132 – So We’re Not That Kind of Relationship. (6)
Dantalion smiled. Everything was going smoothly.
Stealing the memory of one of Bishop Bellian’s subordinates, taking over his body.
Even being a subordinate of Bishop Bellian who was the most authoritative among the magistrates opposing the saint mentioned by Frak.
Thanks to that, he could directly find out about their plans.
Everything seemed to urge him to commit evil deeds. Could it be that the magistrates were conspiring to overthrow the authority of the saint? They must be truly mad.
The existence of a saint is not something one can easily fabricate. In this vast continent, only one person, favored by Deus, could become a saint.
Yet they dared to threaten her. Dantalion found their foolishness laughable.
But whether they were foolish or not, it was actually beneficial for him. Harming the saint in any way was an act of evil, equivalent to that extent.
It was not a trivial evil. Harming a saint who receives the favor of Deus, heavenly favor, is… naturally, a rather high-level evil act.
Summoned to where the bishops resided within the Papal See, Dantalion received a secret order from Bishop Bellian.
“Spread rumors… is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes, brother. Currently, the saint is under the influence of impure emotions, so it is necessary to guide her in the right direction. And to guide the saint correctly, it is only natural that we need the help of the faithful.”
The owner of the body Dantalion had taken over was a person who was so loyal to Bishop Bellian and Magistrate Andersen that he would jump into the fire if they asked. There was no need for unnecessary suspicion here, so Dantalion nodded without hesitation.
“I understand. But do I have to do this alone?”
“Of course not. The Sacrum is vast. How could a brother spread rumors by himself? I have informed the other brothers as well, so you don’t need to worry too much.”
“Yes, Bishop Bellian.”
He must be planning to spread the origins of the rumors everywhere. Anyway, if the rumor continues to spread during the mass, it will be impossible to find out who spread it first.
To Dantalion, it was all good news.
In other words, all he had to do was spread the rumor appropriately. Then that rumor would spread like wildfire.
To think that he could accumulate numerous evil acts just by such an action. Suddenly, he felt like bowing to Frak, who had given him this task.
‘…But, it’s okay, right?’
Dantalion suddenly thought so. Because the content of the rumors they would spread was as follows.
– The saint has feelings for Ransel’s Marquis!
‘It’s fine because they must have asked me to do this. It seems like they plan to drag out everyone related to the magistrates… I’ll just do as the bishop says, then see how things go and withdraw appropriately.’
He didn’t delve too deeply. Excessive greed always led to trouble.
Leaking the right amount of rumors, then spreading more rumors and withdrawing was all he needed to do. If he tried to do more, problems would surely arise.
‘There’s no need to be greedy. I’ll avoid getting into troublesome situations like last time.’
Just thinking about the time when he had to deal with Ruslan sent shivers down his spine… This time, he had to handle things properly.
Of course, he didn’t forget the solemn request from Frak to contact him before taking action.
* * *
Today is the day of the formal mass. Calling it a mass, but it was just the Pope and the saint reading the scriptures and well, preaching about loving one’s neighbors and eradicating evil… that was it.
Of course, the scale was quite significant now.
Purple. The tidal wave of people that endlessly surged.
“Lady!”
“Your Holiness!”
Their voices shouting “Lady” and “Your Holiness” were loud enough to ring in one’s ears.
As an imperial envoy, I was watching them from the front row. Well, you could say I also served as a guard in times like this.
The Holy Knights would protect the Lady if anything happened, but I couldn’t just stand by. Adrian was the most important figure in the Empire’s recent controversial episodes, so it was necessary for me to pay attention and protect him.
Especially since I had given instructions to Dantalion, he would probably be serving under the advisors.
Surely, I would contact either Nana or Asty before any action was taken, so for now, all I could do was wait. There probably wouldn’t be any physical confrontations.
Perhaps nothing would happen at all.
But since no one knew what might happen, it was wise to be prepared.
If the official mass ended with just recitations from the scriptures, there would be no need to worry. However, as the Lady and the Pope moved to the Square of Sacrum to bless the people during the final stage of the mass, caution was necessary.
There could be a sudden attack at that moment, or they could spread strange rumors among the people.
And just before the mass ended, I received a message from Dantalion.
– Sir Prahl.
– What’s the matter?
He quickly informed me of recent events. He had become one of Bishop Valian’s subordinates under Advisor Andersen and knew what the advisors were planning.
– The advisors will soon spread rumors about the relationship between the Lady and Sir Prahl.
– …The advisors?
It was an operation I had abandoned due to its absurdity, yet they were spreading rumors about me and the Lady. It was a bit surprising, but since it couldn’t be ignored, I nodded. In retrospect, it was a very effective way to tarnish the Lady’s reputation.
A Lady not as pure as she seemed. A perfect target for such scandalous accusations.
– Understood. Anything else to be aware of?
– Nothing. Since rumors will spread one way or another… Still, it seems like showing that the Lady is in a bit of trouble would be appropriate.
– Are you trying to manipulate their actions?
– Yes. They’ll take the bait. After all, when I investigated their situation, the only flaw I found in the Lady was that.
– What’s the exact content of the rumor?
– Well, you know, at the banquet, the Lady grabbed Sir Prahl’s sleeve. They’re exaggerating the details related to that incident.
– …I see. It was quite embarrassing for me too, so I wonder how people will react. But since the rumor hasn’t spread yet, is there a set time for it?
– Yes. When the Lady and the Pope move to Sacrum Square, the advisors will start spreading the rumors more actively and pull me out.
– You’re one of them.
– That’s right. Nevertheless, I find it hard to believe that we can easily carry out such a wicked deed.
– The target is the Lady. Anyway, make sure not to get caught. And… if possible, find the various incriminating documents hidden by the advisors.
– Won’t that be difficult?
– There will be opportunities. They won’t miss a chance like this. I’ll create a pretext as well. Rumors won’t spread widely without clear evidence… so let’s try to amplify them a bit more.
– Understood.
– Good. Keep up the good work. And, if possible, satisfy your own desires a bit too.
– Ah. Understood. Thank you!
From Noble mtl dot com
Here, by desires, it means all kinds of actions that can lead to a wicked deed. Even if the Lady isn’t the target, by exposing the advisors, his wicked deeds will rise.
In the end, despite being corrupt themselves, they are still human. As wicked deeds rise through any evil action… it’s like a vending machine of wickedness for him here. You could even call it an experience point event.
By helping the advisors spread rumors about the Lady and spying on them, he can raise his wicked deeds easily.
In other words, Dantalion can easily raise wicked deeds no matter what he does within this kingdom. That’s why he’s making such a fuss.
Then, about me and Adrian… How we are connected is not an easy matter. Adrian won’t suddenly collapse in front of me or strike up a conversation with me.
…I was sure of that.
“Ah.”
Suddenly, Adrian’s body wavered.
As soon as I saw that, I sprang out and caught her. It was not only the closest spot to the podium but also a perfect opportunity to fuel some rumors.
Of course, I was a bit worried about Adrian.
* * *
Adrian’s mind was foggy. She couldn’t get a proper rest last night after seeing Frach and Asti. No matter how strong her stamina was, she was still human after all.
With the investigation of the Land of Spirits and the start of the Saint Valencia festival, she had no time to properly relax.
From physical strain due to the event, to the mental burden of her feelings for Frach, she was being pushed to her limits… She couldn’t help but collapse.
As her consciousness faded, she saw someone embracing her.
She smiled at the thought that it was Frach who caught her.
