Chapter 255 - Chapter 254: Emperor-Pope Hildinlander
The third day of the third week of the Month of Fire.
An inn in District 3.
Mika was receiving information from his exclusive concierge, Lebrantes.
"The Church is in rebellion...? In the Imperial Capital?"
Mika muttered, and Lebrantes nodded with a serious expression.
Behind Lebrantes, Fee floated around... wobbly-wobbly~.
She's already been seen, so she's just giving up on hiding now.
It was information obtained a few days after the Kingdom received it, but one could say this was remarkably fast.
Since the Information Broker Guild's headquarters received this information just before dawn last night, and they were able to learn of it the next day.
The Kingdom had already obtained the information and seemed to be enforcing a gag order to prevent this news from leaking.
Were they considering a response, or had they already begun handling it behind the scenes?
Probably, it would take about another week for ordinary citizens of the Royal Capital to hear this as a rumor.
Mika crossed his legs and arms, hesitating.
"Did the Empire's Church start a rebellion and kill the Emperor?"
"Yes, that is certain. Various pieces of information are mixed up, but it seems the entire imperial family has been slaughtered."
In the Empire, it seemed the defeat in the previous war had created a deep, swirling resentment.
It is a selfish thing to say, but they attacked us, lost, and then held a grudge.
But fundamentally, they are not an opponent who can reason with.
They are a country that invades based on ridiculous nonsense like "Divine Oracles."
"It seems there is a square in front of the Emperor's castle, and they are holding public executions there every single day. The imperial family."
It seems the guillotine is actively being used in the Empire.
Usually, they execute those who have committed very serious crimes in public, but the imperial family is being executed a few people every single day.
Alongside the executions of serious criminals.
They are showing clearly that these people are on the same level.
Mika closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.
(...Even in history, public executions were a show. I know that, though.)
Hearing that the guillotine shows were a huge success every single day made him want to hold his head in despair.
Moreover, it seems the Emperor's corpse is left hanging in the square.
From adults to children, they are throwing stones while cursing and mocking, and even throwing feces and urine.
Hearing such a story, Mika felt nauseous.
Mika wrinkled his face and asked Lebrantes.
"............Are they coming? The Empire those guys."
Lebrantes, asked that, furrowed his brows and made a difficult face.
"They will come, of course. The people's anger exploded at the Emperor who didn't move to invade the Kingdom, and they are grateful to the Pope who overthrew him."
But then Lebrantes sighed and shook his head weakly.
"Just... It doesn't seem like they will move immediately. It seems they intend to prepare thoroughly."
They won't just charge in without thinking, riding the momentum.
As expected, they aren't that foolish up to that point.
That is troublesome in its own way, though.
"Right now, the Church seems to be collecting donations for war funds. It seems some people even donated all their assets."
It seems a boom in donations unprecedented in history is happening in the Empire.
It is good to be pious, but if the purpose is invading a neighboring country, can that be counted as a good deed?
Mika felt a bad, nagging feeling in his chest.
And so, unconsciously, he touched the Tranquilizer.
It seems the Tranquilizer is not moving yet for this level of stress.
(Why do such troublesome things keep happening? Really...)
Hibujiza alone was troublesome, but now in the Empire, a Pope who seems to be a hardcore hawk is taking control.
Probably, a puppet of the Pope will ascend to the throne.
(If this continues, 'Go destroy the Empire for a bit' might actually become reality.)
Well, Mika thought that even the worst case might be acceptable.
However, there was a nagging part in Mika's feelings about that.
Nobles stand at the front and fight.
If they ask for help with that, there is room to consider it, but...
(...What about kings and nobles who have forgotten the Noblesse Oblige?)
Why should Mika do such a thing for those who only enjoy privileges and do not fulfill their duties?
If they just push suffering onto the commoners, what is the point of the King and the nobles?
It is fine to use one's power for the innocent people exposed to overwhelming malice.
That is completely fine.
But if one looks only at the result, it feels like the privileged class who do nothing is the one gaining the most.
If that is the case, why did those enjoying privileges obtain those privileges in the first place?
After the Empire, even if you go around burying the Kingdom's kings and nobles, only petty villains will rise to power.
With the heavy weight on top removed, another fool at the bottom will just strut around.
Those who suffer from this trouble are, as always, the innocent people.
That is not what Mika desires.
"............As a Dispeller, what will you do?"
While Mika was worried and deep in thought, Lebrantes asked as if peering into his mind.
