Chapter 111

Rodrigo looked at Berg, who stood behind Adelia. It was a questioning look. Berg, however, was also taken aback.

The confidential data pertaining to the study on the transplantation of divine power carried out by the Vishna religion has, it can be said, completely vanished. The cardinal and the pope are the only individuals who are aware of this.

“…..create divine power; what a fascinating story.”

He appeared as though he had heard a ridiculous story from the look on his face.

Adelia pondered where to begin.

It doesn’t appear to be real

Too many uncertainties plagued Rodrigo. Is it really important to him whether or not Adelia is real?

No, It doesn’t. He would trust his brother’s word if it were really important to him.

The advantage he stands to gain from this is ultimately what matters to him.

The question is, how do I persuade him?

Proving that she is the true saint by demonstrating his abilities may not be enough. Rodrigo was not content with that.

Let’s first throw the bait.

For the time being, Adelia chose to observe Rodrigo’s reaction.

Indeed, divine power grows over time and takes on the characteristics of its possessor, so it is impossible to take something that is not yours. However, what about divine power that has no influence?

Instead of Rodrigo, Berg provided the response.

“It may be possible if it is divine power in its purest form. However, such divine power does not exist. To begin with, operating divine power requires a certain level of mastery, which is why divine power develops characteristics.”

“Bishop Berg is right. As a result, Vishna Religion conducted research on the subject. However, they halted it due to the risk.”

Berg was surprised that Adelia was aware of the religion’s history, which he was unaware of. He felt embarrassed by his ignorance.

“……It would not be absurd to create divine power if we could extract pure divine power.”

Berg and Adelia’s conversation flowed naturally, as though it had been preplanned. In a voice tinged with laughter, Rodrigo asked.

“So, Princess Valkyr’s divine power was created in this manner, I take it?”

“That’s what the Cardinal and I both think.”

Adelia unmasked the fact that Eustaf was also acting under her will. A person as great as Rodrigo could not possibly have missed this.

Rodrigo turned his attention to the teacup in front of him. His face lacked any emotion or expression. He was as lifeless as a toy.

Ivan’s expressionless face is something Adelia is accustomed to, but Rodrigo’s expressionless face felt odd to her. Adelia quickly realized the distinction.

Is it because he’s trying to make it appear that way?

Ivan’s expressionless face appeared naturally, without any deliberate effort, whereas Rodrigo’s expression was forced. There was a slight but noticeable difference.

After a brief pause, Rodrigo’s lips began to move.

“So, is the Viscount Yupheon’s desire for the holy relics related to the creation of divine power? To obtain divine power?”

Adelia shook her head and grinned subtly.

“No way. I don’t need that artificial power; I’ve got plenty of my own.”

Adelia’s hand was enveloped in white light. Soon enough, the light that was just barely illuminating their eyes became potent enough to cause blindness. Growing up alongside Berg, Rodrigo was aware that the force in front of him was divine power.

An element of surprise could be seen on Rodrigo’s normally expressionless face.

“I guess your performance at Selcred wasn’t an exaggerated rumor.”

“Rumors are sometimes true, but they are typically exaggerated.”

“But it’s still not enough. That’s not enough to give Sadin’s national treasure away. Don’t get me wrong: even if there was a request from the Holy Land, I’d probably make the same decision as now.”

It also didn’t matter to Rodrigo who was the true representative of God. The disaster had to be stopped by whoever was in charge, and as long as the Chihen family and the Sadin Kingdom were unharmed, that was sufficient. Hestine and the Valkyrs appeared to be successfully battling the catastrophe at this point.

As I previously mentioned, the Vishna religion’s research had to be halted due to the risks.

“Since you’re telling me this story, it must have been a success.”

“Of course, the results are important, but I believe the process is just as important as the results.”

“Process?”

“Yes. Did you know that the only way to obtain pure divine power is through children?”

Adelia felt a sense of wonder as a clear emotion came over Rodrigo’s face, which had not shown much emotion thus far.

Have I made a mistake?

Adelia noticed Rodrigo Chihen was displaying some sort of pity, but it’s difficult to determine since he does not openly express it. Did it bother him that kids were used in the process? She thought about it, but he had no reason to show such emotion.

Perhaps in his past, he experienced something involving a child.

Rodrigo quickly concealed his facial expression. He then asked while gazing at Adelia with somewhat subdued eyes.

“So, what are you trying to say?”

