Chapter 281 - Chapter 280: The Trial of the "Messenger of the Gods"
The first day of the first week of the Month of Water.
Early morning, in front of the boys' dormitory of the Magic Academy.
As Paraleira emerged, Mika pushed himself away from the tree he had been leaning against.
"You're up early as always."
Mika stood blocking the path leading to the main gate.
Paraleira glanced at Mika once and ignored him completely.
(............What a terrible face.)
Paraleira originally had a somewhat stern gaze, but her expression was now completely stained with hatred.
Paraleira silently walked past Mika.
Mika slumped his shoulders and let out a long sigh.
At that moment, two shadows leaped out from behind the tree.
A particularly large shadow circled around behind Paraleira.
"Huh!? What the hell are you bastards!?"
Paraleira screamed loudly, her arm twisted and held tight by Kaerya.
To that Paraleira, Trys fitted the bracelet onto her wrist.
It was the low-cost version of the Tranquilizer that Adelriese had ordered.
"Damn it! Let go, you...!"
Kaerya held down the struggling Paraleira with an expressionless face.
She didn't seem to be exerting much force, yet Kaerya's arm did not budge an inch.
"Kgh...! Great God of Fire, the spark of Creation! Wrap everything in—!"
"Like I'll let you. 'Waterball.'"
A sphere of water rammed into Paraleira's face as she began her incantation.
The manifestation point for [Explosive Flame] is fixed fifty meters ahead.
There would be no meaning if she manifested it, and if she manifested it where she currently stood, she would be dead anyway...
Mika sighed again, "Haa...," and dropped the "Waterball" onto the ground.
"Gahh-hack-hack...!"
Paraleira, who had suddenly had her face shoved into water mid-incantation, coughed violently.
For a while, Paraleira refused to listen to anything, but whether due to the effect of the bracelet or resignation, she became somewhat well-behaved.
"............Have you decided to listen?"
"Y-you...!"
She turned eyes filled with rage, but Mika paid no attention.
He accepted Paraleira's anger head-on, yet remained perfectly calm.
"I will release you once the conversation is over. After that, whatever you do is your own free will. However...."
Only then did Mika avert his eyes from Paraleira.
For a brief moment, he closed his eyes and remained silent.
When he looked at Paraleira again, Mika's eyes had changed to ones filled with strong determination.
"Please, I beg you, do not make me kill you, Paraleira-san."
"Kill...!?"
Mika began speaking to Paraleira, who was glaring at him with angry eyes.
Mental pollution by magic power.
Paraleira's hatred towards Hibujiza was certainly there.
However, Mika proposed that it might have been amplified by magic power.
"It seems that, in the end, you will become a being known as the 'Cursed Child.'"
Mika continued speaking calmly to Paraleira, who cast a suspicious gaze.
Praying that she would stop right here.
"............If you become a 'Cursed Child,' I will have no choice but to show no mercy. I will... exorcise you. As an existence named Paraleira."
Even after hearing Mika's words, the shadow of doubt did not vanish from Paraleira's eyes.
Mika turned his gaze to Kaerya, who was still holding Paraleira up.
"Thank you, Kaerya. That's enough."
However, Kaerya hesitated to let go just like that.
It was likely because the threatening aura radiating from Paraleira had not changed.
"It's fine, Kaerya. After this, it is up to Paraleira-san to judge for herself."
Saying it again, Kaerya lowered Paraleira.
As soon as Paraleira's feet touched the ground, she swung her arm at Kaerya, who was behind her.
However, Kaerya moved quickly and lined up beside Mika in a wide arc.
"Kaerya only did what I asked. If you are angry, be angry at me."
"Mika-chan...."
Trys spoke to Mika with concern, trying to take on all of Paraleira's anger.
Mika rolled up his robe sleeve and showed the Tranquilizer.
"I myself am on a dangerous line. Probably, in terms of danger, I might be far worse off than Paraleira-san?"
Saying that, he stroked the Tranquilizer.
"Please try your best not to let your heart waver. It should work out somehow. .........Probably."
Mika did not have certainty either.
Still, seizures occurred when emotions were stirred.
That was the basis for believing there was a close relationship between magic power pollution and emotions.
"That is all for the explanation."
When Mika said that, Paraleira clicked her tongue and glared at Mika.
Then, she turned her back to Mika and walked towards the main gate.
"............Is that really okay?"
Kaerya called out to Mika, who was watching Paraleira's back.
"It can't be helped. I can't exactly lock her up."
Whether she would stop and turn around, or push forward as is.
I had to leave it to her own judgment.
