Chapter 19

The song of the pure-hearted shall be a glorious prayer to God, and He will respond with blessings upon their heads.

– Mathew 7:36

Among the records of the ancient scriptures, this verse is considered one of the reasons why hymns are never absent from various worships or rituals, giving countless tone-deaf believers in the world a reason for their struggles even today.

However, in recent times, many throughout the continent picture one woman when they think of this verse:

Auriel Stardust.

With her radiant silver hair and blue eyes that symbolize her beauty, the 19-year-old former nun has fascinated the continent solely with her talent for music, despite her humble orphan status.

Her singing has brought countless tears to many, and to hear that celestial tone, multitudes have traveled far and wide by cart to attend her concerts.

She has received high praise from the best composer of her time, Mozarella, and the popular Saliel completed a piece specifically for her.

It is said that Beta-Vin, who is regarded as a descendant of these greats, wept after hearing her beautiful voice.

Thus, despite her status as a nun serving God, she travels across the continent today, offering the highest praises to the Almighty.

With a voice as sweet and beautiful as if a celestial being had descended to earth, Auriel received thunderous applause once again at the end of her performance.

She bowed politely before stepping off the stage.

“Well done, Auriel. Today’s performance was truly exceptional.”

“Thank you, Bishop Judah. And…”

“Oh, don’t worry about the donations; I delivered them to the orphanage just as you requested.”

“I’m always grateful. Thanks to you, I could thank God joyfully today.”

“What have I done? Instead, the one to be grateful should be me. If it weren’t for you, Auriel, I would have never been able to serve the Lord in such a place, being merely a country priest.”

Bishop Judah spoke with a warm smile after their pleasant exchange, then his voice turned more cautious.

“By the way, how did you decide regarding that matter? The… issue we discussed about Benessa.”

“Bishop, as I’ve mentioned, that place is not suited for me. The only places where my prayers are needed are those that offer divine gifts to God and for the lambs currently in need of help, just like now. Going to such worldly gatherings would surely sadden the Lord.”

Auriel again expressed her refusal as she did in the past.

However, Bishop Judah spoke gravely:

“I understand your intentions well. But as I said, the world does not operate solely on ideals. No matter how secular the event, that location is where those wielding power and wealth—who move the continent—gather. Praying in such a place would be the best opportunity to spread God’s influence across this land, wouldn’t it?”

“But…”

“I ask you once more, please do it. Consider this an opportunity for the poor. We can allocate all the received fees toward donations.”

“…Hmm…”

The bishop’s unusually earnest request pushed Auriel after deep contemplation.

Though the event didn’t align with her beliefs, there was merit in the bishop’s words.

Above all, the bishop was someone who had always stood by her side, working to carry out the will of God.

Having made her decision, Auriel finally nodded.

“Ha… I understand. If you insist…”

“Th-Thank you! I’m truly grateful, Auriel!”

Bishop Judah looked more joyful than ever, and seeing this, Auriel suppressed her reluctance and forced a bittersweet smile.

*

In the bustling Benessa.

True to its name as the City of Water, the entire city was wrapped in giant canals, and I was confidently strolling through it alone in the bright daylight.

It goes without saying that my face as the Pirate King had already been widely circulated via wanted posters.

Even amid the nearby naval soldiers, many were glued to the posters stuck on the walls, yet somehow, in this moment, no one showed any reaction to me wandering through the city.

The reason lay in a custom native to Benessa.

On festival days, everyone wears paper masks or various costumes to blend in with the celebration.

Even just in front of me, people donned cat or bird masks, fully indulging in this early ‘freedom of anonymity’ while enjoying the festivities.

And at this very moment, I wore a mask resembling a black crow.

Completely covered in a black cloak, I resembled a plague doctor; yet, no one paid me any mind.

Occasionally, I’d receive compliments on my attire, but no one recognized the true identity of the Pirate King.

‘I’m really glad I timed my arrival well. Now, shall I proceed to scout my destination?’

The operation planned with my subordinates prior to coming here was in full swing.

Phase one involved infiltrating while disguised, discreetly carried out by my comrades.


