Chapter 8

Three years later.

The devastated kingdom was gradually returning to its former state. However, this was limited to the areas along the main roads, and many border villages were still exposed to the threat of monsters.

A single cart stopped at one of these villages. One person was in the driver's seat, and three others were in the cargo area, making a total of four suspicious men.

They were once known as the Black Head Squad or the Hero Squad, a group of mages.

"Wow, that took a while."

While looking up at the imposing outer walls that seemed out of place for such a small village, Paulun muttered from the driver's seat.

"Them!"

Batts, who was in the cargo area, loudly clicked his tongue.

Tenchu, who was lying down in the cargo area, yawned widely, and Furi didn't react at all.

They decided to enter the village, but there was no gatekeeper, and no one responded when they called out.

Tenchu confirmed from the air that the villagers were gathered in the central square, apparently in a commotion. They decided to enter through a side gate next to the main gate.

A cheer went up from the crowd gathered around the giant stone statue, and a faint light was emitted.

First, they looked for the village chief, and Paulun greeted him.

"We are the 'Mage Helper Squad.' We travel to border villages to take on jobs like monster extermination. I'm the leader, Paulun. The three behind me—"

These three looked unhappy, apparently not liking the name of the squad.

"We've been quite active recently. Haven't you heard any rumors?"

The village chief gave an awkward smile.

"No, unfortunately."

"Right. I heard there have been monster attacks in this village, so we came."

The village chief fell silent and looked around the outer walls.

"Recently, the Hero and the Holy Maiden visited. They just left a moment ago."

The immediate problems of the village had been solved.

The Hero had built the impressive outer walls surrounding the village and even set up wells and waterways. The Holy Maiden's mysterious magic had healed the sick and injured, and uplifted their spirits.

"It was nothing short of a miracle."

The "Mage Helper Squad," which aimed to improve the status of mages and worked diligently, was not well-known because of the Hero and the Holy Maiden. Their overwhelming achievements had overshadowed and even obliterated the squad's efforts.

Moreover, those two didn't even need to travel by cart. They appeared and disappeared through mysterious doors, making them unreasonable competitors.

To ease the awkwardness, the village chief made a suggestion.

"However, you must be tired from your long journey. Today is a joyous day for the village. Would you like some food and drink? The leftovers from last night's feast, you know?"

"We'll take it."

In the center of the village, a massive statue of a goddess towered. In front of the statue were three stone tablets, densely inscribed with fine text.

The titles were "True History," "Mistakes of Humanity," and "New Doctrines of the Mail Religion."

These were always left behind in villages visited by the Hero and the Holy Maiden. Before the Mail Religion's clergy were dispatched a few years later, all villagers had to memorize the content, a notorious requirement.

The village chief bowed respectfully to the impressive statue of the goddess, which was out of place with the village's outer walls.

"Managing this must be difficult, right?"

"Ah, no, not at all."

The village chief hedged his words.

◇

"What is this?"

In the Prime Minister's office within the royal palace, Noranchou muttered with a displeased expression and tone. He was holding a piece of paper.

A subordinate standing in front of his desk explained.

"T-this. I just received it from the Hero. He said it's 'the usual.'"

The title read "Budget Request." The details section listed the costs for expanding the Mail Religion's organization and facilities in meticulous detail.

"And where is the Hero?"

"He said he has business and left with the Holy Maiden."

The Hero and the Holy Maiden, who had saved the country, were in a sacred domain of the Mail Religion, and contact with them from the state was prohibited by law. This was a measure to avoid incurring the goddess's displeasure, but Noranchou now regretted not having a backdoor in place.

"Should we refuse?"

"Refuse the beloved daughter of the goddess and her husband? Don't be ridiculous."

If this fact became known, the country would surely fall. Dangerous ideas like the monarchy being unnecessary were already starting to circulate.

"We can't let them hold any more leverage over us."

Three years ago, after the "Great Red Wave," Noranchou brought the "Star Guardians" to the capital.

Officially, it was to report the situation in the city of Arshe to the king, but there were other reasons.

The existence of the goddess and the "Covenant" had become known to all the people of the country, and the royal family's prestige and authority had declined. The devastated country could further descend into chaos, and in the worst case, a civil war could break out. To prevent such a situation, the cooperation of the surviving members of the Mail Religion and the "Star Guardians," who had continued to uphold the "Covenant," was essential. Noranchou advised the king of this.

This strategy worked.

King Ramon agreed to make the Mail Religion the state religion and to revive the Mail Religion.

However, a miscalculation occurred.

By some twist of fate, Noranchou was appointed as the prime minister and found himself at the forefront of difficulties.

Well, it's fine, thought Noranchou.

