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Igguoqueden Imperial Palace, in front of Princess Yuria’s room.

“Princess Linea, what brings you here…?”

“I came to see my sister.”

At Linea’s words, the royal maid bowed her head, looking flustered.

“Well, um… Princess Yuria has an important guest today and has ordered that no one be allowed in…”

“Is that so…?”

Just as I was thinking I would have to postpone my consultation, a voice came from beyond the door.

“It’s fine. Let her in.”

Upon hearing the voice, the maid immediately opened the door and bowed to Linea.

Once inside, what caught my eye was—my sister Yuria sitting in a chair, grasping a quill and writing something down.

Yuria von Einzberg, the iron-blood princess who was chosen as the next emperor and had mastered ruling studies at the tender age of 11.

She symbolized the royal bloodline with her golden hair and blue eyes; however, her gaze was distinct.

Unlike Linea, who had a mild expression, Yuria’s eyes were cold and sharp, and her slender physique was well-balanced compared to our overly developed younger sister or stepmother.

Her hairstyle was a simple bob that didn’t take much effort to maintain, with only one distinct feature being that a section of hair on the right side fell down to her shoulders.

It gave off an extremely practical vibe.

Yet, due to her stunning beauty, fussing over her hair wasn’t that important to her overall impression.

“Long time no see, Linea. You sought me out? Well, I have an idea of why.”

“You know, sister? Right now, mother is…”

“Talking about changing the state religion, right?”

“…You heard everything?”

“Well, with ears open, there’s no way you wouldn’t know unless you pretend not to.”

Rustle, rustle.

While Linea showed clear signs of anxiety, Yuria appeared calm and composed.

It was as if she were saying that it wasn’t such a big deal.

“Is it really okay to leave it like this? Guoden Church isn’t that extreme of a religion, and it’s true that the appearance of the Saint has improved public sentiment, but… you know what happened when the religious sector held overwhelming power.”

“Of course, it wouldn’t be fine.”

“Then shouldn’t we do something about it—”

“Linea.”

At that moment, Yuria set down her quill and finally turned to gaze directly into Linea’s eyes.

“Have you ever thought about why the Holy Power Pouch… is revered by religious people for women’s bosoms?”

“Huh? Well, that’s mentioned in the Bible…”

“White Magic.”

Yuria interrupted Linea and began explaining unilaterally.

“My hypothesis is that women with larger breasts show exceptional talent in white magic that’s meaningful enough among priests.”

“Suddenly…?”

“Think about it. People in the religious sector often say things like ‘the Bible forbids it’ or ‘the Bible recommends it’, but ultimately, the Bible was written by humans. In the beginning, it had to have been written by a person. Or, are you really thinking, Linea, that something like ‘God’s Word’ is written in the Bible?”

“Of course not!”

“Due to the dry and hot climate, the southern regions of the continent don’t eat pork much. Scholarly research suggests that back in the day when there was no unified empire, there was a doctrine in the indigenous religion of the southern regions that viewed pigs as unclean animals and avoided them. Was it truly because pigs were seen as unclean animals? Isn’t it more reasonable to see it as a believable reason imposed to prevent raising pigs due to poor advantages in climate or environment?”

“….”

Without responding, Linea slowly nodded her head.

“This proves that if any group has taboo or recommended practices, there are always justifiable reasons to follow. In other words, even if vague reasons such as ‘God forbids it’ or ‘God recommends it’ are attached, it suggests there must be valid reasons behind it.”

Yuria’s eyes sparkled.

It was a gaze that could only be shown by one with absolute confidence.

“The Holy Power Pouch is the same. Up until now, white magic has been solely the domain of Guoden Church priests, hasn’t it? The research on magic is conducted in the Mage Tower, unlike other attribute magics, and thus only passed down within the religious sector. In other words, the bigger the breasts, the more extraordinary talent one showed in white magic, and such individuals could likely demonstrate their talent as nuns or saints—that’s my theory.”

