364 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 364 "Are you aware that the current Pope might be under someone's control?" A suspicion raised through the Saintess. This rational doubt solidified after meeting Cardinal Tracy, who was implicated as the person behind it all. The weight of this knowledge was already heavy, but to hear it from an unexpected source was unsettling. 'Was I the only fool?' The dismal feeling brought a spontaneous clench to the fist. Yet, despite the anguish, the response came promptly. Although it might not have been what the other wished to hear. "…This is an internal matter of the Holy Nation. There is no reason for someone from the Empire to interfere." A clear delineation. However, the prince, who was expected to back down, remained steadfast. "Oh? Could it be that you were aware of this?" His subtle gaze seemed more filled with admiration than mockery, and Harmen stopped in his tracks. "What is it that you wish to convey, Your Highness?" "No, nothing. It was merely well-intended advice, hoping that one of the world's two pillars, the Holy Nation, would find its proper place. If it was needless interference, please forgive me." The prince's courteous demeanor moved Harmen's heavy heart. At least, it didn't feel like he was trying to provoke or jest. "If there is something you would like to say, please proceed. I am all ears." If what he currently suspected was true, then the Holy Nation was indeed facing unparalleled chaos. The person may just be seen as an inexperienced thirty-something, but given his status, he might hold some unknown information. With this respectful response, Baros straightened his posture and lowered his head. "I am not worthy of such courteous treatment from the famed leader known as the Sword of God. However, given the gravity of the situation, I dare speak without shame." For someone of noble status like the prince of the Empire to exhibit such a respectful attitude—it astonished them. A faint light of admiration glimmered across the faces of Harmen and the Holy Knights. And watching this interaction, Leos and Jerome, standing behind Baros, wore subtle smiles as well. Yet, what Baros said next left no room for smiles. "There is an insidious sorcerer faction that the Imperial family has defined as an enemy. These individuals disregard worldly norms, pursuing heresies, specializing in using sacrificial humans and mind-controlling sorceries. They are…" —The contract of the Black Serpent is one bound by the soul. Your choice cannot be annulled. No god or magic shall break this contract. Baros, smoothly conveying his words, paused for a moment. A sudden, aged voice echoed in his mind, causing a shudder from the chilling content. However, he soon gritted his teeth, forcing out the thoughts that filled his mind. 'It was you who broke the promise first, Tower Master.' He didn't want to ponder why those words suddenly surfaced. Survival was his immediate priority. Though cold sweat trickled down his entire body, his survival instincts remained unhampered. Survival was paramount. If he failed, there would be no second chances. Baros steeled himself with this resolve in mind. "Ah, forgive me. I was merely reminiscing about my encounters with them. I've had my share of troubles because of those scoundrels." It wasn't entirely false, so the lie came out effortlessly. "Anyway, they are known as the Black Serpent, or the Kassel Magic Tower faction, and they seem to have harnessed ancient artifact powers to seize control of the new Pope's mind." "What did you just say?" Rine Harper, the lieutenant standing behind Harmen, chuckled incredulously. It was understandable. Mental magic known to the world thus far included illusion or sleep spells, which were fundamentally just tools to stimulate the brain and induce specific reactions, rather than truly affecting the soul. Moreover, the resistance to such invasive magic was said to be best achieved through divine power, even surpassing force or other mana. "What sort of nonsense is this…!" Rine Harper, in an act bordering on blasphemy, interjected the conversation without Harmen's permission, and even the knights under his command couldn't hide their fury. However, when Harmen nodded in confirmation, all of them could only stare at their superior in shock. "I had a rough idea." "Captain!" "What do you mean...!" The uproar from the back was silenced with a mere lift of Harmen's hand. He also considered it a tale bordering on blasphemy and hadn't even been able to discuss it with his subordinates. He felt sorry for them, but now was not the time to dwell on such matters. "I heard it from the Saintess and verified the situation recently myself. Cardinal Tracy, is she part of that sorcerer group?" "As expected, you are astute. You even know the involved party. Yes, Cardinal Tracy is indeed the mastermind who brainwashed His Holiness." If accepting this unpleasant truth as fact, then the one to pinpoint was indeed her. As Baros lauded the obvious deduction, Harmen merely hardened his expression. "So, Your Highness wishes to reveal only the identity of this sorcerer group to me?" That alone was inadequate. Seeing Harmen's eyes convey this sentiment, Baros smirked. "Of course not. I came here following them, and fortunately, during this time, I've managed to identify their organization within the Holy Nation. Though my influence here is limited, I expect that bearing the title of the Sword of God, you'll have no trouble excising them." His words were enough to astonish Harmen. While he suspected that Tracy wasn't alone in this, having it confirmed was nonetheless shocking. "...That will be immensely helpful." "I'm glad to hear that. I've been quite worried, and it's a relief to share this burden. Haha." Harmen gazed at Baros' genuinely unburdened laughing face for a moment. It seemed almost too righteous for an imperial prince's statement, making him inadvertently harbor suspicions. Yet, despite his scrutinizing gaze, Baros' expression never wavered. In fact, he was more eager to take further action. "Ah, with the authority of the Holy Knights, isn’t summary execution of the priests impossible? First, we’d need to move the