Chapter 209

‘The Holy Kingdom, huh….’

After receiving advice from Aditi, I couldn’t help but think about a lot of things.

‘I have to meet those guys up there.’

The problem is, the Holy Kingdom is a place where I have no influence.

In Baronia and the Eastern Alliance, I can pretty much do as I please, but the Holy Kingdom and Tayos have zero connection to me.

‘… Wait, now that I think about it, there is one connection.’

The Time Priestess, Lamenta Ministra.

I remember her healing my arm in the past, but that was just a treatment, nothing more.

And for some reason, I instinctively felt uneasy about the Holy Kingdom.

‘I’m a Dark Sorcerer, after all. Given how the Holy Kingdom shuns Dark Sorcerers, the chances of me being treated well are slim.’

In other words, going there alone with no connections is basically suicide.

‘But… there is one way.’

******

After a lot of convincing, I finally got Yoo Ju’s permission to go to the Holy Kingdom.

I didn’t really need her permission, but it felt right to get her approval.

And of course, going to the Holy Kingdom alone without any backup was dangerous, so I needed to bring some strong allies along.

“Hmm, so that’s why you chose me?”

“Yeah, you just came to mind, Yoon Yeon.”

“I was surprised. You suddenly came to me and asked if I wanted to go to the Holy Kingdom with you. I was like, what’s going on?”

I chose Yoon Yeon because she’s been to the Holy Kingdom before.

“I don’t know anything about the Holy Kingdom, so I needed someone who does.”

“Hmm… are you making excuses after asking me out on a date?”

“A date? What are you talking about…”

Before I could even react properly, Wi Ho-yeon, sitting next to me in the carriage, chimed in.

“A date? Lee Yun-seong just needed someone who knows about the Holy Kingdom.”

“Hmm…”

Yoon Yeon crossed her legs and stared at Wi Ho-yeon.

“Wi Ho-yeon, are you nervous because you’re afraid I’ll steal your man?”

At Yoon Yeon’s sly remark, Wi Ho-yeon’s face turned bright red.

“W-w-what are you talking about?!”

Not just Wi Ho-yeon, but I was also flustered.

While my relationship with Yoo Ju is official, Yoon Yeon seemed to know about my relationship with Wi Ho-yeon too.

Choi Ga-in, who was also joining us, sat quietly, pretending not to hear anything.

“You think I don’t know? It’s obvious just by looking. But you’re something else, huh? You’ve got two beauties wrapped around you?”

“Haha… I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

“Playing dumb, huh? You’re good. When did you manage to charm two beauties?”

“……”

“Why are you making that face? Don’t worry, Eras is very different from Earth. These kinds of things are more flexible here.”

“I know, but…”

“I’m just teasing you.”

“… Anyway, it’s surprising. The person Yoon Yeon knows and my destination are the same.”

“I know the commander of the Holy Knights there.”

“Ah…”

“But why are you heading to the Aitas Church? You said you had business in the Holy Kingdom?”

Yoon Yeon seemed puzzled that I was heading to the Aitas Church.

As I told Yoon Yeon, my destination was indeed the Aitas Church, where the Time Priestess belongs.

‘Those vague words the Time Priestess said back then, I think I understand them now.’

Back then, I didn’t know what happened in the first round, but now I do.

The god who sent Yoo Ju back was Aitas.

So, it’s highly likely that the Time Priestess, who serves Aitas, knew something when she healed my arm.

‘I couldn’t understand why such a high-ranking person would heal my arm, but it’s likely she got a hint from above.’

Otherwise, there’s no reason for the Time Priestess to heal me, who was just a trainee back then.

‘That Metatron guy is also a problem, but visiting the Aitas Church is my top priority.’

“Hmm… is it hard to talk about?”

“Ah… sorry.”

I was lost in thought and didn’t answer Yoon Yeon right away.

“It’s not that hard to talk about… I’m planning to meet a god.”

“… What?”

Yoon Yeon’s face showed disbelief at my words.

Wi Ho-yeon was the same.

“Lee Yun-seong, meeting a god… what are you talking about?”

“Well…”

I couldn’t tell them everything. If I revealed that I knew things no one else did, they’d probably suspect how I knew.

‘I have enough excuses.’

“Wi Ho-yeon, haven’t you ever wondered why we players were brought here?”

“Huh? That’s…”

“I think there’s a reason. So, I want to ask directly. At least the ones managing this continent should know.”

“… You’re going all the way to the Holy Kingdom just to ask that?”

“That’s part of it. Yoon Yeon, do you remember?”

“Remember what?”

“That time when Yoo Ju was interfered with by a strange power.”

“Ah… that time…”

Wi Ho-yeon was tilting her head in confusion, but Yoon Yeon, who had briefly clashed with Yoo Ju back then, would remember clearly.

“Yoo Ju was given power by a strange, hazy white light. I think that was interference from above.”

“……”

“If they can send power from above, then communication should be possible too. So, I want to ask directly.”

‘And I need to warn them. Don’t mess with Yoo Ju again.’

******

Since Yoon Yeon had contacted the Aitas Church in advance, we were greeted by the Holy Knights.

“Long time no see, Commander Pides.”

“… Long time no see, Clan Master of Myth Clan.”

‘This guy is the commander of the Holy Knights.’

His face showed age but also strength.

Though covered in armor, I could instinctively tell his body was well-trained.

‘… He’s a monster.’

His stats were astonishing. If he were a player and not a native, he’d definitely be a top ranker.

“I was surprised to hear you were visiting the Holy Kingdom so suddenly. And congratulations on Myth Clan being promoted to one of the top three clans.”

