Chapter 97
In the cardinal's office.
Clael and Dilet were having a private conversation.
"Priest Burn, you probably already know this... but the being called the Saint is not unique. Saints exist in other countries besides this one."
Dilet began the conversation that way.
"However... Saints do not appear frequently, and many countries do not possess one. Some of those countries, lacking a Saint, even try to steal one from others."
"............"
I know. I know that very well.
Even in the game, there were developments where people from other countries tried to kidnap Reina or lure her to their own nations.
Depending on the route, there was even an event where a capture character would rescue Reina after she had been abducted.
"And it's not just countries that seek Saints. The highest religious authority on this continent... the Holy Nation of Shinecross also desires a Saint."
"The Holy Nation of Shinecross... that's the country where the Pope resides, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's right."
In this country, the pinnacle of faith is the Grand Shrine and the cardinals.
The Holy Nation of Shinecross oversees the shrines across the continent. Though small in territory and military power, it holds significant influence as a religious authority.
(In the other world, it's probably equivalent to the Vatican... but the one here is much more corrupt. In the game, they were treated as antagonists...)
"The Holy Nation believes that 'Saints should be managed under the Pope's name' and tries to gather Saints from other countries by any means necessary. Sometimes, they even resort to forceful and illegal methods."
"I've heard rumors about the Holy Nation's corruption. But that country generally doesn't interfere in other nations' politics. They don't have military power either, so they shouldn't be able to forcibly seize a Saint..."
"Not by force, no. They intend to claim 'the Saint came of her own will.' For that purpose, they wouldn't hesitate to use magic or drugs for brainwashing. We must be more vigilant than ever around Saint Reina."
Dilet exhaled once and clasped his hands on the table.
"Let me be clear... Saint Reina is too powerful. She likely surpasses other Saints by far. Countries, including the Holy Nation, already know of her and are scheming to bring her into their fold. To tell the truth... Priest Burn, it was the Holy Nation who proposed recognizing you as a Saint."
"I don't see how becoming a Saint would benefit the Holy Nation..."
"There had already been talk of naming you the guardian saint of childcare and education, but the deciding factor was the Holy Nation's approval. By bringing you to their side, they may be trying to curry favor and lure Saint Reina in. Representatives from the Holy Nation will be attending your sainthood recognition ceremony."
"............"
Clael furrowed his brows, his expression turning grim.
The Holy Nation appeared in the game too—as the antagonists trying to abduct Reina.
One of the capture characters belonged to the Holy Nation, and if you followed that route, the ending involved Reina reforming the corrupt Holy Nation.
(In the original game scenario, the Holy Nation was supposed to approach Reina after she advanced to her second year... but it seems the story is starting to diverge.)
Even during the vacation at the Amira Coast, the kin of the evil god who were supposed to appear never showed up.
Due to Clael's interference and Reina's unexpected growth, a butterfly effect seemed to be occurring.
"The Holy Nation calls itself the 'Nation of God,' but it has been centuries since that country was truly pure or noble. Now, it's said to be a den of greedy monks seeking money and power. Of course, we plan to reinforce Saint Reina's protection to prevent any meddling... but Priest Burn, I want you to be especially cautious."
Dilet warned him with a serious expression.
"They will stop at nothing for money and power. For example, they might send a beautiful woman to seduce you. Please, be very careful."
"...Understood. Thank you for the warning."
Clael nodded with a solemn expression.
Reina had already awakened as a Saint and possessed enough power to protect herself. If anything, Clael might be the one to hold her back.
Perhaps Clael had been invited to teach at the Royal Academy so she could be placed in a secure environment, shielded from the Holy Nation.
(For Reina to enjoy a peaceful school life, I can't afford to drag her down... I really need to be careful not to fall for any honey traps or unnecessary trouble...)
Clael resolved to stay vigilant in his daily life.