Headquarters (2)

Fortunately, the distance to the Pantheon Temple’s headquarters was relatively close, so we could arrive quickly.

“This is different from what I expected.”

Claire’s eyes lit up at the sight of the massive city in the distance.

She seemed a bit stressed lately, so this is fortunate.

If she eats something and enjoys herself, she’ll probably feel better. After all, there are still many things she hasn’t experienced yet.

“Well, if you were expecting some noble temple on top of a mountain surrounded by steep cliffs, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.”

Surprisingly, many people don’t know this.

They think that a place like the Pantheon Temple’s headquarters would be inhabited only by clergy.

But with just a little thought, they would realize that there couldn’t possibly be no people around the headquarters.

From the beginning, the priests and paladins of the Pantheon Temple are the ones who fight best against demons and half-demons. Considering that these lunatics can pop up anywhere and in any situation, it’s inevitable that the Temple would hold a significant position.

The more dangerous the world, the stronger the influence of religion.

When times are tough, people naturally seek places to believe in and rely on.

“In the end, this is still a place where people live, with various interests at stake.

A divine fortress, limited to fighting against demons.

Of course, even that became a wasteland before my regression, but that’s another story.

It couldn’t be helped. Given who the enemy was, it’s not strange that this place was targeted first.

We failed to respond perfectly, and as a result, we lost the Pope and other high-ranking individuals within the Pantheon Temple.

What might be unexpected is that even during this period, they already suspected Wallace Hope?

Honestly, I find it hard to understand how they could have known yet still fallen victim. It would be good to confirm that while I’m here, but…

“Will His Holiness be here?”

“Most likely not. There should be other cardinals though.”

Originally, this is where the Pope should stay the longest.

But he had come to the capital.

When the Pope moves, it’s different from an individual moving.

The forces just to escort him would be at the unit level, and the capital branch that was forced to accommodate outsiders to welcome me would need to be normalized as well.

Even if he tried to come as quickly as possible, it would still take at least another month.

Of course, if he knew I was heading this way, he’d come rushing immediately.

“Hmm, something about the atmosphere…”

As we were walking around, admiring the scenery of the city surrounding the headquarters, Claire began tilting her head as if something was off.

“It’s a bit of an unpleasant sight, isn’t it?”

“I didn’t go that far.”

“But your eyes say otherwise.”

People were gathered around the Pantheon Temple. There were devout believers, and on the other hand, there were also beggars.

Usually, many bankrupt individuals find their way to the Pantheon Temple’s headquarters.

Whether they’re seeking a place to die or hoping to receive alms from kind priests.

Either way, it’s not a bad choice. After all, the Pantheon Temple does take care of such people.

“There’s no need to deny it so adamantly. I, too, feel a bit cynical when I see this sight.”

“Is that so?”

But the very existence of such options is what feels unsettling.

People who seek the temple to die.

Those who’ve given up on moving forward and merely rely on others’ mercy to live.

And mixed among them, devout believers, merchants, hunters, and various other ordinary people.

“It’s a sad state of affairs, isn’t it?”

In the place that should be the most sacred in this world, there’s a deep sense of dissonance.

A city structure that’s inherently prone to deficits. A city that operates solely through others’ donations.

Because of this, the moment that flow is interrupted even once, the place that should be the most sacred transforms into hell.

I’ve experienced that hell.

Even if others haven’t, there are probably those who think the same.

As I was explaining the current situation to them while walking, we finally arrived at the massive temple, the symbol of the headquarters.

I first showed the high priest’s credential, which I had received from Cotinus, to the paladin standing at the entrance.

“May we enter?”

“So you’re a high priest. I’ll call someone for you.”

There’s no particular security check to begin with. The temple is an open place, after all.

The reason I deliberately showed my credentials was because it’s the quickest way to make contact with the authorities here.

“Welcome, Lost. From now on, we’ll guide you. As you know, not all areas are open to the public, so having us accompany you will make it easier for you to move around.”

After waiting for a moment, a group of five priests appeared.

Since it’s such a massive temple, there are separate priests specifically for guiding visitors. In a sense, it could be seen as a tourist service.

“Yes, brothers. It’s good to meet you. I wish to speak with the person in charge. Could you please guide me?”

“Of course. Oh! Just in case you didn’t know, His Holiness is currently away. He’s on a business trip to the capital branch.”

“I’m aware. I, too, came from the capital branch. I was fortunate enough to establish a connection with His Holiness, and I’m honored to have received certification as a high priest.”

