Chapter 99: Religious Fanatics (3)

༺ Religious Fanatics (3) ༻

The Dawn Sect wasn’t always the dominant religion on the continent, and Enen also wasn’t the only God from the beginning. When the Dawn Cult was just gaining popularity, the people in the continent believed in many Gods. That’s why in the beginning, Enen was merely the Sun God.

It might be questionable if the words ‘mere’ and ‘Sun God’ could be used in the same sentence, but in front of the title of the one true God, even the Sun God was trivial. Was the God the Twilight Cult worshiped at that time the Earth God?

Maybe it was because of influence from that era, but the Dawn Sect preferred cremation, sending the souls of the people back into the sky. Meanwhile, the Twilight Cult preferred burial and to keep the bodies intact. Of course, that’s not the point.

“Our God watches everything on Earth from the heavens.”

“So that’s what it meant.”

The Sun God looked at everything from the sky. That’s why the Earth God couldn’t avoid it, and that’s why the Twilight Cult members couldn’t escape Enen’s watchful gaze.

After they defeated other cults and achieved religious victory, Enen’s power became even stronger. That’s why finding a pagan who held the power of another God was easy.

It didn’t matter how secretly the members of the Twilight Cult moved. It was meaningless for Tanian. For him, it was like seeing a transparent person painted in bright red.

“Of course, I’m not omnipotent. I’ve been temporarily granted a fraction of his power. The range of my tracking ability is limited, and it doesn’t last long.”

I expected that to be the case, so I nodded. If Tannian’s tracking ability covered the entire continent and lasted 24 hours, the Twilight Cult would’ve already been at the side of their beloved Earth God.

From the perspective of the Twilight Cult, who thrived on secrecy, someone negating their only strength must have been frustrating. Limited range? Short duration? So what? If they were caught, they were dead.

‘No wonder there were more assassination attempts on the Saint rather than the Pope.’

It seemed like they wanted to get rid of the counter first. I wondered why they were so obsessed with the Saint, but now I understand.

‘Those idiots.’

I understood the situation, but I still couldn’t relate. If the situation was so twisted, why not convert? Why stubbornly cling to the Twilight Cult?

As expected, crazy cult members were people who couldn’t be understood. I looked at Tannian’s prideful expression. It would definitely be beneficial to ambush the enemies with him. Knowing where the enemies were would make the targeting easier.

“I’ll positively think about it.”

“...That’s unsettling to hear.”

Tannian’s expression changed at my response. After all, what I just said meant that I had no authority regarding this.

However, there was nothing I could do. I wasn’t the person in charge of this matter. If I were to accept Tannian’s offer now, the Minister of Foreign Affairs would get furious. What kind of lunatic takes an assassination target to the front lines?

Honestly, it was a bit scary. How the hell was I supposed to gather the two ministers and say something like, ‘We’re going to make it easier to catch the assassins by sending the target closer to them!’

‘I’m screwed.’

Still, seeing how bravely the member was volunteering to prevent civilian casualties, I should at least convey it as his advisor.

***

I managed to muster the courage to speak.

“Prosecutor’s Executive Manager, even if the work’s hard, isn’t it better than having your head chopped off?”

“I knew you wanted to retire, but I didn’t know you were this reckless.”

Their response was intense. Damn, why couldn’t they just curse? A short ‘Are you crazy?’ would be enough.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs smiled awkwardly, and the Minister of Intelligence didn’t seem interested. However, I had expected such reactions.

“But it’s going to be effective.”

“I’ll grant you that, which is why I’m still sitting here.”

I came from a world with more non-believers than devout religious people, so I find them hard to understand.

Well, I guess it’s okay. I could understand this level of belief difference.

“Prosecutor’s Executive Manager, you should deliver this news to the Mage Duchess yourself.”

Damn.

Why do they have to give me this last-minute task?

Eventually, I went back to the Mage Duchess after a few hours.

“Baby? What brings you here?”

The Mage Duchess’s ears perked up, and she tilted her head upon my second visit. She probably wasn’t expecting me to return a second time for the same reason as my first visit.

“Your Grace.”

Upon hearing my explanation, the Mage Duchess looked as if she’d experienced culture shock. She seemed unable to comprehend the new concept of positioning the assassination target at the forefront.

“...You have a unique way of doing things these days.”

The Mage Duchess, who’d been silent, finally spoke with a somewhat drained voice. The change was subtle, so it was hard to notice unless you listened carefully.

Maybe she thought that she couldn’t understand the current trend due to being 120 years old.

It must’ve been depressing for the Mage Duchess, who was already conscious of her age.

But she misunderstood. This wasn’t a current trend, and it shouldn’t become a future trend, either. It would be problematic to implant strange notions into the elder’s mind.

“It’s a special circumstance. It won’t happen again, so there’s no need to worry.”

“I see.”

Her voice regained strength, but her drooped ears didn’t seem to lift. Was this more of a shock than I thought?

“Ah, Your Grace. I’ve been gratefully consuming the potion you gave me last time.”

If I upset the Duchess and left, there might be repercussions. She might hold some grudge against me and seek revenge in some unusual way.

So, to change the subject, I brought up the potion and expressed my gratitude. Only then did her ears return to their original position. Indeed, expressing gratitude for receiving what the elder gave you is the best way to go.

“Did it suit your body well?”

“Yes. I’m feeling its effects every day.”

“That’s good to hear.”

I felt relieved after seeing her nod with satisfaction. Now, I can finally return home without any issues.

“If you run out of them, come to the tower.”

“Ah, are you selling it?”

I was worried I’d end up just tasting it because they don’t really sell it, so this was good news.

“I’ll just give it to you. You just have to come.”

‘Oh.’

Mother Mage Duchess’s generosity was deeper and wider than I thought.

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