Nodding firmly, Duke Blacktomb's expression changed. If before he looked like a protective father, his expression now resembled a snake.
"What it might be, Your Holiness? I don't think this old man from the neighboring country can help with your request. Aren't Her Majesty, Queen Eve, the perfect person to be asked a request from?" He asked.
From his words, he implied that he knew about my alliance with Queen Eve. That didn't matter, anyway.
I shook my head at him and replied, "No, Duke. I can only request this from you. Of course, if you need compensation, I will pay for it. But… my request might be a little bit too important for the world."
I emphasized the word important and made him interested. His ears jerked slightly when he heard what I said.
"I see." He nodded in understanding and eased his position, "In that case, may I also request something in return? It's not something hard to do, but it might take your time. You can hear my request first to decide whether it's worth the payment or not, Your Holiness."
That was unexpected. I didn't think he would make a request first. It could be a problem, probably, or a blessing if I responded correctly.
'What does he want from me?'
Curious.
"I will hear it first, Duke." I answered with a chuckle, "I did say that I would give compensation if you agree to my request. But due to my position, I can't readily accept something I haven't heard yet. Please understand."
"It's natural. I perfectly understand your situation, Your Holiness."
"Great." I nodded at him, "Please do tell me what payment you wanted from me, Duke."
"I have nothing but a simple request for the payment of whatever you would ask me." Duke Blacktomb crossed his legs. He looked at me with his sharp gaze as a soundproof barrier appeared around us.
Only after the barrier was put in place did he continue.
"Will you please consider visiting the Sin Kingdom and meet with our Queen? Her Majesty is… quite interested in you. Naturally, I know nothing about her plan and all. And honestly, I don't know what she planned, so I will leave the decision to you, Your Holiness."
'Well, well… Look at this.'
It seemed like our interests aligned. I didn't know whether he knew about it or not, but this was good for me.
But, I needed to sell hard. Even if Duke Blacktomb knew I wanted to go there and was seeking his help, I shouldn't have agreed immediately to this request.
"Going to the Sin Kingdom? Duke… Can you explain it?"
"Of course."
After confirming, Duke Blacktomb explained why he made such a request. His tone sounded like he wanted to incite me into accepting it.
"Her Majesty has a revelation from Her Eminence, the Pope of Luxuria Church. I was also told a part of it. Something bad had moved, and a bridge of justice and peace needed to be built between the two kingdoms."
He started with an explanation regarding the reason behind his request.
"After what I saw in the party hall last night, I believe that monster and that gate was 'something bad' Her Eminence mentioned. Indeed, no one but Your Holiness might be able to stop something like that. Even I, being above Level 60, am unable to do anything. I just know about it."
"That monster that appeared from that gate is a Level 95 Boss monster. This Boss classification meant they are the head of a pack or horde, more than 5 times stronger and sturdier than monsters at the same Level."
I explained in a simple manner. From what I told him, Duke Blacktomb should've known how fearsome this Boss monster was and why it exuded pressure like that back in the party hall.
While Cerberus was special, as it was a monster from Hell, every boss monster had this kind of special presence that made them different from normal ones.
"Boss monster…" Duke Blacktomb muttered quietly and nodded, "I believe it's similar to the strongest monster that appeared from the depth on the east world edge. It can defeat even knights from Luxuria Church easily and is usually bigger in size than other monsters that came with it."
"Maybe it's similar in nature. I won't be sure without seeing it directly."
Indeed, it was true that the Boss monster was usually bigger than the others. But solo Boss-rank monsters could also be small, just like Ghost Marionette and Cerberus from earlier.
"Let's return to the main topic, Duke. What does Her Majesty, the Queen of the Sin Kingdom, want from the Castitas Church's Paladin?"
"Ah, do forgive me. Indeed, about that matter. The revelation has something alongside this line."
He looked at me with a serious face.
"Danger shall befall Sin Kingdom soon. Find the Paladin… as he's the bridge." He said with a serious tone. "That's why, Your Holiness. I beseech you to visit the Sin Kingdom and meet our Queen. We will send a formal invitation if it's required."
The Goddess really pampered me. What should I say?
Was this a reward for taking Ertha's virginity? I remember she mentioned that she wanted to have sex with that voluptuous and sensitive body. Obviously, the Bishop wouldn't mind about that too, as she also enjoyed her session with me last night.
Still, to have my journey be prepared like this was kinda disappointing. I was prepared to have an intense negotiation with Duke Blacktomb.
Speaking of which, he looked at me, unsure of my answer. His eyes quivered in anticipation. I was sure that he wasn't aware of my request to visit the Sin Kingdom. Maybe he treated my words back then as a mere courtesy and a joke only.
I pretended to think deeply and heaved a sigh.
"Duke Blacktomb… This request… May I consult it with Pope Juriel first? This is a big decision if it's related to one of the Goddesses' revelations. I need permission from my Goddess."
In short, I would think about it.
Duke Blacktomb's expression brightened at my answer. I wasn't really surprised with his change of mood as my reply would be considered a positive one.
"That's good to hear." He nodded repeatedly as he stroked his chin, "Now, Your Holiness. What could I help with?"
"We can take care of that later after we finish the problem in the Sin Kingdom. Of course, if I am allowed to go, hahaha."
His eyes widened in surprise, "Are you sure about this?"
"I am." I nodded firmly, "Poor citizens will suffer. I, personally, want to help them."
'And destroy a certain city after finishing my Quest. I won't forget what Tris told me.' I added in my mind as I saw Duke Blacktomb nod.
"I am really grateful. Truly… The rumors I've heard about you are true so far."
"Please, those are just exaggerations."
We had a good laugh together as the serious atmosphere subsided. The barrier was also taken down. There was nothing to hide anymore in our conversation as we just caught up with stories from back when we met in the restaurant.
At that time, the door was opened from outside as if on cue, and Naya entered while holding a tray.
"The tea is ready." She spoke with a sweet voice.
