Chapter 96

“Y-you’re going to the Citadel Republic? Why… why on earth…?”

Of course, the Princess was utterly shocked. She could barely string her words together.

“No. You can’t. I don’t know why the Saint wants to go there, but that place is dangerous. From what I’ve heard, the Republic has already become a living hell.”

Truthfully, I’ve already heard it all. Thanks to Mr. Panton’s vivid accounts from the refugees, I know exactly how horrifying it is.

The current Citadel Republic is so thick with ash that people can’t see an inch ahead, and even during the day, it’s so dark that pedestrians bump into each other.

In a place where even the sun and moon are obscured, the only thing visible is a massive mountain range engulfed in flames.

The moment that mountain range erupts, they know it’s the end for them. Those who remain have lost all composure, leaving only desperation.

People cough from swallowing ash, their skin breaks out in rashes, and they wander around covered in soot, crying out in pain.

Those pitiful people have turned into mobs, looting empty houses and even breaking into occupied ones to rob. There are stories of rioters running around, screaming that the world is ending.

It’s a terrifying tale to hear, but I still have to go. Just as a general can’t flee from the enemy in front of them, a Priest must also have their own courage.

This is exactly the time when such courage is needed. How can I claim to live by God’s will while hiding from danger?

“If you’re determined to go there for your mission, I can assign you some escorts. But while they might fend off rioters… ash and lava won’t spare even knights. They, and even you, Saint, could fall into danger.”

I smiled at her earnest plea.

“That’s why I plan to go without escorts.”

Originally, I didn’t plan to take Roka either, but this kid clung to me like sap, so I had no choice but to bring her along. I really wanted to leave her behind.

“You’re going without escorts?!”

The Princess was nearly horrified this time, but yes, that’s the plan.

My resolve hasn’t changed. I must go.

“When… when do you plan to depart?”

“After saying my goodbyes, right now. Ambassador Rowena of Elvenheim has already prepared everything.”

“Right now? Without escorts?”

“Of course.”

The Princess grabbed her head with both hands, then seized my hands and pleaded.

“Please, don’t go. This is a matter of life and death. I know God watches over all the Saint’s actions, but this… this is no different from walking to your death.”

“Let go of my hand. You’re not coming with me, so stop holding on.”

Roka spoke up. The Princess blinked in confusion.

“You’re coming with me?”

“I’m going. Actually, I asked to be taken along.”

“What are you planning to do there?”

“We’re going to defeat the Phoenix.”

I spoke up. Roka probably didn’t need to say anything.

At least, according to my calculations. But when the Observatory of Star’s Dream showed me the future, things didn’t go as planned, so why would now be any different?

Surely, I’ll encounter variables beyond my expectations. I’m almost certain of it. This time, I have a feeling it won’t be easy.

“It’s impossible. Absolutely. Saint, the Monster Emperor…”

“So, you’re not coming? That’s fine.”

Our child pressed her forehead against my back and muttered.

“It’s already decided. We’re going, and whether you follow or not is up to you.”

Now she’s showing her true colors. It was a rude remark, but the Princess didn’t seem to have the energy to care about the rudeness.

“I… I really want to follow the Saint, but…”

“But?”

“The citizens of the Republic aren’t my people, and it’s none of my business. Besides, I have a lot to do right now.”

No need to glance at me and make excuses.

I’m even taking Roka. If the Princess had volunteered to come with me, I wouldn’t have refused. But since she didn’t, that’s her choice.

Roka’s gaze at the Princess wasn’t kind, but saving someone’s life doesn’t mean they owe you theirs. I didn’t save her expecting that.

The Princess’s words dragged on, but I understood without her needing to say so much.

“Edmund, that troublemaker, is plotting something, and if something happens, I have to protect Mother and His Majesty. If I leave, the Church Country might cause trouble…”

“Don’t drag it out just to say you don’t want to go.”

Roka snapped back.

“So, you’re not coming after all.”

“N-no, that’s not it!”

“Then what?”

“If I cross the gate to the Republic, the Temple and my younger sibling will destroy the gate to isolate me. Taking such a risk to go to the Republic… it’s… too dangerous for me.”

Seeing the Princess struggle, I cut off Roka’s glare.

“Roka, enough. The Princess is right.”

“Master?”

“That’s not her place, nor where she needs to go. It’s my place, and where I need to go.”

As the Princess of a nation, she’s found her place. I didn’t expect her to abandon all her duties and follow me. Really. That’s why I came to say goodbye.

Whether this farewell is eternal or temporary is entirely up to Him beyond the heavens. It’s not my place to worry about that.

In times like these, where should I be? The Lord knows the answer, and so do I.

Knowing the answer but not acting on it is negligence. I didn’t want to be a negligent Priest.

“Until we meet again, stay healthy.”

I made the sign of the cross and bowed to the Princess. She reached out to me, but her hand fell limply. I don’t know what she was thinking, but she hesitated, unable to do anything.

She stayed like that until I left the room. The Princess couldn’t bring herself to stop me, nor could she let me go willingly. She just stood there, staring blankly at Roka and me.

It seemed like she thought about stopping me by force, but in the end, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“Are the goodbyes done? I’ve already spoken with the gatekeepers.”

Roka and I reunited with Rowena in the capital’s square.

The long-distance teleportation gate, which had been a mere decoration in the capital for so long, was now nearly deserted. People who used to come through the gate were now fleeing in haste.

As if a fire had broken out, ash was billowing from beyond the gate. Surrounded by black smoke, the gate exuded a grim atmosphere. Even seeing it a second time, it wasn’t any less unsettling.

Who would want to go in there? Rowena seemed to think the same, her face twitching.

“Are you really going in there? It still looks dangerous.”

“Are you really coming with me?”

I passed the question to Roka. The kid nodded without hesitation.

When I handed her a bluebird feather, she was startled. Not because of the feather’s effect, but because she was curious why it appeared here.

Had she seen it somewhere before?

“This is…”

“A bluebird feather. It’ll protect you from the volcano. It won’t help against the Phoenix, though, since it only works against environmental conditions, not attacks.”

Miracles are like that. They only work within the boundaries set by the Lord.

The bluebird feather can withstand even the harshest environments, but it can’t stop a single fireball. Anything beyond that is not permitted by God.

“Shall we go?”

“…Shouldn’t the Hero be handling this? I heard they had the support of the entire continent. What are they doing at a time like this?”

Roka grumbled. She’s coming with me, but she’s clearly not happy about it.

Honestly, no one enjoys walking into a gate spewing smoke.

But I’m really curious. What is Yurinel doing right now?

It hasn’t been long since her defeat. She probably hasn’t gone after Grimudo for revenge yet. Is she still in the Demon World despite all this? Is she plotting an assassination against Harmail?

Either way, it seems unlikely I’ll meet her again in the Citadel Republic.

Will the day come when we meet again? That too is up to the Lord.

For now, let’s focus on saving those in peril before us.