“Oh… So you’re a Templar directly under His Holiness. Let me greet you once more. It’s an honor to meet you, Templar Lost.”

The credential Cotinus prepared for me doesn’t mention that I’m an apostle. It lists my position as a Templar.

There’s no such thing as a credential that signifies an apostle to begin with, and this makes it easier to hide my identity when needed.

Of course, the reason I’m still hiding it even at the headquarters is simply because I don’t want to cause a commotion at the door.

“Then follow us. We’ll guide you to the cardinal who’s currently in charge.”

“Yes, please do.”

*     *      *

For a while, I followed behind them.

Inside the Pantheon Temple, there were believers who had come to worship, tourists from outside, and outside the building, there were numerous beggars.

It seems they don’t let beggars inside, at least. But I imagine that during nights or winter, they too would be allowed inside the Pantheon Temple.

Passing by them and entering deeper, a silence settled in.

This area is off-limits to outsiders and ordinary believers.

“Well, this is as far as we go.”

Just as the atmosphere started to become solemn,

The priests who had been guiding us began to halt one by one.

They were facing a door that was a bit more luxurious than before, and it had the number “Office 5” written on it. This must be the office used by the current cardinal.

I don’t know who Number 5 is.

There’s no guarantee that things are the same now as they were when I became a priest.

“Before you go, may I ask what kind of person the cardinal we’re about to meet is?”

“Ah, I forgot about that. The current cardinal is…”

“I’ll introduce myself, thank you.”

At that moment, a dignified voice was heard from beyond the door.

Quiet, but with a definite presence.

At that overwhelming presence, Línea’s tail bristled, Titan’s eyes narrowed, and Claire was just in a daze, seemingly unaware.

It seems there’s still more for Claire to learn.

Unfortunately, I can’t teach her that right now.

“Oh, I apologize. I didn’t mean to intimidate. It’s just that I couldn’t help but be curious about this high priest I’ve never seen.”

The door opened by itself, revealing the figure beyond.

An elderly man sitting at his desk in the office, still rolling a pen.

The indomitable aura he exudes reveals what kind of work he has done.

“Nice to meet you, I am Sicarii.”

He’s one of the paladins within the Pantheon Temple.

“Ah, and from now on, this might become confidential, so I’d like you all to leave us.”

The cardinal who once stood at the apex among them, the former head of the Paladin Order.

And…

“So? What brings a brother who should be by His Holiness’s side to the headquarters?”

He’s a powerhouse on par with Cotinus.

*     *      *

As expected, someone of the cardinal’s stature would be suspicious of my identity.

It’s an interesting situation compared to other authorities who didn’t doubt me.

He probably knows something strange because he’s a high-ranking official of the Pantheon Temple.

He’s certainly someone who seems capable of running a city, unlike other priests.

“Pleased to meet you, Cardinal Sicarii.”

“I’m not sure if it’s a pleasure. From my perspective, there are several suspicious aspects about you.”

“Is that so? I consider myself to be quite transparent.”

“Transparent enough to use such deception?”

“Deception? That’s hurtful. This credential is not fake.”

“I’m sure it isn’t.”

Despite handing over the credential for verification, Sicarii didn’t take his eyes off me. He doesn’t even seem to consider the possibility that the credential might be fake.

“I won’t beat around the bush. Are you Cotinus’s ‘purpose’?”

“For someone who said they wouldn’t beat around the bush, you’re being quite indirect. Yes, I am the apostle, Vicarious Saint, Cielo.”

“So it’s true. A vicarious saint, huh… That’s quite an interesting title. Its weight would vary depending on what you’re acting on behalf of.”

“No matter the situation, bearing responsibility can never be a light matter.”

“There’s a sting to your words.”

“Isn’t that to be expected?”

Cardinal Sicarii was initially wary of me. I can understand that. Being a high priest isn’t something just anyone can claim.

And now, a high priest he’s never heard of suddenly shows up?

Of course, he’d be suspicious.

But the situation has changed with our current conversation. I revealed my identity as an apostle, but Cardinal Sicarii’s response remained unchanged.

Normally, it should have been one of two reactions:

Either apologetic or suspicious.

Of course, as a person of authority, he’d be more uncomfortable with my existence rather than pleased.

My very existence disrupts the existing power structure, so of course he’d be wary.

So, is the person in front of me a priest or a politician?

