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Subterfuge of Toxins and Remedies – Part 02

“Ah, so you’re the newly crowned queen. Hmm.”

As she entered the audience chamber, instead of rising from his seat and bowing to Queen Kujastria, the archpriest merely scrutinized her. His impolite demeanor caused both Duke Nightblaze and the knights present to turn red.

“It’s fine,” Kujastria whispered. Complaining about his rudeness would lead to nothing.

The archpriest was garbed in a robe richly embroidered in gold. It stood apart from typical clerical or ceremonial attire, almost ostentatious. His hat was studded with numerous gemstones. The gaudiness caused Kujastria to feel a twinge of concern for the Theocracy of Bios’s future. This was a central figure within their government.

The obese archpriest, who appeared reluctant to even walk, remained seated in his chair, while Kujastria took her place across from him.

After a lengthy introduction by what appeared to be an accompanying priest, the archpriest immediately began speaking.

“We granted ample favor to the previous king, and with the change in leadership, we’ve come here seeking some reciprocation and additional support. The favors have greatly contributed to the growth of the capital, no?”

Kujastria found herself dumbfounded, unable to say a word.

He had brought up something as uncertain as favors and claimed to have granted them. While gods undoubtedly provided Blessings to people, Kujastria regarded favors as more of a sentimental matter. Furthermore, the former king, who was said to have received these favors, was already deceased and thus incapable of confirming anything, let alone reciprocating them.

How could people who served the gods utter such words?

“How about it? Either gold or manpower is acceptable.”

He was acting as if the kingdom was willing to comply, and it was simply a matter of the extent of the cooperation. They offered no explanation about what was happening between Bios and Einbiest, nor clarified their purpose for seeking assistance.

While Kujastria struggled to find words, Duke Nightblaze interjected, clearing his throat.

“Your Eminence, shouldn’t you begin by explaining the situation between your country and Einbiest? Otherwise, we cannot determine the kind of assistance we should provide.”

The archpriest’s face turned red, and he shot a glare at the Duke. “How could you insinuate that we had any dealings with such animals?! Absolutely preposterous! And who might you be?! Ah, Duke Nightblaze… I see.”

The archpriest’s attendant was whispering something to him.

“Your son was cured of his illness with the help of the Church, right?” His tone suddenly shifted to a rougher one. “How dare you be so rude.”

Galeicrada, Duke Nightblaze’s son, had attributed his recovery to the efforts of Sophie Bloomfield, one of the Four Eastern Stars who was a follower of the Church. However, this recovery was the outcome of commissioning the Four Eastern Stars. Moreover, a man named Silver Face assisted behind the scenes. But of course, this man wouldn’t know about it, hence his brazen attitude.

Misinterpreting Duke Nightblaze’s speechlessness as apprehension, the archpriest continued, “I have an idea. How about combining the gratitude owed to us by Ponsonia and Duke Nightblaze into one?”

“Oh, um. That’s—”

“By the way, Queen Kujastria, do you have any plans of taking a prince consort?” the archpriest went on, ignoring the Duke. “I happen to know a young man who might be a good match for you. Would you like me to introduce him?”

A prince consort pertained to the spouse of a queen.

My head hurts, Kujastria thought. This was no diplomacy; it felt more like an absurd engagement with a crazy man.

“Your Eminence, it is inappropriate to discuss such matters here,” Kujastria said.

“Oh, you need not thank me. This will strengthen relations between Bios and your kingdom, which will bring nothing but positive outcomes. Not only will the valuable teachings of the Church spread, but it will also contribute to the eradication of the demi-humans.”

“Your Eminence,” Kujastria patiently interjected. “These sudden proposals are a bit overwhelming. You must be weary from your long journey. Please rest today. We have prepared a warm welcome for you.”

“A warm welcome you say? I see. Well then, if you put it away, I suppose I can’t refuse.”

Licking his lips, the archpriest left the audience chamber.

---

“That’s the situation.”

Finishing her explanation, Sophie Bloomfield let out a weary sigh. Her ashen, voluminous hair was gathered to the left, cascading down in front of her. Like Paula, she wore a habit, although its design differed slightly, and the size was a tad larger—especially around the chest area.