"For now, our Information Broker Guild is also frantic about gathering accurate information. If we know what you want to do as a Dispeller, the future response will vary in various ways, you know?"
"What do I want to do... I just want to stay uninvolved."
Mika shrugged his shoulders and said that, and Lebrantes gave a bitter smile.
Mika knew best that that was impossible.
Well, just conveying the hope is free.
"Staying uninvolved as much as possible is certainly possible, but often when you get involved, it is already too late? Do you want to solve it brilliantly after you are stuck with no way out?"
"There's no way! From the beginning to the end, I want to be uninvolved in everything, absolutely, thoroughly!"
Being forced to deal with it after things become unmanageable is the worst pattern, isn't it?
When Mika said that passionately, Lebrantes made a sound in his throat, "Ku-ku-ku..."
"Well, the Crown Prince will probably say something soon. Our Information Broker Guild will gather information anyway and try to grasp the detailed situation. Don't make rash promises."
"............I haven't made any rash promises. ............Probably."
Though I often stick my neck out myself.
Lebrantes stood up from his chair and advised Mika.
"Don't go to the Imperial Capital just because you're curious."
When Lebrantes said that, Mika froze with wide eyes.
It was an expression that said, "Oh, that's a good point."
"Hey, hey, hey! You're serious...!"
"It's a joke."
Mika laughed it off as Lebrantes said it with a panicked face.
"Haaah...! Stop jokes that are bad for the heart... In your case, it wouldn't end with just a joke."
"I'm sorry. If anything happens, ask me again. ...Ah, will you share the information with Yaroibarov-san, Ozendorwa-san, and the other agreement members?"
Lebrantes nodded and left the room as is.
Mika looked at the closing door and let out a breath.
"This really has become a troublesome situation...."
What does the Kingdom intend to do?
It wouldn't be strange if they thought to strike once while the Empire is in chaos.
If that happens, there is a high possibility that Mika will receive a summons order.
Even though I am still in the reserves...
Mika looked at Fee, who had unknowingly landed on his left shoulder.
"I'm going out for a bit."
When he said that, Fee floated lightly off his shoulder and began to float wobbly-wobbly~ near the ceiling.
It seems she intends to stay behind as a lookout.
Mika put on his robe and pulled the hood deep over his head.
Wearing a hooded robe in this damn hot weather is not sane, but actually, he is not the only one.
Mainly, some adventurers dress like that.
In the reverse pattern, Kaerya wears a bikini armor even in the dead of winter.
Whether the wind blows or snow falls, she wears bikini armor.
The reason she can do that is thanks to [Enchantment] as well.
It is said that there is an effect like a relative of [Heat Resistance] and [Cold Resistance] that keeps the perceived temperature comfortable.
Although called relatives, they are actually completely different effects, but they are treated as relatives because they are often set together as [Enchantment].
You might think it is dangerous not to feel hot or cold, but if the environment is within the range of the [Enchanted] [Heat Resistance] and [Cold Resistance], it seems to keep the perceived temperature constant to a certain extent.
It is not that you only notice it is hot after exceeding the limit of [Heat Resistance], but rather that the [Enchantment] has a wide range to keep it at a suitable temperature.
Without this [Enchantment], even if you obtain high-performance armor, you would end up saying, "It's too hot to wear!"
The [Enchantment] planned to be implemented in the currently created "Copper-type Rare Metal Orichalcum" robe is not present in the robe he is wearing now, of course.
Therefore, he uses Blast to circulate cool air inside the robe like an air conditioner.
Mika left the inn, dashed through District 3, and once he was far enough away, went up into the sky.
From there, he flew to the villa of the Marquis Leventein in District 1.
This is to inform Cleiria of the incident in the Gronoir Empire.
Probably, the Kingdom Army and the Domain Armies at the border will receive contact from the state.
But Cleiria is not in a position to be exposed to such information, so she will not be told.
So, Mika decided to inform her himself.
Upon arriving at the Marquis Leventein villa, Mika landed at the ·M·i·k·a·-·S·p·e·c·i·a·l·-·E·n·t·r·a·n·c·e·-·E·n·t·r·a·n·c·e·-·E·n·t·r·a·n·c·e·.
Mika's exclusive entrance... that is, the balcony of Cleiria's room.
"Cleiria! A major incident—"
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!"
When Mika lifted the lace curtain and entered the room, a voice like tearing silk rose up.
