Chapter 69

The wheels turned, enveloping the night darkness. The horses' neighs were unusually gentle.

Feeling the swaying of the carriage from the floor, I exhaled a cold breath from my throat. The scent of the wine piled up at the back of the carriage was strangely fragrant.

However, in the past, I hardly ever rode in carriages. I have become quite luxurious. Come to think of it, I haven't felt the sensation of my legs turning into iron bars from walking too much recently.

"But is it really okay? If it's known that you're leaving Galuamaria now, there will be a big commotion."

Somehow, I placed my arms on my legs and muttered into the darkness. From my perspective, her figure was clearly visible.

She sat silently, her long hair swaying. Lit by the moonlight that seeped in, she looked almost mystical.

Matia, the Holy Maiden of the Emblem Church, is undoubtedly the center of the storm that is the Emblem Church, and on the side of the Grand Church, everyone is targeting her heart.

For such a person to leave Galuamaria, even if it's through the night, is far from normal.

Matia narrowed her eyes for a moment and replied to my question with a voice that seemed exasperated and somewhat dismissive.

"Didn't Ang say it? If we are to form an alliance with the elves, now is the only time. Surely, you didn't miss that, did you?"

In the darkness, I could feel her eyes glaring at me. It seems the Holy Maiden is in a bad mood. I was at a loss for words. My words were just a casual remark to break the silence, but it didn't seem like the atmosphere was conducive to continuing the conversation.

For a while, only the sound of the carriage galloping through the fields and the neighs of the horses of the Emblem Church followers who were guarding us echoed around.

*

"I believe this is the best opportunity. The shock of Galuamaria's fall and the fact that the nobles have yet to respond, it is now that Lord Ruis... and Holy Maiden Matia should go to Gazaria's aerial garden."

Lalghd Ang's voice spread through the tavern. Her brisk voice resonated strangely in my head, which was still a bit foggy from just coming down from the second floor. I had a dull pain in the center of my head.

Pressing my temples with my fingers, I opened my mouth.

"Why is that? To the Grand Church, we are like sinners who have joined hands with the devil. It wouldn't be strange if the nobles attacked us here at any time."

The word "sinners" that came out of my own mouth made my heart tremble slightly. The image of Arieu in my chest seemed to blur a bit.

Right now, Galuamaria is like a blank space on a suddenly created map. The Emblem Church followers and I are not a state, and we are still too small to be called a power.

Therefore, it wouldn't be strange for the enemy to rise up like beasts swarming over carrion, using the pretext of eradicating heresy and seizing the rights and interests of Galuamaria. Of course, that's why we are seeking an alliance with the elves.

In response to my concerns, Ang raised her lips in a somewhat smug manner. Such a gesture is, after all, childlike.

"The situation is not that simple, Lord Ruis. Indeed, Galuamaria has fallen. However, many of the upper-class individuals who originally held the governance of this city have escaped."

I widened my eyes slightly, taking in Ang's words.

Is this really a good thing? The fact that those who originally held governance are still alive means that their sense of justice and righteousness will be amplified. Rather, it would be better to eliminate them.

Of course, there were limits to the number of troops we could mobilize and the choices we could make.

Behind me, where I was frowning, Fialart let out a sigh.

"I see. In other words, you're aiming for the gap while the nobles are searching for a puppet. It's despicable, but indeed, there might not be a large-scale deployment until then."

Fialart nodded, touching her chin with her slender fingers while shaking her long black hair. Next to her, Karia also seemed to understand.

Ang and Fialart, it's good that you understand. But if possible, explain it in a way that even a commoner like me can understand. I have no grasp of what governance means, and neither do Wood and Cereal.

Standing here, I realize the difference in birth and knowledge. I felt something smoldering in my chest.

"Governance is a right granted by the gods. Even if actual control is not exercised, its authority remains valid, Ruis. In other words, even if a large force is sent to retake this place, if another power later supports a person with the right to govern and seeks rights, another war will break out."

In other words, everyone is bloodthirsty for the rights of this place, Fialart said, staring intently into my eyes. Her black hair swayed strangely close to her eyes.

I finally understood the content in my brain.

No noble can turn a blind eye to the rights of Galuamaria. They would want to incorporate this blank space into their own sphere of influence if possible.

However, if there are legitimate governors or those who still hold rights, the situation is different. Even if we are a small power like the Emblem Church, we will suffer some damage if we send troops. Moreover, this place remains as strong and fortified as ever.

If, by any chance, after suffering casualties and capturing the place, another power extends its hand to the rights of Galuamaria using a legitimate governor as a shield, the situation would be dire.

Thus, while this place is a blank space, it is also a difficult place to easily take action until preparations are complete.

"Of course, it is still dangerous. However, one thing is that Holy Maiden Matia needs to go for a formal alliance, and..."

Ang paused for a moment but then continued, as if forcing the words out of her throat.

"Through this matter, I want to solidify your existence within the Emblem Church."

*

In the strange silence, with Karia and Fialart, who had been asked to accompany us, wrapped in blankets and asleep, and the Holy Maiden silent, I slowly recalled Ang's words.

My position within the Emblem Church is very unstable. I saved Matia's life in Galuamaria and forced the enemy general Helt to retreat. On the other hand, I also desecrated the underground temple they protect and took the lives of Emblem Church followers.

While my sins have been forgiven in form due to Matia's efforts, emotionally, it's not that simple. Emotions are not so easily tamed. Even if they sleep deep in the heart, they can open their eyes and show their fangs at any opportunity.

Therefore, Ang said she wants to solidify my position.

If I accompany the journey to form an alliance with the elves and achieve success, no one will openly voice their dissatisfaction. That's what she wants to say. Personally, I think forming an alliance with the elves is not a sane decision.

However, there are several points that are still puzzling. Why does Ang go to such lengths to protect me?

Not only does she consider our position, but in this case, she is allowed to accompany us in the carriage, unlike the other Emblem Church followers who are chasing around the carriage as guards. I don't understand why I am treated so specially. I have never received such treatment before.

One possibility is that I, or rather, Karia and Fialart, are seen as a force. Or perhaps it has something to do with my relationship with Nines.

There is also the possibility that it is due to the familiarity from spending time together in the city. However, Ang is not the type to be swayed by emotions. Her words, while soft, have a certain calmness beneath them.

Another possibility is that the Holy Maiden Matia trusts us.

"Hero, before we arrive, there is something I want to say to you."

The ground was subtly changing color, and we were about to enter the territory of the elves.

Matia broke the silence and spoke. However, she still calls me a hero.

"It's about the incident in Galuamaria. When you intervened between me and the enemy general."

Ah, I let out a heavy sigh. I was tense, wondering what she would question, but my lips relaxed.

I guessed she might be thanking me for saving her from Helt's attack. It seems even the Holy Maiden has human-like emotions.

However, Matia crushed my relaxed heart with her words.

"I am warning you. Do not think that you did me a favor that day. I am not grateful to you—no, rather, I resent you."

I couldn't help but open my mouth in surprise, repeating Matia's words in my head.

I still don't understand her words. Matia closed her lips tightly, as if refusing any further questions. I couldn't bring myself to pursue the matter further.

I see, I don't understand, but it's clear that the reason Ang cares for me is not because of this woman's trust.

Suddenly, the degree of swaying changed. In the strange silence, the carriage was entering the area around Gazaria Mountain, the territory of the elves.