Leave a comment

“Your Highness Hiyuki, there’s a rather… peculiar piece of information that’s come to my attention. Though, truth be told, it’s a detail I wish I could unhear, buried so deep in unpleasantness it practically needs a map to find. Discussing it feels akin to sipping the vilest concoction imaginable. In the grand scheme of things, it might be the most inconsequential topic in the world. Nevertheless…”

Oliana’s face and tone conveyed an unusual level of anguish and turmoil, quite unlike her usual demeanor, as she began with an exceptionally lengthy preamble.

The conference had concluded with both sides reaching a compromise—the terms on our side included approval for King Collard’s marriage, reinstating the clergy and healers in Amitia as requested, and their ceasing opposition to Cres. In return, they sought our support in the Graviol Empire, with each minding our own business as the unspoken rule.

As I was about to return to the waiting room, Oliana called out to me in the hallway, leading me to a nearby small room before beginning, “I have something to discuss.”

“What might it be? Is it about the recent movements?”
“……You could say it is, in a sense. Individually speaking, I believe it’s unrelated to that.”

Oliana maintained her ambiguity as she continued her roundabout way of speaking. After a moment’s internal conflict, she locked her gaze onto mine, appearing to have made a decision, and said, “I’ll be direct. The Grand Pope Werner of the Holy Kingdom wishes to have a personal meeting with Your Highness.”

“Grand Pope Werner……”

Uh, was there such a person? At least, whoever that person was, they never uttered a word during the entire meeting.

“—It’s that kid who had a foolish grin plastered on his face while gazing at Your Highness, sitting in the topmost seat on the Holy Kingdom’s side.”

Oh, I remembered him now after her explanation. But a kid… he was supposed to be older than her by 2~3 years.

“Ah. That pervert who kept staring at me with a creepy look……”
“Yes. Precisely that dolt who kept staring at Your Highness’ face, chest, or waist from beginning to end without uttering any words, like a mute.”

Geez, I understand. I recalled him now. Initially, I wondered why such an idiotic pervert brat was sitting among them and ignored him, before completely forgetting about him. Come to think of it, he did introduce himself, huh.

Well, it’s no wonder she was being so roundabout.

“So it seems like the concern you previously mentioned has materialized.”

The concern, as previously mentioned by Oliana, was regarding the current Grand Pope. He had called her an extremely ugly woman in their first meeting and went on endless rambling about his ideal female image,

“Her hair, a rich and lustrous black, flowing like a waterfall.
Her eyes, jewels of violet or red, captivating with their beauty.
Her skin, pure and flawless like freshly fallen snow.
Her lips, delicate and soft as rose petals in a milky hue.
Her slender limbs, akin to the graceful trees of early spring.
Her voice, a melodious sound reminiscent of a bell stirred by a gentle breeze.”

These words somehow perfectly described me. And that’s how our conversation had played out,

—Um, Your Highness, if you ever encounter the Great Pope of the Holy Kingdom, I suggest remaining cautious.
—S-Surely, you jest. He wouldn’t dare. I am the Sovereign of the demonic nation. The Great Pope, who embodies sacred teachings, cannot be swayed by carnal desires.
—He is a fool beyond comparison.

“……You think he will try to flirt?”
“Most likely.”

Oliana nodded solemnly, her expression grave, almost as if she was silently offering her condolences through her demeanor.

“……Is there any emergency exit?”
“It’s that way, I will guide you.”

We didn’t put it into words, but our wavelengths at that moment were in sync, with us immediately thinking about escaping from here.

“—Oh, and there was another matter brought forth by that rather unsavory individual. He expressed a desire to discuss ‘the method to seal Nidhogg and Dressmaker.'”

However, her nonchalant words that followed reflexively caused me to come to a halt.

“Nidhogg and the Dressmaker!?”

How did he know these words? I didn’t want to reveal all the information in our hands, that’s why I deliberately concealed the part about Shima and used the word “Chimera” instead of “Nidhogg.” And the word “Dressmaker” was synonymous with Shima.

