Chapter 272
"Your Excellency, the Cardinal. Should we remain here to await the outcome of Bishop Ilya's interrogation?"
Rob, the head of the agents, produced a recording device and inquired.
While Eshel led the investigation team, it was Rob who possessed the recording device to document and transmit the proceedings. He had the responsibility to capture this moment, having been stationed at Raftan Castle for a week.
Irrespective of the mission's results, if the records indicated any misconduct conflicting with faith or deemed unreasonable, it would have significant repercussions on Eshel as well.
'Uncovering evidence of heresy or scapegoating someone... I must ensure I am not made the sacrificial lamb.'
For his own reputation and survival, Eshel understood the necessity of correcting the diverted plan.
Recalling the Pope's stern warning, Eshel inquired in a hushed tone, "What evidence of heresy have we obtained?"
"We have some minor findings, but whenever we try to take action, the knights intervene. Would you oppose the church's directive?"
"... No, let's postpone that."
"Pardon? Why..."
He couldn't bring himself to admit that even if he objected, the Pope would disregard it. His aim was not to identify trivial heresy that could be interpreted differently depending on the viewpoint.
Ultimately, Eshel had to change his strategy.
"Our main objective is to punish those forsaken by God. Where did you mention they are most prevalent?"
"It all started in the McLaine territory, the bedrock of this kingdom. However, reports suggest it initiated with the offspring of a sword master."
"Right. That is crucial. If we seek the church's aid now to apprehend a mere heretic, it will delay capturing those truly deserving of punishment. It's time to focus on the bigger picture. Let's not linger on minor purging tasks."
"... I had a narrow perspective."
That was my impression.
The Pope must have assigned Eshel as a guide due to the inquisitors' rigid methods.
But now...
'Is there a way to ensure my safety while still achieving results?'
What if no evidence of heresy is found in the McLaine territory?
Should he order someone to take their own life?
Even if the inquisitors were inflexible, would they comply with such a command?
'What should I do? Is there no viable solution?'
Eshel Fabrun found it difficult to sleep that night, as had been the case for the past week following the incident.
And the next morning, he asserted with determination, "We must proceed to the McLaine territory."
This proclamation became the strategy for the investigation team and the knights of the Second Corps.
Heeeigh.
"Very well, we will set up camp here today!"
It was the third day of riding towards McLaine territory from Raftan. Unlike the leisurely journey from the capital to Raftan, an unexpected event occurred on the penultimate night of their journey to McLaine.
"Go! Use all your skills to locate and eliminate the heretics!"
Before they could finish preparing to camp, the priests gathered for prayers, but suddenly dispersed in all directions, causing a commotion in the dead of night.
Observing from a distance, a sword master commanded his knights.
"Go after your designated targets!"
Shortly after, the sword master swiftly approached Cardinal Eshel.
"What is the meaning of this, Cardinal Eshel?"
Eshel found the sword master's displeased expression rather satisfying.
"Heh, you're a bit late, sword Sage. Given the expansive areas we must oversee, I had to direct independent actions. I apologize for not informing you earlier."
Recalling the days when they wielded absolute authority and decided the fate of commoners, the inquisitors, humiliated by being pressured and restricted by the knights, were inclined to conduct brutal interrogations alone. Without the Fourth Corps knights, it wasn't as simple as before to subdue and bring in the inquisitors.
'It's acceptable even if a few escape.'
The frustration brewing within the inquisitors' minds was not insignificant.
- Somehow, justify your actions.
At the very least, that objective would be fulfilled, allowing Eshel to wear a relaxed smile.
On the contrary, the sword master's demeanor noticeably hardened.
"Using such unconventional methods could lead to grave mishaps."
"Haha, grave mishaps? It sounds like a threat, but I doubt you would engage in such inefficiency without cause, sword Sage."
Having assessed the sword master's inclinations over ten days of travel, Eshel felt assured in his words.
He and his team would not harm the investigation team.
'Do you know how many individuals I've encountered and outwitted to reach my current position? You've erred in provoking me, sword Sage.'
Trusting his judgment, Eshel unveiled his malevolent intent without restraint.
"However, who knows? If you kneel and apologize for previous impertinences, maybe I'll be generous and submit a positive report."
Of course, he had no intention of doing so.
Although Eshel maintained a grin, resembling more of a shady character than a clergyman, his composure didn't last.
Dududu.
"Spread out and encircle them. Apprehend all in robes!"
As the ground quaked with their approach and a group emerged against the setting sun, the armed knights dispersed into a circle upon the resounding command. Eshel's eyes quivered helplessly at the sight of the blazing banner above.
"Sir! The elite forces of McLaine territory have surrounded the inquisitors."
The expressions of both men underwent a drastic change as Luis's cry reverberated from a distance.
Pff.
"It appears your scheme hasn't gone smoothly, Your Eminence."
"Could you have foreseen this...?"
"Could there be anything predictable in your actions? I merely prepared as a precaution."
Responding casually to Eshel's speechless expression, the sword master smiled faintly.
And then...
Crack.
"Aaaagh!"
The elderly cardinal's bones shattered far too easily.
* * *
Thunk. The carriage jolted violently upon hitting a rock, shaking everything within.
Clang.
Within the carriage, with iron bars on one side, a fragile figure bound in chains swayed helplessly with the bumps, yet Ilya remained composed with her eyes shut, unperturbed by the turmoil.
The holy knights, who had been ensuring the carriage endured the rough journey, furrowed their brows further at the scene.
"She truly is resilient."
"Indeed. Even after almost two months..."
"She must be a heretic..."
A team of nine from the Order of Holy Fighters had been dispatched for this task.