Ideally, I hoped she wouldn't remove that bracelet.
Staring at Paraleira's back, Mika recalled the days when he used to pass through Paraleira's room.
Even while clicking her tongue and cursing, Paraleira had guided the path of alchemy as a predecessor.
With such a personality, she probably wasn't suited to be a teacher, but despite everything, Paraleira's lectures were enjoyable.
The word "mentor" might not suit Paraleira, but even so, she was a mentor to Mika.
Mika looked up at Trys, who was standing beside him.
"Thank you. I'm sorry for getting you involved in this."
"No, it's fine. Don't worry about it."
Trys smiled at Mika, who was thanking her.
When asking for Trys's help this time, Mika had told her various things beforehand.
The Church of Light, ...or rather, the concealment and falsification of history by the Church.
Most of the information obtained from the conversation with Warterelam.
I thought it would be a painful story for Trys, a devout believer, but surprisingly, she accepted it smoothly.
"If Mika-chan says so, then it must be so."
It was that simple.
Originally, Trys seemed to have quit the Church Knights Order because she was fed up with the corruption of the Church.
The fact that the Church had arbitrarily rewritten the scriptures since ancient times, she seemed to have accepted it with a "that might be the case."
Rather, when she learned that "ancient scriptures over a thousand years old remain" at someone's place, she seemed interested in that side.
"I really want to read them! Can't we somehow get a copy made?"
She pounced on the idea.
I promised to ask her next time.
I would have to hire someone to do the copying work.
As for Kaerya, she had absolutely no interest in the Church of Light.
The reason was that Kaerya seemed to be an immigrant.
She had migrated from another continent.
"Another continent!? What kind of place is it!?"
Mika became very interested in this story, but Kaerya's face was ambiguous.
It seemed that continent had been devastated by war, and she had stowed away to this continent to survive.
By that time, the Fifty-Year War was already a thing of the past in the Kingdom of Ektrem, and the economy was improving steadily.
She was shocked to find such a peaceful country existed.
There was some discrimination for not believing in the Church of Light, but Kaerya, who could casually knock out anyone she didn't like, didn't care.
She lived hidden in the slums for a while, but soon became someone to be respected.
Well, she has a presence, Kaerya.
With that body and personality, there was no way she could hide.
She was hired for her strength and got involved in terrible jobs that people couldn't talk about, but she seemed to have become interested in adventurers who lived freely.
Mika looked up at Kaerya.
"Thank you too, Kaerya."
"If it's something like this, just say it anytime, boy."
Saying that, she patted Mika's head.
■■■■■■
So the three of them went to eat at a restaurant they had been going to since morning.
Mika had also confirmed that Salomrassa, the leader of Kaerya's party, had survived the first day on the battlefield.
Such things had already been communicated, but naturally, the topics turned to the battlefield and the Empire.
"To end the war, we have no choice but to deal with this so-called 'Cursed Child,' but...."
Trys murmured while tearing apart a piece of bread.
The Church that had taken over the Empire.
The "Cursed Child" that had taken over that Church.
Shadows flickering in the history of the last thousand years that had been unraveled.
But... Mika thought.
Certainly, the current Church was a beast starving for blood.
However, Mika knew of an organization that had sought blood more ruthlessly than that beast.
The Kingdom of Ektrem.
Since its founding fifteen hundred years ago, it had dyed half of the western side of the continent in blood.
It was a fierce beast that claimed to have a single king and actually eradicated many royal families.
Though I shouldn't say this, the Empire is still more moderate compared to the Kingdom.
Regarding the Empire, it seems it has only been four or five hundred years since its founding.
It swallowed half of the eastern side of the continent by annexing and expanding into other countries.
In the Empire, they do not kill the kings of invaded lands.
If they submit, they are accepted.
Thus, they expanded their influence.
The reason it took the Kingdom of Ektrem fifteen hundred years to dominate half the continent would be due to this difference in method.
The Kingdom did not accept submission and eradicated royal families.
Of course, resistance would become desperate.
They do not kill everyone down to the commoners, but they show no mercy to the royal families.
Countries targeted by the Kingdom of Ektrem will inevitably fight to the death as one.
Well, there might be cases where vassals cut off the king's head and present him.
And thinking of this ruthlessness, doubts arise: perhaps the "Cursed Child" possessed them?
Especially the founding king and the kings around three hundred years after founding were truly too ruthless.
I remembered being amazed in kingdom history class at how they could expand the country this far with such absurd methods.
While thinking such things and sipping the soup, Mika let out a breath, "Hoo...."
The warmth slowly settled from his chest to his stomach.
