Chapter 443 of 704
Chapter 442
8 min read2,023 words
There is a saying that goes, "It's not because it's scary, it's because it's dirty." However, Olivia Ranche was both dirty and scary. If you pointed a sword at Olivia Ranche, who pushed and urged for war, war would break out in that moment. There was no one who could become the starting point of a war that could split the continent in two, except for Olivia Ranche. Eventually, Olivia led the Holy Knights and arrived at the temporary detention building where Reinhardt was trapped, beyond the Temple Gate. The knights and magicians of Shana Pell who were camping there, as well as the troops of the Temple, were blocking Olivia from approaching any further. The Empire should not have told Olivia anything. It may have been the best choice to watch her to see if she was on the side of the Demon King, but now it was the worst choice and she was returning to the Empire. Olivia, leading the Holy Knights, stood at the forefront, looking at Berthus who was blocking her way. Behind Berthus were Shana Pell and the Imperial Magician Corps. Behind Olivia were the Holy Knights of the Holy Order. "Step aside." "I can't do that, senior." Berthus, who was about to cross the threshold mixed with annoyance and anger, looked at Olivia quietly. "We have the authority over the Demon King's whereabouts. Hand it over." Olivia snickered at the natural demand and Berthus gritted his teeth. "You're going too far, you scumbag. There's no need to persuade you that your actions could cause the continent to split and humanity to perish. Outwardly, it may be for some reason, but inside, you're probably thinking, 'So what?' "The Empire is the representative of humanity. Therefore, it is right for the Imperial Palace to decide on the disposal of the Demon King, who is an enemy of humanity." Olivia snickered at Berthus' words. "Humans are creations of the gods. The Empire may have the right to represent humanity. But isn't it natural that the Holy Order, which represents the will of the gods, and the Five Great Divine Sects, which represent the will of the gods, have one unit higher authority than you? The will of the gods is more correct than the will of humans. And as a champion chosen by Tu'an, I represent the will of the gods. Those who oppose me are opposing the gods. Olivia was honestly pushing the terrible logic that occurs when a champion of the gods uses their authority violently. Like what Eleris said to Reinhardt once. The Holy Relic is a powerful object in itself, but its political usefulness is even higher. Olivia Ranche was fulfilling those words exactly. Berthus and the knights and magicians of the Empire who were facing her attitude were getting tired. What's the difference between this and madness? Is it okay for a champion chosen by the gods to act so recklessly? Why is someone who carries out such a level of invasion chosen by the gods? Those who are not close to the gods begin to doubt the will of the gods. However, as the intimidating Holy Knights witness Olivia's behavior and words, they begin to have different thoughts. The Holy Knights are close to the gods. The gods are right. Therefore, the champions chosen by the gods, the owners of the relics, are secondly right. The fact that Olivia Ranche, chosen by Tu'an, shows such behavior means that the situation requires such a violent will from the gods. A champion who acts violently, wildly, and even seems to be insane. It is not because the champion is crazy, but because the gods want such behavior. Everything in the world is in the hands of the gods. The champion represents the will of the gods. Therefore, the more extreme Olivia's invasion is, the more blind and violent it is, the more it means that the gods want extreme behavior. To those who are not close to the gods, she is a champion who has gone mad. However, as the Holy Knights witness Olivia's oppressive behavior, the more extreme it is, the more they realize that the gods support this extreme behavior. Therefore, the atmosphere of the Holy Knights is momentarily overwhelmed by the fear that a continent-wide war may break out. They realize that they have no choice but to support Olivia Ranche's actions, and that it is the will of the gods. Gradually, their eyes become more determined. Faith and belief. It leads to universal and different conclusions and actions. "We are right to discuss the Demon King's cult. Is there any evidence that can deny this?" As Olivia speaks, the Holy Knights begin to show a more ominous mood. We are right because the champion is with us. Even if we die here, even if it leads to war, it is the will of the gods. If we die here, we die in a place very close to the will of the gods. How can that not be glorious? "The Empire has confirmed and secured the identity of the Demon King. The Holy Order is now trying to intercept the Empire's authority." Berthus's words make Olivia tilt her head. "Yes, thank you for doing the difficult task. The Holy Order will show appropriate respect to the Empire for their efforts and pray for the blessings of the gods." It is sophistry, but it becomes a statement that applies to everyone under the name of the gods. Even if you are told to see white as black, you must do so if it is the word of the gods. Those who cannot do so have become wrong. You were told to see black, why do your eyes see white? Only the gods can say such things. The champion is their representative. "Do what you have to do and fulfill your duty. I came here to fulfill my duty, not my rights. It is our duty to determine whether the Demon King is truly a noble being." Berthus grits his teeth at this. There are many things he could say. Aren't you ultimately doing this to protect the Demon King by sharing Tiamat with him? Aren't you impure since the moment Tiamat and the Demon King shared a soul? Haven't you saved the Demon King's life before? Aren't you an enemy of humanity? But all of these words will lead to a huge conflict. Translation:
