Chapter 69
Chapter 69
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: The Holy Kingdom's Opening (6)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In the top room of the Papal Palace, one person gazed out the window.
The Papal Palace, built high up in the Holy Kingdom, offered a clear view of the land below.
Of course, it couldn't show the entire kingdom, but it was still the place closest to the Goddess.
"Those must be the imperial delegation."
Hepiriya, looking out the window, wore a gentle smile.
It was a smile from the Saintess that had been rare to see since she had turned the Holy Kingdom upside down.
Naturally, it was because she had essentially purged the archbishops who had been headaches lately.
She had dismissed nearly half and forced the other half to resign on their own.
In exchange for forgiveness, she had secured their signed pledges of support for the Pope and Saintess.
Thanks to that, one burden had been lifted from her heart.
Still, since she had ultimately resorted to force, a lingering weight remained.
Even with daily prayers, she wondered if there hadn't been a better way.
Of course, right now she needed to focus on the matters at hand.
"That one is the author Prometheus. A familiar face."
She confirmed Edn's face from the pre-submitted roster.
He was someone she had spied on during a previous visit.
To be precise, the person next to him had been suspicious.
She still didn't know that Katiranya was a vampire.
Anyway, she had looked into Edn beforehand.
"I thought he wasn't ordinary, but I never imagined he was that impressive."
He was the heir of the family ruling Rlangbur, a magic engineer who invented the Magic Stone Engine, and a popular author of several hit works.
Hepiriya felt a bit down realizing she hadn't known Edn was one of her favorite authors.
"Well, better late than never."
Gazing at the approaching delegation, Hepiriya made a vow.
She would definitely get Edn's autograph on her books.
As she resolved this, a voice came from outside the door.
"Saintess, it's about time to head out."
"Ah, yes. I'll be right there."
The moment she had been waiting for had finally arrived.
The welcoming ceremony for the delegation—the first diplomatic exchange after the opening—would begin.
Hepiriya stepped out with excited anticipation for the imperial delegation.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The Holy Kingdom at last.
The long-sealed gates of the Holy Kingdom swung open.
The gates that only a handful had passed through now welcomed the entire delegation.
It could be called the most historic moment since the founding of the Holy Kingdom.
Beyond the gates stood a statue of the Goddess and streets aglow with light.
Most buildings were white, reflecting the sunlight in a literal shine.
It wasn't overwhelming everywhere, so it was bearable on the eyes.
"Wow, so this is the Holy Kingdom?"
"Indeed. First time for me too, but it's not bad."
If even the Duke said so, it must really be impressive.
The Duke, now wearing a stern expression, surveyed the surroundings, taking in the Holy Kingdom.
It made sense; this unknown land had been a mystery until now.
The Holy Kingdom greeted us with cheers as we entered.
Fireworks burst and hands waved toward our passing carriages in welcome.
They even bestowed blessings upon us.
The Pope had likely ordered it, but the people's acceptance showed their willingness to change.
We proceeded down the streets and finally stopped before a grand building.
"Have we arrived?"
"Yes. This is the Papal Palace in the Holy Kingdom."
Descending the carriage after the Duke, I spotted who was unmistakably the Pope.
He smiled kindly, welcoming us warmly.
"Welcome. We greet you to the Goddess's domain."
"A pleasure. Your warm reception leaves me at a loss."
The two exchanged a brief handshake.
The atmosphere wasn't bad so far.
Next came the Saintess for greetings.
But she looked... familiar? No, extremely familiar.
She placed a hand over her eye-catching bosom and bowed gracefully.
"Welcome. We've been waiting."
Her smile was radiant, but her gaze was intense.
A beautiful woman smiling made for a lovely picture, but why was she staring so fixedly?
More importantly, what was she doing here?!
In my disbelief, I tapped my forehead.
Staying quiet wasn't an option anymore.
No, this wasn't right.
"You're... the Saintess?"
"Speak comfortably, like when you were in Rlangbur."
As if that were easy.
Suppressing a sigh, I nodded for now.
She had greeted me, so I should respond.
"Edn of Rlangbur. Pleased to meet you."
"Hee-hee, likewise."
I shook hands with Hepiriya.
For a moment, it felt odd holding her hand in mine, but we soon began moving.
