“His Holiness hopes to build a temple under the Daimon’s Margrave residence.”
Damn it.
Lyat pressed his eyebrows and let exhaled a long sigh.
‘I should’ve killed him, after all.’
Even if it meant losing a Legionnaire, I should have killed him when he was exposed.
“The value of the land for the temple is expected to be ample, and there are plans to create a space that can accommodate Northern refugees. Considering the famine in Margrave’s territory, it seems like a reasonable proposal for approval.”
This is ridiculous.
Erecting a temple to monitor us is obvious, so why spin such excuses?
Lyat felt a slight unease. If a temple is built, and priests come, we won’t be able to maintain this loose state. How can I act freely when I know we are being watched? If caught, it will be troublesome.
How should I handle this? Lyat subtly shifted his gaze towards Lucart, expecting him to be even more furious than himself.
However…
‘Is he smiling?’
Lucart’s lips curved ever so slightly, and his face exuded a sense of ease, as if he had anticipated such a situation.
‘As expected, our master…!’
Lyat felt a deep sense of satisfaction and suppressed his anxiety.
“An unusual situation.”
Lucart, who had been solely focusing on Yuriel and paid no attention to Lyat, finally spoke.
“Hasn’t the Margrave’s territory been neglected, appearing as if it exists and doesn’t at the same time?”
“That’s…”
“Even when monsters appeared and requested assistance, they only sent mediocre Holy Knights.”
“All the knights receiving the will of the gods are outstanding individuals.”
“And the one who threw down his sword and fled immediately after confronting a monster?”
The incident from four years ago. This was an undeniable fact, and Yuriel couldn’t bear to respond.
“Even if you face monsters for a hundred days in this desolate North, you exclude us.”
Lucart raised his glass and lightly shook his wrist.
“I know well how you suspect us. Rumors are filled with baseless chatter.”
“Those rumors are nothing more than gossip among the capital nobles!”
“So? Does that mean you lack the power to control your tongues?”
Yuriel tightly grasped the hand he had placed on his thigh. There was more to say, but words were insufficient.
“We’ve done a lot for you.”
Lucart leaned slightly, resting his body on his elbow, and spoke.
“We’ve responded to sudden visit requests, and we’ve overlooked occasional interference beyond our topics.”
“…Y-yes.”
“But a temple. In a place mostly inhabited by non-believers.”
“Your intentions are crystal clear.”
Yuriel bit his lip.
He knew this would happen.
Yes, the expected reaction. So, he mustn’t step back. He had to push forward with his intentions, no matter what!
“Building the temple serves no other purpose. It’s merely to provide shelter for those wandering the North.”
“Words always sound plausible.”
This could be considered a dismissive remark about the entire temple, prompting the cautious priests, who had been watching, to interject.
“Uh, it seems a bit intense right now, but…”
“We’ll make sure to convey it well to His Holiness. Yuriel, you should stop now.”
Yuriel grasped his teeth with determination.
He couldn’t stop. It was a task assigned by His Holiness, and returning empty-handed was not an option, especially with the many unsettling aspects of this Daimon Margrave.
Raising his head, Yuriel locked eyes with Lucart. The corner of Lucart’s lips twitched.
“Those are eyes that don’t give up.”
“I’m just following His Holiness’s words.”
“Refusing now means they’ll keep coming, being a nuisance.”
“I can’t deny it…”
Lucart swirled his glass, appearing to ponder.
“There are two conditions.”
“Please, go on.”
“We’ll double the value of the temple site.”
This was expected. Yuriel focused on the next statement.
“And all donations will go to us.”
“…!”
Temples operate on donations. But handing them all over?
Yuriel’s eyes darted unpredictably. If Yuriel hadn’t suspected the Daimon Margrave as a demon himself, he would have protested against insulting the gods, never turning back.
However, suspicions had already arisen. Given the circumstances, they had to accept these unreasonable conditions to avoid further scrutiny.
Yuriel let out a long sigh.
