Chapter 80.2

Five years from now, His Highness Arnold, who then became Emperor, will burn down all of the churches.

He set fire to churches around the world, dragging out the priests and killing them in front of the believers.

He also burned all scriptures, and the symbols of faith were so thoroughly destroyed that there must have been no trace of them. I’ve seen it with my own eyes at least once.

Before she started this life, she thought that Arnold’s purpose in doing so was to destroy a very powerful organization.

However, after talking with him in this life, something kept bothering her.

The castle town of Garkhain can be seen from the detached palace. On the day I first came to the castle, I asked His Royal Highness Arnold what the spires to the east of the city were.

Arnold said that it was a church. It also served as a clock tower, ringing the bells in the morning and evening to announce the regular time.

However, compared to Theodore’s answer, his answer was unnatural.

His Highness Arnold’s explanation barely touched on the church itself, only mentioning its role as a clock tower.

This, combined with Arnold’s actions in the future, was quite troubling to her.

It’s odd that that’s all he can tell me about the building was that it’s called “the church”. His Highness Arnold would have explained the authority of the church and its political value to me, just like his brother did. I can only assume that he dared to avoid them.

Perhaps Arnold has some personal sentiments about the church.

If this sentiment was what led to the murderous violence five years later, Rishe has several reasons for wanting to stop it at all costs.

Besides, this is the only time in my life that I’m likely to see “that person”. Nevertheless, if I’m going to approach the Grand Shrine Temple to investigate, I’ll have to come up with a reason that doesn’t seem odd.

If that was the case, breaking off the engagement with Dietrich would be just the thing.

It was the letter she received the other day that gave her the idea for this plan. Rishe took it out and showed it to Arnold.

[“Marie, Prince Dietrich’s current fiancee, has been working very hard to break the engagement. A betrothal ceremony is rarely annulled, but Marie has come forward, identifying herself as Dietrich’s unfaithful lover, and has proceeded to annul the betrothal because of Dietrich.”]

Arnold looked at the letter that Rishe presented with boredom.

[“I’ve heard that His Highness Dietrich’s side has completed the formalities, and all I have to do is go to the Grand Shrine. I’m sure the process will be quicker since I won’t have to meet with His Highness Dietrich.”]

[“…”]

[“It’s a bit of a rush, can I visit the Grand Shrine of the Holy Kingdom of Domana soon? I hope to be back in a week or so at the earliest.]

[“…”]

She asked in the form of a request, so Arnold had no choice but to nod.

At any rate, without going to the Grand Shrine, Rishe wouldn’t be able to marry any man other than Dietrich.

She had no idea what Arnolt’s intentions were, but as long as he had to marry Rishe, he’d have to give permission no matter what.

Honestly, I wish His Highness Arnold to come with me.

Rishe thought while observing Arnold, whose brows knitted sullenly.

After all, this was an investigation to figure out what was bothering Arnold’s mind. It would definitely be easier to move if the person involved were present.

It’s a pity. With his official duties, that will be impossible…Even I had to rush through the preparations for the wedding in order to be away at this time of the year.

When she was about to give up on the idea…

[“Then, I’ll accompany you.”]

[“H-Huh?!”]

Rishe raised her voice in surprise, but Arnold, who was beside her, looked calmly at her.

[“What? Is it inconvenient?”]

[“No. It’s rather the opposite!”]

It was so convenient that she got astonished.

While she was mulling over Arnold’s intentions, he rested his elbows on the back of the couch and explained.

[“It just so happened that I accumulated a lot of official business concerning the church. I’ve been putting it off because it’s just too much trouble, but if I could just see them personally, it would be faster.”]

That sounds so fake…

[“Moreover…”]

[“?”]

She tilted her head, waiting for the rest of Arnold’s words, but he fell silent for a moment before speaking.

[“No, nothing.”]

That was quite questionable.

It wasn’t every day that Arnold took back a word he was about to say.

She felt that his attitude was always different when it came to the religion.

It’s just a hunch, but I could be wrong. But why on earth would…

She tried to stare at him, but there was no way she could read Arnold’s thoughts.

If so, it would be best to have him accompany her there.

A few days later, a carriage departed for the Holy Kingdom of Domana, and it took a few more days to reach today.