◈ Chapter 336: Traces of the Holy Kingdom (1)
"Where did we meet? That's such a shallow question aimed at promoting religion."
"Oh, I apologize. I didn't mean it in that sense. It's just that I have a vague feeling of having seen you somewhere."
"You must have mistaken me for someone else."
Lemria smiled subtly at Rudger's response.
"Well, you certainly have an interesting sense of humor. What I meant to say was... I was wondering if Mr. Rudger has ever visited our main homeland."
"...."
The Bretus Kingdom.
Lemria's direct remark made it practically impossible to intentionally change the subject.
'Moreover, considering how she is asking so openly, could it be that she has discovered something about me?'
However, Rudger could confidently state that he had never seen Lemria before.
He only recognized her as a priestess because of her position, deducing it based on the fact that such a rank existed.
'At least among the people I know in the Bretus Kingdom....'
There were a few.
During his childhood, Rudger had more than just enemies within the Kingdom.
Most of them were adversaries, but he had one person he was close to.
Just one.
In the context of the entire Kingdom, it was an incredibly small number.
But at least Rudger, during his intense childhood, had received significant help from that person.
As Rudger's expression grew heavy, Lemria subtly asked, "Oh, is something coming to mind?"
"Well, there is one thing."
"Oh, really? What is it?"
"I've heard a similar phrase like this from someone in a different place."
Rudger shared the story of meeting the parish priest in Ledervelk and hearing similar words.
'A blatant objection here would rather arouse suspicion.'
Lemria's persistent questioning, despite being their first meeting, made it clear that she had sensed something.
However, the fact that she asked to confirm meant that she wasn't entirely certain.
'Priestess suspects me. But it's just a doubt, nothing more.'
With that, Rudger had determined his approach.
Instead of outright denial, he would partially accept it and explain a similar experience he had gone through.
He would skillfully mix falsehoods into the truth.
Redirecting the other person's thoughts to a different topic was not difficult.
"It seems the parish priest in Ledervelk also saw something similar to what I experienced."
To see if the intention was grasped, Lemria clapped her hands in response to the mention of someone similar to her.
"She mentioned that it was somewhat fascinating to have someone like me. Perhaps she also felt a similar energy."
"Hmm, is that so? It's strange. I was thinking of something different."
Lemria attempted to ponder further, but she ultimately gave up as no clear answer came to mind.
"I guess I'll have to ask the sisters when I return to my homeland."
This could be a bit problematic.
Maintaining his expression, Rudger asked casually, "Sisters? Did you have family?"
"Yes, of course, I have family. Very precious family."
"I see."
"Of course, I don't have any biological family who gave birth to me or raised me. I was an orphan taken in by the church. But the family I mentioned refers to the sisters who are like me."
"If you mean sisters...."
"I'm referring to the priestesses."
Lemria stated it as if it were obvious.
The priests who had been quietly listening to their conversation from behind were startled.
"P-priestess!"
They seemed alarmed as if she had revealed information that shouldn't have been disclosed.
Lemria didn't seem to pay any attention to their reaction.
"Well, oh, was it something I shouldn't have said? I apologize. But when Rudger asked, I couldn't just refuse to answer."
Lemria's reaction seemed to convey her lack of understanding as to why she had acted in such a manner.
Rudger narrowed his eyes, observing Lemria, the priestess, closely.
Lemria's reaction showed that she didn't quite understand why she had acted that way.
Rudger narrowed his eyes at priestess's demeanor.
'Even though she's probably seeing me for the first time, she doesn't lie or hide the truth? Seeing her lack of self-awareness, it's not that she chose not to do it but rather that she couldn't.'
Bretus envoys, including Lemria herself remained clueless.
However, Rudger immediately noticed why she was displaying such a reaction.
'She instinctively reacts to the lineage I possess.'
Rudger possessed the blood of the cursed Bretus King.
It was evident that Lemria was responding to this cursed blood.
'Lemria the priestess and her sisters were raised by the Holy Kingdom as people who maintain a new priestly position.'
There was a possibility that they had undergone skillful brainwashing while teaching the children.
Considering the dark side of the Holy Kingdom, it could be said that it was 'definitely' possible.
