Chapter 148

A pointy-nosed mage gave an immediate rebuttal.

“According to Irene’s Doctrine, didn’t you say your god molded everyone from clay and loved every single creation? Then why do you differentiate between sinners and non-sinners, committing the atrocity of sending them separately to hell? And if repentance grants forgiveness, isn’t that just wordplay?”

That’s something I’m curious about too.

Thanks to the fluttering custom black-and-white attire, there was no issue with the fit due to her chest size. However, the fluttering clothes themselves were quite bothersome for her.

If it were her only set, she might not care, but since she had received it just in case before departure, she couldn’t even guess what misfortune would fall later if she didn’t wear it now.

…In the past, this might have been overlooked, but lately, her situation wasn’t so great.

Alesia faintly cleared her throat before beginning her sermon.

“When a child tries to throw itself into a lake, it’s the parent’s role to stop them, even by scolding them. But when an individual insists on drowning themselves despite warnings, even if a rope is thrown to save them, whether they grab onto it or not becomes their responsibility.”

“Why don’t you just save them already?”

“Then the child would keep jumping into the lake thinking they’ll be saved each time. What lesson would that teach? Wouldn’t it instead foster arrogance and recklessness? If all children were equally rescued this way, then there’d be nothing left for them to accomplish in this world. They’d rely on Him to handle everything whenever things got tough.”

“…Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Your desires, conscience, and practice of good and evil are your own portion as granted by Him. So are joy and pleasure. If all our actions and thoughts were dictated solely by His will, leaving us no choice but to follow, where would freedom lie? Acting and thinking according to His will might seem ideal, but wouldn’t it be oppressive if forced upon us? Would you welcome the tyranny of such rulers gladly?”

“Hah, but doesn’t your doctrine emphasize obedience and submission? Yet many within the Empire, which holds Irene’s Doctrine as its state religion, harbor resentment toward slavery… Is there really a difference between voluntary and involuntary slaves?”

“So, should we treat knights and vassals who voluntarily serve the king the same as bandits, thieves, pirates, and lawless individuals who refuse loyalty?”

“Ah, no, those are completely different stories, right?”

“You’re right. The crux is: someone who willingly views themselves as a slave cannot be equated with someone who sees themselves as a noble knight, wise mage, or esteemed aristocrat. Everyone agrees on that, right?”

Did transcribing holy texts help somewhat?

Unintentionally, Alesia found herself engaged in this unusual dialogue with several nobles.

After all, she is still a Holy Maiden, despite appearances.

…But giving sermons, expounding religious doctrines, and answering questions like this doesn’t align with my nature, no matter how I think about it.

“Furthermore, there’s some misunderstanding regarding the concept of forgiving sins. Prayer is proof of faith. It’s not about selfishly asking for personal gain. Practice is fundamental—helping others, showing kindness, loving one another, avoiding harm, and refraining from small or large sins. This requires genuine belief put into action. Repenting through prayer also follows this principle—it’s a ritual of truthfully confessing oneself to Him. Simply reflecting in thought or words without taking action indicates weak or nonexistent faith. Folding your hands in prayer while continuing sinful behavior is worse—it’s deception and betrayal against the Lord.”

“…Then why do you preach that simply believing guarantees salvation?”

“Because explaining it complexly won’t resonate. Start simple; deepen understanding as faith grows. They don’t begin teaching complicated theories in magic either, right? Or am I mistaken?”

“But even so… Isn’t that exaggerated?”

“Fundamentally, it’s true. Belief leads to salvation. Through faith, you’ve seen the locks on salvation’s gates, the stairs leading up, and even the opportunity to climb them, haven’t you?

Think about the countless wandering lambs who never encounter these opportunities. Even realizing this can be considered salvation, and I find it more than sufficient.”

“Opportunity, you say… Opportunity…”

I want to stop already.

Sitting cross-legged in a chair, Alesia wasn’t pleased with the situation.

Why does this trial specifically fall to me?

In a sense, it was unavoidable.

Apparently, interest in Irene’s Doctrine skyrocketed after yesterday’s incident, affecting both the poor and the nobility alike.