Hikaru couldn’t help but entertain a foolish thought as he compared hers to Paula’s ample bosom: Could deepening faith lead to increased compassion and guide one further down the path of becoming the Benevolent Mother?

They were currently in a small church located on the outskirts of the sprawling capital. The roof leaked, and a thin layer of dust had accumulated within the chapel.

Few visitors frequented this church situated in the slums, but Sophie made occasional visits to keep it clean. Paula, having learned of this, had joined Sophie in her efforts. By chance, Hikaru and Lavia also showed up today, crossing paths with Sophie.

Sophie had just informed them about the demands made by the Theocracy of Bios to the Kingdom of Ponsonia. She was privy to this information despite being an adventurer because Galeicrada, Duke Nightblaze’s son, had told her. After treating him of his illness, they became romantically involved, and they maintained contact as she continued his treatment.

Neither Sophie nor Galeicrada had likely anticipated that the treatment would be used in a diplomatic context between nations.

“Um… Is the Church really okay with having such a man as archpriest?” Lavia asked.

Sophie and Sara of the Four Eastern Stars were both aware of Hikaru and the girls’ true identities. This knowledge had even driven Paula to attempt suicide. Consequently, Sophie and Sara were keeping their secret.

Sophie sighed. “It’s not okay at all. The Church has respectable individuals I deeply admire, but it’s a large organization, so there are bound to be those who are skilled at navigating society.”

For Sophie, a devout Church follower, the corruption within the institution was unacceptable. She looked disgusted.

“Did Bios and Einbiest really engage in armed conflict?”

This was what weighed on Hikaru’s mind. Jillarte lived in Einbiest. She was of the Dragonfolk, once oppressed for the scales that covered her body, and later freed from the curse to become human again. They had recently reunited at Southleaf Island, where the dungeon Maze of Magic Locks was located.

On one side was Einbiest, operating with a certain degree of autonomy yet not officially recognized as a nation. On the other loomed Bios, which held significant influence throughout the continent. Despite the immense difference in their power, Hikaru wanted to believe that Einbiest wouldn’t be vanquished that easily.

“As far as I know, Bios has mobilized a few thousand troops, including the Knights Templar.”

“That’s a lot!”

“However, I’m unaware of the circumstances that led to this situation.”

“…”

Hikaru recalled the Knights Templar he fought on Southleaf Island. Numbering around a hundred, they weren’t soldiers, but knights, people that hold a higher social status. Capturing a hundred of them undeniably held significant repercussions.

Hikaru had entrusted those captives to Gerhardt, the supreme leader of Einbiest. Gerhardt seemed to plan on using them as bargaining chips to free the Beastmen enslaved in Bios.

Did that trigger this whole thing? Hikaru wondered. It’s highly likely.

He didn’t regret taking action back then. If he didn’t get involved, Jillarte would have likely suffered in some way, and the inhabitants of Southleaf Island would have been harmed. But if the events on Southleaf Island had triggered this war, then he was partly to blame.

“…Hikaru.”

“Lord Hikaru.”

Lavia and Paula cast concerned glances at him. Realizing that he had been frowning, Hikaru forced a smile.

“Sorry, just thinking about stuff. So, Sophie, how did Queen Kujastria react?”

“Well… Something else happened the day after.”

“Something else?”

“Yes. Are you familiar with our neighboring nation, the Quinbrand Empire?”

“All I know about it is that the previous king had tried to invade it numerous times.”

“When Queen Kujastria assumed the throne, she dispatched an envoy to the empire. She wants to leave behind past conflicts and cultivate peaceful relations.”

“Would it really be that simple? Wasn’t it the kingdom trying to invade?”

“The response was fairly cold, apparently. But Duke Nightblaze said that the fact that we got any response at all was surprising. Given how audacious our proposal was, they could very well have killed the envoy. But it looks like they had some kind of plan in mind, because there’s no sign that they’re going to take advantage of the chaos after the Queen’s ascension to launch an attack.”

“I see… So, how does this country fit into the whole picture?”

“The day after the archpriest met with Her Majesty, the Empire proposed an alliance.”

“…What?”

Hikaru couldn’t believe his ears. Where did the idea of an alliance come from all this? Weren’t there just fears of the envoy getting killed?