They should be blending into the city today, conducting pre-tests for our mission as we prepared for the upcoming Great Auction tomorrow.

‘One side is fine, but honestly, I’m a bit worried about Ambasha… Well, with Franklin there, I suppose it’ll be fine…’

Feeling like a father concerned for his daughter on a school trip, I continued through the alley, following the map directly towards my target location.

Though sparsely populated, this was indeed the fastest route to my objective.

It was clearly marked on the map…

‘…Damn it. Why isn’t it showing up? Shouldn’t I see it by now?’

I followed the map, yet I found myself in an unexpected dead end.

To clarify, I couldn’t help but grimace upon seeing the silent flowing canal right before me.

‘You mean for me to cross this? …No… It doesn’t seem like that’s the case…?’

In that instant, a gondola approached and halted right in front of me.

With a glimmer of hope, I cautiously asked the gondolier in front of me,


“Excuse me, but can you tell me how to get to the Central Pavilion from here?”

“…Damn…”

“? ”

– Whoosh!

In the next moment, the gondolier swung the oar he was holding right at me.

The strike infused with magical power flew directly toward my neck.

And then.

– Bam!

“….Huh?”

“…Who are you?”

I cleanly caught the oar in my hand.

The gondolier’s face instantly turned to one of deep shock…

– Bang!

Immediately after, my punch sent him spiraling down into the canal.

“What’s this… Why out of the blue…?”

All I wanted was to ask for directions, and yet this gondolier had just tried to take my head off.

I pondered the alarming state of security here, shaking my head while I climbed onto the gondola, fiddling with the abandoned oar in my hand.

‘It’s my first time on a gondola. I wonder if I should move it like rowboats?’

Unlike the other gondolas, this one had a small golden figurine at its end.


With a newfound curiosity and through a thoroughly lawful process of self-defense, I decided to test my new mode of transportation.

But then…

“I found you! Right here!”

“We’re here! Don’t leave without us!”

Suddenly, two figures burst out from the alley.

Acting as if they knew me, they leaped onto the gondola, carrying a large, suspicious bag.

The bag wriggled and squirmed as if something alive were inside it.

Gazing fixedly at the unsettling bag while sensing a strong presence from within, I could vaguely guess what they were up to.

“Alright! Let’s go!”

“Nice outfit! Seriously, you complain about being a bother, yet here you are most intent! Let’s hurry! We might be late!”

Seemingly mistaking me for one of their crew, they climbed aboard without hesitation.

Keeping my tone nonchalant, I played the part and asked,


“…Where to? Where are we headed?”

“What are you saying? Is this a joke?”

“Where else but to Marquis Jaboni’s place! Let’s hurry, they’re probably waiting eagerly for the shipments to arrive right now!”

“…I see. Got it.”

The two were quite forthcoming with their destination.


As they believed I was one of the good guys, I decided they deserved a reward for their honesty and slowly raised the oar I held.

And then.

– Bam!!!

“Ugh!!!”

“Ahhh!!!”

I sent the heads of the two nameless slave traders flying with pinpoint precision.

Having long decided that such scoundrels were meant to be struck down like the pesky mosquitoes they were, I showed no mercy.

After cheerfully detaching their heads from their lowly bodies, I leisurely unfurled the writhing bag.

The moment I did, a figure appeared before me.

A young nun with silver hair and blue eyes, looking rather cute,


After glancing around in shock, she turned her gaze to me in amazement.

“Did… did you just save me?”

“Well, I mean, by results, yes.”

It was more of a case of me acting in self-defense than a deliberate rescue, but as it was technically accurate, I nodded in affirmation.

The nun immediately crossed herself in gratitude.

Then she respectfully bowed her head towards me.


“Thank you for saving me, generous stranger. May God’s blessing be upon you, I, Auriel Stardust, will pray for you.”

“No need for that… Just tell me how to get where I need to go.”

“…Um? Did you just say Auriel?”

“…And?”

“…D-Don’t tell me… you don’t know who I am? Surely… a believer wouldn’t fail to recognize my name…”

“Buddhism.”

“…”