The Inquisition sent adjudicators, while the Order of Holy Fighters executed those judgments.
Sending the Order of Holy Fighters to summon someone implied that the outcome of an interrogation yet to take place was essentially predetermined.
Contrary to the concerns of the central church, Bishop Ilya complied peacefully with the summons, maintaining her calm throughout while essentially being a captive.
What made the holy knights even more uneasy was the subtle halo softly glowing behind Bishop Ilya.
"But is that divine aura truly..."
"It must be some deception by the heretic! Do not falter!"
"It's just... It feels so authentically sacred..."
"Joseph! Are you paying attention!?"
"Nonetheless, sir, the halo continues to expand."
As Joseph pointed out, the holy light emanating from around Ilya now enveloped the entire carriage.
Yet, Grant, the commander overseeing the transport, remained adamant in his belief.
"Pah! It's all trickery by the heretic!"
Despite the senior member's words, Joseph couldn't agree. Could a heretic fabricate such a tangible display of sacred power?
'Would that make the heretic a true emissary of God's will?'
As Joseph entertained dangerously heretical thoughts for a holy knight, the unexpected unfolded.
"Enemies!"
With an abrupt shout, another member of the Order fell. Among the assailants were masked figures.
"How dare you!"
With swift movements, the three attackers moved too swiftly for Joseph and his companions to intercept.
"Ugh..."
As he lost consciousness from a blow to the back of his head, the last thing Joseph saw was that one of his attackers had peculiar blue and red eyes.
"Bishop Ilya, are you unharmed?!"
At the sound of a familiar voice, Ilya, who had not budged amidst the commotion, opened her eyes.
"Sir Victor?"
"Yes, it is I, bishop."
On the desolate mountain road, with all the holy knights incapacitated, there was no longer a need for masks.
Without hesitation, Victor removed his mask and approached Ilya.
"Was this His Majesty's will? Yet, this may not have been wise."
Ilya's tone was remarkably composed considering her restraints.
Victor regarded her differently, noticing tranquility on her face even as she was transported like a prisoner with a divine aura radiating above her, making her appear almost at ease as if in her own abode.
'She is truly extraordinary...'
With that realization, Victor bowed his head.
"It was His Majesty's decree, and also my desire. If you wish, bishop, I could release you from captivity now. I can also provide assistance to escort you wherever you desire..."
"Seeing that you haven't destroyed the carriage, that can't be the true intention, correct? And the holy knights seem to be merely incapacitated. If it's urgent, please be direct, Sir Victor."
Ilya's abrupt interruption cut short Victor's explanation, at which one of the masked men behind him chuckled.
"Squad leader Victor. This is why I said there's no need for idle chatter."
"Francisco, the primary operative of the mission is Victor here. Your advice is redundant, I believe."
"Don't be stubborn... Ah, very well, very well. Do as you wish, squad leader."
Slightly annoyed by his comrades' lack of concern for discretion, Jorje nonetheless understood that maintaining secrecy was not the mission's most critical aspect.
"I am honored to make your acquaintance, esteemed Lady."
With a flourish of his mustache and a grin, Francisco removed his mask. Observing Ilya, who was revered as a saint in the slums of Grant, he stroked his mustache in amusement.
"Saint? That title is rather exaggerated for me. Especially for a priest en route to face a church trial..."
As Ilya shook her head with a bitter expression, Victor spoke out loudly.
"Exaggerated? It has been a long time since you were referred to in such a manner in the slums of Grant. Even without the recent rumors, you truly merit such recognition."
"... Thank you, Sir Victor."
Seeing the young knight she had once aided in charitable work brought a smile to Ilya's face.
Yet, her demeanor remained unperturbed.
"Now, would you enlighten me as to why you have gone to such lengths?"
"... His Majesty wishes to ascertain your intentions, bishop."
"His Majesty?"
"Are you prepared to undergo the religious tribunal, or do you wish to evade it by any means necessary?"
"What do you imply?"
"You have heard much about the church's corruption. Are you not witnessing it even now? His Majesty inquired if you would like to initiate change within such a church."
"Ah... Is His Majesty contemplating interference in church matters?"
Ilya's expression hardened instantly.
Regardless of McLaine's capability to do so, the idea of secular authority encroaching on church jurisdiction was something no cleric could readily accept.
Yet Victor persisted without faltering.
"His Majesty stated that the circumstances leave no alternative. The church's threats to dominate an entire kingdom have crossed a line."
That was something Ilya could concur with; her expression turned somber.
"... And what if I seek that change?"
"His Majesty mentioned he would connect you with valuable allies within the central church."
"His Majesty? Does young King Logan possess the connections to influence church affairs, to impact the outcome of my inquest?"
"Yes."
Despite skepticism, Victor's response was resolute.
"Furthermore, we have arrangements within McLaine to support you. If we can garner positive responses from within and outside the church, we are confident we can alter the predetermined course of the tribunal once you reach the church..."
As conviction filled Victor's voice, Ilya displayed signs of doubt for the first time.
* * *
"Uh, ugh? Huh! En, Enemy!"
As Joseph awoke abruptly and drew his sword, he only saw his comrades with pitiful expressions.
"... Commander Grant. What occurred?"
"Nothing transpired."
"Pardon?"
"I said nothing transpired! The heretic bishop remains unharmed, and no one is deceased."
Grant's already displeased countenance was now marked with annoyance as he glared at Ilya through the iron bars. Yet, Ilya remained motionless, revealing nothing to Grant.
Above all, the mission carried immense significance and peril.
'This is a task directly bestowed by the Holy Father himself. How could such an error have occurred?'