<Chapter 69>

*  *  *

Holy relic.

The dictionary defines it as follows:

A sacred object or offering. An item imbued with holiness and used in religious rites.

However, this world was one where a god existed. Thus, one could redefine it as:

— An item containing the power of God.

‘Right. In a world where a god exists, there should be at least one relic.’

But the problem was that the novel had never once mentioned a relic.

Correction:

By Chapter 70, they still hadn’t appeared. Maybe they showed up later, but I wouldn’t know.

And thus, the regret of not finishing the novel grew to a million-fold.

‘Or perhaps… it’s just common sense here, even if it wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the story.’

So, I decided to ask Temenos, “Do you know what a relic is?”

“A relic? What’s that?”

“Hm… It’s probably something like… a treasure imbued with divine power. Maybe there are only three of them in the whole world?”

Since I wasn’t entirely sure what a relic was in this world, my explanation was vague. Temenos seemed to ponder it deeply before eventually shaking his head.

“I might not know because I’m from the North, but I’ve never heard of such a thing existing. However, someone from the Great Temple might know.”

“So, I’d need to go to the capital to find out?”

“Have you forgotten? There’s a priest from the Great Temple right here in the castle.”

“Who?”

…Oh, right! Bishop Roam!

“But isn’t it kind of awkward to ask now? Is it really okay to keep Bishop Roam locked up here like this?”

“That’s what I’m saying. By now, you’d think someone from the capital would’ve come looking for him, but it’s been radio silence.”

“Wow, looks like he’s been abandoned by both the Pope and the Emperor. Poor thing.”

Not that I feel even a little bit sorry for him. Serves him right!

“It must be lonely being locked up all by himself. I should at least go keep him company for a bit.”

Unfortunately, Bishop Roam turned out to be a terrible conversation partner.

The moment he saw me, he started cursing, demanding I return his pendant. After one punch from Temenos, he spat out a single sentence before clamping his mouth shut.

“A relic? I’ve never heard of such a thing in my life!”

When I found it hard to believe, I told Temenos to give him a few more punches. Eventually, Roam broke down in tears, insisting he wasn’t lying.

“Damn it! Why do I have to endure this humiliation here of all places…!”

“Why? Well, maybe you shouldn’t have been such a scumbag.”

If he’d treated ‘Inosensia’ well, I would’ve treated him with generosity too.

Even after trudging all the way to the prison, all I learned was that even a priest of the Great Temple didn’t know about relics.

If a bishop doesn’t know, then it must be some kind of closely guarded secret…

‘The founding Duke was too much. He should’ve left at least a hint along with this quest to find the relic!’

Granted, any clues left 300 years ago would likely be useless now.

‘Since he told me to search in the capital, does that mean there’s no relic in the North?’

I’d thought the Pope secretly sending inquisitors to the North in the novel was an attempt to find the relic.

‘Or maybe the Pope really was after the relic but wasn’t sure if it was in the North, so he sent people to search there.’

Yes, if relics existed in this world, the Pope would undoubtedly know about them.

He might even have one already.

If that’s the case, then the source of the Pope’s boundless divine power could very well be a relic.

‘Everything’s just speculation at this point… Ugh, why didn’t I finish reading the novel?’

It was too late for regrets. For the sin of not reading thoroughly, I now had to run around on my own two feet.

‘Anyway, I have to go to the capital.’

Evidence that the Great Temple is heretical, the relic, and time to prepare for the Harvest Festival—

‘Which of these is the most important?’

No question—the Harvest Festival.

‘If I prepare poorly, Temenos will be mocked as a Monster Duke, and I’ll be ridiculed for being an orphan and a commoner.’

No way. That’s absolutely unacceptable.

I’ll prepare perfectly, no matter what!

Thus, the army of maids was reassembled to pack for the trip to the capital.

“Should we pack the bare minimum of clothing and have the rest tailored in the capital?”

“We don’t know how much time we’ll have to commission new clothes. For now, let’s take as much as we can, including hats, shoes, and accessories.”

Listening to their conversation, I began to fear they’d decide to pack my entire wardrobe. But I wisely kept my mouth shut.

I’d learned during the wedding preparations that it’s best to leave things to the professionals.

‘Besides, I’m not the one carrying the luggage.’

Whether it was ten trunks or twenty, they’d all go in the carriage. It didn’t matter to me.

Since the maids would handle my belongings, I decided to focus on something else.

*  *  *

Sub-Quest Triggered!

 

*The people of this world believe that only priests can lead prayers to God. Even if you’re absent, ensure the people can continue praying by appointing a priest.

 
Reward: 1 Divine Oracle Token

 

[Accept/Decline]

“Everyone, I have an important announcement today.”

“Pardon? An important announcement?”

The midday chapel was filled with murmurs. The people, about to rise from prayer, turned their gazes to me with curiosity.

Today, there were no sick to treat, nor spectators to watch the healing. Only those who regularly came to pray were present.

A perfect audience.

I waited for their murmuring to subside before I began.

“I will soon be away for a while. Therefore, I intend to appoint a priest to lead prayers in my absence.”

“A priest?”

“Are you saying you’ll bring one from the capital? Or… you’re appointing one of us?”

The congregation reacted as though I’d announced the sun would rise in the west tomorrow. I folded my hands with a solemn expression.

“Everyone, no one is born a priest. Believing in God, trusting that He will answer your prayers, and offering those prayers earnestly—that is all it takes to become a priest.”

“But how could someone as unworthy as us receive answers from God?”

“You mustn’t think that way. Think about it, everyone. Who is here with you?”

“…The Saintess?”

“Exactly. I am here. God’s beloved Saintess.”

I shamelessly declared, “God watches this place intently, eager to see my face just once more. He listens closely, hoping to hear my voice even for a moment longer.”

Perhaps swayed by my audacity, people began to look convinced.

“Well… the Saintess is beloved by God, after all…”

“So, everyone! If you wish to serve God’s will, seek His permission here and now. With firm resolve, He will surely respond!”

“Do you really think so?”

“I’ve never once imagined myself, a Northerner, serving God as a priest…”

“Then start imagining it now. Go on, everyone. Pray to God as you always do.”

Reluctantly, the people clasped their hands and closed their eyes to pray. I joined them.

‘Dear God, please just pick someone who seems remotely capable and make them a priest.’

At that moment—

“Oh my!”

“A divine glow!”

Startled voices rang out. I opened my eyes to see a golden radiance, like a faint aurora, descending on a secluded corner of the chapel.

‘What? Why is he here?’

I rushed over and called out his name.

“Kei!”
 

<To be continued>

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