While Mika was savoring the soup, Kaerya asked for a refill.
Fast, hey.
Mika casually looked at the wooden sign hanging on the wall.
I didn't pay much attention to the price when ordering, but the morning set meal was six hundred Rats.
The first time Mika ate a morning set meal was when he was sent to the academy in Sarbengeal.
Ninetiana taught him various things while sending him off, as he knew nothing about right or left.
While Mika was recalling such nostalgic things, Trys spoke to him.
"What's wrong, Mika-chan? Did something happen?"
"No, nothing at all."
Trys looked at Mika with a puzzled expression as his lips naturally relaxed.
"The first time I ate at a shop was when I was seven. I was on my way to Sarbengeal after being required to attend the Magic Academy."
"Oh, is that so?"
Hearing Mika's story, Trys also relaxed her lips.
"The first time I ate was at a restaurant in Yaunasun, and it was a 'Daily Special Set Meal'."
"Eh!?"
Hearing that, Trys widened her eyes.
Yeah, anyone who knows that would react like that.
"I can never forget that price and taste. The morning set meal I ate the next morning was so delicious, so delicious. Since I spent a night at the stagecoach stop, I was moved to tears."
"Eh-Eh!?"
Trys was taken aback.
Seeing such Trys, Mika gave a bitter smile.
Now I understand too.
Ninetiana is crazy.
"Well, it is my own fault. I chose to go on my first trip out 'like an adventurer' myself."
Speaking of which, Yaroibarov, whom I met for the first time, was taken aback when he heard this story.
Nostalgic memories resurfaced, and I thought again.
Don't let a child do such things.
(It is the duty of adults to restrain children full of curiosity.)
Well, it is a good memory after all.
"The Daily Special Set Meal was two hundred fifty Rats, and the morning set meal and lunch provisions were five hundred Rats. ...But why is there a Daily Special Set Meal? It seems pointless for the shop to do it."
Well, it can be said that they can dispose of leftovers and get money too.
Even with such a set meal, it takes effort.
They even use firewood to simmer it.
Thinking that and saying it, Trys told me.
"The Daily Special Set Meal is for adventurers."
"Eh? Adventurers?"
"Yes. Well, it's not limited to adventurers."
No matter the job, you can't earn a living during the initial phase.
But adventurers have a particularly strong tendency for this.
For craftsmen, the master will take care of the minimum necessities somehow, but there is no such existence for adventurers.
"In the initial phase, you might earn two or three thousand Rats a day. Especially for real rookies who have never fought a magical beast, that period becomes longer."
It is difficult to buy equipment to fight.
You cannot fight because you lack equipment.
You cannot earn because you cannot fight.
You cannot buy equipment because you cannot earn.
You fall into a vicious spiral.
"Even if you can fight a little, now maintenance costs for equipment will be needed, right?"
Even if earnings improve somewhat, sharpening swords, repairing armor, and replenishing consumables means life doesn't improve much.
Even if you earn steadily enough, you often damage equipment and run out of money.
It seems they provide this so that such adventurers do not quit saying "I can't eat."
(I heard that rookies eat, but the restaurant was providing it out of goodwill?)
Mika felt the sincerity of the shop owners in the 'Daily Special Set Meal' which seemed pointless to do from the shop's perspective.
Adventurers like Mika, who hardly need money for equipment or life, do not exist normally.
I thought I was blessed myself, but it was an environment so blessed that it was impossible for ordinary adventurers.
"I was in the Church Knights Order and had experience fighting 'the Unclean' or monsters, so the period of struggle was short even after becoming an adventurer. Still, I wasn't completely free from relying on the Daily Special Set Meal."
Even Trys seemed to have a period of struggle where she lacked equipment right after starting as an adventurer.
Mika had also nearly died because he couldn't buy equipment.
He seriously considered fighting with magic and quickly became capable enough to fight, so he could make regular quests his main income.
But normally, it is much harder to earn money.
Even if you rent a room, it's usually around the slums.
Living in narrow, unsanitary rooms aiming for higher ranks, filling their stomachs with Daily Special Set Meals.
Gritting their teeth while swearing they will definitely become full-fledged adventurers.
Unlike Mika, whose food, clothing, and shelter are guaranteed,
"Oh, you've accumulated enough points for a rank up? Oh, I see."
There is no one who casually goes up in rank like that.
If this story were known, almost all adventurers would curse him to "Die, die already!" It is a reality so arrogant that it would be insulting.
Well, Mika had his own struggles, but the direction or quality of the struggle was different, so he probably wouldn't get any sympathy.