If they were someone who held a position like a priest, they would have a stronger and more definite bond.
For example, they could never lie to the bloodline of the great Holy King.
Even if it wasn't full brainwashing, it seemed clear that they had received such implications.
'Perhaps the reason she approached me and spoke might be for that reason.'
Having discovered the bloodline she should serve and protect, it was natural for her to take an instinctive interest.
It wasn't a favorable situation.
The more strangely Lemria behaved in front of him, the more reasonable it was for the accompanying envoy to suspect this side.
However, leaving like this bothered Rudger as Lemria continued to be conscious of this side.
If things continued like this, she might share the story of meeting him when she returned to her homeland.
'If the priestess has been subjected to brainwashing or manipulation...'
What if he could use that in reverse?
Rudger put his thoughts into action immediately.
"I've heard your story well."
"Oh, is that so?"
There was a faint smile on Lemria's lips, perhaps thinking she had received praise from this side.
"But as I mentioned earlier, I have no interest in believing in gods."
"That's a shame. It felt like we would get along well for some reason."
"And I have something I must attend to. I presume you have a similar matter at hand?"
"Yes, I completely forgot but recollected it belatedly. Thank you for reminding me."
"Since we're both quite busy, I should be going now. Oh, and..."
Rudger whispered in a low voice that only Lemria could hear.
"It would be best to ignore of what happened today."
Then, as a confirmation, he asked Lemria.
"Don't you think so?"
A subtly thrown question.
But if the other person was under any influence, it becomes not a simple question but an order.
"Yes, I think so."
Lemria faintly nodded her head.
She probably wasn't even aware that she had nodded her head.
Rudger confirmed that his guess was correct based on her reaction.
At the same time, a wave of disgust towards the Bretus Kingdom, which he had suppressed, surged within him.
Those bastards, even in the past when he was still there.
And even now, 20 years later.
They were still carrying out terrible deeds without changing at all, hidden beneath the surface.
Despicable and disgusting scums.
But what made Rudger even more frustrated was the reality that he had nothing he could do immediately.
'For now, I'll let it go.'
But once everything this side desires is gathered and all preparations are in place.
'At that time, without fail...'
He vowed deep in his heart to correct all these twisted things.
* * *
"Priestess Lemria, are you alright?"
After parting ways with Rudger, a priest approached Lemria, who was still standing motionless in her place.
To them, Lemria's actions today was unusual.
If by any chance there was a problem with the high-ranking priestess's well-being, it would be difficult for those gathered here to avoid reprimands.
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Well, that's a relief, but why did you show such interest in that man earlier... He's just a lowly magician, isn't he?"
"Just because."
"Excuse me?"
"I just felt like it. Is that strange?"
"Oh, no, it's not."
The priest tried to coax her, but there was no denying that something was off.
Lemria was not the only person who possessed such characteristics.
Other priestess were just like her.
They were loyal to the main church, taught doctrine, and harbored no impure emotions.
It was known as an unchanging truth within the Bretus Kingdom.
"I know. My behavior today was quite out of character."
Lemria herself felt the subtle sense of strangeness.
Suddenly changing the destination and taking a different path, or dismissing the deputy who had been with her on the spot.
'I didn't pay much attention because I've been thinking of replacing the deputy at some point.'
But what was important was the man named Rudger Chelsea.
He introduced himself as a teacher from Seron, and the moment she saw him, she felt an unusual interest.
However, if asked why she felt that way, Lemria couldn't answer either.
It was like an instinct engraved deep in her soul.
It was not an area that could be judged rationally.
"...You mentioned Rudger Chelsea, right? The man from earlier."
"Yes? Yes, that's right. Priestess, you may not have heard, but his name seems to be quite well-known among the magicians."
"Indeed, I did have that feeling from the first impression. But if you check, I'm sure he's not an ordinary person."
A smile formed on Lemria's lips, but it disappeared in an instant.
"Please, make sure to check."
"Are you referring to Rudger Chelsea?"
"Yes. But please keep it very discreet. Don't let anyone else know, not even my sister or the main church. Especially my older sister."
"Yes? Well, but..."
"Can you do it?"
