Chapter 44: The Switched Journey (3)
Upon hearing Iriels words, the two priests were speechless, standing there.
Once the term heretic inquisitor left the saints lips, they couldnt recklessly intervene.
If they made any mistakes, they too could be scrutinized for protecting the heretics.
Then, the female priests were in a state of chaos. Surrendering themselves to the heretic inquisitor was akin to gambling with their lives.
I, Lady Iriel were truly sorry. We were just!
The apology is misdirected! Are you implying that you cant even apologize properly after insulting the Saint chosen by God with those sharp tongues of yours!
She murmured quietly to herself.
There are people who want to apologize but cant articulate it
Ray, who was silently standing in the bushes, couldnt overlook that murmur.
He pondered.
Thats her own narrative.
Her words about being unable to apologize due to her status as a saint echoed in his mind, stemming from Iriels recent utterance.
The desire to apologize but the inability to do so - that was applicable not only to apologies but also to other expressions.
The weight borne by the name Iriel Velliaz. In the past, he too had keenly felt the burden his own name carried.
With just one statement from him about medicine, people started researching it. One word from him empowered people and brought about significant societal changes.
Being aware of all this, he realized that it was preferable to remain silent in certain circumstances.
Yet, she had forsaken all of the Holy Kingdoms dignity and, in the guise of a saint, pleaded for forgiveness in front of the elves village, even staying there overnight.
Even if she hadnt been forgiven, one couldnt help but acknowledge the sincerity she had demonstrated.
From her viewpoint, that was the best she could do.
Observing Iriel, Ray glanced at the female priests.
They were so inferior to Iriel.
Iriel was younger than them. Yet, why did she behave so maturely compared to them?
His perception of Iriel as a false saint had somewhat faded.
Ray decided it was time for him to intervene.
If he waited any longer, the situation would have escalated significantly.
He intentionally made his presence known, startling Iriel.
Such a level of concealment Who could it be!
As she swiftly turned her head, Iriel was even more surprised to see Ray standing there.
Without a moments hesitation, Ray spoke with a tsk-tsk.
Is the story over? I listened well. You were smiling in front, but you sure are good at cracking pumpkin seeds.
With the main character of the incident appearing, silence descended upon the surroundings once again.
Others didnt know where Ray had been. They probably assumed he had come after hearing the commotion.
But Iriel was different.
He appeared suddenly If he had come from far away, I would have noticed.
Usually, she could locate him wherever he was. But not this time.
It implied that he had deliberately concealed his presence.
A concealment that could even deceive her.
If she knew the source of this method of concealment, she would be astounded.
After all, it was developed to an evolutionary level for him to climb trees unnoticed when he was treating Aira.
Whether Ray knew what she was thinking or not, he looked at the female priests.
Is that what you thought of me? A child who cant differentiate front and back, and a puppet saint in the making.
They couldnt respond to that.
They knew that any excuse they made would only put them at a disadvantage.
Seeing them silent, Ray nodded.
So, its somewhat true that I am to become a puppet saint then.
Iriel was surprised when he readily agreed without any emotion.
Ho, Saint, what do you mean by that!
Youre correct. Currently, theres no divine power or anything, and were uncertain about what we can accomplish in the Holy Kingdom. I was selected by the god, but that only positioned me well to be treated like a puppet.
His harsh words shocked the people around him. Even the priestesses, who had been cursing him, gaped in astonishment.
The saint they knew was young, so they anticipated him to retaliate against the priestesses with immature words.
But contrary to their expectations, what he uttered was extremely realistic, to the point that it could even be perceived as a self-insult.
Iriel was taken aback and attempted to stop him.
Impossible! How dare you label the saint a puppet! God didnt select the saint with that intention!
Oh, who claims that god selected me with that intention? There are individuals in the Holy Kingdom who think like these people. If thats the case, being a puppet cant be avoided.
He questioned Iriel.
In that case, can I manage this myself?
Yes
Upon hearing his words, Ray asked again.
What happens if I surrender them to the heresy inquisitor or something similar?
They will be interrogated. They have disrespected the saint. It will be challenging to evade punishment.
At his words, the terrified priestesses begged Ray.
Please, anything but that!
We apologize! We were myopic!
Observing them, he pondered carefully and then spoke, scanning the crowd.
Im certain there are individuals who have belittled me just like these people here. Correct?
He wasnt singling out anyone specifically, but was speaking while surveying the audience.
Those who felt guilty lowered their heads one by one, proving his words were accurate.
Honestly, they couldnt believe that there wouldnt be anyone in the lower faith class who felt that way about a child being superior to them.
Perhaps even in the upper faith class, there were those who shared the same sentiment.
Iriel also concurred with this viewpoint.
Ray looked at them and said.
Its not unreasonable to think that way. Just like you all think, I was still young. I didnt have power, ability, connections, or reputation, so such a reaction was only natural.