Mika discovered the existence and significance of the mysterious menu called the Daily Special Set Meal in an unexpected place.
■■■■■■
Parting with Trys and Kaerya, Mika came to the Church.
And as soon as Mika appeared, he was immediately guided to the Pope's office.
It seems he was told to let Mika in immediately upon arrival.
When Mika arrived at the office, Cardinal Wagnare was summoned.
As Cardinal Wagnare arrived, the discussion began.
"This is the response from the other day."
Pope Blahoslav handed several sheets of paper to Mika.
Looking through them, it was written what was found from the investigation of the questionnaire from the other day.
But...
"Almost zero answers, huh."
"............I apologize. As you say."
One could sense they tried to investigate the content of the questions and prepare answers.
However, the content of the answers was nothing more than unverified rumors passed down.
They investigated, but it was mostly things that could not be clearly understood.
"Weren't you surprised? That despite such obvious suspicious points, it is being left alone."
When Mika said that, Pope Blahoslav slumped his shoulders.
"That is true. I noticed some of the contents of this questionnaire myself. But... I did not pursue it deeply."
"Why?"
"The first one I noticed was when I was still a monk. At that time, I didn't think deeply about it and just... got used to it. As if the unknown was the norm."
"I see."
That is something anyone can relate to.
Since no one cares, it must be that way.
Cardinal Wagnare asked Mika.
"'Messenger of the Gods.' Where did you hear that? And, the Warterelam who signed this...."
"That Warterelam of yours is someone who investigates the history of the Church of Light personally."
Mika decided to hide the fact that he was formerly a Cardinal of the Gronoir Empire.
It is undecided how long to hide it, but if necessary, I am considering hiding it until the end.
I want to have him come to the Kingdom of Ektrem eventually and investigate and research jointly with the Church, but for now, he is running around in the Am-Tast Trade Alliance looking for clues for research and the spell [Dispelling].
Mika took a sheet of paper from the Magic Bag and handed it to Blahoslav.
Blahoslav looked at it and was startled.
"Is this also a questionnaire...?"
Mika smiled brightly at Blahoslav, who asked timidly.
"Yes. Please answer the questions in this one next."
Ten questions were written on the new questionnaire.
It included somewhat detailed content, but it was things that are currently unknown.
"What exactly is the purpose of the 'Messenger of the Gods'? Certainly, all the contents of the previous questionnaire were things with unknown causes. Probably, the content of this time is the same. But, if so, you should have simply pointed it out...!"
Wagner's words, Blahoslav nodded.
But Mika shook his head.
"That won't do."
"Why won't it do?"
Wagner asked with a serious expression.
Mika hesitated, looking back and forth between the two.
"Because with half-hearted determination, the Church will end."
"!?!"
"W-what!?"
Blahoslav was speechless, and Wagner stood up.
"'Messenger of the Gods'!? What are you saying!"
Wagner's clenched fist was trembling.
"It is not a problem of the current Church. It is an old, old problem from long ago."
Mika said with a sigh, and Blahoslav, who had been speechless, gulped audibly.
"...But, we must settle the debts of the past. It is painful to burden the two of you working hard now with that."
Seeing Mika's demeanor, Wagner realized this was no ordinary matter and sat down again.
And leaning forward, he asked Mika.
"What exactly does it mean, 'Messenger of the Gods'?"
"I cannot say that yet. First, grasp the problem well."
Make them recognize the distortions of the Church, which cover a very wide range, in their hearts.
They must feel distrust towards the Church up to now.
It is a problem incomparable to the decades of misconduct by the former Popes and others.
(If I want to settle this as peacefully as possible, I have no choice but to make these two work hard.)
If I suddenly publicize the contents of the questionnaire and expose the bloody history of the Church, what would happen to the Church of Light in this country?
It would not be strange if movements to expel the "Messenger of the Gods" arose from believers who could not accept it.
First, create the groundwork for the Pope and Cardinals to accept the fact that they were taken over by the "Cursed Child."
I intend to leave it to the Pope and Cardinals what to do after knowing the facts.
But I have no intention of letting the concealment stand as is.
I have no intention of letting the falsification stand as is.
I do not intend to tell the general believers to announce everything at once, but I hope to gradually reveal the facts and return the Church and the scriptures to their correct forms.
Well, the scriptures themselves can stay as they are, but the dark history must be passed down.
So that tragedies are not repeated any further.
Blahoslav made a gesture of prayer and then looked straight at Mika.
"I understand, 'Messenger of the Gods.' I am ready to accept any trial."
When Blahoslav said that, Wagnare also offered a prayer and nodded firmly.