“Thank you. Sorry for the sudden visit.”

“No need to apologize. But…”

I felt his gaze on me. Seems like he doesn’t know me.

‘Well, he wasn’t among the Holy Knights who came to the training facility back then.’





Even if they had come, the clothing and appearance they wore then and now were different, so it was only natural not to recognize them.

“Who are the three people next to you?”

“They’re companions. They’re from the Eternity Clan.”

“The Eternity Clan? Ah… the one that’s been making waves lately…”

It seemed necessary to greet them.

“Hello. I’m Lee Yun-seong from the Eternity Clan. Next to me are Wi Ho-yeon and Choi Ga-in, who are in charge of my escort.”

“…Nice to meet you. I’m Pides, the commander of the Holy Knights of the Aitas Church. But…”

Commander Pides tilted his head slightly and asked.

“I feel like I’ve heard your name somewhere before. I’ve heard rumors, but something…”

“I was treated by the Priest of Time about 1-2 years ago.”

“…Ah.”

He seemed to remember something.

“…I see. No wonder your name felt familiar. You’re someone connected to the Saintess.”

“Yes. I’m grateful for what happened back then. If it weren’t for the Priest of Time, I would have lived as a cripple forever.”

“Hmm… I heard back then that you were a Dark Sorcerer.”

“…Yes, that’s correct. To be precise, I’m a Chimera Sorcerer.”

I couldn’t help but feel nervous while answering. After all, the Holy Kingdom is a country that rejects Dark Sorcerers.

Moreover, there was a time when the Holy Knights who were with the Priest of Time looked at me with disdain when they found out I was a Dark Sorcerer.

Who knows if this guy might suddenly draw his sword, asking how dare a Dark Sorcerer greet him.

‘And he’s not just any ordinary strong person either.’

Of course, even if this guy suddenly turned around and swung his sword at me, with Wi Ho-yeon and Yoon Yeon by my side, my head wouldn’t roll…

‘But the problem is, if things go that way, it’ll escalate.’

“Hmm… I see.”

In the brief silence, Yoon Yeon stepped forward and spoke.

“I hope you won’t be rude to Lee Yun-seong just because he’s a Dark Sorcerer. I owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Seeing her glance at me, it seemed she was making a preemptive move in case of any situation.

From my perspective, I felt grateful to Yoon Yeon.

“…Don’t worry. I have no intention of being rude.”

At Commander Pides’ words, the Holy Knights next to him cautiously spoke up.

“However, Commander. We can’t bring a Dark Sorcerer into the Church…”

“Enough. I’ve made my decision, so stop talking.”

“But…”

It seemed the people under him weren’t convinced.

‘That just shows how bad the perception of Dark Sorcerers is.’

Probably, the old man called Commander Pides is only acting this way because of Yoon Yeon’s words.

“The Saintess personally treated him before. Are you convinced now?”

“……”

“If you understand, then stop.”

“…Yes, if that’s the Commander’s will, we understand.”

Commander Pides turned his gaze back to us and spoke.

“…I apologize for the situation getting a bit awkward.”

“It’s alright. I understand, Commander Pides.”

“…Good, I’m grateful that the Clan Master of the Eternity Clan understands. By the way, may I ask why you’ve come to the Church? I heard you have some business here.”

“Yes, that’s correct. But the one with business here isn’t me.”

“Huh?”

Naturally, Commander Pides’ gaze turned to me.

‘This is… how should I bring this up?’

If I bluntly say I came to meet the god your Church serves, it would cause an uproar.

I was racking my brain, trying to figure out how to phrase it when suddenly, the back of the Holy Knights started to get noisy.

“Huh, huh?”

“T-The Saintess?!”

‘What?’

Soon, the Holy Knights parted to the sides, revealing a face I had definitely seen before.

‘The Priest of Time.’

Commander Pides hurriedly bowed his head and spoke to her.

“Saintess, why have you come out here…?”

‘Even this Commander guy can’t act recklessly towards the Priest of Time.’

At least, seeing him bow to the Priest of Time, it seemed she held a higher position than this Commander guy.

‘Well, she is called the Saintess.’

The Priest of Time didn’t answer his words. She just stared at me with her eyes covered by a blindfold, just like before.

‘Damn it, why isn’t she saying anything?’

The sudden silence only made the awkwardness grow.

Finally, her closed mouth opened slightly.

“…I came out because I heard guests had arrived.”

“T-Then, I will guide the guests, so Saintess, you should…”

“No. I will guide them myself.”

“…Huh? The Saintess herself?”

Everyone here was taken aback by her words. It was only natural to be surprised when the Saintess herself suddenly offered to guide them.

‘…Why? Did she get a hint from above?’

I couldn’t figure out why she was doing this, but the thought crossed my mind.

As I quietly observed the situation, she slowly approached me and greeted me.

“It’s been a while.”

“Ah… yes. It’s been a while. It’s good to see you again, Priest Lamenta.”

At my words, it wasn’t the Saintess but the Holy Knights who reacted.

“How dare you! Who gave you permission to address the Saintess by name…!”

‘Damn it, what am I supposed to do? She told me to call her that before.’

“I allowed it. Please refrain from speaking to him like that.”

“F-Forgive me, Saintess.”

“Apologize to him directly, not to me.”

At the Saintess’ words, the Holy Knight reluctantly bowed his head and apologized to me.

“…I apologize.”

“It’s alright. No problem.”

After I accepted the apology, the Saintess slightly bowed her head to me and spoke.

“I apologize for the Holy Knight’s rude behavior. Everyone, please follow me. I will guide you.”