Perhaps some of these people, unlike the mainstream powers, felt alienated or obligated to blindly follow family heads, or even unwillingly endured servitude… leading them to question established ways.

Had they excelled in magic or politics, they wouldn’t be here now, enduring this.

…Still, this is all nominal.

Their interest isn’t purely out of genuine curiosity about Irene’s Doctrine.

It’s because of the Imperial Princess.

Clearing her throat again, Alesia continued.

“If you’ve read the scriptures closely, you’ll see instances where the Lord didn’t easily forgive.”

“My point exactly! Why did He get so worked up over tormenting His creations?!”

“That’s called a trial.”

“But isn’t that just harassment under the guise of love? If it was unintentional, isn’t that incompetence?”

“It’s because He is a great being. Don’t you lavish more attention and demand more from talented individuals? Your hardships signify His favor. Therefore, you should rejoice.”

…Even though I’m saying it myself, this feels pretty despicable.

Ultimately, it means even suffering is a blessing.

While hindsight often validates this, it’s hard to accept at times.

“Whether you perceive pain as medicine or poison depends on you. If you wish to avoid trials, evade them. If you seek greatness, face them courageously. Nevertheless, He loves you enough to offer new chances even if you falter.”

…This argument feels a bit forced too.

Considering the recent Faceulan riots, this could be an opportunity for them to rise to prominence.

This narrative isn’t entirely wrong.

Thinking back, perhaps all the neglect, exploitation, disregard, and unjust treatment they faced were trials meant to elevate them.

…Throughout history, many sages and saints have painstakingly established doctrines and theories, even sacrificing their lives, to guide believers. How could these people overcome the thousand-year legacy of Irene’s Doctrine?

Though I may not be the most trustworthy messenger, I’m still officially the Holy Maiden.

…For now.

In the North, after a fistfight, bowing down would suffice, but why do other regions demand such detailed explanations and understanding?

And why do these opportunists feign interest in Irene’s Doctrine just to side with the princess, yet become so serious about it?

“Still, hearing the Holy Maiden speak directly makes a difference.”

“……”

Smiling outwardly, Alesia listened to the young nobleman.

Why can’t they simply accept the truth, whether spoken by a rag-clad sage or a Holy Maiden with authority?

Is this prideful acknowledgment of her authority another form of flattery?

…Because of this, efforts to make believers and non-believers understand led to the church constructing grand cathedrals, obsessing over authority until they faced persecution for centuries.

How else could a Great King openly mention the church surviving off the Demon King invasion?

“Time flies faster than expected. Just as overeating harms the body, overloading the mind isn’t healthy either.”

Though she forced a smile, her discomfort and unease remained undeniable.

“We apologize for speaking too aggressively.”

“Please consider our enthusiasm for Irene’s Doctrine.”

“I learned a lot today.”

…I’m exhausted.

Only after dismissing them could Alesia join the princess.

“Surprisingly, you have talent for preaching.”

“……”

Who made me endure this hardship?

Meanwhile, someone enjoys tea and leisure reading.

Of course, there lies Geoffrey, the elven arch-mage, snoring softly on the bed…

“Is this okay?”

Normally, addressing the princess this casually would warrant punishment, but…

…She asked for it, so what can I do? Even Alesia has some flexibility.

“Let’s focus on our task now.”

“Our task?”

“Forget not, our interrogation isn’t limited to regents or kings.”

Elhermina referred to those detained by Ruelde. Alesia understood, even without explicit mention.

“According to Ruelde, they claimed to come from the past. Also, their master supposedly stopped Ruelde.”

Who would imagine a human capable of clearly hearing sounds from such distances? Yet, such humans exist.

…The key takeaway is: what can happen, eventually will. Always stay vigilant.

“And now, with Ruelde absent and them captured… If their master learns of this, would they let it slide?”

“You’re suggesting this was intentional?”

“Understanding an enemy’s competence is fundamental before confrontation.”

Know your enemy to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, and devise countermeasures.

“If Geoffrey were well, we could’ve gathered more detailed information… Let’s discuss while moving.”

