Chapter 97 Saintess (1)
The Saintess (1)
An assassination attempt had just occurred in broad daylight before the very eyes of the Pope—a figure practically equivalent to the leader of the Holy State Numen.
Given the suddenness of the situation, it was only natural for the surroundings to erupt into chaos once more.
Fortunately, no one had actually been assassinated by the black-masked figure, so the commotion remained at the level of murmurs...
But the unease spreading among the people wasn't so easily quelled.
Especially now, when whispers of the Prophecy of Destruction and the Descendants of the Magic King filled the air.
Of course, I was no exception.
'That person just now...'
They had clearly called out Sally with their own mouth. Then, after flames swallowed them whole, they vanished. Through our Link, I could feel Silpi's emotions—flustered, shaken.
His turmoil was so intense it amplified my own unease. Was it because of the thought that Sally might have been involved with the terrorists?
'Calm down, Silpi.'
[...]
'Silpi!'
No response came from Silpi. Not a single word—he just stared blankly ahead. Seeing him like that, my own emotions began to waver.
Spiritualists and spirits fundamentally influence each other's emotions.
Perhaps because of that, once unease took root, it wasn't so easily settled. Even when I took deep breaths to steady myself, Silpi's agitation made it flare up again.
Normally, it was the opposite.
But in this situation, I had no idea how to control my emotions.
Tap.
A hand gripped my shoulder. When I turned my head, I saw Abel looking at me with a composed expression.
The anxiety that had been raging wildly in my chest just moments ago melted away like snow under the warmth of his touch.
Perhaps influenced by that shift, the light returned to Silpi's eyes as well.
"Are you all right?"
"...Yes. I'm a little better now. Thank you."
I smiled slightly as I answered. Who would've thought a single touch could wash away my unease like that?
Was it simply because he was strong enough to protect me? Or was there another reason?
For some reason, my face felt a little warm.
At this rate, I really was living up to the nickname hong-dang-mu (red radish) that Abel had given me.
Fanning my face with my hand, I tried to cool the heat.
[...I'm sorry, Contractor. I shouldn't have lost control like that.]
Silpi seemed to have regained his composure, speaking quietly through our Link.
'It's fine. It happens.'
Though his words about Sally always got rougher, they probably weren't on bad terms.
If they truly disliked each other, he wouldn't even want to mention her.
So, in a way, it was only natural for him to be shaken when Sally's name came from a terrorist's mouth.
[Thanks for understanding.]
'Of course. We're partners, aren't we?'
[Yeah. You're right.]
Taking a deep breath, I surveyed the surroundings again.
"Huu..."
Ka-il, who had dashed to the center of the Assembly Hall in an instant, was frowning slightly as he scanned the area.
He seemed to be searching for traces of the escaped assassin.
Given that his grim expression hadn't eased, it appeared he was having trouble finding any leads.
The Pope, who had been quietly observing this, raised the staff in his hand high.
Tap. Tap.
His staff struck the ground several times. Amid the clamor of hurried voices, the crisp sound of his staff rang out clearly, cutting through the noise.
In an instant, the trembling gazes of the people focused on the Pope.
Seemingly satisfied that he had their full attention, he slowly began to speak.
"Everyone, do not worry too much. No one has died, and no one has been harmed."
Despite being the assassin's primary target, not a single tremor could be heard in the Pope's voice.
Instead, with calm composure, he took the lead in soothing the unease of those around him.
I suppose this was why he was called the Pope.
I hadn't expected him to maintain such poise and steer the situation even in circumstances like these.
"And above all else—I am still here."
Perhaps because of his voice, the commotion among the people gradually began to settle.
The Pope lifted his staff from the ground and pointed its tip toward the sky.
Huuuung...
Soon, a golden energy spread around him. An immense amount of Holy Power arced in a hemisphere, enveloping the entire Conference Hall.
A massive barrier—one no one could easily break—now perfectly protected this place.
Murmurs of awe passed between the surrounding priests.
Even to my untrained eyes, the density of the barrier was so overwhelming that a gasp escaped me.