“Hmm, that’s true. My mistake is significant. I won’t make excuses. I apologize.”

“…”

It leaves me speechless.

If he speaks like that, anything more I say would just seem like nitpicking.

He’s someone who can use an apology as a weapon. A method to take away the other’s moral high ground.

It’s truly displeasing.

“So? What brings the apostle to the headquarters?”

“I’ve come to receive one of the sacred artifacts, Vitege’s Armor.”

“Haha! That’s a bold statement. And? Anything else?”

“Nothing in particular.”

“I hope that’s true. However, I can’t simply hand over the sacred artifact, Vitege’s Armor. Even if the apostle has such authority, it’s the people here who have been protecting it all this time.”

Somehow I had a feeling it wouldn’t be so easy. He seems intent on demanding something in return.

Right, not every priest in the world would act like Cotinus.

“First, clarify the purpose of the armor. We don’t want to see such a sacred artifact reduced to a mere decoration.”

“I won’t be the one wearing it.”

“Then is it for that large fellow behind you? Well, he does seem to have at least the minimum qualifications.”

As expected of Titan.

That warrior of reversal leaves no room for nitpicking.

Of course, that’s not entirely true.

Regardless of whether he can use it or not, Titan is an outsider. But Sicarii didn’t point that out.

It seems like a gesture of consideration.

If I nodded my head here, I might be able to resolve the condition, but…

“It’s for the little one next to him. It would be a waste to give it to someone who can’t even use holy power.”

“That young girl? I find it hard to believe. Unless the apostle has lost his mind, you’re saying she has that kind of ability, but frankly, she doesn’t appear that way to me.”

“Let’s show you our verification process step by step. This isn’t the end of it anyway. Or what? Will you just give it to us if we meet the qualifications?”

“Of course not. In truth, there are many within the Pantheon Temple who are qualified to wear it.”

That’s obviously the case.

Right now, there would be plenty of paladins stronger than Claire.

But that’s just a matter of time.

Claire, even in the time before my regression, reached the pinnacle of paladins in just 2 years.

“I won’t impose troublesome conditions. Our apostle would be busy saving people, so where would he find time for such tests?”

What a way to speak.

“One thousand gold coins. How does that sound? I think it’s a rather extraordinary offer.”

It’s absurd to begin with that he’d sell a sacred artifact of the Pantheon Temple for money, but what’s even more absurd is the amount.

At first glance, it seems like an astronomical sum.

But considering the symbolic value and capability of the Pantheon Temple’s sacred artifact, it’s ridiculously cheap.

The problem is that I don’t have the means to pay such an amount right now.

He’s toying with me.

It’s like dangling a fishing rod just within and out of reach.

Obviously, once Pope Cotinus returns, such an absurd condition would fizzle out.

But until then, I’m stuck wasting time here.

An appropriate move.

Truly a humiliating and irritating tactic.

“Ah, I’ll lend it to you.”

But on our side, we have a noble lady of high birth.

In truth, even for nobility, a thousand gold coins would be a significant burden.

But the Spirin County is an exception.

With the head of the family being the court doctor for generations and everyone in the family being doctors, how could they be financially strained?

The Spirin County’s annual income rivals that of the Forys Duchy.

“…Huh?”

Of course, it’s uncertain whether Línea, who ran away from home, can afford it.

She’s probably emptying out her emergency funds.

Considering Ilina Crowley’s reaction when she won 2,000 gold from gambling, it’s a burdensome amount.

“Here’s 200 gold coins I’ve been carrying and some jewels. There’s an appraisal certificate too. Should I give it to you?”

Both Sicarii and I were left speechless by Línea’s dramatic declaration.

Línea poured out the valuables she had been carrying in her clothes and bag.

It was a breathtaking amount.

This would probably be comparable to a year’s income for the Leze Viscounty.

Although the Leze Viscounty is considered small, it’s still a domain. A noble lady carrying around the equivalent of a year’s income of a domain? It’s dizzying to think about.

Have I been traveling with a treasure chest all this time?

“Ah! Don’t tell me it was a joke now. My family doesn’t appreciate such pranks. I’d like to maintain a good relationship with the Pantheon Temple.”

She appropriately borrows the influence of her family to completely silence the other party.

This is bad. Línea is starting to look like a savior.

“This means the debt has grown enormously, right?”

“…”

But with those words that followed, I was able to regain my senses.

She wasn’t a savior, but a fox who captures and shakes people up.