Several Ladies Maids stood to hide Cleiria, and several other Ladies Maids pushed Mika back onto the balcony.
While being slapped warmly by the maid ladies.
"M, Mika!? W, wait a moment!"
"Sorry, sorry! Sorry!? Don't hit me!?"
Hearing Cleiria's scream, dozens more knights gathered, and the area became chaotic.
He came to tell them of the incident in the Imperial Capital, but caused an incident at the Marquis Leventein villa.
"............I am sorry."
It has been a while since I did a dogeza.
Thinking such things, he bowed deeply.
"That is enough, Mika. I don't understand much, but you cannot talk like this."
"Oh, really? Well, I am really sorry."
"Lady Cleiria! This is not a matter that can be settled so easily!"
Mustajif raised a voice of protest at Cleiria, who accepted Mika's apology so easily.
Well, Mustajif's opinion is understandable.
Next time, I will knock before entering, so please forgive me for now.
"So, Mika? What happened?"
"Yes, yes, it is terrible. A major incident, a major incident."
Mika lightly brushed off his pants and sat on the sofa opposite Cleiria.
Mustajif was glaring fiercely.
"Sorry. Can you clear the room?"
At Mika's words, Cleiria widened her eyes slightly, but then immediately cleared the room.
The knights and maids leaving the room were all glaring.
It seems he has turned everyone in the Marquis Leventein family into enemies without exception.
Maybe next time I should bring a souvenir to please them.
As usual, Mustajif and the Nanny stood in front of the door.
After confirming that, Mika moved next to Cleiria.
Mika lowered his voice and conveyed the matter concisely.
"The Emperor was killed. There was a rebellion."
"............?"
What is this?
Cleiria tilted her head as if asking that, looking bewildered.
"The Church of the Gronoir Empire started a rebellion and killed the Emperor. Probably, a puppet of the Pope will ascend to the throne? Someone other than the imperial family took the throne. It is usurpation."
"Usurpation...."
Cleiria muttered softly.
"U-s-u-r-p-a-t-i-o-n!!!"
"Shhhhhhhhh! It is not good yet. Lower your voice."
Mika suddenly covered Cleiria's mouth, whose voice had grown loud from surprise.
Then, he put his index finger to his own mouth and told her to lower her voice.
Mustajif, who had been watching Mika and Cleiria, swelled with anger.
After confirming that Cleiria nodded vigorously, he released his hand.
"I also just heard this story a moment ago, but it seems correct. Probably, only a very small part knows. Choose your audience carefully."
When Mika said that, Cleiria swallowed hard.
"............Mika, where did you get such information...?"
Speaking that far, Cleiria reconsidered.
"Indeed, it is a huge event. It is difficult to predict how the situation will turn."
And so, she looked straight at Mika.
"What are you planning to do, Mika?"
"............Not yet, nothing."
Mika frowned and shook his head.
"I think the rumor will spread soon, but I thought it was better to know beforehand. If the country finds out what you know now, they might suspect something strange. Carefully, okay."
When Mika said that, Cleiria nodded with a serious expression.
Then, her expression softened slightly.
"You came to tell me this, Mika. Thank you."
Cleiria conveyed her gratitude, but Mika shook his head.
"I am always being helped by Cleiria, and I am causing trouble. ............Even today."
When he added that at the end, Cleiria smiled awkwardly.
Cleiria had said "It's no trouble" before, but she couldn't deny it today, as expected.
Well, I am reflecting, yes.
After talking a little, Mika decided to return.
For the return, the Leventein family provided a carriage.
But until he returned, the piercing gazes flying from all over were a bit painful.
Sorry...
■■■■■■
The Emperor's castle in the Imperial Capital of the Gronoir Empire.
Tens of thousands of crowds were packed in front of the castle.
Previously, they had exposed the former Emperor's corpse, but in the summer, it would rot quickly and suffer severe damage, and with feces and urine thrown at it, it emitted a terrible stench.
Therefore, they ordered it to be cleaned up a little while ago.
When Pope Metzdelt appeared from the castle gate, a particularly loud cheer rose from the crowd.
"Your Holiness the Pope!"
"Your Holiness Metzdelt!"
"Long live His Holiness the Pope! Long live His Holiness Metzdelt!"
The citizens of the Imperial Capital were in a frenzy at the unprecedented act of the Pope usurping the throne.
The Pope who overthrew the lazy Emperor and fulfilled the Divine Oracle had risen.
The depression swirling in the hearts of the Empire's people, much more than after the previous defeat, was blown away all at once.
