Chapter 229

Despite its symbolism and fame, the security at the Exra-shapel Cathedral wasn’t exactly top-notch.

I mean, who in their right mind would even think of attacking this place? If someone were crazy enough to storm the Imperial Palace, sure, but this? No way.

This was where Emperor Carlos rested. A holy site blessed by Elpinel. The Exra-shapel Cathedral wasn’t just a symbol of humanity—it was a sacred, inviolable domain representing divine authority itself.

Even Isabella, who had brought down the Imperial Palace, didn’t dare lay a finger on this place. The militias that had raided the capital didn’t even think to set fire here.

In an era where gods were real, only the most foolish would dare touch the most powerful divine sanctuary. Even if Elpinel wasn’t their god, her wrath wasn’t something anyone could escape.

But hey, that’s not my problem.

—

I lightly tugged on the reins. The leather strap whipped against the horses’ backs, startling them into a faster gallop.

The sound of four hooves and steel-reinforced carriage wheels pounding against the road echoed like thunder. The cool wind shattered against my face, whipping my hair wildly.

“Move! If you don’t wanna get trampled, move!”

Startled people scrambled to the sides. Good. At least my shouting wasn’t for nothing.

At the cathedral’s entrance, the knights guarding the main gate stared wide-eyed like startled rabbits as the carriage charged toward them. They hadn’t quite grasped the situation yet.

“This is fine, right?!”

With the destination almost in sight, I called out to the inside of the carriage for one last confirmation.

“Yes. As long as I’m here, no one will be seriously harmed.”

A calm voice answered, and a dazzling light enveloped the horses and carriage. Lacey’s holy light—a measure to protect the carriage while ensuring no one got trampled to death.

The radiant carriage charged toward the cathedral’s main gate like a chariot driven by gods.

“W-what is this?! Stop! Stop the carriage right now!”

“An attack?! No, that light… could it be?!”

The two knights, unable to hide their panic, drew their swords. A silver holy light erupted from them, forming a shield-like barrier at the entrance.

“Move if you don’t wanna die!”

I urged the horses to go even faster. The knights’ faces stiffened. The pure white chariot barreled straight toward them.

The knights’ holy shield shattered like glass. The knights, colliding with the carriage, let out sharp screams as they were flung aside and crumpled to the ground.

As Lacey had promised, they weren’t turned into bloody pulp, but judging by their rolled-back eyes, they’d fainted from the shock.

Is this really fine…?

Either way, there was no one left to block the path. The unstoppable mass of light finally reached the main gate and—

Like a fortress wall hit by a catapult, the cathedral’s main gate exploded with a deafening roar.

—

For a moment, silence fell.

The hundreds of worshippers inside the cathedral stared dumbfounded at the collapsed gate.

“Uh… wha…?”

Their expressions were utterly lost. Some even rubbed their eyes as if they were seeing things.

As expected, their reactions were slow. Guess our dramatic entrance paid off, just as Lacey wanted.

“Lacey! Jump out! We’re breaking through!”

The carriage door flung open, and Lacey and Bels leaped out.

“E-Elmain?!”

The priests, who had been in the middle of prayer, were startled by the sudden appearance of the saint candidate. Lacey firmly raised her cross spear, and a pure white holy light enveloped it, shining brilliantly.

“In the name of Elpinel! We will now carry out the judgment of heresy!”

“Those who resist will be considered collaborators with apostates! Move aside!”

They pushed through the crowd as they ran.

“Uh, ugh…!”

“Ahhh!”

People were shoved aside, tumbling to the ground. We tried to control our strength, but some might’ve broken a bone or two. Oh well, there are plenty of priests here—they’ll heal them right away.

“Move if you don’t wanna get hurt!”

There was no time to waste.

We had to break through as quickly as possible before they regained their senses.

If Archbishop Triear caught wind of the saint candidate’s arrival, he’d definitely try to flee.

It was impossible to tell who among them was the archbishop’s lackey and who was an innocent priest.

Even if they were the archbishop’s lackeys, we couldn’t know if they were true apostates who had betrayed Elpinel or just fools being manipulated by him.

So, we had no choice but to charge in like this, pushing everyone aside as we advanced.

If we didn’t, we’d get bogged down by the crowd, and he’d either escape or prepare a massive counterattack.

