Chapter 141
“Indeed, Your Majesty mentioned so…”
Commander Bruno stroked his mustache with a troubled expression.
“I had simply thought His Majesty gathered psychics to form a useful secret organization. I never imagined the reason for organizing and keeping Arenja close was such.”
The next day, Seongjin briefed Commander Bruno about the conversation he had with the Holy Emperor the day before.
Since he was also close to Seongjin, he thought it necessary to have a more accurate understanding of the organization he was a part of.
Of course, he left out slightly sensitive topics like the Oracle or the sarcophagus of the previous empress.
“His Majesty never quite reveals his intentions clearly. So that’s what you were thinking.”
Masain was also present here.
Feeling left out in recent conversations with Commander Bruno, it was decided to openly share everything with everyone. However, Masain seemed more anxious than pleased.
“When I was the captain of the guard, I also didn’t properly know about the organization Arenja. I only vaguely guessed that something existed. Is it really okay to inform me of such critical secrets now?”
This was a noticeably cautious attitude, different from the past.
“What are you saying? It’s just that there hasn’t been a proper opportunity until now. I’m actually embarrassed for not having discussed it sooner.”
Initially, Masain seemed to regard Seongjin as a child who needed his sincere care. After the boy’s near-death experience at the Diggory estate, he became frantic over not being able to control Seongjin’s every move.
However, after experiencing various events recently, it felt like he was trying to find an appropriate distance, acknowledging that Seongjin wasn’t just a child.
‘It seems he’s realized I’m not just a kid anymore. It’s probably safe to say he’s started to trust me to some extent.’
Then, the Demon King snickered.
[Or maybe he’s given up entirely? You did give him a hard time.]
‘…Shut up!’
The fact that it hurts quite a bit is irritating. It’s like he’s hitting my nerve.
Seongjin managed his expression and added,
“I believe it’s only natural to consult you first on such important matters. You are the head of security at Pearl Palace and my swordsmanship instructor, aren’t you? So, I hope you will continue to support me as you have been.”
At that, Masain grimaced, making a strange expression before slowly turning his head to the side. Seeing his eyes slightly reddened, it seemed he was quite moved.
‘This man is also unexpectedly sensitive…’
It’s not just Arenja. Seongjin was thinking of soon informing Masain and Commander Bruno about Dasha and formally introducing her to them.
She has been visiting Pearl Palace frequently, and the ones she is most nervous about are Commander Bruno, a former Decalon Knight, and Sir Masain, a senior knight.
The commander is already aware that someone has been sneaking into Seongjin’s room, and lately, Sir Masain seems to be catching on to something as well.
In that case, instead of wasting time on unnecessary probing, it would be better to be open and get along. Seongjin felt that these three would continue to be together for a long time.
“So, what should we do now, Your Highness?” Commander Bruno asked with a serious face.”Given that we cannot fully trust Arenja, wouldn’t it be better for me to withdraw from there now?”
“Hmm? No, Commander.” Seongjin shook his head. “Just because we can’t fully trust Arenja doesn’t mean they aren’t useful. And the position I’ve offered you remains a sweet deal.”
Everyone knows a sword is a weapon.
Whether one gets cut by the blade or wields it properly as a weapon entirely depends on the user.
“…So?”
“If you have no particular desire to return to the knighthood, I’d be grateful if you continued to play the role of Arenja’s salary thief and stayed by my side. There’s a good chance we’ll need to cooperate with Arenja at some point, and above all, I really do enjoy the tea you make.”
Indeed, at some point, Seongjin had come to appreciate the aroma of tea. This was a significant development compared to the days of surviving on calorie-dense preserved foods.
This was all thanks to Chief Chamberlain Louis and Commander Bruno.
Their skill in making delicious tea was so renowned that even the Holy Emperor, who rarely touched food, was often seen contemplating a cup of tea.
At that, Commander Bruno looked quite proud.
“It’s truly an honor, Your Highness.”
No, a former commander of the knights shouldn’t be so pleased about being acknowledged for his tea-making skills.
As the warm atmosphere continued for a while, Masain’s expression suddenly darkened as if he had thought of something.
“What’s wrong? Is there something bothering you, Sir Masain?”
“…Indeed, there is, Your Highness.”
After some hesitation, Masain cautiously began to speak.
“This goes back to my childhood, when I used to visit my uncle, His Majesty, before he ascended to the throne…”
And what he revealed was quite a heavy story.
“I’m only saying this now, but back then, His Majesty didn’t have a strong standing within the palace. He was always at risk of assassination, and the previous emperor paid no attention to his son.”
Poison in every meal was the norm, and it seems there were even a few instances where he was openly attacked by his own knights. The more one hears about how a young child survived in such an environment, the more astonishing it seems.
The precarious position of the Holy Emperor at the time was partly due to his older siblings, who had already reached adulthood and solidified their own power bases.
But fundamentally, the issue was the origin of the former Empress. It was because he bore the bloodline of the Cornsheim clan, which was ostracized and considered ominous.
And within the palace, disrespectful individuals would openly call the young Holy Emperor ‘the unpleasant Cornsheim’ or ‘the unlucky Cornsheim.’
“…What does that mean?”
“Yes, His Majesty said all Cornsheims are liars. But thinking about it, isn’t it true that His Majesty also seldom speaks on personal matters outside of official duties?”
Ah, Seongjin seemed to understand what Masain was concerned about.
“Could it be that His Majesty considers himself as part of the Cornsheim, in a negative light?”
“……”
“I’ve been worried about this for a while now.”
“Hmm……”
And then, the three, including Seongjin, simultaneously fell silent with serious expressions.
The atmosphere in the drawing room became so gloomy that Edith, who happened to walk in humming a tune, flinched and looked around cautiously.