general priests to initiate an impeachment or a tribunal, wouldn’t we?" "...That's how it will go. And when the time comes, the information you have provided—or rather, will provide—will be of great help." "But wouldn't all of that take a considerable amount of time?" "We can wrap everything up within a month." In a rare decision, Harmen shared the plan with an outsider. His words were laden with determination to cleanse thoroughly, but Baros's next statement exceeded his expectations. "That would be too late. Due to the damage the sorcerers have inflicted upon the Empire, the Imperial army is already on its way here. So, please allow me to handle the preliminary actions." --- A tempest had arisen in the Holy City. This wasn’t a physical storm. "Did you hear? About His Holiness the Pope…" "I heard it as well." "Me too." The rumor went that Cardinal Tracy was manipulating the frail Pope to seize control of the Holy Nation. It was almost too ridiculous to believe. The excommunication of the Saintess, who deposed the former Pope, was also orchestrated by Cardinal Tracy in place of the bedridden Pope. She restricted all entry to the Pope’s residence, only allowing herself access. As these outlandish rumors combined with actual events, gradually, people began to believe in their authenticity. What hastened this belief was the undeniable fact that the Pope hadn’t made any appearances in a considerable amount of time. In just a few days, even within the church, priests began to mobilize. Surprisingly quick and proactive, as if someone was instigating them from behind. "Reveal the truth, Cardinal Tracy!" "We want to see His Holiness the Pope!" "Hold an impeachment trial!" Gathering at various points in the central temple, priests continued to protest in front of the Pope's residences and near Cardinal Tracy’s residence. “Folks, please be patient! Everything will proceed accordingly! Please return now!” “A tribunal will be convened as per the cardinals’ consultation. The truth will be revealed then, so please return and await the church's directives!” Despite attempts by priests, recently appointed by Cardinal Tracy, to calm the general priests, their attempts failed. “Don’t make me laugh!” “Puppets selected by Cardinal Tracy!” “Bring back the Saintess!” Confidential information, meant only for the upper ranks of the church, oddly spread widely among the general priests. "Let's break in! We must save His Holiness the Pope!" "Yes, let's rescue the Pope!" "Charge!" Led by young priests, the excited clergy surged towards the cardinals' residence. Neither the Holy Knights protecting the residence nor the temple guards dared to stop them. When the Pope's residence was on the brink of being breached, Cardinal Tracy emerged—not from her residence—but from the Pope's. "Please return! His Holiness is very ill! You are committing a sin!" Her voice was filled with evident sincerity and compassion, causing the once fervent priests to hesitate and step back momentarily. "Could that be true?" "If indeed he is truly ill…" "That would be dire indeed." Priests who had been leading this charged group halted and murmured among themselves, while those following were left bewildered. They failed to notice the vacant expressions on the faces of the leaders. But suddenly— "Don't be ridiculous!" Thump. An unexpected thrown egg turned the situation around. "If you're so upright, open the doors! As if we would dare harm His Holiness!" An unknown voice rallied those priests who retained their clarity. "Exactly!" "Who here would dare harm His Holiness?" "We only need to confirm His safety!" Though the expressional countenance of about a dozen priests at the forefront became blank, the fervor reignited. With a resolute face, wiping the egg off her face, Tracy called out loudly. "Very well! I have nothing to hide. A trial to uncover the truth will be held within days! Please wait! Even a minor commotion could harm His Holiness’s health!" Watching this from afar, a group of individuals clenched their fists in unison. "We've succeeded. Now that she’s made such a statement, they won’t be able to stall for more than a week." "Before that, we must watch Tracy and the Black Serpent gang to prevent any possible escape." "If they run, we’ll simply cut them down. It saves time on the trial." Among the leadership of the Holy Knights, who were cheering, Illia, who had not yet been officially revealed as released from captivity, remained stone-faced. Concerned by her demeanor, Harmen quietly approached her. "The Second Prince certainly excels in such maneuvers. Shows experience in handling people." "Does it?" "...Is something troubling you?" "Yes, a bit." "What concerns you?" Having dismissed even vague suspicions about her, Harmen now only held solid trust for her. Yet, the words from such a Saintess were foreboding. "Why is the Second Prince helping us?" "Pardon? Well, those sorcerers are enemies of the Empire..." "...The invitation to the Second Prince was after the Pope's enthronement. In other words, after he had been brainwashed. But why?" As Illia's words cast a shadow over Harmen’s face, the subject of the conversation stood a little ways off, brow furrowed. "The forces of the Black Blade and North Wind have heightened their march?" "Yes, that's right." "Then when are they expected to arrive?" "Within a week." Baros's complexion turned grim at those words. The timing was too coincidental. "Just when I had set the stage… What do you think the reason is?" "It seems His Majesty intends to interfere with the Holy Nation using the Black Serpent as a pretext." "What I could well handle myself..." "A military force certainly ensures things." "Damn it. What should we do?" "We need to rely on the Sword of God and the Saintess. We must resolve everything before the Black Blade arrives, so they have no role to play." "And what reason do we give?" "If we're honest about it..." "That won't do! If we go that far, it will eventually weaken my influence. I need the Holy Nation to operate under my command." "Your Highness..." Baros and Leos were steeped in serious discussion. Behind them, Jerome wore a grim expression, constantly fiddling with the sword at his waist.