easily? The structure of this Sanctum of Rites is rather complicated, posing a challenge for first-time visitors."
"It's thanks to my guard commander is quite adept at finding the way."
Approaching with long strides, Garot shifted his gaze to me at Eulsis's words.
Though his mouth smiled, Garot's gaze was not kind.
"A man skilled at finding his way—how enviable. It's a shame we don't have such talent in our own Holy Kingdom."
Piercing gaze.
His look was precisely what one would expect when casting eyes on 'unwelcome guests.'
While not spoken aloud, Garot silently questioned me.
'Have you unofficially visited the Holy Kingdom before?'
Specifically, he seemed to ask if I'd ever trod in this Sanctum of Rites.
News of this must have already reached Frasion.
"I've heard much about you, Sir Yulian. They say you're one of the esteemed Sword Saint's prized disciples."
Though he was aware of the poor relationship between Yulian and the Sword Saint, he purposely mentioned it.
Yet, causing a scene here would prove futile.
"Yes, it's an honor to meet you too, High Priest Garot."
His eyes briefly shone before the sparkle vanishing.
"Then, the lady beside you must be his other disciple, lady Rinne."
Garot turned his gaze to Rinne beside me, and she too responded with a light greeting.
"Hayden Reich certainly has many blessings in disciples. Or perhaps, being such an extraordinary figure attracts exceptional talent."
Words from those in power should never be taken at face value; they are experts in political undertones and sarcasm.
This smirking Garot perhaps wished to say:
"Since that Sword Saint defected to the Holy Kingdom, many talents of your caliber will emerge. It's only a matter of time before we face the empire again."
Unfortunately, no one, except for me, was keen enough to catch onto that nuance.
They simply wore proud smiles.
"Then, Your Highness Eulsis. May we discuss the baptismal process?"
Putting aside the pleasantries, Garot segued into the main topic.
"I understand Your Highness has come to receive baptism here in the Holy Kingdom to congregate the Church of the Sun followers within the Empire."
As expected...
Even the Holy Kingdom, unless full of fools, seemed aware of Eulsis's situation.
The fourth prince, far removed from the line of succession.
His seemingly risky venture to the Holy Kingdom's domain was to gather the Church of the Sun believers within the Empire under his sway.
"However, regardless of these intentions, the baptismal process must be conducted formally, as it's within our jurisdiction."
"I understand. I'm here to adhere to the rites."
"Haha, thank you. Let us proceed right away."
As Garot smiled softly and led the way, Eulsis followed behind him.
As the guarded subject moved, Rinne and I were about to follow suit.
"Ah, the baptism must be conducted solely with His Highness Eulsis, so would the two of you kindly wait?"
Garot refused our accompaniment.
"That won't be possible. Though the baptism is significant, his Highness is an Imperial Prince. I'm in charge of his protection, so this is non-negotiable."
I promptly refused Garot's request.
Given the previous incident on the train, this seemed far from a safe endeavor.
"As expected! Sir Yulian, I've heard your loyalty precedes you."
Loyalty, my foot!
If anything were to occur, my neck would be on the line.
"But you must follow our rules. As soon as you entered the Holy Kingdom, you must realize that your lives are as feathers in the wind."
Garot issued a caution in a solemn tone not seen before.
"No! We are the empire's diplomatic mission! We demand the appropriate treatment..."
As Rinne erupted in fury, I raised a hand to stop her.
He was correct. Once we set foot here, our lives, as Imperial citizens, naturally fell under the Holy Kingdom's jurisdiction.
No matter how strong one is, defeating a nation is an entirely different battle.
Clink—!
As my hand moved, it brushed against the sword sheath, creating a loud noise.
Such a sound echoing within this solemn place would be disagreeable.
Quietly setting my grip on the sheath, I pondered how best to resolve this.
"Like lives in the wind... huhut."
While my attempt to buy time resulted in muffled laughter,
"Ha, haha, I jest. For this one occasion, I shall allow you to witness, by my discretion."
Huh? Suddenly? What wind blew this change?
Unaware of the reason, I nodded as if it were only natural, observing Garot's sweat-beaded face with bemusement.
"Thank you for the courtesy, High Priest Garot."
***
Clang—!
After Prince Eulsis's baptism concluded and entering his office, Garot brushed a candlestick off the desk with a single swipe.
"Where is the Sword Saint now?"
He muttered to himself, shifting his gaze to a priest within the room.
"... He is likely returning from checking the state of the Gu Poison Hall."
"Hoo..."
At the priest's report, Garot let out a brief sigh.
"Not only creating such a maddening place but diligently managing it nearly every day... it seems the Sword Saint's prestige truly has fallen."
With a voice steeped in resentment, Garot slumped back into his chair.
"Damn bastard."
Then, his head filled with images of the 'slit-eyed' executioner he had crossed words with earlier.
His hand on the hilt seemed like an indication that he would cut down anyone who didn't allow accompanying.
― Like lives in the wind... huhut.
Moreover, Yulian's demeanor, rebuffing his warning, sounded like a mocking retort, "How absurd."
― I know what you're thinking.
― Consider why I stated I'd been here 'unofficially'.
Even unspoken words from Yulian echoed in his mind.
"Tsk..."
Garot clicked his tongue silently.
Though other High Priest opposed allowing the Imperial prince in, Garot was determined to carry this plan forward by any means necessary.
The reason being...
"Surely, he doesn't know?"
It was to brainwash the prince, to keep him beneath his heel, and utilize him when needed.
To that end, a 'holy relic' had been prepared in the Holy Hall.
While the baptism was underway, the plan was to conduct it quietly, but Yulian's escort thwarted that.
"He must have understood and reacted accordingly."
Garot nipped at his lip slightly.
"What will you do now, High Priest Garot? If you couldn't lay a hand on the Imperial prince during the baptism, then there might be no other method..."
"Other High Priest are turning their attention to this matter here. If not resolved swiftly, others might notice that the holy relic was extracted from the Holy Hall."
Glancing through the concerned priests' eyes, Garot made a decision.
"Summon three from the Black Division."
Ordering the summoning of the Black Division, a group within the Chancel of Seven Seats responsible for the darker deeds, shocked the priests.
"If you call them, bloodshed is inevitable, High Priest Garot!"
"And should anything happen to them, it would become a diplomatic issue..."
"It's fine. If we manage to brainwash Eulsis, nothing that happened will ever come to light."
"And the other two?"
At the priest's inquiry, Garot wore a chilling smile.
"That they were killed during a Demon attack while returning to the Empire... it's a plausible scenario, isn't it?"
Demons, known as the enemies of humanity.
Is it not common for a diplomatic mission to be annihilated during their return journey due to a Demon assault?
Should they perish outside of the Holy Kingdom's territory, it wouldn't be their fault.
Imagining every contingency, Garot's lips tugged into a sinister smile.
A devious, vile grin.