After explaining that, Yuria twirled a strand of her golden hair with her finger.

It was a habit she showed when she was lost in thought.

“Of course, this hypothesis has holes. Had my hypothesis been correct, our mother would’ve shined as the best nun… no, as a saint. But while being able to use magic can vary based on individual talent, it’s reasonable to assume that the size of a woman’s breasts influences the efficiency of white magic.”

—Hence, the person who first wrote the Bible must have included that line for a reason.

Though they wrote about it being pleasing to the divine and that they had let out a holy moan—that is the truth.

“So, if the breasts are bigger, does that mean the qualification as a nun… as a white mage increases?”

“Yes. The current Saint Erin has been chosen as the saint precisely because she has talent that surpasses the norm.”

Saying that, she maintained a serious expression before finally letting out a soft laugh.

“To say that God bestows the saint… is nonsense, right? The saint is chosen by the human pope.”

“….”

“Perhaps what happened to mother was a kind of white magic too. Mental manipulation isn’t something new, and judging by the size of the saint’s Holy Power Pouch… it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she possesses overwhelming magical power compared to others.”

Line’s head nodded in agreement.

Erin is certainly likely around her age. But thinking about that brute-force bosom…

“Therefore, I’m going to break that illusion from now on.”

“Illusion?”

“Yeah. The fact that mother became like that was merely a little change due to white magic, rather than a divine miracle, right? I aim to prove that before the saint’s eyes. With that, this bizarre commotion will come to an end. Plus, if it’s confirmed as magic, we may well find a way to return mother to her original condition.”

“But how…?”

“By doing exactly what mother did. She said she was turned that way after encountering the light that seeped from the Bible, right? Since there’s no divine miracle, it’s mostly likely a type of white magic. If mother has low magical resistance, she might’ve been affected—but—”

—I won’t be.

Upon hearing that, Linea finally realized Yuria’s intentions.

Magical resistance normally increased with one’s mana capacity and understanding.

And the one who spoke those words, Yuria, was so talented that if she weren’t the first princess and heir to the emperor, every mage tower would be competing to scout her.

While she wished to walk the path of magic, her lack of talent led her to become a knight, unlike her, who truly had the potential to become a great mage.

Of course, her magical resistance was strong, so if the magic truly is being used, she could easily overcome it!

“I feel sorry for the saint, but casually appointing Guoden Church as the state religion is problematic. The declaration that ‘the divine miracle didn’t work’ will become our biggest advantage to justify not having to accept it as the state religion.”

At that moment.

There was a knock on the door.

Upon hearing it, Linea recalled the maid’s voice saying, “An important guest is scheduled to arrive today.”

“Princess Yuria! The saint has arrived.”

“Could it be that the important person that was coming today is…!”

“Yes, it’s Saint Erin. I called for her myself. So I will leave this to you, and you can just rest easy and go back. Linea, you have work to do, right? Finding a way to bring Guoden Church under the influence of our Ainsberg family within the religious sector. Understood?”

As Yuria’s voice called “Open up!”, the door swung open—

Revealing Erin dressed in scandalous saintly robes, tightly clutching the Bible in her hands.

“Welcome, Saint!”

“Hello, Princess Yuria…! Is it true that you wish to receive the divine and crisp facts as soon as possible?”

Yuria spoke with a warm smile, bearing a mask that could easily withstand public scrutiny, unlike the cold demeanor she had when talking to Linea.

“Of course. Even my mother who experienced the ‘divine and crisp facts’ is something I am exceedingly curious about as the heir of the emperor.”

“The fact that you personally suggested wanting to feel the divine and crisp facts from Igguoqueden! It makes me so happy to see the royal family showing such great interest in the will of Igguoqueden. Moreover, Princess Yuria, you are incredibly fortunate. It just came in recently…!”

“What do you mean it just came in?”

Erin blushed as she softly rubbed her white fingers over the Bible, then caressed her abdomen.

“The divine and crisp facts… are within my belly…! There’s enough to share with you, Princess Yuria…!!”