It can’t be that they deliberately lied about the entire annihilation of Cathedral Crusaders and that they still have survivors who escaped with vital information? I pondered. But then, Shima had introduced himself as “Pahlen Accen Apostrophe Ohm.” So, the ‘Dressmaker’ metaphor shouldn’t have been part of that information.

“Is something the matter?”

My expression might have betrayed my inner turmoil, prompting Oliana to inquire with a puzzled look. I took a deep breath and replied, “It seems there are some things I need to ask the Grand Pope.”

◆◇◆◇

“……So it’s here, huh.”

Following a somewhat familiar path, we arrived at the entrance of «Torres del Pecador». The tower looked completely intact, as if the hole I had opened up last time never existed. I guess automatic repair must have kicked in.

“I apologize. Unfortunately, this was the only place that matches the condition they desired—a place hidden from prying eyes, safe, where neither side can use magic, allowing only one-on-one conversation, with just one person from each side, and no third-party involvement.”

Oliana lowered her head in apology.

“Wait, are you saying I can’t attend because they demand a private meeting? I can’t accept such conditions!”

Tengai protested angrily.

“It’s the will of that dunce. He said it’s a very important matter, so even family or retainers must not be present. Should I decline the request?”
“Of course! Princess, you don’t need to entertain such a suspicious request. I doubt the Grand Pope has any significant information. You should reject this offer immediately!”

Ah, the thought of having a one-on-one conversation with that creep disgusts me, but if it comes down to it, I could always beat him up—I mean, that would be our only option left, with teleportation magic being off-limits both inside and outside the room.

As long as the entrance is secure, we should be in a safe middle ground since any ambushing troops wouldn’t be able to use magical means. Of course, the situation might get tricky if they resort to using large-scale magic from a distance, but that’s where our guards come in. Having Tengai wait at the entrance will definitely add an extra layer of security.

“Well, as a precaution, I’ve arranged for one of our guards to wait by the door of the meeting room. Should anything untoward occur, don’t hesitate to shout for help,” Oliana said, her voice carrying a blend of caution and reassurance.

With Oliana and Tengai, still looking disgruntled, we cautiously entered the tower, keeping an eye out for any hidden traps or ambushes. However, our inspection didn’t reveal anything particularly suspicious. As we ascended to the top floor, we found the special isolation facility at the top had been completely refurbished, with new carpets, curtains, and even furniture. It felt like stepping into a different room from before. Considering the building’s history as a prison, it was no surprise they had opted for a complete makeover.

The top floor wasn’t particularly large, but Tengai, Mikoto, and the Imperial guards left no stone unturned in their search. They had just signaled the all-clear when the sound of the tower’s gate opening and footsteps reached our ears.

“They have arrived,” Oliana noted, her expression turning to one of distaste.

“This place echoes quite a bit, doesn’t it? I guess then the voice from inside the room can be easily heard.”

“Yes, so please, remember to raise your voice if anything happens. —Keep all your senses on alert,” she emphasized once more, then turned to address the guard in armor and helm standing by. The guard responded with a short ‘Yes’ and lowered his head.

A few moments later, a woman dressed in a veil and a habit-like dress entered the room, followed by Grand Pope Werner. He had been practically invisible during the conference earlier, but now, with his dignified expression, he seemed like a completely different person.

“Dear me, I can’t believe I made you wait, Lady Hiyuki. Those stubborn old fools took some convincing. I’m sure you’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment! I must apologize.”

He began with such a preface and conveniently grabbed my hand. His touch sent an uncomfortable shiver down my spine — was this man really the head of the church? His insincere, flirtatious demeanor made it hard to believe. He seemed more like a directionless, spoiled brat, in stark contrast to someone like Joey, who, despite being of similar age, was far more driven and purposeful.

I casually slipped my hand out of his grasp and maintained proper etiquette with a slight bow.

“Nice to meet you, Your Holiness. I’ve heard there’s a confidential matter you wished to discuss?”