If they tell me to do it, I'll do it.

To lead a carefree life as a bureaucrat, the stability of the country is a must.

Fortunately, Maasa, the representative of the "Star Guardians," was a wise and capable person and a model clergyman without greed or desire for power. If he was appealed to for the sake of saving many people, he couldn't refuse their requests.

First, they would restore the honor of the Mail Religion and maximize the sympathy-driven fame—

But another miscalculation occurred.

Negotiations are conducted based on the opponent. If the opponent is a good person, appealing to their emotions is good. If the opponent is a coward, intimidating them is effective. But if the opponent is a cunning and greedy wise person—

You must never show your weakness.

Noranchou had misjudged the opponent.

There was a true power within the Mail Religion, even someone Maasa, the highest leader, couldn't control.

The price the religious side demanded in exchange for cooperating with the kingdom was enormous in terms of people, goods, and money, far exceeding Noranchou's expectations.

Moreover, if the demands were not met, they would request all the assets improperly seized by the religious group after the "Heretic War" forty years ago.

Noranchou turned pale at the worst-case scenario. The kingdom had already acknowledged its past sins to the Mail Religion. If it came to a legal battle, defeat was certain.

He conceded as much as he could but, when he reached his limit, Noranchou resorted to pleading.

While the citizens living in the border regions were exposed to danger, the limited budget of the country was meant to protect and save them. Even with the king's order, from a humanitarian perspective, he couldn't meet any more demands. He begged for understanding.

Then, without being asked, the Hero and the Holy Maiden began saving border villages and delivering budget requests.

Since they had done the country's work, they demanded the corresponding budget.

The Hero and the Holy Maiden had no political motives. They acted solely out of a desire to help those in trouble.

They weren't bad.

The problem was that cunning old man who used everything, even the pure-hearted young people, as bargaining chips.

Holding the budget request, which was not exactly exorbitant but too strict, Noranchou stood up.

"Contact the Archbishop immediately. Maasa-sama."

"Y-yes, but—"

The subordinate reported hesitantly.

"We received a notice from the other side. All requests and inquiries to the religious group must go through the 'Coordinator.'"

That cunning old man—

"Monster!"

This time, Noranchou shouted and stomped his feet.

"What do you mean by a year's life? Redemption for the goddess? Do you think money will gush out like a spring if you extort the country?"

Breathing heavily, even though he hadn't moved much, Noranchou ordered.

"Get the palanquin. I'll negotiate directly!"

◇

"Listen up, all of you!"

Theresia's angry voice echoed throughout the hall. She was said to be over a hundred years old, now a legendary saint, but her voice was loud and resonant.

"Normally, we would spend years cultivating faith, deeply understanding the doctrines, and mastering basic magic before sending you out into the world. But the reason you, who are still half-trained, are recognized as Mail Religion clergy is just one. Understand?"

The thirty or so young clerical candidates in the hall straightened up.

"It's because we don't have enough time or manpower."

It was a blunt reason.

"Three years ago, when the last 'Great Red Wave' hit, this country abandoned many of its people. Many have lost their spiritual support and are suffering. We can't afford to waste time. Make up your mind and dive in!"

Maasa, who was waiting by the podium, watched this performance with a smile.

Today was a memorable day, celebrating the launch of the new Mail Religion. It was the graduation ceremony for the first batch of the newly established seminary.

While welcoming young comrades with the same ideals was certainly a joy, what made Maasa happiest was that Theresia was still energetic and lively.

Three years ago, this was unimaginable.

After the "Great Red Wave," Maasa received a request from Noranchou to assist in the country's reconstruction. He didn't refuse because he thought it would be better for the elderly members to be protected by the kingdom.

Especially, he was worried about Theresia.

From the time Maasa became the representative of the "Star Guardians" and sent the "Star Princess" to the "Wilderness," Theresia had lost her spirit and frequently fell ill. She seemed to have accepted her final days, smiling and shedding tears, expressing gratitude and apologies.

He didn't want to hear such words.

But after returning from the world above the clouds, she became quiet and contemplative.

The meeting with King Ramon, her old acquaintance, was surprisingly peaceful. Thanks to Noranchou's advice, the Mail Religion became the state religion, and the Mail Religion was revived.

Then, Theresia spoke.

"Long time no see, Your Majesty. I am Theresia, who served as the head of the Ritual Bureau forty years ago."

Surprisingly, King Ramon remembered Theresia.

"Oh, oh. That loud-voiced lady bureau chief."

King Ramon reminisced, tearfully apologized for past mistakes, and then asked anxiously.

"Do you hate me? You must."

Theresia denied it.

"My time is short. My health has been poor lately, and I won't last a year. I don't have the time to hate anyone."