The Pope stood on the podium prepared in front of the castle gate and waved to the crowd with a pleasant smile.
The knights and soldiers holding back the crowd were in a difficult situation, but they were also excited to witness this historical moment.
The Pope raised both hands and asked the crowd for silence.
Then, the previous frenzy receded like a wave.
A silence spread that was hard to believe was from tens of thousands of people.
When the Pope turned slightly, three Cardinals stepped forward.
In the Cardinals' hands were respectively the Scepter, the Imperial Crown, and the Imperial Mantle.
Normally, during the coronation, the former Emperor hands these over to the new Emperor or makes them wear them to visually and clearly show the transfer of the throne.
If the Emperor cannot do it, the Pope or a Duke may serve as a proxy.
The Pope took the Imperial Crown held up by the Cardinals and raised it high above his head.
And then, he carelessly threw it down in front of the podium.
In front of the podium were several Temple Knights holding Warhammers.
The Imperial Crown thrown by the Pope fell right in front of those Temple Knights.
"Such things have no meaning."
When the Pope said loudly, the Temple Knights raised their Warhammers high.
Clang-Gang-Ging!
Gusha-Gon-Gasha-Gokin!
The sound of breaking something echoed endlessly in the square.
The Pope raised it high again.
This time, what he held in his hand was the Scepter.
"Such things are trash."
And so, he carelessly threw it down in front of the podium again.
Bakinn-Gashaboki!
The crowd murmured slightly at the sound of destruction echoing in the square.
"Eh... really...?"
"It's not a lie...?"
They could not believe that the symbol of the Emperor, the proof of succession, was truly being destroyed, and the crowd was bewildered as expected.
However, those located in the relatively front rows watched the scene in amazement.
The Imperial Crown, the symbol of imperial authority, was mercilessly crushed, dented, and broken by the Warhammer.
The Scepter, the symbol of power, was smashed, broken, and shattered pitifully.
The Pope took the mantle, rolled it up casually, and threw it aside next to the podium.
Oil was poured on the carelessly fallen mantle by the Temple Knights who were waiting there.
Then, at the signal of the Pope nodding, torches were thrown in.
It spread instantly, and smoke rose high into the sky.
The gathered crowd looked up at that smoke for no particular reason.
If it was the front row, perhaps, but if you were ten rows back, it was impossible to grasp what was happening.
That is how many people were packed there.
"O Gods."
The Pope raised both hands and called out to the sky.
"I offer the Scepter, Crown, and Mantle, symbols of thieves who deceive innocent lost children and steal people's food. Please, under the Gods, purify the proof of this polluted sinner."
The Pope lowered his hands and called out to the people.
"Innocent lost children. The evil that uses treacherous words to confuse human hearts is destroyed. Now, at this moment, suffering is gone! From now on comes the time of trial!"
The Pope's voice echoed across the square.
Unnaturally so.
"This voice will reach! To those who are suitable for the Will of the Gods, no matter how far apart! It will definitely reach! Because this voice is the voice of the Gods! These words are the words of the Gods!"
"Yes! The Gods are with us!"
"Your Holiness the Pope! Guide us!"
The Pope's speech gave one direction to the hearts of the gathered crowd.
"Now is the time for the Divine Oracle! We must realize it with our own hands! There is no one to hinder us! Before us lies only the path to the Gods!"
The heat of the speech and the heat responding to it rose from the crowd.
However, there were some people here and there in the crowd who felt a sense of incongruity with this unnatural heat.
But even those people were soon swept away.
They were swallowed by the pressure of conformity.
"This country will become a Kingdom of the Gods from today! We will fulfill the Divine Oracle and manifest the world of the Gods! By our hands!"
"Yes, it is a Kingdom of the Gods!"
"The world of the Gods!"
The Pope raised both hands high again.
"To accomplish this great work, I discard the petty name of man! Only a great Saint is worthy of accomplishing this great deed!"
And so, Pope Metzdelt declared to the sky.
"My name is Hildinlander! I am Emperor-Pope Hildinlander!!!"
At the declaration of the Emperor-Pope, an explosive cheer rose from the crowd.
"Emperor-Pope! Long live!"
"Hildinlander! Long live!"
Now, cheers were showered directly from a crowd of nearly one hundred thousand.
Voluntas.
Emperor-Pope Hildinlander directly inhaled that Voluntas into his chest to the fullest.
As if his chest would burst.