“What’s wrong with everyone… Is there something bothering you, Your Highness?”
In Edith’s hands, worriedly asking, was a bouquet of bright yellow flowers.
“No, it’s nothing. But what’s with the flowers?”
Curious about the somewhat sloppy packaging compared to the usual ones sent by Chloe, Seongjin asked, to which Edith responded with a beaming smile.
“The priests are distributing these flowers all around the palace. They’re Golden Crocuses. Today, after a long time, there’s an event to commemorate the first Holy Emperor.”
After having her tea-making duties usurped by Commander Bruno, this carefree lady did not reflect or strive to improve but instead joyfully roamed around, enjoying her newfound leisure time.
“Was there such an event?”
“Oh? Did you really not know, Your Highness?”
Edith shrugged her shoulders while arranging the flowers in a vase.
“The outside is in a complete festive mood right now. Today is the day the new Saintess is going to reveal the Holy Emperor’s Sarcophagus.”
* * *
Delcross’s first Holy Emperor, Cardmos Klein.
He was the divine representative who founded the millennium holy nation on this land and a demigod who transcended humanity, living for over 300 years.
Fitting the title of demigod, Cardmos maintained his youth throughout his life.
Even after his soul left his body, his physical form did not wither, appearing as if he was merely sleeping.
The proof of this holy miracle was enshrined in a splendid sarcophagus and carefully placed in the basement of Saint Bastian Church.
“Today is truly a glorious day, Lady Seo Yi-seo. The ceremony to reveal the Holy Emperor’s Sarcophagus is being held for the first time in nearly 20 years!”
While adjusting Seo Yi-seo’s attire, Sister Electra excitedly chattered.
“What does that mean? It means you are an incredible Saintess, Lady Seo Yi-seo! Even Princess Sisle has not yet been granted permission to reveal the Holy Emperor’s Sarcophagus!”
At those words, Seo Yi-seo, already full of pride, narrowed her eyes sharply.
“What? Are you trying to say that Princess Sisle is inferior to me?”
“…What?”
Taken aback by the unexpected response, Sister Electra stuttered in confusion.
“No, not at all. Saintess, I just meant…”
“I can never forgive such irreverence! Be more careful in the future!”
Humph! Snorting in disdain, Seo Yi-seo left the frozen Sister behind and moved on with a chilly demeanor.
She was already in a foul mood from being dragged around for special masses and event preparations since the morning.
‘Because I can’t go meet Princess Sisle!’
Even as she was swept up in a grand procession led by Archbishop Wesker and other high-ranking clergy, her dissatisfaction only grew.
‘Because I can’t go meet Princess Sisle!’
Muttering to herself, she suddenly realized she was standing alone in a wide corridor, a large and ornate sarcophagus sitting starkly before her.
Seo Yi-seo blinked.
She remembered hearing from that writer what the Holy Emperor’s Sarcophagus was, but now that she was alone with it, a part of her heart suddenly sank.
She had to be in the same room as the corpse inside the sarcophagus?
“Wait a minute…”
As Seo Yi-seo panicked, the door closed harshly behind her with a creak and a thud.
“The spirit of the first Holy Emperor is said to bestow blessings, but what if there are really ghosts?”
Having only heard of the sarcophagus as a treasure of the Holy Emperor’s family, Seo Yi-seo only then felt a chill run through her body, realizing the full implications of being alone with the Holy Emperor’s Sarcophagus.
And soon after, a voice that seemed to shake her soul resonated strongly in her mind.
[Despicable. That one, truly despicable.]
“……?”
[Unchangingly audacious, perhaps. That child has always been like this. Despite my clear signs of whom I desire, my call has been ignored twice already.]
And then.
Suddenly, a man shimmering with light appeared out of thin air and lightly descended upon the sarcophagus.
“……!?”
For a moment, Seo Yi-seo thought she was beholding a god.
Everything about the translucent man shimmered in resplendent gold.
His hair was like strands of spun gold, and his eyes shone like the sun, golden and radiant. A halo of gold enveloped his entire being.
Even the robes he wore were adorned with elaborate golden patterns.
His presence was overwhelmingly majestic, an undeniable fragment of divinity.
It was as shocking as the first time she had seen the Holy Emperor.
As she stood stiffly, staring up in a daze, the man tilted his head and mused.
[And to think, the vessel sent to me is so flawed, how shall I receive it?]
“What, what?”
Not only was she being treated like an object, but she was also being deemed defective?
Fear was one thing, but anger was another!
Seo Yi-seo couldn’t help but bristle.
“Excuse me? What did you just say? Flawed? Hey! Just because you’re a demigod, does that make it okay? Huh?”
[Ha. How utterly foolish…]
The man chuckled as if amused by her ignorance.
[Fortunately, you have not yet become a puppet, but still, such a soul with too many defects.]
“…What do you mean by that?”
[Exactly as I said. Tell me, woman, were you always such a flounder, unable to discern right from wrong, always so impetuous?]
“What……”
[Do you even properly remember when you came to this world?]
The man, observing Seo Yi-seo rendered speechless, slightly curled the corners of his mouth.
[Well, it doesn’t matter anyway, false Saintess. Even if there are some flaws, you are still a vessel capable of containing something. I shall willingly accept you as the new Saintess.]
The man’s golden pupils slit vertically and narrowed, like a predator spotting its prey.
Seo Yi-seo instinctively felt a sense of danger and stepped back.
“What are you planning to do to me?”
[Isn’t it obvious? Since that child won’t come here to meet me, I must leave this place myself.]
A hand, glowing with a golden aura, slowly reached out towards her.
[Be at ease, woman. I shall make good use of you. For now, rush to the palace and give that despicable one, who lacks respect for ancestors, a piece of your mind. That will satisfy me.]
And in an instant, darkness engulfed her vision.
