Chapter 39
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Refugee Erzena
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Temporary... asylum?"
Erzena blinked.
It was a completely unexpected answer, judging by her flustered expression.
"I... don't quite understand what that means."
"It's simple. It means staying in our country for a while."
Only Haillin and the Minister nodded, grasping the intent behind my words.
"Well now, that's a clever solution. Not just any asylum, but temporary asylum."
"You've hit the nail on the head."
Asylum.
It's an administrative procedure an individual can apply for when facing or potentially facing persecution for political, cultural, or religious reasons.
In other words, fleeing to another country for survival.
"Since asylum applications are for personal safety, there won't be any misunderstandings or issues."
She shook her head at my words.
"But I'm not in danger right now."
That's true.
With her holy power restored, she could easily handle most threats.
She wasn't suitable for asylum.
But that was the current situation.
I said,
"No, you were in danger."
"Pardon? What do you—"
"Pig."
"Ah."
Her face paled instantly at the curt word.
Recall what Erzena had gone through just a few days ago.
Turned into a piglet and kidnapped—what else could that be if not a threat to her safety?
I didn't know who did it.
Or what their purpose was.
But she had definitely been kidnapped.
"Those unknown forces might target you again. So, it wouldn't be wrong to say you've fled here for safety."
"C-Can it work like that? But everything's resolved now..."
"No, Erzena. We still haven't identified who they are. There's no guarantee the threats won't return."
So, applying for temporary asylum in the Crossroad Kingdom to seek refuge in a safe place as quickly as possible gives us a solid justification.
Kidnapping is a serious crime requiring urgent action, and emergency measures are implemented immediately.
It's better than her rushing back to the southern continent and causing chaos for the Pope and the Church.
If she returned to the Church right now, it would undoubtedly unleash a bloodbath of confusion.
If she truly wants to reform the Church, she needs sufficient rumors to spread first before making her move.
Finally understanding, she murmured,
"So, publicly, it's like I fled here to survive. And behind the scenes, we're buying time."
"Exactly."
"Even though I did nothing wrong."
"It has nothing to do with fault. It's just about catching our breath for a moment."
Meanwhile, Haillin, who had been listening silently to our exchange, asked,
"...Pig? Why does a pig come up here?"
"It's a thing."
Not something to explain here.
Not something to voice aloud.
"I... see. Asylum, then..."
Erzena looked slightly disappointed.
She glanced down at her wrist, still gripped in my hand.
"But why temporary asylum?"
Haillin answered.
"Simple. Formal asylum has complicated procedures. Since it assumes long-term stay, it requires approvals from various state agencies. Probably a stack like that one."
The Director pointed to the pile of papers she had overturned during the trial earlier.
"But temporary asylum is treated as an emergency measure, so the on-site authority can guarantee 1-2 months of stay without conditions. Just one document: the 'Temporary Asylum Application'."
She held up a single sheet this time.
"During the stay, the protection responsibility falls to the designated authority, meaning the Central Officer and Immigration Control Office will handle your safety."
A clear explanation.
Emergency measures always take priority.
The optimal way to protect her right now.
With a somewhat convinced look, Erzena asked me,
"So... is this your intent toward me, Central Officer?"
I fell silent for a moment.
Meeting her golden eyes.
Your intent toward me.
What did that mean?
What I could do for her.
Repayment for someone who stepped up for me like this.
Or... other feelings.
I spoke softly.
"...This is the utmost I can do to protect you."
I don't have the combat prowess of an Olfactory Officer or the seasoned expertise of the Minister.
I'm not as authoritative as the Pope or as connected as the Queen.
But as an immigration officer, I have my ways.
Organization, regulations, and the legitimacy they provide.
These were my weapons and strengths.
"I will protect you with everything I have. I promise."
I didn't specify from what.
Instead, I implied it with all my power.
A heartfelt truth, slightly abbreviated.
Erzena's expression brightened again.
"I see. This is your full effort..."
Her holy power rippled pleasantly.
"To protect me..."
Fully revitalized, she nodded vigorously.
"Alright. Let's do it right now. I'll apply for temporary asylum. You as my protector. Is that it?"
"Whoa, whoa, calm down, you young folks. This isn't a marriage registration or some love match."
Haillin wedged herself between us, waving her arms.
"And this doesn't seem like a conversation for here. We should move."
She glanced around with her eyes.
The empty courtroom was quiet.
But spacious enough for someone to sneak in and eavesdrop.
Definitely not the place to discuss future plans.
The Minister said,
"Let's go to my office. It's soundproofed with magic. And..."
His wrinkled eyes alternated between me and Erzena.
"I need to hear how you two went from enemies to allies so quickly."
A short while later, in the Minister's office.
I told the Director and the Minister everything that had happened.
Once from my perspective, then once from Erzena's.
"Wh-What? That bitch kicked our Central Officer's face?"
"This is all true? Not a single detail omitted?"
The two, having heard it all, gaped in shock.
"Well, this is..."
Instead of Haillin searching for words, the Minister spat it out bluntly.
"What utter bullshit."
The secretary, bringing tea, flinched at the words.
Clink.
The Minister quickly gestured an apology before continuing.
"Kidnapping a Saintess... But why didn't you report it to me? All the other border chiefs knew?"
"It was a minute-by-minute crisis. I planned to set up a perimeter first, then report."
"But you didn't."
"I was going to persuade Erzena and then inform you, but right after, the King's proxy barged in."
I still remembered.
Incansus Vermotem.
That overwhelming physique and the pressure from his authority.
"Ugh."
I shuddered involuntarily.
Not as much as the King, but there was that chilling aura unique to dragonkin.
Meanwhile, Haillin pondered gravely what she'd just heard.