It was Lacey’s plan, so… she’ll handle the aftermath.

—

After pushing through countless people, we managed to reach the inner part of the cathedral within ten seconds of breaking in.

Since Archbishop Triear was supposed to be in the deepest part of the cathedral, we just had to keep going straight—

“How dare you cause such chaos in this sacred place!”

Yeah, I figured we’d run into some resistance soon.

Armed knights and priests began pouring out from the surrounding corridors.

A sacred light descended upon them, shining brilliantly.

But hey, it’s just a little dazzling—no big deal.

No matter how many holy knights gather, they can’t stop me.

I clenched my fists tightly.

I couldn’t wield Durandal. If I did, even the armor of the holy knights would be sliced, causing severe injuries.

I didn’t come to devastate the cathedral, so I had to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.

Though breaking a few bones would be fine.

Suppressing the overly destructive Life Force, I prepared to swing my fist with only the power of my achievements.

“Step back!”

Lacey stepped forward and slammed her staff-like cross spear down.

A pure white wave erupted, pushing back those blocking the way.

Finally realizing the intruders’ identities, the holy knights who withstood the shockwave stepped back in unison, shocked.

“Lady Elmain?! I heard you were in seclusion for prayer…!”

“Sir Bels, and even Lord Medean? Why are they here…!”

The flustered holy knights hastily lowered their weapons aimed at her.

Their eyes filled with doubt. Even the holy light enveloping their armor seemed to reflect their mental shock.

“If you recognize me, step aside. In the name of Elpinel, the heretic, Tri-”

“Lady Elmain!”

As Lacey was about to declare Archbishop Triar a heretic, an elderly priest loudly interrupted.

“What is this outrage! Bringing heretics to attack the grand cathedral blessed by Elpinel’s grace, even if it’s Lady Elmain, this is unforgivable!”

“Hmm. Indeed, that’s…!”

Some believers nodded in agreement.

Lacey frowned slightly and stepped forward.

Though she had proposed a bold plan to break through, facing believers who were like siblings seemed to make her hesitate.

She’s trying to persuade with words when there’s no time.

“So, I am a heretic-”

“No matter what reason you have! How dare you, a servant of Elpinel, attempt to destroy His sanctuary! How will you bear His wrath!”

This guy.

He’s deliberately interrupting, trying to avoid unfavorable talk and buy time.

…He seems like the Archbishop’s lackey.

“This is beyond excommunication! Stop this outrage immediately and surrender…!”

The old priest, veins bulging on his neck, denounced her.

Others, unsure what to do, alternated their gazes between Lacey and the old priest, but the tension in their weapon-holding hands suggested they were leaning towards the priest’s side.

I don’t know what reason the saint candidate had, but attacking the grand cathedral is a clear fact.

So, suppressing her first and then politely interrogating to hear the details would be the right approach—that’s probably what they’re thinking.

“Sigh…”

Lacey closed her eyes and exhaled.

No choice. I’ll have to step in. This is my specialty.

Just one good hit should do…

– Crack!

…Huh?

The sound of splitting wood with an axe. A familiar sound to me.

It’s the sound of a skull cracking.

“Geeeh…”

The old priest collapsed with a weak groan.

His wrinkled eyelids revealed half-popped eyeballs, with tears and saliva streaming down.

The indentation on his temple suggested a fatal injury if not treated immediately.

“L-Lady Elmain? What are you doing!?”

The shocked believers exclaimed.

No wonder they’re shocked. Even I was surprised.

The saint candidate just full-swinged an old priest’s head with her spear.

If she had used the blade, his brains would be spilling out by now.

“Shut up. This is a heresy trial.”

“A heresy trial? What do you mean…!”

Lacey raised her cross spear and coldly glared at the believers blocking her way.

Her gaze was no different from when she looked at non-humans.

“In the name of Elmain, chosen by Elpinel, I declare: Until the heretic, Archbishop Triar, is judged, all who obstruct will be considered heretics.”

Her tone was rigid.

The unfamiliar sight of Lacey showing hostility towards them left the believers hesitating, unsure what to do.

“I won’t say it twice. Move aside.”

Lacey pointed her cross spear forward. Bels and I quickly moved to her side.

Before the bewildered believers could respond, Lacey charged at them.