Chapter 246: The End Of The Pilgrimage

Chapter 246: The End Of The Pilgrimage

After about ten days, we crossed into the borders of the Holy Kingdom.

Two more days passed, and we finally arrived at Selonia.

Those who had grown weary from repeated camping marveled anew at the sight of the majestic Selonia Castle.

How amazing. To think of building a castle atop a cliff

So this is the Holy Kingdom

The grand fortress, perched atop the bizarre cliffs, seemed even more imposing, causing Iriels shoulders to broaden as well.

Ho ho ho.

Why he felt proud was a mystery.

After settling over two hundred people in the annex, Ray and Iriel requested an audience with the Pope.

Eclair readily agreed to meet them.

As they entered the great hall, the usual solemn decorations and the statue of Goddess Gaia were prominently on display.

Sitting in the center was Eclair, the Pope, who appeared quite radiant.

Ray gave her a slight bow.

Its been a while. Have you been well?

Ho ho ho, yes, thanks to you. I was in quite a financial pickle, but that was resolved by opening trade routes with the Lesian Empire.

Thats good to hear. The empire is far, but it sure does bring in money.

The emperor is a bit strict, which worries me a bit But, how was your first pilgrimage?

At her question, Iriel sighed.

It was a series of ups and downs. We went on a pilgrimage to the Silia Kingdom and Priyas Holy Kingdom, and even embarked on an unexpected voyage.

Eclair laughed joyfully.

Ho ho ho ho ho. Well, its good that nothing serious happened.

She then turned to Ray.

I was going to give you news about the academy, but its better you hear it directly. There are many waiting for you; go see them.

Theres something I need to discuss.

Oh? Thats unexpected to hear from you.

As she leaned back in her chair, waiting for an answer, he made a startling declaration.

I plan to leave the Holy Kingdom once the academy is on stable footing.

What!?

His sudden statement shocked not only Eclair but Iriel as well.

What, what, what do you mean?

Are you saying you want to quit being the Saint?

Eclair asked, to which he replied in a flat tone.

Yes.

Do you think thats possible?

Her tone was inquisitive, but the single phrase carried much weight.

Logically, quitting sainthood is impossible.

How could one simply decide to quit being a Saint, a position chosen by the gods and held tightly by the Holy Kingdom?

Yet, his gaze did not falter.

No, instead, it burned brighter with determination.

Ill make it possible.

His firm statement left her, about to speak, silent.

As the Pope closed her mouth, only the Saintess seemed anxious.

So suddenly!

Its something Ive thought about for a while. Ive mentioned it repeatedly before coming to the Holy Kingdom.

But still, who suddenly decides to leave like this!

The Holy Kingdom, once in a dire state, has never been more prosperous. Trade routes with other countries are open, businesses are thriving, and corrupt nobles have been weeded out, bringing stability. If I were to leave, now would be the most appropriate time.

The second is about the academy. You probably already know about the previous matter. The influx of students has begun to increase

He nods to her as she pauses momentarily in her speech.

Although he had left it to Lich and Zik, it seems they didnt have the leisure to pay attention to every detail.

Euclid, returning to her characteristic expressionlessness, continued.

While its good that the influx of new students has increased, the medical academy currently shares a building with the magic academy. Theres a limit to the number of students we can accommodate. Therefore, I formally requested the construction of a new building from His Holiness the Pope, and it has been approved.

Thats good news.

Yes. But at this rate, the building will be filled with new students before its even completed. The magic academy is also not pleased with this situation.

It means theyre facing difficult situations on both fronts.

The solution might be to not accept new students or to reduce the number, but that would be like breaking the sail of a ship thats just set sail.

Reducing the number of new students now, when were just starting to gain attention, would be madness.

It would be better to expand the academys premises or purchase a suitable facility to conduct classes.

I took the liberty of purchasing a nearby orphanage facility. New students will be taught there, while current students will continue at the academy.

Well done. How many more can we accept with this arrangement?

I estimate about one hundred and fifty

One hundred and fifty

The clan brought from the western continent alone numbers over two hundred.

Its a more difficult situation than expected.

After pondering for a moment, Ray asked.

What about purchasing another facility?

Euclid shook her head.

The only thing nearby is the market. And we cant just buy an inn

Theres a shortage of professors, and now places too.

To make matters worse, the number of new students continues to grow each day.

Sitting in the chair, deep in thought, he spoke up.

What if we utilize the mansions of fallen nobles?

Its not the best solution, but we could comfortably accommodate around six hundred.

Then, lets look for fallen nobles near the academy and report back to me.

Euclid exclaimed in surprise.

Having commoners study in a nobles mansion will surely provoke opposition from the nobility.

If its done under my orders, that should quell some of the unrest. Handle the matters related to the new students by cooperating with the Crimson Shadow again. The intelligence agency should have detailed information on the nobilitys mansions.

She was about to add something but then closed her mouth.

Understood. Then please request cooperation from the Saintess. If both of you agree, it will be easier to calm the nobles opposition.

Alright.

After a few more brief reports, Euclid finally left the bedroom.

Once she left, Ray was alone in the large room.

Intending to rest from the weary journey, the last expression of Iriel that came to his mind made him get up from his seat.

Why didnt you consult me at all? Ive always been by your side!

Her voice, filled with disappointment, endlessly echoed in his ears, causing him to sigh and scratch the back of his head.

Upon visiting Iriels mansion after a long time, the maids hastily made way.

Id like to see the Saint.

Im sorry, but the Saintess has conveyed she does not wish to meet with anyone.

Shes being difficult.

However, she also mentioned that if you insist on speaking with her, you should be led to her room.

Puzzled by the contradictory instructions yet momentarily amused, one maid courteously raises her hand.

Shall I lead you in?

Please, lead the way.