56 – Becoming an Outstanding Devotee
“Finally, the first button of our plan has been fastened.”
“I am moved, Your Highness. There is a minor issue, however…”
“A minor issue?”
“The guardian chosen by the Empire’s Saint candidate is a bit of a troublemaker.”
The Pope tapped his staff as if in disbelief.
“A giant? In this kingdom, social status is meaningless. So. Who is it? The Marquis of Haval? Or perhaps the Duke Sennestia, your own father?”
“Your words bring me relief, Your Holiness. Indeed, how could the Earl of Erinville act so recklessly in this kingdom?”
“…Who is it?”
“Well, there is the Imperial prodigy minister.”
“The one who made crucial contributions to the development of magic stone and discovered hot springs in the wastelands, the first pilot of an airship, the leader of the emerging noble faction in the empire, and the overseer of our Sabrine Cathedral, Earl Erinville?”
The Pope hurriedly spoke.
“Send him away. Immediately. What if he brings the queen bee out of the hive?”
The bishop broke out in a cold sweat.
Driven away like a high-ranking priest, the bishop returned shortly after.
“Very well. Did you send him away?”
“Your Holiness, he did not leave.”
“Why?”
“He says it is too pleasant here. In fact, he wants to stake his claim.”
“….”
Ascal, who was forcibly conscripted into the kingdom, proudly looked at the religious badge on his chest. It was a Platinum rank.
“A loyal servant of the stars, Ascal.”
When he was first conscripted into the kingdom, he had thought, “Does it make sense for me, a minister, to be sent here?” But upon reflection, it did make sense.
In truth, it seemed that he could have avoided being conscripted if he had actively resisted. The kingdom’s conscription was at the level of a beggar asking for a coin on the street. If he had resisted vigorously, he could have chosen not to go.
The problem was not the kingdom but his own hesitation.
“Oh, faithful ones, sing the glorious light of the stars. Lead us all in the dark night. In that brilliant light, we shall find our way.”
“Well done, Brother. To sing a hymn of that level in such a short time. I shall give you a sticker.”
“Thank you, Piriel.”
“Piriel.”
Ascal drew his star.
Now, if he collected just three more stickers, he would rise to the unheard-of rank of Diamond.
“An unprecedented promotion, Ascal. I hope everyone can learn from your loyalty.”
“You flatter me, Father.”
“Everything is guided by the stars. Piriel.”
“Piriel.”
Ascal finished his morning prayers and headed to the restaurant.
“Good morning, brother. What would you like to have today?”
“I would like the seasonal vegetable and seasoned pork set meal. Here are 10 Lumina.”
“Thank you for the payment of 10 Lumina.”
The restaurant of the Star Sect was more magnificent than any other restaurant Ascal had ever seen. The ceiling was high and well-lit. Moreover, the taste of the rice was exceptionally delicious, maybe because all the vegetables and meat were grown personally.
“Sucia must be eating grass at this time…”
He had misunderstood until he came here.
He had a ridiculous misunderstanding that he would have to be forced to become vegetarian once he arrived in the Holy Empire. However, it was only the Saint candidates who had to be vegetarians, while ordinary believers could have a balanced diet. It was a very reasonable place.
Ascal glanced around for a moment, confirmed that no one was there, and secretly packed the remaining pork. It was time for him, as an attendant, to go see Sucia.
“Please, send me away from here, please! I promise I’ll be a good kid! I don’t want to stay here anymore, ugh!”
“Take a breath and talk, Sucia.”
Sucia burst into tears in a sulking manner.
The private room where the Saint candidates were staying was thoroughly monitored. Unless they were high-ranking officials with permission or attendants of the Saint candidates, no one could enter.
“Here. They only feed me grass and fruit. And they make me dance and sing. I have to pray during the remaining time, and wake up before sunrise…”
Despite Sucia’s exhausted mental state, her body was experiencing its prime. The little extra weight from indulging in snacks had all disappeared, and her skin had become completely clear.
“But you only have to endure for one more month.”
“What about me becoming a Saint?”
“Do you think you can?”
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Ascal interjected and secretly handed Sucia the wrapped pork.
“Still, a person needs to eat to survive. Here, eat it.”
“Minister… Can I call you Dad?”
“No.”
Though slightly cooled, the pork still greeted Sucia with a radiant appearance.
Without hesitation, Sucia grabbed the pork with her bare hands and devoured it messily.
It happened in an instant.
Without leaving a trace, Sushia, who even licked the seasoning off her fingers, satisfied her appetite.
“Is there more?”
“If you have a long tail, you can catch it. Be satisfied enough.”
“Hmm.”
Then, with a sigh, Sushia turned away like a defeated puppy.
‘But doesn’t that merit a call? Hymns? It was fun and enlightening.’
