The next morning, after receiving word from Feibi that it was fine to come, we immediately left the Alrn estate.
"Didn't they say we should arrive by lunchtime? Can we really go this early?"
"Freya Kent, have you never been to the holy land before?"
"Is that necessary?"
"No, I was just asking."
"We’re moving now because of the holy land’s peculiarities. It’s a place you can’t reach using teleportation magic."
Arthur, clearly displeased that Joy interrupted his answer, frowned, but he didn’t stop her explanation.
"You can't reach it?"
"I don't know the exact reason, but there’s definitely some power within the holy land that blocks spatial movement."
Unlike the last time, when Garad’s castle couldn’t have a teleportation circle installed, and we couldn’t go directly there, the holy land itself completely forbids teleportation, meaning we have to find other means to reach it.
In the game, when visiting the holy land, you would complete everything you needed to do in one trip. Ideally, you’d avoid going there until the very last moment.
"So how do we get there?"
"If magic doesn't work, then we have to use physical means."
Ignoring Joy’s explanation, I stepped onto the teleportation circle, forcing down the urge to gag as I stepped outside.
"Nice to meet you, Lady Lucy’s friend."
Waiting outside was one of the cardinals from the current Holy Church.
I knew this person.
Despite his appearance as a harmless old man, he was actually one of the heads of the two factions that divided the Holy Church. When the current pope had resigned, he was the one most likely to become the next pope.
Cardinal Cesare.
I shut my mouth, thinking I couldn’t afford to mess things up, but he greeted me with a hearty laugh.
"You don’t need to worry about being rude. I’ve heard so much about you. As someone carrying Lord Ruel’s weapon, I’m sure you can overlook most things."
Cesare smiled with a friendly face, but my instinct screamed that I shouldn’t take his words lightly.
"Cardinal Cesare!"
"Lady Saint, it’s been a while. I’m glad to see you still in good health."
"I didn’t expect you to come out to greet me, Cardinal."
"Ha ha ha, watching Johann running around so busy piqued my curiosity. I guess I’m getting old, and I can’t help but be a bit nosy."
After finishing his greeting with Feibi, he checked out my friends and nodded with a smile, looking like a kindly old grandfather, but I knew better than to underestimate him.
For just a brief moment, his sharp eyes reminded me of a general watching the battlefield, colder and more calculating than most.
What a troublesome old man. Typical of the church.
Just as I was about to retreat behind Feibi, Garad’s voice echoed in my ear.
That’s the kind of person you often see in positions of power. If they weren’t like that, they wouldn’t have risen to the top.
‘Are you two... getting along now?’
No, we’re still fighting. The mental body is quite a useful thing, huh? As long as you don’t give up, you can keep going forever.
Damn bastard. So annoyingly persistent, it’s infuriating.
Wait, are they still fighting after almost two days? Doesn’t that seem a bit strange?
Sure, neither of them is likely to run out of stamina or willpower, but if this were a real battle, there would be limits.
Anyway, it’s best not to get close to people like that. You can never truly be on the same side.
Not necessarily. This sly one is relatively ‘white,’ so it’s not entirely impossible.
Beyond the casual conversation, a distant loud noise faintly reached my ears. It didn’t sound like metal clashing.
If I had to describe it, it was more like the sound of a hurricane sweeping across the land. What will it be like when I enter the training grounds tonight?
If we’re recognized as allies, it’s fine.
The problem is getting that recognition in the first place.
That’s true.
For now, I decided that the best approach was to avoid being disliked. I kept my mouth shut and endured the sharp gaze.
“He’s a very intimidating person.”
“I felt just as bad when I was in the social circles.”
“My neck felt stiff.”
“Ah. Well, he is definitely devout. As long as we keep up with the proper decorum, we’ll be fine.”
Once we climbed into the carriage, I couldn’t deny the judgment that was being passed on Cardinal Cesare. Feibi awkwardly defended him, but it didn’t seem convincing.
Sure, he’s devout, but that’s not the same as being good.
"Ah, by the way, about the procedures we mentioned yesterday. Does everyone remember them?"
“Procedures? What’s that?”
“Didn’t the Lady explain them yesterday?”
“Did she?”
“Sigh. Let me explain it again. Try to remember this time.”
Arthur immediately continued the explanation, not wanting to let Joy take over.
The procedures Feibi had explained the night before were similar to an immigration screening.
Things like no weapons allowed, no spatial storage bags, and various magical items prohibited.
In addition to that, entering the holy land meant adhering to many restrictions to prevent anyone from damaging the sanctity of the place.