"The Saintess turned into a pig... So, a female pig saintess? No, sow saint—"
"D-Director."
I barely stopped her from blurting something rude in her immersion.
"Ah, sorry. I'll tone it down to beast saintess."
Snapping back, Haillin patted Erzena's back.
"What a rough fate you've had, former beast saintess. You've truly experienced the lowest of lows."
"Ah, haha... I did gain some insights from it, but I never want to go through that again."
That was sincere.
Then, the secretary approached the table with a document.
"Minister, the form you requested."
"Thank you."
Carton handed it straight to Erzena.
[Temporary Asylum Application]
"Alright, enough preamble. Let's get started."
Meaning formal proceedings.
He cleared his throat a few times, then looked at me.
"Central Officer. It's under your purview."
"Yes."
I nodded and said,
"Miss Erzena Selaph."
"Yes? We agreed on just Erzena—"
"Miss Erzena Selaph. You have come to apply for temporary asylum in the Crossroad Kingdom. Is that correct?"
My official tone echoed in the office.
Grasping the meaning, Erzena replied seriously.
"...Yes."
"Before signing, be informed that asylum comes with two conditions."
I raised one finger.
"First. The asylee may not engage in any political actions. Contact with political groups, factions, or parties is forbidden. Violation results in deportation."
Then another.
"Second. The asylee will be assigned a residence and area. Free movement within is allowed, but leaving is prohibited. Violation also results in deportation."
"Sounds more like imprisonment than protection."
She responded with a hint of dissatisfaction.
She didn't deny it.
"Freedom brings risk, safety requires control. But for now, we'll loosen that control as much as possible, so don't worry."
At least, you need to stay where I can reach you to respond if a real threat comes.
I won't allow another pig hunt operation.
I pointed to the signature line at the bottom.
- Applicant:
"Sign here, and for the next two months, your safety and protection are my responsibility."
"..."
She hesitated briefly, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll sign."
She took the pen and began writing her name.
- Saintess Er...
The pen paused abruptly.
Erzena stared at the word before her name.
"..."
Her hand trembled faintly.
I kept silent, watching.
No matter how resolved, abandoning a lifelong identity isn't easy.
I understood.
Resolution and reality differ.
From now on, "former Saintess" would cling to her endlessly.
And each time, she'd recall what she once was.
That disconnect will be immense.
From a Church symbol to someone reborn as nothing.
Emptiness and hope intertwined complexly.
I silently placed my hand where she could see it.
The corner of the document. Close enough for her to reach.
But you have something to lean on. It's not just the gods extending a hand.
Her golden eyes shifted to my hand.
"..."
She steeled herself again.
She crossed out "Saintess" viciously and signed her name anew.
- Erzena Selaph.
Beside it, she wrote mine.
- Protector: Central Officer Nathan Kell.
Pressing firmly, engraving it deeply.
She set the pen down.
That was it.
The temporary asylum application was complete.
All that remained was acceptance.
Haillin said,
"The application is filed. And the protector is clearly designated."
A solemn tone unlike her usual self.
"The Immigration Control Office and Central Officer now have a duty to protect Miss Selaph. Central Officer Nathan Kell."
"Yes."
"Do you swear, as an immigration officer, to faithfully uphold this duty?"
I rose slowly from my seat.
And, looking at Erzena, answered,
"I swear."
"Then the request is accepted. From this moment, all visitor privileges she held are revoked, and she is granted rights and responsibilities equivalent to a citizen."
The final procedure.
The acceptance was complete.
Only then did Haillin relax her expression and extend a hand to Erzena.
"Welcome as an asylee, Miss Erzena Selaph. To the Crossroad Kingdom."
"Th-Thank you..."
She shook the flustered girl's hand vigorously.
Still shaking, she asked me,
"Now that Miss Erzena's safety is secured, what's your plan? Any schedule ahead?"
"Right now? Nothing but heading back to the southern border."
Business here was done.
Now, processing the exit for the 3,000 holy war troops outside the border.
I'd already left the Immigration Control Office to my direct subordinates for nearly two days.
I could almost hear their screams.
Central Officer, come back!!!
Argh! How are four of us supposed to process 3,000 exits!!!
I quit! No one's even here to accept my resignation!
Let's drink. Today, tomorrow, and the day after.
If I didn't hurry back, who knew what they'd do.
Reading my face, Haillin chuckled.
"Don't worry. If it's just you two, you still have time. A fast carriage takes only a day."
"I-Is that so?"
"Yes. The pilgrimage group is huge, so it'll take them two days to reach the southern border. How about a drink for old times' sake?"
"A drink?"
Her subtle temptation.
She wagged her fingers like a worker after a job well done.
"Didn't you say you got some expensive booze from your dad last time? What was it? Oh, right! Frost Dragon Wine! Perfect for this momentous day!"
"I gave it to the Auditory Officer."
"...Huh?"
Her excited expression froze.
"...Why?"
"Negotiating overtime for the pilgrimage group."
She slumped over the chair at my answer.
Then pulled out some pork jerky and popped it listlessly into her mouth.
"...This is why they say inland folk lack romance. After a big job, you wash the dust from your throat with booze—that's desert custom."
We're not in the desert.
Meanwhile, Erzena's face paled at Haillin gnawing the jerky irritably.
"P-Pork..."
Her golden eyes shook as if watching a monster devour her kin.
Ignoring Haillin's grumbling regrets, the Minister spoke.
"So, Central Officer. Heading back right away?"
"Well, about that."
That was the original plan.
But hearing the Director, another idea surfaced.
"Since we have some time, I've changed my mind."
I turned to look out the window.
A quiet vacant lot came into view far off.
[Royal Cemetery]
"...Shall we go see the Visual Officer?"
Suddenly, I wanted to visit someone I hadn't seen in a while.>