“Soon… we will send an official letter.”
In response, after taking a sip of his drink, Lucart casually lowered his glass.
“I look forward to what you will discover here.”
Lucart expressed his anticipation for what they might find in this place.
***
On the way out after the dinner,
Yuriel reflected on his words and actions, sinking into frustration.
What if I had been a bit more assertive? Could I have pushed back more?
It’s all my fault. I can’t do anything right. Useless, foolish… Yuriel sniffled.
“Well, then, we’ll take our leave. Thanks for the pleasant time.”
“Yes, by the way, could you send us a bit of the wine we had earlier?”
The accompanying priests were oblivious to Yuriel’s feelings, solely focused on thoughts of the wine and a share of the back payment.
‘These gluttons are more confident.’
Yuriel forced a bitter smile and shrugged.
“Yes, we’ll send it in the coming days.”
The Margrave’s aide responded.
Despite being small and slender, he exuded confidence in every aspect—his speech, expression, and gaze.
The Margrave, having such a subordinate, how was he? The rumors of being able to face demons alone seemed true, with an aura distinct from others. It resembled the overwhelming power Yuriel felt when he first encountered the Holy Father. Certainly darker and more ominous, but anyway…
‘I just need to do well.’
It seemed quite challenging.
Yuriel clenched his fist, contemplating his own helplessness.
At that moment,
“Hello!”
Out of nowhere, a child appeared. The child had indigo-colored hair tied up neatly and wore a sparkling tiara. Not only Yuriel but the other priests were also taken aback.
“I’m Shekina. The youngest.”
“Uh, uh… Hello?”
“Yep. Nice to meet you.”
The self-introduced child turned around, looking up at Lyat.
“Why are you so stiff, uncle? I just came back to see what uncle left behind.”
Lyat was momentarily confused by the sudden appearance of Shekina, then remembered and exclaimed.
“Oh, right. Welcome.”
A magical item ordered by Sebastian, intended to monitor the temple.
Due to the visit of the Demon Lord and Shekina’s confusion, he had momentarily forgotten. Lyat discreetly glanced at Lucart’s and nudged Shekina’s back.
“Will you deliver it personally?”
“Ah, yes.”
Shekina extended the black velvet box she was holding toward the priests.
“It’s made by the best sculptor in our territory. You can only see it in the Margrave’s territory. Since these two are inseparable, I had two made for you. And they shine under the sun, so it’s nice to place them by the window. Feel free to open and see.”
With Shekina’s permission, the priests opened the box. As soon as they did, their eyes widened.
“Oh, wow!”
Inside the box were bird sculptures made entirely of gold.
It was clearly not gilded but entirely made of gold. Judging by the intricate craftsmanship and quality, it must have cost a considerable amount.
The eyes of the priests sparkled.
“This is truly… Thank you for thinking of us like this.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Lyat, who was also marveling at the decoration he had never seen before, responded.
“You’re too kind. I would be delighted if these gifts find a place in the temple that will be built here in the future.”
The priests, who had been considering selling the gifts for immediate gain, felt a bit embarrassed, but soon nodded with a wry smile.
“We will do that.”
“Thank you.”
They chuckled, thinking they could show them a few times and then sell them later.
Shekina silently chuckled while observing the priest who cradled the box as if it were something precious.
‘One for video sharing, and one for eavesdropping.’
Through those, they could monitor the temple.
‘Also it’s a way that can check Dehan as well.’
With these thoughts, Shekina nodded slightly. Since the gifts had been delivered, it seemed appropriate to leave.
However, there was a voice that caught Shekina’s attention, holding onto her like an anchor.
“Um… over there…”
A platinum-haired priest. It was Yuriel.
“From this child…”
Yuriel took a deep breath before speaking.
“I sense a malevolent aura.”
Gasps!
And a shining spear materialized in his hand.
“… Huh?”
Thankyou for coming to this sites and read my translation, enjoy! Sorry if theres still have any mistake on the translation. See you on the next update!
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