“So, what should we do?”
“We’ll use Lucy Alrn’s power. She seems to have her own spatial pocket, after all.”
Here’s where my inventory system came in handy.
This was a power unique to me, one that couldn’t be detected in any way in this world.
From all the strong people I had met so far, no one had ever pointed out my inventory. That much was clear.
“You all hand over your lousy weapons. Are you happy? I’ll tolerate your incompetence, just this once.”
So, I could bring weapons into the holy land. Once inside, it would be easier.
We had Feibi with us.
We would use her trust to drop the surveillance, and once inside the trial area, we could proceed.
Even if we got caught, we could just say that the Ruel’s mace had resonated with the surroundings, and they would have a hard time challenging that story.
After all, Ruel’s mace disappeared with Grandpa, so no one would know the details about it.
“From now on, it’s just regular sightseeing during the day.”
“Are there good things to eat?”
“I’m not sure. When I visited last time, I was too busy to notice. What do you think, Lady Saint?”
“There are a few places worth looking forward to.”
“You can trust Feibi on this. I was totally satisfied last time!”
“Considering the gluttony of our fool, I’d say it’s trustworthy.”
“What’s wrong with my appetite?!”
“I’m just asking, aren’t I? You greedy pig?”
“I’m not a pig!”
As we chatted in the carriage, we soon arrived at the holy land.
The first thing that caught my eye was a towering spire that seemed to touch the sky.
This tower, built during the era of myths, still stood proudly with the blessing of the god, unaffected by time.
Well, it was supposed to collapse within the next six months, but...
In reality, I wondered if we would be able to protect this tower. But I quickly realized that, given the Pope’s turmoil, there was nothing I could do.
“Everything’s checked.”
I stored Garad’s shield in my inventory, made Ruel’s mace as small as a pendant, and passed the inspection. As I walked forward, I quickly distanced myself from the flustered nun who was turning red from my scolding.
“Oh! Lady Alrn! Could you please wait for a moment?”
What now? Did they find out? Does my excuse about the holy relic I received from Count Arteia not work?
“There’s one final procedure. Here!”
I blinked in confusion as the nun presented me with a nun’s habit.
Final procedure? I must have visited the holy land thousands of times in the game, but I’ve never encountered an event like this before.
“You have to wear this!”
...Is that it?
Well, if it’s just this, it’s not so bad compared to the uncomfortable situation with the pervy priest.
“What’s with the nun’s habit, Feibi?”
Joy, who had been forced to remove her favorite dress, grumbled, unable to look at Feibi, who was clearly embarrassed.
“I’ve never heard of any new rules in the holy land.”
“That... That’s because it’s for extra security.”
“Lady Saint, you really can’t lie, can you?”
Arthur, clearly uncomfortable in the priestly attire, was adjusting the sleeves when he glanced at Feibi, and she quickly turned away.
“No, it’s not usually like this. But when it’s a necessary lie, Feibi is actually quite good at it.”
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“So, you’re saying this lie wasn’t necessary?”
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about?!”
“Do we really have to wear this? It’s so uncomfortable.”
At the sound of Freya’s voice, wearing the awkward attire, Feibi tightly closed her eyes in embarrassment.
“I guess we’ve been dragged into this, huh?”
“I guess so. The Lady Saint is making us do this for one reason.”
“Huh? What’s that?”
As the conversation continued, Feibi began sweating nervously.
“Idiot. Think about it. Why would the Lady Saint fall to her desires?”
“Had she been honest, I would’ve gladly cooperated.”
“Hmm?”
“We’ve all been spoiled by the Lady Saint. We could have easily helped with a request like this.”
“Ugh. Lucy, huh?”
“Why, you fool.”
Feibi, who had been deep in thought, jerked her shoulder at the sound of an approaching step, her heart racing.
If only she could open her eyes right now!
But is it okay to face the Lady Saint with such unstable feelings?
Could she bear to face her shining presence?
Could she endure the consequences of her desires!?
“...Kya!”
As Feibi clutched her belly in shock, she screamed and opened her eyes.
“Isn’t it an awkward time for praying? You didn’t know that, did you? Pathetic saint?”
Facing Lucy, who was now wearing the nun’s habit, Feibi desperately tried to suppress a smile, not wanting to look foolish.
If she let her guard down even a little, she feared she would laugh like Rina!
That, she couldn’t let happen!
Not here. This is the holy land! As a saint, she must not lose her dignity here!
“Quickly guide us, you pitiful saint. I’ll watch how hard the minions worked.”
“...Yes. Yes, Lady!”