Episode 29: A Distorted Doctrine and the Faith of the Saint ⑥ – The Degenerate Highest Priest –

"I don't know what to say. ……But then why did you bother to protect the children? ……In this world that's coming to an end."

　Irene replied to my words with a slightly lonely smile.

"I didn't receive my parents' love, I couldn't choose a way to live, and I had no options for the future. ……I have seen many children who were unable to make it to adulthood. This world is relentlessly cruel to the powerless.
　―――Even so, no matter how cruel and harsh this world may be…… children have infinite potential. There is hope. Even in a filthy world, children have the potential to blossom beautifully. That's why I want to protect the potential that children have, so that they won't have their futures closed off by their birth or social status, as I did."

　Those words and the look in her eyes showed her strong determination. It was a dazzling quality that I didn't have, and it reminded me of Al's straightforward gaze.

"……Because you can think that way, you really are the saint."

"Oh, you're being awfully honest with me. Maybe it'll rain tomorrow? "

　Irene laughed cheerfully like a girl of her age.

"Since returning from my trip and picking up the children, I've been accused of hypocrisy and self-satisfaction by many people, so it's refreshing to be praised like this."

"There is a saying that “doing something hypocritically is better than not doing anything at all,” so I think it's amazing to be able to take action. Well, apart from your fetish for loving little children, I do respect you. It's been the same since we traveled together, and will always be."

"Raoul, that's called a pick-up line. When you say that, I feel like leaning on you…… I have moments like that too, you know? "

"I'll let you borrow my back."

　Every sigh and every movement of Irene catches a man's eye. But what Irene and I have is a friendship, so I'll respond as a friend.

"……Fufu, you've really become a fine man. But I'll stop here. That woman is to blame."

　Irene said, looking at the bracelet on my left arm. It is because Irene is so knowledgeable that she is able to connect the meaning of this bracelet with its owner and the events that led to its creation.

"I think you're a good woman for saying that."

"Thank you very much. ……Ah, if only you were ten years younger."

"One can only dream, huh……?"

　After saying that jokingly and exchanging wry smiles, fruit wine was poured into the empty glasses again.

"To the Celestial Knights' journey thus far and in the future."

"To the compassion of the Saint."

　We clinked glasses and then took another sip of the fruit wine.
　When the bottle was empty, Irene took it and the glasses and left the room, saying good night, however, thanks to the wine, I was starting to feel sleepy. ……I vaguely thought that I would probably never have the chance to drink slowly with Irene like this, as I laid down on the futon and slowly closed my eyes.

　For the next few days, we spent our time practicing with the townspeople to learn how to use the weapons we had recaptured from the Empire.
　The mechanism is such that pulling the trigger while imbuing it with magical power causes a magic bullet to shoot out, so it looks and works very much like a gun, and even adults in the town were able to use it right away. With this, they should be able to easily defeat monsters and enemies approaching the town.
　I also considered measures to take when the enemy's main force arrived. Since the terrain prevented the enemy from making a wide detour, I knew they would come from the same direction as the advance party, so I asked Setsu-chan to set up ice barriers on the flat ground as a countermeasure. During that time, I had a chance to talk with Setsu-chan.

"The Queen of Ice and Snow, likes the saint. Because the Celestial Knight isn't a bad guy, the Queen of Ice and Snow will help you."

　That's how it was. When I stroked her head, she closed her eyes happily, making me realize that despite her unfortunate circumstances, she was just a child on the inside. At the same time, I realized once again how amazing Irene was for consistently treating this girl as a child. After meeting Irene, I realized that this child has been living a harmless life……

　Some time later, Falty sensed that a large army was approaching, accompanied by earth-shaking vibrations and the sound of military music. After securing the town's defenses, I set out with Falty and Irene, who insisted on coming along this time, and a makeshift gun squad to intercept them.

　The army was large, probably numbering two or even three thousand men. Unlike the advance party, which had been made up of a ragtag bunch of misfits, this army was clearly organized, with uniform clothing and armor, and they carried church flags, reminding me of the Crusaders I had read about in books.

　The two sides faced each other across a flat area lined with ice barriers, but Irene was surprised to see a figure sitting on a throne built on the back of a giant beast in the center of the enemy ranks.

"……The clothes of the man in the center. It's the Pope."

　……I thought it was unlikely, but it turned out to be true. The advance party included a high-ranking figure such as an archbishop, and they were in a position to send them out first with valuable weapons. Who would have thought that the highest position in the church could be a commander…… I guess that shows how confident they are in their victory.
　The enemy forces have also stopped moving and are watching us closely, but they are probably aware that their advance party has been wiped out. Just as I was about to start the conversation, they spoke first.

"Stand down, you lowly creatures. First, it would be best to kneel. I am Saint Babenus, Pope of the Holy Church."

　The loud, deep, and rich voice was amplified by magic. The middle-aged man calling himself Babenus――― The Pope sat on his throne, resting his cheek on his arm, which was propped up on the armrest, with several scantily clad beauties attending him. With his free hand, he fondled the beauties' bodies while looking at us and laughing mockingly.
　They say that a person's words and actions reveal their character, but if that's the Pope, then he's nothing more than a degenerate priest. It's also unpleasant that those around him accept this as normal.

"It is against our doctrine to purposely protect members of other races. Irene, you heretic, I will give you one chance to atone for your sins.
　Kneel before me, bow your head, and beg for forgiveness. If you serve me from now on, I will forgive your sins."

　With my heightened senses, I could clearly see the Pope grinning as he leered at Irene's body. That attitude made it clear that his words did not mean service in the true sense of the word. ……That means the Pope and the Church have fallen from grace.

"I must decline. I don't remember doing anything that I should be ashamed of or apologize for."

　Irene stepped forward and declared firmly, using her magic to amplify her voice.

"Hmph, you wasted the opportunity I gave you because you were too proud of your beauty. You're just a former whore, after all."

　The pope insulted Irene, twisting his lips and snorting.

"I am the Church, I am the Doctrine, I am the absolute justice. Anyone who goes against me is an unpardonable evil. You who have rebelled against the holy army have no choice but to fall into hell as a traitor."

　……If hell really exists, then you're the one who will fall into it, you lecherous bastard. With that thought in mind, I drew my sword.

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 ToC  

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