Saying that Tu'an's champion is not noble is already a serious act of blasphemy. Doubting Olivia Ranche's intentions ultimately means doubting the will of the gods. Of course, the Empire is strong. Therefore, it is possible to doubt the will of the gods. Even if the gods are an absolute proposition, if someone disagrees with it, that's all there is to it. One could argue that while the gods are transcendent beings who lend power to the world, they have not given the right to represent that absolute will to those who wield that power. No matter how strong the Holy Order and the Five Great Divine Sects are, they are still subject to being pushed aside by the Empire if it so desires. However, religion itself is a central point, so if the Empire tears it apart, it will inevitably lose the grand proposition of embracing all of humanity. The Empire can kill the Five Great Divine Sects and the Holy Order, but then the Empire will collapse. The Empire was founded as a banner to unite countless races, cultures, and beliefs to resist the demons. If such an empire tries to uproot a huge group, it will inevitably lead to the loss of its legitimacy. Berthus has a lot to think about and a lot to protect. The Empire, the royal family, and humanity. He must speak and act to protect things that are too large. But Olivia only wants one thing. Reinhardt. Therefore, she will do everything she can to save Reinhardt right now, without thinking about what will happen later. "I said to step back." As Olivia took a step forward, the Holy Knights behind her also took a step forward with an intimidating momentum. Shanafei, the Imperial Magic Corps, and Berthus did not step back. However, if that step continued, there would be a collision. It was a situation of imminent danger. Giving the Demon King to Olivia instead of going to war would have an obvious result. Olivia would unfold the logic that the Demon King was chosen by the relics, so the Five Great Divine Sects should support him. It is unknown where this move will lead. War is always the worst option. It is even worse if it is a war between humans. This moment must be stopped. We must stop that crazy person's step. "How about having a conversation with the Demon King for a moment?" "....What?" "You must know that the demand to lead the believers is absurd. We have no intention of denying the legitimacy of the Holy Order." In this situation where a collision is imminent, we must somehow put the brakes on. One wrong word or action could lead to war. Throw a bait. "Let's have a conversation with the Demon King for a moment and talk calmly." "...." Olivia looked quietly at Berthus. Olivia also knows that war is the worst option. And Olivia did not think it was possible to lead the believers right now. Olivia came to practically convey a warning that if you decide on the treatment of the Demon King recklessly, a huge incident will occur. It was to make the Empire hesitate to execute Reinhardt right now. And in the long run, she planned to think of another way to save Reinhardt. "I'll make sure you meet Reinhardt. So step back for now." "Okay." Olivia accepted the suggestion. "Lead the way." Since not all the Holy Knights could enter, only Olivia, the representative, could go inside the prison building with the guidance of the Shanael knights. Berthus approached one of the knights, knowing Olivia's legitimacy, the holy relic, and her status as someone whose existence itself is a justification. He requested to bring Ellen Artorius immediately. Olivia was led to the underground prison where Reinhardt was being held. She realized that it was impossible to escape by force, as there were many powerful beings guarding the prison. To prevent war, Berthus suggested having a conversation with the Demon King. Olivia agreed, warning that if the Empire decides on the treatment of the Demon King recklessly, a huge incident will occur. She plans to think of another way to save Reinhardt in the long run. Reinhardt, who had been healed by Olivia, still looked weak and had no focus in his eyes. Sabiolan Tana couldn't bring herself to harm Olivia. Reinhardt called Olivia "nuna" (older sister) for the first time, and she watched him with wide eyes. He begged her not to do anything dangerous that could cause her death. Olivia couldn't bear to see Reinhardt worry about her even in his current state. She asked Sabiolan Tana if she really thought Reinhardt was an evil demon king. She couldn't believe that he was evil just because of his title. Sabiolan Tana's sword shook as she pointed it at Olivia, who was sobbing. She questioned whether the demon king was truly evil. The previous attacks on the empire were for noble reasons, and the last attack was not carried out by the demon king. Sabiolan Tana put her sword away, wondering what the truth really was. "I want to know what is true and what is false. She felt like she was going crazy wanting to know. Everyone wanted to believe that Reinhardt wasn't bad. However, let's say the demon king doesn't hate humanity. 'Why?' If there is only a reason to hate, why? People feel betrayed by the demon king because they can't understand that part. Only Olivia Lanché, who had blind trust and love for the demon king, who had received decisive help from the demon king several times, pleaded pitifully to believe in Reinhardt's words even a little bit."