Chapter 133: Saint Haruna (1)

Chapter 133: Saint Haruna (1)

TL/Editor: Raei

Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun

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"Ah, you've arrived."

A chubby priest rushed out and greeted with a bow.

"I am Pheron, the Head Priest. It's a pleasure... Whew..."

"Hello. I am Astina Persia."

The priest, having introduced himself as Pheron, caught his breath and looked at Astina.

Astina Persia.

Her fame was widely recognized throughout the empire.

The position of Head Priest held some prominence and power.

However, one couldn't act recklessly before such talent who bore the name of the Persia family.

Even now, despite her young age, she held both power and fame.

It was unpredictable how influential she would become in the future.

Thus, making a good impression was essential.

"It seems this is my first visit since becoming the heir. I had always intended to visit at least once; apologies for the delay."

"Hehe... No need for apologies. Given your busy schedule, we are just grateful for your visit."

This was a temple located in the Persia territory.

A temple dedicated to the deity, Karua.

In the empire, they worshipped only one god.

The deity believed to oversee and create the world, Karua, was revered, while other gods were deemed heretical.

Of course, this didn't mean those worshipping other deities faced persecution.

It was just the general belief.

One of the reasons for this was the relatively weak influence of religion within the empire.

The empire relied on the power of magic.

They revered the tangible and boundless power of magic, not relying on something like religion.

Therefore, even if the temple of Karua deemed others as heretical, there wasnt much they could do.

"Shall we proceed inside?"

Pheron gestured towards the temple as he spoke to Astina.

Astina looked at him and smiled.

'Hmm, was it good that I came out?'

Pheron, seeing Astina's smile, breathed an inward sigh of relief.

Astina's reputation was lofty, but she was still young and had only recently become the heir.

Before receiving her inheritance, she hadnt been in the spotlight much.

The Head Priest had personally come out, hoping that this kind gesture would favorably influence her perception of the temple.

However, contrary to Pheron's expectations, Astina was quite displeased.

When you observe someone long enough, even in silence, their true nature becomes evident.

Someone who flatters the strong and is deceitful.

He seemed like a corrupt priest.

Of course, having already researched this Head Priest, she might have been biased.

Still, Astina did not show her discomfort.

After all, her current visit wasn't to confront this man.

Normally, temples were affiliated with the central temple in the empire.

However, temples located in territories were, in effect, no different from businesses under the territories.

As the acting lord, Astina could easily deal with these people with a flick of her wrist.

She didnt want to show displeasure from the start and give them an opportunity to respond.

Astina followed the high priest Pheron into the temple.

The inside of the temple was adorned with lavish decorations.

Huge windows stood out, and the ornaments on the ceiling made one wonder how they were installed.

Astina exclaimed in admiration as she observed the interior.

This exclamation was not because the inside was beautiful, but because she could imagine how much money was poured into it.

'It seems they've really splurged.'

The power of the temples might be waning now, but during times when magic hadnt advanced, their power was immense.

Even now, they were living off the wealth amassed during those times.

However, they couldn't foresee the future even with all this wealth.

Even during the rise of magic, they were just busy taking money from their believers, and this behavior continued until now.

They were soon left behind.

People began to praise magic, not the gods.

They tried to catch people's attention with their lavish buildings, but the masses weren't swayed by mere appearances.

As a result, temples held a lower position within the empire.

There wasnt anything a temple without any special power like magic could do.

"The architecture is beautiful."

Astina praised it without mentioning these thoughts.

"Hehe, isnt this what one must do to house our God?"

"The Saint is from our empire. She's not an entity from some other place!"

... What about the first Saint?

I wasnt alive during the early days of the empire, but as far as I know, she was just a regular citizen of the empire. Moreover, she was a commoner

Astina narrowed her eyes.

"How can you be so sure?"

Ive had many conversations with the Saint, Haruna. Being the head priest of a significant territory, I had many chances to speak with her. Through these, I was able to gather more information about her.

Pheron continued,

However, there was nothing unusual about her. Her background was clear, and there was no indication that she came from another dimension or any peculiar place. The same was true for the previous Saint.

Astina rubbed her chin and replied,

From what I've heard, she has this peculiar ability to see the future?

Pheron shook his head at Astinas comment.

Do you truly believe that the Saint can foresee the future?

Astina didnt reply.

Many know and have experienced that the Saint isn't always accurate in her predictions.

In the past, there were many instances where the areas the Saint deemed dangerous experienced no issues at all.

While similar events have occurred, there was never a time when an exact prediction came to fruition.

Most of her prophecies were vague, hinting at outcomes without clear details.

However, based on what Rudy said

She recalled a conversation she had with Rudy in the North.

Rudy mentioned that he avoided danger during the Winter Ball based on the information she provided.

He overcame danger based on the future the Saint mentioned

Just who is this Saint, really?

Heh, still, it's refreshing to see your innocent side, Lady Astina. It feels like a return to simpler times."

Astina shot a glare at the slightly teasing Pheron.

"Is it alright for us to discuss this?"

Its alright. Those who need to know, already know. Besides, while the Saint is technically affiliated with the temple, she is somewhat separate from it."

"Separate, you say?"

Pheron chuckled, rubbing his hands together.

The one to appoint the next Saint is the previous Saint. As to how and why the role is passed on, even we arent quite sure. But its always handed down by the previous Saint.

Hmm

Astina rubbed her nose, deep in thought.

She came seeking information about the Saint, but ended up with more questions than answers.

Then, she remembered something Pheron said earlier.

Didnt you say earlier that the background of the Saints are clear?

Yes, that's right. We know exactly where they come from and who their parents are.

Astina smirked.

Then, can I meet the current Saint's parents?

---

Raei Translations

---

-Hello, are you Haruna? I came to see you.

-Have you ever considered becoming the Saint? It would be a good opportunity for you.

-You want to become the Saint? Great choice!

-This is the essential knowledge you need to become the Saint.

-The essential... 'magic' the Saint must learn.

Ugh

Haruna held her head as she sat up in bed.

After getting up, Haruna sat still for a moment and sighed.

It's been a while since I had that dream

It was about the time she inherited the role of the Saint.

Haruna looked at the blindfold placed beside her.

Sigh

Picking up the blindfold, she let out another sigh.

It's about time to leave.

She got out of bed and stretched.

Ugh!

Then, she pulled back the curtain to look outside.

Ah, what lovely weather!

She commented, admiring the sunlit, vibrant trees.

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