Chapter 337
Chapter 337
Chapter 337
'Damn it. Why Baord?’
An Arch Paladin was a holy knight with power comparable to the Black Knights.
Without them, the Holy Kingdom would have long been conquered by the Empire.
Moreover, the Arch Paladins of the Holy Kingdom were treated more preciously due to their unique trait. Unlike Black Knights, they were able to pass down their power to their successors.
Unlike Black Knights who could only achieve such heights through exceptional talent and long training, Arch Paladins could pass on their power to high-ranking Paladins to succeed the position of Arch Paladin.
Because of this, high-ranking Paladins try their best to gain support from the kingdom's power holders to be named as successor candidates for Arch Paladin.
Usually, the strongest among the candidates is chosen as successor, but when abilities are similar, it ultimately comes down to political power.
In such situations, there were occasionally those who achieved Arch Paladin status through their own power rather than succession.
Fab Valencia, who abandoned the name of Arch Paladin 50 years ago, was such a case.
However, after Fab Valencia disappeared, the Holy Kingdom's Arch Paladins were all passed down through succession, fixed at three people.
Then 10 years ago, Baord, who was a low-ranking Paladin of common birth, gained enlightenment and achieved Arch Paladin status.
Because of this, the Holy Kingdom was able to have four Arch Paladins and suppress the Empire's constant provocations.
As such, Baord was one of the most influential figures among the Arch Paladins within the kingdom.
The fact that Baord visited the Pope at this time was not a good sign.
At Pierre's words, other council members began to worry again.
"Lord Baord went to see the Pope. It must be because of the Holy Grail."
"If Lord Baord, an Arch Paladin, gains greater power through the Holy Grail, other Arch Paladins will also visit the Pope, and then we won't be able to prevent other Paladins from defecting!"
Arch Paladins were beings who stood apart from the impossibly complex politics of the Vadoka Holy Kingdom.
Although they were entangled in various relationships for succession, Arch Paladins had influence that could overcome all of that.
Moreover, Baord, who became an Arch Paladin through his own power, was much freer from such political relationships.
Pierre, who had been listening to the council members, pressed his temples and spoke.
"We must retrieve the Holy Grail from the Pope."
Other council members were shocked at those words.
"Is, is that possible?"
Pierre frowned and said irritably.
"Then should we just watch as the Arch Paladins defect to the Pope's side as you say?"
The council members shut their mouths at those words.
If they couldn't retrieve the Holy Grail from the Pope, the problem would inevitably grow larger.
Moreover, currently outside, foreign enemies were gradually approaching.
In this troublesome situation, if the Pope gained power, their position would likely narrow quickly.
'We need to find justification to retrieve the Holy Grail.'
Just as Pierre was about to start deep contemplation on how to retrieve the Holy Grail, a priest approached him again and whispered something.
At the unexpected news, Pierre almost jumped up from his seat, but feeling the curious gazes of the council members, he calmed his excitement and asked the priest in a low voice.
"Are you saying Zeke Draker has contacted separately wanting to see me?"
"Yes, that's right. He says he wants to talk with you, Chairman."
At the news that Zeke Draker wanted to meet him, electricity sparked in Pierre's mind.
He smiled, raising the corners of his mouth.
'Perhaps this could be resolved easily. No, this situation could flow even more favorably for me.'
He had thought of a good plan to draw the Arch Paladins to his faction using Zeke Draker and the Holy Grail.
Pierre hurriedly ended the meeting and left the council hall to meet Zeke Draker.
After meeting Pierre, Zeke was inwardly impressed.
'It's quite remarkable how his attitude could change so completely.'
Seeing Pierre's changed attitude towards him, Zeke was confident his plan had worked.
Unlike his previous haughty attitude when first meeting Zeke, Pierre was now showing a friendly smile and trying to please him.
"Previously, I strongly advocated for Lady Kali to receive the white silver armor."
"Ah, is that so? Now that you mention it, I believe I heard something like that from Sister Kali."
In reality, it was the opposite.
When the previous Pope tried to bestow the white silver armor to Kali, Pierre, who was one of the council members at the time, had vehemently opposed it.
Even though she had accomplished great feats in defeating pirates, he thought it wasteful to give such a precious treasure as the white silver armor to Kali without any compensation.
However, unlike the current Beatrice, the Pope at that time could exercise papal authority, so they were able to decide to gift the white silver armor to Kali despite opposition from council members like Pierre.
The way Pierre completely changed his tune to suit his interests seemed more fitting for a politician than a clergy member.
Zeke appropriately encouraged Pierre's words while guiding him to reveal his true intentions.
After talking at length about his friendship with Kali Draker and connections with the Draker family, Pierre finally started to reveal his true intentions.
"By the way, Sir Zeke. According to rumors, you offered the Holy Grail received from the Elf King to His Holiness. Is this true?"
Zeke realized the time had come and executed his plan.
He made an expression of disbelief and shook his head.
"Pardon? There were such rumors?"
Zeke spoke with a troubled expression.
"His Holiness is being too much. When I visited to pay my respects, they treated me like some country knight and kept pestering me to tell stories about meeting the Elf King."
Pierre nodded in understanding at Zeke's words.
"Ah, so that's what happened."
Pierre only knew of Beatrice's act of innocence, so he believed Zeke's words without doubt.
Zeke continued speaking with a disgruntled expression.