Leaving the guest room, they walked down the corridor at a steady pace, their footsteps rhythmic and monotonous.

“If one can traverse space indiscriminately, this place shouldn’t be an exception.”

Using magic for spatial travel would surely involve robust defenses in a Mage Kingdom.

But is this truly a safe zone?

That’s crucial to determine.

If nothing obstructs such abilities, it wouldn’t be surprising for someone to appear instantly at the royal court.

Knowing this, swift countermeasures are essential.

“To confirm this, I requested multiple anti-spatial-magic barriers around the rooms where they’re held.”

“Anti-magic barriers? Not anti-magic fields?”

“The latter already covers the palace and parts of downtown, especially near the palace. Adding more would be redundant.”

Mages, proud and high-ranking as ever, exhibit obsessive cleanliness regarding such matters.

Though they boast superiority, it’s mainly valid in the eastern regions.

By imperial standards, there are still plenty of shortcomings, but compared to the east, this place boasts top-tier magical manpower.

…However, after yesterday’s events, restoring the core staff lost to demonic sacrifices will likely take over a decade.

“So if this place is breached… We should consider it a result of special or divine abilities rather than mere magic.”

Special abilities.

Or divine powers.

When capabilities surpass normal definitions, they’re generally categorized as divine powers.

…However, defining divine power precisely is challenging, so miracles and wonders are usually used as benchmarks.

But achieving miracles or wonders personally is impossible territory.

…Except for heroes, warriors, saints, and holy maidens, making it their exclusive domain.

Or by harnessing divine artifacts.

Like sacred swords or relics.

And during the Demon King invasions, trophies taken became classified similarly.

With the revelation of the Great Demon King’s Legacy in this era, they too are now considered divine powers.

Drake, accompanying Elhermina, carries examples of these divine powers.

Special abilities, while not divine, showcase extraordinary power and presence beyond the norm.

…This definition evolved through scholars’ work and deepened studies, eventually creating a new official position: Ability Officer.

“…Carriel once expressed a desire to become a Herald.”

Suddenly bringing this up?

“He added he disliked it because it was prominent only during wartime.”

Alesia couldn’t help but ask.

“Why did he say that?”

“Because crests and heraldry symbolize histories and grand narratives… Families, races, and their branches breathe life into history. Nations, similarly, emerge from mutual agreements built on these elements.”

Even a seven-year-old eloquently spoke such profound ideas.

“From early on, he subtly showed diplomatic promise.”

Such free-spiritedness, positive thinking, and exceptional brilliance far ahead of his peers led him to represent the princess in foreign visits.

“…….”

“…….”

Figured.

Watching Elhermina fall silent, Alesia scratched her head anxiously.

After walking for a few minutes, an overwhelming sensation gripped them.

Glancing quickly, Elhermina was already poised to kick the door open.

As she burst through, a crimson-haired girl clad in pitch-black armor emerged through a dimensional rift.

“Master…?”

Relief spread across the faces of the human girl and the male daemon inside the room.

Meanwhile, the mysterious newcomer radiated an indescribable aura and pressure.

Her boots, adorned with black sabatons, scraped against the floor with a terrifying metallic screech as she moved.

Her long-gauntleted hands, resembling beastly claws, remained weaponless, yet…

…Could one confidently claim she’s unarmed given her full-body armor?

-Unknown Language-

An incomprehensible sound resonated, almost echoing inside one’s mind.

“Could it be…?”

Unlike Alesia, Elhermina sensed something else.

Perhaps the entity before them shared the same realization.

As white flames erupted from Elhermina, enveloping her surroundings,

From the black-armored, red-haired, red-eyed girl, a crimson mist swirled like countless butterflies or moths…

…Intermingling together.

Thus, the entire space became engulfed in chaos—a surreal blend of pure white flames and entwined crimson insect-like, animalistic, monstrous manifestations.

“Hey, wait! Why the sudden attack?!”

Overwhelmed by the surreal spectacle and the oppressive atmosphere it generated,

Those not responsible for instigating the situation could only succumb to convulsions and seizures.

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