Chapter 13
I’m Joking.
The cardinals discussed the selection of the Inquisitor inside the carriage.
“Hmm… yes. I believe we’ve identified enough candidates to be ordained as deacons…”
Barun brought up the main topic.
“Then, shall we now choose who will become the Inquisitor? What are your thoughts?”
The other cardinals chuckled.
“You already know, Cardinal Barun. We’re all thinking of the same person.”
“Indeed. Anyone who witnessed this incident would give the same answer.”
“Heh… I see.”
With a faint smile, Barun continued.
“Kael Luminar. He is the only choice.”
This attack had been bound to produce heavy casualties.
Yet thanks to Kael, aside from Bianco, there were no significant losses.
If many clergy members had died, Barun’s standing within the Holy Kingdom would have suffered greatly.
“I agree. His combat ability exceeds expectations. Even in a normal test, he would have stood out.”
“There are few young knights in the Holy Kingdom who could match him. Considering he defeated Baron Scalen after his demonic transformation, he clearly has the capability to deal with heretics.”
Barun nodded at their words.
“More than anything, there are two aspects of him that I find particularly appealing.”
“And what are those?”
Barun raised a finger.
“First, he does not hesitate or bow to rank or authority.”
“Hmm, that’s true.”
Kael was still an unranked noble.
Normally, he should have shown proper decorum before cardinals, but Kael treated them just barely within the line.
Or perhaps… slightly over it.
“Well… regardless.”
“Others might see it as rude, but an Inquisitor needs that kind of resolve. If one submits to authority, the very purpose of an Inquisitor is lost.”
“But wouldn’t that attitude cause problems if it continues in normal situations?”
“That’s what we’re here for, isn’t it?”
Barun looked at the other cardinals.
“Didn’t you both enjoy it today? That refreshing boldness we’ve never experienced before.”
The cardinals responded one by one.
“Ahem… well, yes. While Bianco’s death is unfortunate, it was quite satisfying when Kael overwhelmed him.”
“Let’s be honest—everyone here knows that Cardinal Bianco had been receiving ‘donations’ from Baron Scalen. It didn’t violate doctrine too blatantly, so we all kept quiet.”
Barun nodded.
“Kael Luminar will handle what we cannot. Of course, that’s only if we support him.”
“Well, we can at least cover for his rough manner.”
“I agree. And the second point?”
At that, Barun’s eyes sharpened.
“Second, he has no hesitation when it comes to killing.”
“….”
“I don’t know your views on killing, but I believe that rot must be cut away. There are things in this world that cannot be resolved with kindness and forgiveness.”
A chill passed through the carriage, and the cardinals swallowed dryly.
“That is why I believe he is more suitable than anyone else.”
Seeing the atmosphere stiffen, Barun smiled lightly.
“Of course, it is rather surprising that such a fierce son came from the devout Priest Luminar.”
“Haha, children rarely grow as we wish.”
“Indeed. But perhaps we should be grateful for that.”
The mood softened with light laughter.
“However… there is one concern.”
Barun stroked his chin.
“What is it?”
“He is too young. His power is exceptional for his age. If we grant him authority as well… he may become arrogant.”
“That is a concern.”
After some thought, Barun spoke again.
“Regardless, you both agree that Kael Luminar should become the Inquisitor?”
“Yes.”
“Then I will speak with him once more before making the final decision. Whether his blade will point at the Holy Kingdom… or drive away the endless darkness.”
As soon as I sat across from Barun in the carriage, I spoke.
“The answer is already decided. What was there to discuss?”
“Heh… so you already knew. Then may I ask you one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“Did you happen to notice who among your group might be a heretic?”
“A heretic?”
“Yes. I know the attack happened before you had time to properly assess, but I’d still like your opinion.”
It wasn’t difficult.
Bella lacked the strength expected of an Inquisitor.
Myron annoyed me by interfering with my interrogation.
The others didn’t stand out much.
“In that case… none.”
Barun’s eyes widened.
“…Pardon?”
“There are no heretics in my group.”
“And why do you think so?”
“Frankly, most of them weren’t much help during the attack.”
I explained calmly.
“But that’s a separate matter from being a heretic. None of them showed any suspicious behavior beforehand. No blasphemous items either.”
“Could it be that the heretic simply hasn’t revealed themselves yet?”
“Accusing innocent people based on something that hasn’t happened yet—that would itself be blasphemy against the Goddess, wouldn’t it?”
I continued.
“They may lack strength, but they all risked their lives. None of them intentionally aided the enemy. So rather than falsely accusing someone, it’s better to believe there are none.”
Barun stared at me blankly… then burst into laughter.
“Quite the cheerful man.”
“…Apologies. I’m often told my laugh sounds like a snake.”
“I understand. People say I laugh like a madman.”
We both laughed.
Then suddenly—
“I’m not that bad.”
“Nor am I that sinister.”
A cold silence followed.
“…So what’s the answer?”
“Oh—right. As you expected, there are no heretics. It was just a test to observe how you handle suspicion.”
“Poor taste.”
“Judging trust is part of an Inquisitor’s duty.”
Then Barun handed me a black priest’s robe.
The ordination was held in the forest since the cathedral had collapsed.
Seven were appointed as deacons—everyone from my group except Myron.
Then—
“Next, Kael Luminar’s Inquisitor ordination.”
I knelt.
Lenika stood before me under the twilight.
“Kael Luminar, eldest son of Benedict Luminar. Do you swear to abandon worldly desires and become the Goddess’s hammer—showing mercy to the good and judgment to the wicked?”
“I swear it with my body and soul.”
A lie, of course.
But Lenika nodded.
“It is the truth.”
Later, after everyone left—
“Do you have business, Saint of Truth?”
Lenika approached.
“You use divine power, not mana… correct?”
“…Yes.”
“May I ask how?”
“It’s complicated. It involves the Demon God, the Goddess, and the Holy Kingdom.”
“I see.”
She didn’t press further.
“Then why hide it?”
I answered simply.
“There is a prophecy—one of the Twelve Holy Knights will betray.”
“….”
“If I appear as a thirteenth, what do you think happens?”
“I see… suspicion would fall on you.”
“Exactly.”
Then I added with a smirk—
“Honestly, I think the Goddess is playing tricks on humans.”
Lenika froze.
“…I’m joking.”
“…I see.”
She bowed slightly.
“I will keep your secret.”
“Thank you.”
She turned to leave—
“Wait.”
“…Yes?”
“Would you consider working with me as an Inquisitor?”
“…I’m sorry. I cannot.”
“I expected that.”
She smiled faintly.
“You’re the first to ever ask me that.”
After she left, I lay back on the broken pew.
“…Guess they’re not coming.”
I was waiting in case the Evil Sect showed up.
Then—
A voice rang through the forest.
A terrible, ear-piercing song.
“…What the hell is that?”
I followed the sound.
And found—
Bella.
Singing.
Beautiful.
Divine-looking.
But—
“JOYFULLY PRAISE—AAAGH!!”
Monsters were literally collapsing from the sound.
“…Wait.”
A thought struck me.
“She’s a deacon… and she can sing…”
I smiled.
“Found it. My deacon.”
(To be continued)