"While telling His Holiness about meeting the Elf King, I briefly mentioned the Holy Grail, and suddenly they demanded to see it. So I had no choice but to take out the Holy Grail to show them. I'm truly troubled that His Holiness spread such rumors on their own."
Hearing Zeke's words, Pierre inwardly rejoiced.
'So the rumors were wrong. Zeke Draker has no intention of handing over the Holy Grail to the Pope.'
Looking at Pierre, Zeke sighed.
"Though I came all this way with good intentions to help the Holy Kingdom... It may sound disrespectful, but I never dreamed His Holiness would be so frivolous."
Pierre nodded in agreement with Zeke's words.
"I understand. The current Pope only sits on the throne because they possess the Sun's Mark from the previous Pope, but they lack any dignity or refinement. It's often troublesome in the council as well."
When Pierre showed sympathy, Zeke brightened and said.
"So it was like that after all. If I had known this would happen, I should have relied on the Chairman from the start. I never dreamed Vadoka Holy Nation had such complicated circumstances."
At Zeke's complaints, Pierre inwardly smiled.
'This seems like it will work out better than expected.'
Then Zeke looked at Pierre and said.
"Although it's a holy relic received from the Elf King, it doesn't seem to have any particular abilities, so I wouldn't mind giving it away, but it's quite surprising to be approached so suddenly about it."
Pierre's eyes gleamed at Zeke's words.
'He doesn't know the Holy Grail's abilities?'
Through secret information, Pierre knew that the Holy Grail's ability was to enhance potential.
However, it seemed that Zeke, who received the Holy Grail from the Elf King, didn't actually know its ability.
Pierre's mind worked quickly.
"Sir Zeke. How about we do this?"
Meeting Zeke's eyes as he looked up, Pierre said.
"It seems His Holiness has their eye on the Holy Grail, but being of such vulgar birth, they won't be satisfied until they get what they want. Rather than that, how about giving the Holy Grail to me instead?"
"Donate to the Chairman?"
"Yes. If Sir Zeke gives the Holy Grail to me, I will bestow upon you treasures worthy of such honor and prestige."
From a knight's perspective, the Holy Grail as a sacred relic isn't particularly helpful.
And anyway, the fact that he received the Fairy King's blessing was already known throughout the continent.
If he were to donate the Fairy King's Holy Grail and simultaneously protect the Holy Kingdom from the Orc army, his reputation would clearly rise even higher than before.
Additionally, since Pierre would present him with fitting treasures, it was a beneficial deal for Zeke as well.
"Give up the Holy Grail…?"
As Zeke contemplated, an excited Pierre played his final card.
"If Sir Zeke gives up the Holy Grail, I will give you gold equal to your body weight."
At those words, Zeke shook his head.
"I apologize, but I already have plenty of gold."
Pierre realized his mistake when he saw Zeke furrowing his brow.
Then Zeke looked at Pierre and said:
"If you could offer something other than gold, I might consider it..."
"What would that be?"
"Could you offer Orichalcon instead of gold?"
Pierre was taken aback by Zeke's words.
'This guy...'
Orichalcon wasn't something that could be bought with money.
Even within the Holy Kingdom, it was considered most precious due to its limited quantity.
Zeke looked at Pierre and said.
"If you can provide enough Orichalcon to forge a sword, I will hand over the Holy Grail to the Chairman."
Pierre's face slightly hardened at Zeke's words.
'Enough Orichalcon to forge a sword...'
In truth, Pierre had been secretly taking small amounts of Orichalcon from the Holy Kingdom's treasury for a long time.
'That amount would require scraping together all the Orichalcon I have.'
However, if Zeke were to mistakenly hand over the Holy Grail to the Pope instead, it could lead to a troublesome situation.
'If I can give out the Holy Grail in my name, I can use this to draw the Arch Paladins to my faction.'
Currently, all Arch Paladins maintained independent power while having a symbiotic relationship with Pierre.
If he could draw Baord to his faction here, he could gain complete dominance in the Holy Kingdom's power structure.
After contemplating, Pierre concluded that making the investment was the right choice in the current situation.
'Though it's close to my entire fortune. But if I can get my hands on the Holy Grail...'
If he could bring the Arch Paladins to his faction, he could replenish his fortune anytime.
After considering, he soon nodded.
"Very well. This too must be God's will. Let's do that. However, I have one request."
"Please speak."
"I fear the Pope might interfere if he learns of this beforehand. Let this remain known only to you, me, and God."
Zeke nodded as if understanding his words.
"I understand. Don't worry, Chairman."
Pierre agreed to send the Orichalcon first, and Zeke promised to publicly donate the Holy Grail to him two days later.
Pierre anticipated the future that would unfold as he imagined all the Paladins kneeling before him and pledging their loyalty while he held the Holy Grail.
In his mind, there was no thought of the Orc army threatening the Holy Kingdom or the suffering subjects.
And two days later, at the chapel of Badoka Cathedral, representing the Holy Kingdom, all major figures of the Holy Kingdom gathered, including the Pope, Chairman, and council members.
Nominally, it was to hold a ceremony expressing gratitude to Zeke Draker who came to help the Vadoka Holy Kingdom.
However, Pierre was filled with anticipation that Zeke Draker would designate him and donate the Holy Grail in front of the Holy Kingdom's dignitaries.
But the chapel ceremony flowed in a completely different direction from Pierre's expectations.
"I, Beatrice, hereby declare a holy war in the name of God against the Orc army attempting to invade the Vadoka Holy Kingdom."