If I had to compare it, it was reminiscent of Abel's Space Magic.
"My apologies for causing unnecessary concern, honored guests."
"Not at all. It is simply an honor to witness the Holy Kingdom's true strength once more."
As Abel bowed his head and spoke, a smile rose to the Pope's face.
Though his words carried an unusually thick veneer of diplomacy—uncharacteristic of his usual demeanor—the Pope didn't seem to mind, merely chuckling in response.
Probably just playing the part to leave a good impression in diplomatic circles. If Abel put his mind to it, he could put on a performance no less impressive than the Pope's.
"Hohoho. No need to flatter this old man too much. Age has taken its toll on me."
"I merely speak the truth."
The sight of them gilding each other's facades under the guise of politics still left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Even though I understood, logically, that this was unavoidable.
Maybe I'm just not cut out for politics after all.
Lost in thought, I barely noticed as the Pope turned to address the crowd. Leaning on his staff, he began speaking in a slow, deliberate voice.
"Many among you have been unsettled by the recent Oracle delivered by the Goddess."
A heavy silence fell. Even those who had been whispering moments ago now watched the Pope with bated breath.
No one dared speak first, merely observing him in silence. None wanted to risk shouldering the political consequences of misspeaking.
Instead, they exchanged furtive glances, gauging each other's reactions.
For some reason, the sight left me vaguely disappointed.
So even the Holy Kingdom isn't so different after all.
Who would have thought a theocratic nation would still be embroiled in political factionalism?
I hadn't expected this kind of power struggle even within the Holy Kingdom, united under the Goddess Church.
I guess human nature doesn't change, no matter where you go.
As the silence stretched on, the Pope was the first to speak again.
"Some have chosen seclusion in despair of the coming destruction."
At his words, eyes flickered toward a few conspicuously empty seats. So that's why the gathering felt a little sparse.
"Some have chosen exclusion in their efforts to avert destruction.
And some have chosen prayer, submitting to the inevitable."
From the mouth of this frail-looking old man came a voice brimming with authority—calm yet commanding, effortlessly drawing every ear in the room.
The restless shifting of gazes stilled, all attention converging on the Pope in an instant.
Is this the charisma of the man called the Pope?
"But there is no need for excessive fear."
Thud.
His staff struck the ground sharply. As the sound reverberated, the Pope's eyes began to glow—not metaphorically, but literally.
A sacred energy gathered around him, and murmurs rippled through the crowd once more.
"For at the end of the Prophecy of Destruction, there is assuredly hope."
The Pope's gaze met mine.
I thought it was my imagination, but his eyes remained fixed on me—those piercing golden pupils, shining brightly as they stared straight at me.
Unable to discern his intent, I instinctively furrowed my brow.
He smiled faintly before continuing.
"At the end of destruction, one who stirs the Blue Wind shall appear."
"With silver hair flowing and azure eyes alight,"
"The Saintess of Destruction shall shield all from calamity."
Silver hair and blue eyes?
Suddenly, the white strands obscuring my vision felt conspicuous. Without thinking, I touched the necklace at my throat, checking my remaining mana.
It was still functioning normally—good for at least five more hours.
That description matches me exactly.
This necklace's function was to invert the color of the wearer's hair and eyes.
Thanks to it, I'd been able to assume the false identity of "Id." But now, the Prophecy of Destruction mentions a Saintess with the same appearance?
And the "Blue Wind" mentioned at the beginning? That undeniably pointed to me.
"How amusing. This Saintess seems quite bold, doesn't she?"
Abruptly, I recalled the Emperor's words in a certain village of Ark.
"Fascinating. I suppose this is what they call fate."
At the same time, the Pope's words from our first meeting resurfaced in my mind.
...Huh?
A shiver ran down my spine, and I instinctively rubbed my arms.
The puzzle pieces that hadn't fit before—
Their words overlapped, and the fragments began to align.
The Saintess of Destruction, mentioned at the very end of the prophecy.
Don't tell me... that "Saintess" is supposed to be me?