Chapter 53
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I'll purchase divine power with money.
Chapter 53
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"Ugh, this is driving me insane."
Sembus scratched his head vigorously.
His ash-gray hair, as if dusted with cinders, scattered messily about his face.
He was a High Priest of the Sea God Temple, primarily handling negotiations and similar duties.
In other words, it would be no exaggeration to say he held a rather important position within the Temple.
'And here I am, trudging all the way out to this backwater!'
Sembus grumbled as he gazed out the window.
He'd ridden the mana train for four days, and now he'd been traveling by carriage for two more days since disembarking.
All because his destination—the Sun God's Temple—was tucked away in the farthest corner of the Western Region.
As he regarded the poorly maintained forest path with displeasure, he recalled the Saint he'd met days ago.
'Our precious lamb is currently suffering under the persecution of the wicked Sun God. Go and rescue the lamb before it comes to harm.'
It meant he was to retrieve Jeremy Carls, the assassin who had infiltrated the Sun God's Temple and been captured.
Had it not been for the Saint's command, he would never have ventured to this squalid countryside.
'Well, there's no one else suited for this task but me.'
Who was Jeremy Carls, after all?
Was he not a talent whom the greedy Sea God himself had personally baptized?
Should he fail to bring him back, it would be the Sea God—not the Saint—who would punish him.
He simply had to succeed.
"High Priest. We have arrived."
Only after traveling deep into the mountain where the Temple stood did the carriage finally come to a halt.
Sembus stepped down from the carriage with a grimace, patting his aching backside. And he was taken aback.
"So the Sun God's faction really has fallen to ruin, just as I heard."
The Sea God Temple is the place where magnificent and imposing iron gates inspire awe in all visitors.
But what of this place?
All that stood before the weathered iron gate, its paint completely peeled away, were two Holy Knights.
There were no towering walls, no majestic statues radiating authority.
"I am Sembus, High Priest of the Sea God Temple. Open the gates."
The Sea God's Holy Knight who had accompanied him raised his voice. His disdain for the insignificant Sun God's Temple was plainly evident.
"I was not informed of a visit from the Sea God Temple today."
Yet instead of opening the gates immediately, the gatekeeper was actually talking back.
Sembus's face twisted in displeasure.
"I have confirmed the seal of the Sea God Temple. I shall inform those within and await permission. Please wait here until approval is granted."
Without waiting for a response, one of the Holy Knights entered through the gate. The other remained, blocking the way.
Sembus was truly furious.
"A High Priest from the Sea God Temple has come in person! How dare you show such disrespect!"
The Sea God's Holy Knight bellowed indignantly.
What was the Sea God Temple? It was the most renowned place in the entire Empire. To be treated with such contempt by this crumbling ruin of a temple was intolerable!
"Are you suggesting that a direct order from our High Priest and Holy Knight Commander is discourteous?"
Yet the Holy Knight of the Sun God did not yield. Instead, his eyes widened as he stepped forward.
"Regardless of who it is, no unauthorized outsider may enter until explicit permission is granted. If you find this unacceptable, you are free to leave."
I wanted nothing more than to turn around immediately and spit at these insufferable fools.
But I closed my eyes and endured.
I had a sacred duty that absolutely could not fail.
'Insolent wretches. I'll make them pay dearly for this.'
I glared at the gatekeeper.
"Please, come in."
Not long after, the entrance opened.
I ignored the gatekeeper's offer to guide me and strode directly inside.
And I was even more shocked than when I'd seen the main gate.
'Is this truly the Temple of the Sun God?'
A ruined garden, exposed earth, buildings in desperate need of repair, and the threadbare clothing worn by those passing by.
It was so shabby that one could scarcely believe this was the Temple of the Sun God.
'At this rate, I should be able to reclaim Jeremy Carls without difficulty.'
My shock was brief, and soon a sneer crossed my face.
I couldn't fathom how they'd managed to capture Jeremy Carls in such a ramshackle place, but a few coins would surely make their eyes light up and have them scrambling to comply.
"May the radiance of the Sun God shine upon you. Greetings. I am Dietrich Warren, a priest of the Sun God Grand Temple."
As I reached the entrance, a young man with red hair offered his salutation.
What is this? I, a High Priest, came personally, yet the Sun God Grand Temple sends only some young upstart as a guide?