Once again, Lemria asked with a smile, leaving the priest no choice but to nod his head while revealing his perplexity.
In this place, Lemria was his direct superior.
Even if Lemria seemed somewhat strange compared to usual, if she made such a direct request, he had no choice but to comply.
If it were a loose-lipped deputy, he would have been dismissed long ago, but the priest had no such intention.
Lemria knew that as well, which is why she asked the priest for a favor.
"Thank you."
Lemria smiled, expressing her gratitude, at the priest's positive response.
However, instead of feeling relieved by her smile, the priest felt an eerie sensation.
As the priest bowed his head and stepped back, Lemria stood still in her place, as if contemplating something, and eventually started moving forward.
Her entourage naturally followed behind her.
While looking at the scenery inside the imperial palace through her tiara, Lemria continued to recall her encounter with Rudger from earlier.
"Rudger Chelsea. He is definitely someone significant."
If it was her usual self, she wouldn't have casually brought up words she wouldn't normally say.
What was even more surprising was that at the time, Lemria herself didn't sense anything strange.
Even though she should have immediately informed her homeland of this fact, she didn't feel any desire to do so.
However, she couldn't help but have personal doubts.
Rudger didn't give any 'hints' about such matters.
'Moreover, the piece inside me had a peculiar reaction.'
The piece that allowed her to ascend to the position of a priestess.
Where did the origin of that piece come from?
The fact that the piece reacted to the man named Rudger Chellis meant that the origin of the piece was related to him.
'Elder sister.'
The priestess referred to each other as sisters.
Among such priests, there was one who possessed the strongest and most formidable power.
The person whom the priestess called 'elder sister.'
The chosen one of the Bretus Kingdom, raised as a candidate for the Saint since childhood.
High Priestess Catherine.
She was the master of the piece.
* * *
Having fully recovered his physical condition while staying in the imperial palace, Rudger came out to the streets of the capital for the first time in a while.
Naturally, he had received permission from Princess Eileen herself.
'Why cling to something when you're going back soon anyway?'
Rudger walked along the streets of the capital.
The streets that had turned into ruins not long ago had been considerably restored in the past few days.
The cluttered roads had been neatly organized, and the collapsed houses were being rebuilt even stronger than before.
People were diligently working and sweating.
'Perhaps it's because the royal family has distributed a lot of relief funds.'
The sight of people working exuded vitality.
Seeing everyone overcoming the sadness of that day, Rudger thought the scene was quite pleasant to behold.
Rudger headed towards the hideout where Hans, Bellaruna, and his teacher were staying.
Originally, after Rudger obtained the relic fragment, the rest should have withdrawn to Rederberg.
However, they were all trapped in the capital with no definite timeline, including Hans and Bellaruna.
As Rudger opened the door to the hideout, a large black figure suddenly popped out from inside, startling him.
In an instant, Rudger recognized his opponent and dismissed the thought of an ambush.
"Hans?"
"Brother!"
As soon as Hans recognized Rudger, he burst into tears and tightly held onto his arm.
"Why are you so late!"
"I had something to do. But more importantly, that situation...."
Rudger examined Hans's condition.
Hans looked different from his usual transformation into a beast-like form.
Overall, he resembled a werewolf, but he had spikes growing on his back and even had two tails.
Rudger found that appearance quite familiar.
Indeed, it was the presence he had seen the most when the Liberation Army carried out acts of terrorism.
"A chimera? Are you telling me that you've transformed like that with the fangs of a chimera?"
"Yes."
Hans nodded, sniffling.
"It wasn't Bellaruna this time, right?"
"No. This time, it wasn't Bellaruna, it was..."
"It's me."
Interrupting Hans' words, a young girl's voice resounded clearly to the entrance.
Hans, as if encountering a ferocious ghost, hid behind Rudger with his fur standing on end.
"Brother!"
"I got it, close the door. If someone else sees this scene, it will be reported."
Although Rudger said that, Hans was still trembling in fear.
With a sigh, Rudger used his magic to close the entrance door and then moved towards the room where the voice came from.
"You're always late. I thought I was dying from waiting."
Grander was lying on the sofa like a doll, welcoming Rudger.