Chapter 100

In the midst of cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

The Dawn Sect was not always the mainstream religion of the continent, and Enen was not always the sole god. When the Dawn Sect was just beginning, the continent was in a chaotic era with many gods vying for power. Thus, in the early days, Enen was merely a sun god among many.

It might seem odd to use the word "mere" to describe a sun god, but in the presence of the sole god, even a sun god is just a minor deity. The god worshipped by the Dusk Sect was also an earth god at the time, wasn't it?

Perhaps influenced by that era, the Dawn Sect prefers the practice of cremation, sending the deceased to the sky, while the Dusk Sect prefers burial, laying the deceased to rest in the earth. Of course, that's not the important part.

"Our Lord looks down upon all things from the heavens."

"Is that what it means?"

The sun god, residing in the heavens, was the bully in charge of the earth god, who couldn't avoid the sun. The heretics empowered by the earth god? They can't escape Enen's gaze.

After Enen defeated all other gods and sects, his power became even more formidable. He could easily detect heretics who possessed the power of other gods. Adding to this, the earth god's weakness to Enen made it even more futile for the Dusk Sect to act covertly. Even if they were invisible, it would be like painting a red mark on them, making them visible.

"Of course, I have only been temporarily granted a fragment of the Lord's omnipotence. The range of the tracking spell is narrow, and the duration is short."

It's a reasonable statement, so I nodded lightly. If Tannian's tracking could cover the entire continent and last 24 hours, the Dusk Sect would have already been eliminated.

From the perspective of the Dusk Sect, which relies on secrecy, the existence that undermines their only advantage must have been very annoying. Narrow range? Short duration? So what? If they get caught, it's a massacre.

'No wonder there have been more assassination attempts on the saint than on the pope.'

It seems they wanted to eliminate the counter first. I understand now why they were so fixated on the saint.

'Idiots.'

I understand, but I still can't comprehend it. If things got this bad, they should have converted. Why are they insisting on the Dusk Sect for some glory?

Feeling the zeal of a fanatic, I stroked my chin and saw Tannian's confident expression. Yes, with such abilities, it's definitely better to intercept with Tannian. We know who their target is, so the range isn't a problem.

"I'll consider it positively."

"...That's a worrying statement."

Tannian's expression turned uneasy. Saying I'll consider it positively means I have no authority...

But what can I do? I'm not the highest responsible person for this mission. If I accept Tannian's proposal, the Foreign Minister will drag me by the hair. Who would be crazy enough to bring the assassination target to the front lines?

Actually, I'm a bit scared. How do I even bring up the idea of sending the assassination target close to the assassins to catch them easily in front of two ministers?

'I'm going to get it.'

But since the deputy is showing courage to prevent civilian casualties, I should at least convey the idea, even if I'm afraid of the backlash.

Gathering my courage, I managed to speak.

"Inspector General, no matter how difficult the job is, it's better than losing your head, isn't it?"

"I knew you wanted to retire, but I didn't know you had no attachment to life."

The reaction was intense. Damn, rather than a short curse, he said "Are you crazy?" at length.

The Foreign Minister's awkward smile and the Special Affairs Minister's indifferent expression made me lose my composure, but it was within the expected range of resistance.

"The effect is definite."

"I agree. That's why you're still in your position."

If I had brought a strange solution with no clear effect, he would have dismissed it immediately. This is a positive sign. The fact that he hasn't dismissed it, despite the safety of a foreign dignitary being at stake, means Tannian's tracking spell sounds quite appealing.

The problem is that I have no more cards to play. I can almost make them agree, but I have no means to persuade them further.

Still, I tried some arguments that might work.

"If we miss even one member of the Dusk Sect, it will cause chaos in the system. Can't we prevent that?"

"As long as the Grand Inquisitor is involved, that won't happen."

It's not working.

"Isn't it good to do a favor for the next saint and build a debt?"

"Well, the disapproving gaze of the Holy See's cardinals is more annoying than the debt to the next saint."