"Ahem. I had expected to meet the High Priest directly. It seems he is quite occupied. I notice no other officials about either..."
It was a pointed remark that only a High Priest of the Sun God would be of equal standing to me.
"Now that I think of it, I've heard the Sun God Grand Temple's circumstances are quite dire. What a lamentable situation."
I spoke with cutting sarcasm about the Sun God Grand Temple's current state—so depleted that they could only send a young subordinate instead of a High Priest.
"The High Priest will not be coming out. He is occupied with construction matters and finds it extremely difficult to spare any time."
"...You're saying I won't be able to meet the High Priest?"
"That's correct. I am the High Priest overseeing all operations within the Sun God Grand Temple, so there is no particular reason for him to come out."
My eyes widened.
This boy, who couldn't be more than in his twenties, claims to be a High Priest?
A High Priest must possess not only merit but also considerable divine power. Could this mere child truly possess such strength?
'...No, that's impossible. They must have simply installed someone adequately strong as a figurehead due to lack of talent.'
With that thought, I regained some composure. This was not the time to waste on such a person.
"I have matters of utmost importance to discuss directly with the High Priest. I would appreciate your guidance."
"I see. You must be in quite a hurry."
At that moment, the boy twisted his lips and spoke with peculiar undertone.
There was weight behind his words, and my eyes widened. Yet I could not ask what he meant.
"This way, please."
The boy, who had been staring at me with an unpleasant gaze, suddenly turned and walked ahead.
I wanted nothing more than to seize him by the hair and force him to his knees right then and there...
I must endure this. If I fail to meet the High Priest and get cast out, I'm finished too!
I had to swallow my anger, recalling the Sea God's wrath.
Sembus ground his teeth and hurried after the man.
Of all things, his pace was brisk, forcing me to scramble along behind him—which only made my blood boil further.
"I've brought our guest."
Dietrich Warren's footsteps finally ceased just as my breathing grew ragged. The ornate door was unmistakably the chamber of someone of considerable station.
Still, I felt relief at the prospect of finally meeting the High Priest.
"Please, come in."
The moment the door opened to a young woman's voice, my eyes widened.
A woman sat bathed in brilliant sunlight streaming through the windows.
White robes adorned with resplendent golden embroidery, long pink hair cascading in waves, an enchanting and graceful countenance.
And golden eyes that gazed directly into mine.
In that instant, I was overwhelmed by the woman's presence—radiating the golden light that symbolized the sun itself.
"Allow me to introduce you. This is the Saint of the Sun God's Temple, Ordel Kiris."
The Saint...!
I was taken aback.
How could the crumbling Sun God's Temple possibly have a Saint?
I'd expected at best to meet the High Priest!
"Why do you not pay your respects to the Saint?"
At that moment, a Holy Knight with piercing blue eyes standing behind the Saint struck the floor with his sword hilt.
The Sea God's Holy Knight I'd brought felt an overwhelming pressure emanating from him—so intense he could barely open his mouth.
"This is Seth Noel, the Holy Knight Commander of the Sun God's Temple. Show your respect."
At Dietrich Warren's introduction, my head spun.
A Saint, and now a Holy Knight Commander.
As I hesitated and our eyes met once more, I finally bowed my head.
"M-may the Sea God's mercy shine upon you. I am Sembus, a High Priest from the Sea God's Temple. I humbly p-pay my respects to the Saint and the Holy Knight Commander."
"Please, sit."
Though the Saint had granted permission, I felt as though I were sitting on thorns.
Damn it! How could a crumbling temple possibly have such overwhelming presences as a Saint and Holy Knight Commander?
"I was quite surprised to hear the Sea God's Temple had visited. And without any prior notice, no less. I understood our exchanges had ceased long ago."
The Saint smiled, reproaching the discourteous visit.
I should have scoffed and reminded her of her place, but the words wouldn't come.
"Though I suppose such an urgent matter would warrant a hasty visit?"
"...Pardon?"
"After all, it would be quite troublesome if word spread that the Sea God's side attempted to assassinate the Saint."
My eyes went wide.
An assassination attempt? On the Saint, no less!
The order given to Jeremy was clearly to kidnap some ordinary priest!
But I can't possibly say that!
It would be as good as confessing with my own mouth.
Sembus, having lost the initiative—the most crucial element in any negotiation from the very start—ground his teeth in frustration.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org