"Very well. I will assign a doctor to you. Take care of yourself."

Theresia refused the offer.

"My body may not be in good condition, but fortunately, my mind is sharp. I wish to spend my remaining days in atonement to the goddess Mailroad and in saving the citizens of this country."

The mention of the goddess's name startled King Ramon.

"Atonement? The goddess, she... has no interest in human affairs."

"Is that really so?"

In a low, eerie voice, Theresia said.

"Who can fathom the will of the gods? Besides, it's better to do something than nothing, isn't it?"

King Ramon gave his final order.

"Very well, do as you say, Theresia. I will retire."

With a new goal, Theresia quickly regained her spirit.

Through somewhat forceful negotiations, she secured the budget, personnel, and this grand cathedral as a base, and established a new seminary to quickly train young clergy.

"First, start with the capital and major cities. At first, just empty your minds and speak as instructed. The order is 'True History,' 'Mistakes of Humanity,' and 'New Doctrines of the Mail Religion.' Got it?"

"Yes!"

There was also an emotional reunion.

One of the special positions in the former Mail Religion, the "Three Star Priests," included a storyteller called "Star Chant." A blind old woman who was once protected within the royal palace and was an old acquaintance of Theresia. They embraced, shed tears, and rejoiced in each other's safety.

Maasa learned from "Star Chant" and reconstructed myths, history, and doctrines.

These were installed as stone tablets alongside the statues of the goddess in the border villages saved by the Hero and the Holy Maiden.

"In a few years, you will also travel the borders with the Star Knights. Don't worry. The seeds have been sown. You will be welcomed wherever you go."

Suddenly, a strange movement caught his eye.

On the opposite side of the podium, the three old women who used to be in charge of sorting, now serving as teachers at the seminary—Sume, Nura, and Morin—were waving towards the back of the hall.

Looking in that direction, he saw the figures of a boy and a girl on the corridor of the second-floor viewing stand, their forms in shadow due to the light from the windows. The boy waved, and the girl bowed politely.

Holding hands, they ran off.

They were probably heading to the Star Knights' quarters.

They were still close.

Maasa thought of his daughter far away in the border region and his newborn grandson.

Gangi was lonely, but since she had always refused to recognize Cloze as her daughter, it was her own doing. Maasa felt he had done enough as a mother for his daughter.

All he could do now was wish for her happiness.

But he wanted to see his grandson's face.

"Excuse me, Coordinator."

Hama, the finance officer, interrupted Theresia's monologue before the graduation ceremony began. He approached slowly with a cane. Incidentally, "Coordinator" was a one-time position created by Theresia, an inspector-like role with authority over all departments.

"The Prime Minister has arrived."

"Hmm, he's here."

Theresia smiled and ordered the guest to be led to the most shabby reception room. It was a room used for financial negotiations. Even without such tricks, the financial situation should have been transparent, but Theresia was uncompromising.

"Maasa!"

"Yes!"

He responded instinctively, startling the graduates.

Realizing it was inappropriate, Theresia suddenly adopted a gentle tone.

"Sorry, Archbishop. I need to attend to an important guest. Can I leave the rest to you?"

"Of course."

"Thank you."

After watching Theresia run off at a speed that belied her age, Maasa headed to the podium.

He looked at the graduates.

Only women could use magic. Also, it was better to cultivate faith and absorb knowledge at a young age. Therefore, all of them were young women.

One day, they would bestow "blessings" on the Star Knights and travel with them.

Some might be like the Hero and the Holy Maiden.

Maasa had a good idea.

Along with the myths and doctrines of the Mail Religion, Maasa had also revised the religious laws. Love and marriage, once forbidden, were now possible.

However, the phrase "once forbidden" might still be a burden for the earnest clergy.

So, how about starting with his own wedding to Gangi? They had a child together but had never had a ceremony.

According to the six princesses in the "Box Garden," only the Hero and the Holy Maiden could freely use the "Transfer Gate." But if there was a pure reason related to them that the goddess would approve, others might be allowed to use it as an exception.

He wanted to invite the Hero and the Holy Maiden, their guardians on earth, and their child to the wedding. This reason might be possible.

The problem was the shy Gangi, but if it meant seeing her daughter and grandson, she couldn't refuse.

Yes, let's do it.

"Congratulations to all of you today."

With a graceful smile, Maasa began to speak.

If it were his daughter Cloze, she might have sensed some resolve from her mother's expression and been wary. But the graduates, who knew nothing, would later gossip about how her smile was as merciful as a goddess.

◇

"Hmm."

Next to the grand cathedral was the training ground of the Star Knights. In the bleak, walled space, Bon, once a transport team member and now a Star Knight, stood alone.

He was