‘…….’

Yuria thought that it was frankly absurd, yet she never allowed her true feelings to show.

From now on, she may make a fool of the saint, but she must never show outright hostility.

Her goal is not to bring the religious sector under their influence; it’s about putting the religious sector in their influence. Maintaining etiquette is the most basic step to that.

The crisp divine facts and whatnot, whatever nonsense that is, she would play along.

“I’m thrilled to hear that. Then I look forward to your sharing, just as you showed my mother the ‘divine will’?”

“Sure…!”

‘There’s no such god. I will end this ridiculous farce and remove the magic clouding my mother’s vision by my own power.’

Yuria signaled to Linea with her eyes. To leave the room.

Though she’s strong in magical resistance, what would happen to Linea was a second matter, and she should not be here.

Understanding her sister’s unspoken intention, Linea quietly left the room.

* * *

With the door to Yuria’s room closed.

Holding her pounding heart, Linea sighed.

‘Will it go well…?’

Indeed, there’s no way a god truly exists, so what her intelligent sister said must be right, but…

‘No. Soon, it will be decided anyway. Just as sister said, I must do what I can.’

Her role was to bridge the gap with the religious sector.

Even if her sister didn’t witness a divine miracle, the stance she must take is—just as she thought that, a light seeped from beyond the door.

‘……!’

Fearing it might be magic, Linea closed her eyes but—

Strangely, it didn’t feel like magic at all, causing her to open them again.

Having walked the path of a mage before, she knew that even kinds of magic that touched the mind could be felt their effects regardless of their applicability.

However, this was pure light. It didn’t feel magical at all…?

How much time had passed?

The firmly shut door to Yuria’s room opened—Erin emerged, holding the Bible and walking regally.

“Oh my. ‘Holy Knight Plate’ Lady Linea. Sorry for the late greeting. I hope you’ve been well?”

“Not at all, Saint.”

Erin smiled kindly at Linea as a benevolent saint.

—At least, the fact that her expression showed no signs of confusion sent chills down Linea’s spine.

“You, Lady Linea, have been chosen by Igguoqueden. You are to join the Cathedral soon, right? One day, naturally, you will encounter the divine and crisp facts without going through these artificial processes. Until then, I expect you to fulfill your duties as a Holy Knight Plate by my side.”

“…I will heed the saint’s words.”

Thump, thump.

Due to her racing heart, Linea couldn’t hear Erin’s retreating footsteps.

After Erin disappeared from her sight—

Linea grasped the doorknob to Yuria’s room.

* * *

Stepping out of the imperial palace, Erin once again placed her hand on her belly.

I can feel it, Igguoqueden.

The crisp facts bestowed by Igguoqueden. This ‘fact’, filled with love…!

—The god commanded.

Just tell Erin to do as she wishes

—Make the most of everything you hold!

To enlighten those who do not believe in the divine and dye the entire world in the colors of Igguoqueden.

Please watch over me, Igguoqueden…!

* * *

Facing an indescribable and bizarre sense of unease, the scenery reflected in Linea’s eyes as she cautiously opened the door was――

“――!!!”

The Yuria von Einzberg, known as the ‘Iron-Blood Princess’ due to her cold personality, the true heir of the Emperor.

The precious child of the royal family who lamented not being able to recruit her from every mage tower was…

“Igguoqueden…!”

Kneeling and sobbing profusely.

“I’m sorry! Igguoqueden! I was foolish! Thinking I had the right to act in front of Igguoqueden despite not even understanding the basic principles of magic…!

“Yet, to even share such pure facts with a mere unbeliever like me…!”

“Even my lacking Holy Power Pouch… Your generosity has embraced it… Ah! I, Yuria von Einzberg, have realized! Igguoqueden exists! The one who created this world is always looking down on us…!”

Igguoqueden! Igguoqueden!

Proclaiming that sacred and overwhelming name, she bowed down and pressed her head to the floor with utmost devotion.