The banquet would be held in the building next to the Papal Palace as part of the welcome event.
Official talks between the nations were set for tomorrow.
It seemed the Duke and Pope would converse, while the Saintess and I paired off.
She smiled continuously, clearly delighted to chat with me.
Her excited tone made it obvious even to someone oblivious.
"What do you think of the Holy Kingdom?"
"It's beautiful. Truly worthy of being called the Goddess's land."
The Holy Kingdom's streets weren't flashy.
Yet they held a sacred air befitting the name.
Gazing at the pristine white buildings and pious followers, even I felt a spark of faith.
Not that I'd actually convert to the Church of the Goddess.
She beamed at my words and casually said something embarrassing.
"Thank you. This street is one of the Holy Kingdom's prides. Though not quite on your level, Author."
"Ahem."
Why rank me above the Holy Kingdom?
Perplexed and curious, I asked.
"Because your books gave me the resolve."
"...You mean my books inspired that?"
"Oh, no. I've thought about it for a while."
See? I knew it.
As I sighed in relief, she giggled.
"Your books were just the trigger for my decision."
"That's... gratifying."
I knew my writing influenced people.
Given everything so far, it'd be weirder if it didn't.
But to affect the reclusive Holy Kingdom—and not with something small like a revolution!
Unlike the warlocks, it was a positive influence, so that was good.
As I relaxed, the Saintess whispered while looking at me.
"I really want to take you with me."
"Pardon?"
"Nothing."
Did I mishear?
Her voice was so soft I didn't catch it fully.
But her eyes had seemed a bit dangerous when she spoke.
What was it? Like I might not return to the Empire if I wasn't careful?
Nah, the Saintess wouldn't do that.
Maybe she just wanted to recruit me.
Not that I'd move to this distant Holy Kingdom.
"Ah, we're here."
A few minutes of talk, and we reached our destination.
Inside, unlike the exterior, a lavishly decorated hall unfolded.
Statues of the Goddess, sculptures, and murals depicting her caught my eye.
This reminds me of the Sistine Chapel.
Michelangelo's Last Judgment.
There were frescoes too, though not on the ceiling.
As I looked around, Hepiriya gently took my hand and led me.
"This way. Follow me."
"Ah, sure."
What was this?
Were we that close?
Before I could process, I was seated.
Right next to the Saintess—a rare privilege.
And so the ceremony began.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The ceremony had plenty of novelties.
From Holy Kingdom traditions to storytellers vividly recounting its history.
For a medieval world without entertainers, it was quite good.
Maybe I hadn't fully shaken off my Earth days.
Anyway, after enjoying it, we headed to our assigned lodgings.
The Saintess herself guided us.
Hepiriya chattered beside me about the event.
Her voice wasn't unpleasant, so I responded appropriately.
Then:
"Would you like to see a dungeon? Just the two of us."
"A dungeon?"
"Yes. A recently discovered cave-type dungeon—quite beautiful."
Cave tourism?
She had sent an exploration team to clear it partially and secure the early sections.
She'd checked it herself and found it stunning.
"Tomorrow's meeting is just the Pope and Duke. Our attendance is optional."
"I see. But wouldn't it be better to join?"
Not immediately tempted, I tested the waters.
Her face fell noticeably!
"True... Then—"
"Haha, I am curious about the cave. Let's go."
"Really? Great! I'll arrange it."
Phew, nearly left a bad impression.
I sighed inwardly in relief, but wondered.
Why was Hepiriya being so forward?
I'm no fool.
I knew she viewed me favorably, even if not romantically.
But did that warrant a near-date itinerary?
Pondering, a plausible guess emerged.
She loved my books—and by extension, me the author.
She'd created a chance to be alone with her favorite writer.
Yes, pure fandom fit perfectly.
Her emotions showing openly made sense here in the Holy Kingdom, knowing my identity.
Saintesses weren't supposed to wear feelings so plainly.
Not with her position.
Anyway, if she liked me, fine.
A certain vampire at home flashed in mind, but I dismissed it.
Focus on the present.
Though cave dungeons worried me.
Caves were prone to collapse, and dungeons had a daunting reputation.
Might be needless caution, but better safe.
Should be fine, right?
Yeah.
Pushing down unease, I looked forward to tomorrow.