146 – Judgment of Consequences. (5)
Amidst screams, as the burning bodies of the priests turned to ash.
People trembled in fear, bowing their heads and clenching their fists. It was all because of what Michael had just said.
‘The girl favored by Deus.’
They had insulted the girl favored by their god, Deus, and thrown dirt at her. Fortunately, Michael did not deliver a separate punishment for that.
Seemingly indifferent to the ignorant ones, he ignored the citizens of the Holy Empire and spoke to Adrian.
“As you said. Whether a saint and a maiden love someone or not, Deus does not care. You are free to act as your heart desires. Just like you are doing now.”
At that moment, Adrian boldly asked Michael, “Why did you only show up now?”
“Hmm?”
“Countless saints and maidens, to the extent of wandering as specters in the land of the dead… The Holy Empire mistreated them. They trampled on their freedom. So why… did you, Michael, only appear now?”
It was a question he had wanted to ask the heavenly beings since he saw Estelle’s memories. Michael sighed in response to her question.
“That was our fault. We had the chance to correct it, but we overlooked it carelessly.”
“Why…”
“The time angels live and the time humans live are different. While to us, it’s a fleeting moment, humans go through many things. If we turn our eyes away from the human realm for a moment, hundreds of years pass by there.”
“So, you just left us?”
“Of course, if a human with a faithful heart like you had taken power in the Holy Empire… things might have been different. But it wasn’t always the case. We thought the chains and shackles created by such individuals wouldn’t last long. We believed that since human life is short, time would resolve it.”
“…”
“It was a careless mindset. We were unaware of the ecology of human rulers. What they would do to maintain power. We didn’t know they would go as far as oppressing the freedom of maidens and saints.”
Adrian’s expression hardened.
“At that time, there were major issues even in heaven, so we didn’t have time to focus on the human realm. And… many years passed again. The result is what we see now. We used the excuse of being busy to not properly address our mistakes, and within that, many children favored by Deus lost their lives in despair. It was only then that I realized how much had gone wrong.”
“So, you intervened directly.”
“Yes. It was a shameless act. You, and the maidens and saints who roamed as specters in the land of the dead, have every right to resent us.”
“Then, can you tell me for sure?”
“What?”
“Is it permissible for a maiden to love any individual?”
“Of course. Even if that person is wicked. Deus favoring someone means that that person’s life will end in some form of righteousness. So your love for someone… is moving towards a form of righteousness.”
“I see.”
Adrian seemed lost in thought.
“Anyway, my work here is done.”
And before long, Michael’s form began to blur. Before completely disappearing, he left one last word.
“Beware of negativity. If negativity accumulates within you and grows once again, I will return here. Beware of negativity, and live an upright life.”
* * *
Immediately after Michael disappeared, the Holy Empire quickly took care of matters.
It seemed they had prepared in advance, as new priests swiftly took the place of the ones missing. It appeared that the Pope and Adrian had already searched for replacements.
Moreover, those connected to numerous negativities were sent back to dust under the gesture of the Inquisition. Especially those who obeyed the priests, kidnapping people and distributing drugs.
“Your response has been incredibly swift.”
“Well, there was no other choice.”
“When will you have the personnel ready to replace the Grand Priest?”
And there I was, facing Adrian, sipping on tea.
“I started preparing from the moment I felt the need to eliminate any doubts.”
“So, Bishop Antonio became the Grand Priest.”
“That’s right. He has been assisting me since then and beyond.”
“It seems like the staff for the Saintess will be firmly established in the Holy Empire.”
Smiling, Adrian spoke somewhat awkwardly.
“You know it’s not for my sake.”
“I know.”
“From the start, Bishop Antonio’s exceptional abilities made him a fitting candidate for the Grand Priest position at any time.”
I heard that the Holy Order had also undergone significant reforms.”
“There was no other choice. The followers of the Grand Priest turned to ashes… It was necessary.”
After Michael’s appearance, Adrian’s authority soared. The Saintess enfolded by angels, was the first since the esteemed Saint Maria.
Naturally, any controversies surrounding Adrian had to fade away.
Everyone knew that the law stating a Saintess should not love anyone was a flawed human creation.
Consequently, Adrian’s actions became more relaxed, and my feelings towards her couldn’t help but become more complicated.
I was the one she directly professed love to. Lately, the unkind gazes directed at me… perhaps it was because of that.
“Senior, don’t worry too much.”
Was it because of my revealed feelings? As I absentmindedly caressed the teacup with complex eyes, I raised my head slightly to meet her gentle gaze.
“I already know who you hold in your heart, Senior.”
“What?”
“Astie, Senior… right?”
Well, unless they were completely oblivious, no one around me was unaware of my deep connection with Astie. Adrian was likely no exception.
“…Yes. So, I’m sorry if that bothers you.”
“No, there’s no need to apologize.”
“Why?”
“I don’t intend to give up. Perhaps I’ll end up being the most annoying person around you, Senior?”
“Even if there’s someone else in your heart.”
“Doesn’t that matter? As far as I know, there’s no polygamy in the Imperial law. And the same applies to the Holy Empire.”
“….”
At her straightforward declaration, I almost dropped the teacup. What is she saying right now…?
“The crucial point here is that. Senior, do you have even a slight affection for me? How do you see me?”
“I’m not sure.”
I confessed my honest feelings. I wasn’t sure. To be more precise, I was perplexed. I had never been in such a situation before.
“In that case, please think it over more. It doesn’t matter even if I’m second in line.”
“Can the Saintess approve of that?”
“Senior already heard, right? Act as your heart guides you. That’s the right path.”
“That’s right.”
“So, I’ll do as I please. As long as the senior doesn’t reject me.”
“…Sigh.”
I let out a sigh.
“hahahaha. It’s okay if you don’t answer quickly. Take your time. After all, you’ll be returning to the empire… Think it over slowly. Keep pondering and, like me, act as your heart guides you. That’s only fair, right?”
“Got it. By the way, the vacation is ending now.”
“Indeed. It’s fortunate things wrapped up quickly. If we lingered here longer, we might not have made it back to the academy.”
“I don’t think not making it back to the academy was a possibility.”
From Noble mtl dot com
“hahahaha. It’s all in the past now. Anyway, there’ll be plenty to do before returning to the academy. Oh dear.”
She chuckled, then let out a sigh. With so much going on these days, it’s only natural she’d be tired.
“You look tired around your eyes. Are you really taking a break?”
“Is there time to rest? With the instructors disappearing all of a sudden, even if there are substitutes, inevitable gaps will arise.”
“You’ve been through a lot…”
“That’s right. Oh, by the way, senior.”
“Yes?”
“Could you come over to my side for a moment?”
“Why all of a sudden?”
“Just come.”
At her insistence, I set down my teacup and approached her on the couch. Suddenly, it felt like Adrienne was embracing me tightly.
“Oh, Adrienne? What are you doing all of a sudden?”
“It’s a break, a break. Ah, feels good.”
She closed her eyes slightly, still holding me tightly.
“And it’s not Adrienne, it’s Arin when it’s just the two of us from now on.”
“Wasn’t that a pseudonym?”
“It’s also my nickname. hehehe. Anyway, can I stay like this for a while? I’m a bit tired these days.”
Unable to refuse her request, I simply nodded. She seemed worn out, and I felt I could at least do this much.
“Is it okay with you?”
“Sure. I wasn’t planning on allowing it originally… but considering how much you’ve been struggling lately. You should at least have some peace of mind.”
“Thank you, senior.”
She smiled warmly and hugged me even tighter.
Like a child holding a cherished doll.
why are you so cute!?