Ascal pulled out the Bible from his chest.
Nodding his head, Ascal delved into the Bible.
And he underlined the parts he couldn’t understand.
‘I should ask the priest about this later.’
Life in the clergy.
Perhaps it was his calling.
“Wow. Cleaning the church so thoroughly. Indeed, you are a true brother. I’ll give you one sticker.”
“Thank you, Pirielle.”
“You transcribe the Bible so neatly like this! Your faithfulness is evident. I’ll give you one sticker.”
“It’s an honor, Pirielle.”
“Congratulations. Brother Ascal, from today, you are a Diamond-grade believer. You are the first brother to be promoted at such a rapid pace in the history of the church.”
“It’s all thanks to following the guidance of the stars.”
A week passed.
Ascal became a Diamond-grade believer.
It was the fastest promotion in the history of the Star’s Congregation since its establishment.
＜Outstanding Believer of the Month – Ascal＞
Ascal looked proudly at the commendation.
“You may now return to the Empire.”
Upon receiving the call from Bishop Picol, who had brought him to the holy land, Ascal entered the temple and was greatly shocked.
Ascal asked with a trembling voice, “What crime have I committed?”
“No, my brother has led an exemplary life thus far. It seems that the Holy Sister Susia has also adapted to her new life, and the Earl of Erin Dale is quite busy. So, it would be best if you return now…”
“Bishop!”
As Ascal suddenly raised his voice, Bishop Picol was taken aback.
“Here, I am not the Earl of Erin Dale. I am merely Ascal, a faithful servant of the stars.”
“Oh, my apologies. Ascal. In that case, it would be best for you to remain here and carry out the will of the stars.”
“Bishop!”
Ascal recited the scriptures of the stars.
In the 23rd chapter, the third line says, ‘The stars will never cast aside those who earnestly seek them.’ Are you planning to cast aside a humble servant from the embrace of the stars, Bishop?”
“No, it’s just…”
The Bishop was perplexed.
Already, daily complaints were arriving from the Empire, requesting the return of the Earl of Erin Dale. Despite the growing authority of the Empire in recent times, they could not simply ignore these demands.
“How many days have you been here to memorize the scriptures?”
But when the Bishop himself quoted scripture and actively refused the extradition, the Empire had no choice. Besides, the argument was valid.
The Bishop began to sweat.
“We can discuss this matter at another time…”
The Crown Prince was a skilled diplomat. He always knew how to adapt to the atmosphere and consider the feelings of others. This is why people gravitated towards him.
However, even he had moments of anger.
“Is the Earl of Erin Dale unwilling to return to the Empire? What a nonsensical statement. Does the Empire take us for fools? Obvious lies! They want to keep us tied up with these excuses forever! As a hostage!”
What is good is good.
Initially, they tried to dismiss it as a simple happening.
It was the first Saint’s ritual in a hundred years.
The Crown Prince understood the significance of the Saint’s ritual to the Church of the Stars.
But this had crossed a line.
The Earl of Erin Dale was an important figure to the Empire. More than important, he had become an icon.
“Investigate the Empire thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned, and uncover all the wrongdoings they’ve committed so far.”
The order was given by the Empire’s special forces.
They were known as the Emperor’s Hounds, responsible for handling the Empire’s secret missions.
In principle, they only obeyed the Emperor’s commands, but as soon as they heard that Ascal was held captive by the Empire, the Emperor said one thing.
– Rescue him.
With that one word, nothing more was needed.
The Star Sect is the state religion of the Empire.
The Star Sect had been complementing the Empire’s bad reputation with its reputation for charity and good deeds. So, they turned a blind eye to some corruption or misconduct that they saw regularly…
Due to the development of airships and the recent Imperial scandal, the Empire’s reputation has improved significantly. They no longer need to worry about the Star Sect’s influence.
“Your Highness, the prince.”
“Yes. Have you investigated?”
“The Star Sect, it’s much more serious than we thought.”
The face of the Crown Prince stiffened as he listened to the spy’s report.
The Crown Prince slammed his fist on the desk.
“Huff… if we had stayed still, the Empire would have suffered a great blow.”
“What should we do?”
“Hmm.”
The Crown Prince pondered for a moment and then let out a sigh of relief.
If Ascal had not been held by the Star Sect and if they had not thoroughly investigated the Star Sect, the Empire would have been caught off guard.
“I guess you could call this a blessing in disguise. Ascal, you are truly a mysterious person.”
“Your Highness, the Minister of Development and Innovation is requesting an audience!”
“Let him in.”
The Imperial Sanctuary and Dragon Chamber were said to be close friends.
Baronstein would also be furious about Ascal’s detainment.
“I have a lot to talk to him about.”