This isn't working either.

"If we intercept them ourselves, the terrain near the system will change dramatically. What if the Emperor gets angry?"

"Hmm."

"That's true."

Oh, this worked.

I was going to give up if this didn't work, but fortunately, the third argument seemed to resonate with the two ministers. After all, for a civil servant, the Emperor's anger is more concerning than a foreign complaint.

Actually, intercepting is better than a battle breaking out in the system. A battle visible from the system is also a significant problem.

A bombing visible to civilians and a terrain change noticeable to everyone would be like advertising "We had a fight here." This would also make the Emperor unhappy. It's a lesser evil compared to the system being breached.

"...If the Inspector General insists, isn't it fine?"

The Foreign Minister, who had been thinking hard, spoke cautiously. Hearing that Tannian would be on the front lines, the Holy See's protest and the Emperor's scolding seemed less daunting compared to a spectacular battle near the system.

In the process, he emphasized that I wanted it, naturally shifting the responsibility to me. It's a true statement, but it's so natural that it almost makes me cry.

"Inspector General."

"Yes."

"I believe the Inspector General and the Mokkwan will be sufficient."

The Special Affairs Minister finally nodded. If I stand firm beside Tannian, it's conditionally acceptable for Tannian to go outside the system.

"Of course, Your Excellency."

I quickly accepted, as I intended to do so anyway. I wouldn't leave a key figure unattended, risking my own neck.

The Special Affairs Minister sighed, and the Foreign Minister wiped his sweat, showing their unease. Even if the Emperor's anger is more terrifying, a foreign protest is still a hassle.

Even now, after final approval, I wonder if this is the right decision. I understand. It's just choosing the lesser evil. I feel the same way.

'Suddenly doing something I don't usually do.'

Just sticking by Louise and laughing would be enough. I brought him here thinking he would do that, so what else could I hope for?

"I'm not great enough to prevent soldiers' sacrifices, but shouldn't we at least prevent civilian casualties?"

But acting like Oliver is something I can't ignore.

'Religious people, huh?'

Living in a world with more atheists than believers, I find it hard to understand.

But it's okay. I can understand this level of belief difference.

"Let the Inspector General convey it to the Grand Inquisitor."

Damn.

I can't understand this handling.

In the end, I had to visit the Grand Inquisitor again after a few hours.

"Child? What is it?"

The Grand Inquisitor, surprised by my second visit, tilted his head. He probably didn't expect someone who had just left after a business discussion to return for another one.

"Your Excellency."

After hearing my explanation, the Grand Inquisitor looked shocked. He seemed unable to process the new concept of placing the assassination target at the front lines.

"...You're handling things in a unique way these days."

The Grand Inquisitor, who had been silent, spoke in a weak voice. The difference was subtle, but he seemed to be questioning if, at 120 years old, he was out of touch with current trends. It must be a depressing thought for someone already concerned about his age.

But that's a misunderstanding. This isn't a current trend, nor should it become one. It's problematic to instill such strange common sense in a long-lived person.

"This is a special situation. It won't happen again, so you don't need to worry."

"I see."

His voice regained strength, but his ears remained drooped. Was the shock greater than expected?

"Ah, Your Excellency. I'm grateful for the potion you gave me last time."

I feared repercussions if I upset the Duke and left. He might hold a grudge and seek revenge in strange ways.

So, to change the subject, I mentioned the potion and expressed my gratitude, which finally made his ears return to their original position. Indeed, this is the right approach. The best gratitude for an elder is to say that you're using what they gave you well.

"Does it suit you?"

"Yes, I feel the effects every day."

"That's good to hear."

He nodded in satisfaction, and I felt relieved. Now I can return home without any issues.

"If you need more, come to the Magic Tower."

"Ah, are you selling it?"

I was worried it would just be a taste and nothing more, so this is good.

"I'll just give it to you, so come by."

'Oh.'

The Grand Inquisitor's kindness is deeper and wider than I thought.