“I don’t want to say they’re righteous, nor do I want to uphold justice. But how far do you believe they can go to achieve their objectives?”

Rodrigo kept quiet. Now he understood what Adelia intended to say. Although he is unaware of their objectives, involving children is unethical, and it’s possible that they did more than that. That has the potential to poison the entire continent, not just Sadin and Chihen.

“Are you saying you’re not like that, Viscount?”

Without a second thought, Adelia responded.

“At least I don’t attract children because of my greed.”

Rodrigo sighed subtly and closed his eyes. He soon gradually raised his eyelids.

“I need some time to think.”

Adelia decided not to fret. She sensed that she wouldn’t have to wait very long.

“I’ll wait as long as I can.”

***

As though there were a hole in the sky, a torrential downpour started to fall. Rodrigo stood by the office window and peered up at the dark sky.

Why is it raining today?

Due to its geographical location, the Kingdom of Sadin does not experience year-round rain. However, once a year, when the enormous tree Teraus, which can only be found in the Kingdom of Sadin, is ready to bear fruit, the sky sends down rain as though to nourish it.

A young voice abruptly rang in Rodrigo’s ear.

Come here, Brother Rordigo!

He recalls the child’s voice whenever there was bad weather like this.

A beautiful flower that bloomed in the desolate Chihen. Anyone who belonged to Chihen couldn’t help but like the child.

The child was simply a typical child of her age, nothing special, in a cold and objective manner. However, they were even more eager to care for the child.

I picked flowers for my brother without telling the gardener! Please treasure it!

He remembered a voice that he would never hear again. When he thought back to the day he lost his youngest sibling, Rodrigo grinned bitterly.

Rain fell that day in a similar manner to how it does now. The heavy rains caused extensive damage to the estate. Naturally, everyone got busy, so the child was left alone.

I’m bored! You don’t play with me! I can’t even see Mom and Dad all day!

Rodrigo patted her head, feeling sorry for the youngest’s cute whining.

Faye, I’m so sorry. But that’s because I’m currently extremely busy. Tomorrow, let’s play with dolls together.

He had no idea that it would be their final exchange. Rodrigo always thought. He would have abandoned everything and spent time with the youngest child if he had known Faye would vanish in such a manner because there was nothing he could exchange for his younger sister.

Faye had vanished by the time Rodrigo and Chihen’s people came to their senses. They didn’t even know if she had merely fled, had been abducted, or had been carried off by the swollen river. They didn’t know how she disappeared.

Everyone foresaw Faye’s death. Chihen, however, persevered and spent years looking for Faye. Their expectations vanished five years later.

Due to the heavy rain that started up again, the river flooded and there was a landslide. While repairing the damage, Chihen came across a familiar accessory. Blue satin ribbon with a large sapphire in the center. It was an accessory that everyone liked, saying that it went well with the youngest’s sky blue hair.

……..we’re going to have a funeral.

Rodrigo and Berg’s father, the former Marquis of Chihen, couldn’t bear to cry and admitted the youngest’s death on behalf of the family.

Rodrigo remained silent in front of the empty coffin. He observed the formal funeral while maintaining an emotionless gaze.

Out of rage, Berg shoved Rodrigo as if he didn’t comprehend the man. Berg was consistently ignored Berg. Perhaps it was back then,  the moment the two brothers began to stray.

Rumbling.

The office window flashed when lightning struck.

Without looking away from the pouring rain, Rodrigo questioned his brother, who had quietly entered the office.

“Do you think you can survive?”

“…….”

Berg, however, made no comment. Rodrigo continued without seeking an answer.

“What a fool you are. Why did you jump into the middle of the storm when you could have just spent your time being as flatly envious of the cardinal as you have ever been?”

Berg was the target of Rodrigo’s direct gaze as he spoke incomprehensibly. He issued a caution.

“In the future, there will be a tremendous storm that might be too much for you to handle, but you must survive.”

Berg’s blue eyes shook a little bit. It had been a very long time since he last saw his brother’s face in this manner.

“Brother.”

“I will give you the relic, but you are no longer permitted to use the Chihen name until everything has been resolved.”

Berg almost burst out laughing at one point. Rodrigo is, after all, Rodrigo. To distance himself from Chihen until everything is resolved. Berg intended to act in that manner.

“What are you saying? I’ll steal this well,”

Without hesitating, Berg turned around and took the artifact that Rodrigo had brought out of his arms. He took a large step while gazing at the mansion that he wouldn’t be able to enter for some time.