We
Just as they were about to say something, Ray continued.
In that case, I would prove that your thoughts were wrong during the years I was in the Holy Kingdom.
To the point where those who looked down on me and despised me would sigh and regret, to the point where those who cursed me would long for me. I promised you that.
Ray smiled at the priestesses.
As evidence of that promise I wouldnt punish you. For the day when you would regret it, which was not far away.
At his last words, the audience shivered.
My god
Iriel wrapped her arms around her shoulders.
She was surprised.
She didnt know that he could say such things.
Incredible words, words that he might not be able to keep, but still, she felt goosebumps all over her body.
Those who met his eyes when he spoke the last words must have felt the same.
That no one could think of it as the childish words of a young child.
Rays words had a tremendous impact.
Forgiving those who had humiliated him, they felt ashamed of themselves.
Why did I look down on that wonderful person just because he was young?
If he wasnt the saint then no one in this world could have been the saint
The regret that Ray talked about immediately swept through the audience.
Although they were despised, their hearts of thinking about and forgiving the other party brought them to their knees.
With the sound of the armor rubbing, the arena was engulfed in solemnity.
One by one, the knees bent, and heads bowed, soon, all the dispatched battalion members were brought to their knees.
No one spoke, but through their actions, they showed their loyalty to the saint.
Iriel had never felt such an extreme level of respect, and she did not even think about getting goosebumps.
In a flash, a dire situation had turned into one where he was revered by all.
Was this his power? His capability?
Oddly, her heart throbbed at the sight of him.
His white hair, gleaming in the moonlight, was strikingly noticeable.
Amidst everyone bowing and expressing awe, why did his smiling figure seem so captivating?
She experienced an unusual difficulty in controlling her body.
Since receiving the baptism and divine power, she had never felt this way.
The priestesses cried out,
Sniff We apologize, Holy One! We were mistaken all along!
We truly repent We are deeply sorry Sorry!
Ray turned to them and said,
I hope you regret more than you currently do. Until I accomplish my goal and depart from the Holy Kingdom, I will do my utmost to elevate the Holy Kingdom to the highest position. Whether that will be tomorrow or a few years from now, I cannot say.
Having finished his words, Ray turned and walked towards the tent he had erected.
Everyone in the crowd remained seated even after he had vanished.
They had no choice but to kneel, trembling in reverence.
And so, the first night en route to the Grand Dukes territory passed.
In the morning, they resumed their journey towards Grand Duke Silos territory.
After the previous nights events, their attitude towards Ray had completely transformed.
There were no casual comments, and they would even prostrate themselves at his humorous remarks.
Iriel could only marvel at his ability to captivate everyone with a single incident.
Even though she had accomplished many things as a saint and believed she had instilled trust through her work,
unlike Iriel, who followed orders, they were following Ray with their hearts.
There were no directives given by him, but when he occasionally requested a favor, they willingly complied.
Ray, who usually rode a horse, was seated in a carriage that day, observing the scenery outside.
Iriel cautiously glanced at him.
Her hair fluttered in the wind outside the carriage, and her clear eyes struck his heart directly.
Iriels face turned red instantly.
Why am I like this? Ive been out of control since yesterday.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts, but her gaze soon returned to him.
Ray looked at her.
Whats with you? You keep looking at me, then shaking your head, then looking at me again. Do you have a mental illness? Should I cure you?
Oh, maybe Will you cure me?
Ray frowned.
It was severe. She normally seemed a bit off, but it had definitely worsened.
It was at a level that could affect her daily life.
Seeing her shake her head like a madwoman, he felt a sense of horror.
He placed his hand on Iriels forehead with a serious expression.
An immense heat was felt. It felt like his hand had been hit by high-level fire magic.
Ah, hot!
Am I sick somewhere?
Ray expressed concern at the overwhelming heat.
Damn You really seem sick.
The heat he felt was no joke, so he naturally became worried.
It must have been at least 39 degrees Celsius.
Then he grabbed her wrist and checked her pulse.
The clear heartbeat and the heatless hand made him tilt his head in confusion.
Is she normal?
Then, what was the unknown heat he felt on her forehead?
He thought of several similar symptoms, but there was no way she couldnt cure her own body.
He shook his head and took out a book from his backpack.
There was nothing for him to do in the Grand Dukes territory, but he had been quite worried.
Not only in the Grand Dukes territory, but he also felt quite embarrassed when he went to greet the king.
However, he had brought a book on etiquette from Ailas house, thinking that such a situation might arise.
He hadnt had time to read it yet, but now seemed like a good time to read it calmly.
Of course, if Iriels gaze observing him was not there.
Fortunately, Rays focus was strong, so despite the slight distraction, he managed to immerse himself in the book.
This content is taken from free web nov𝒆l.com