Chapter 100

"Welcome, officials."

As the procurers passed through the thick doors of the church, Geist threw a welcoming word from among the gathered believers.

"The reason for your visit, I have been informed by Lady Sora. It is an attempt to overlay the future of your assigned district onto the ideal land of legend, as heard in the myths, and to explore the way forward. It is truly remarkable! Lady Sora was also very pleased."

At Geist's exaggerated speech, the believers began to murmur.

"...A magician referencing myths?"

One of the bewildered believers asked aloud, to no one in particular.

Sweat trickled down Geist's forehead, as he couldn't answer the question.

Seeing Geist's state, Lulyu reluctantly stepped forward to respond to the questioning believer.

"Lady Sora intends to develop the viscount's territory by any means necessary. Whether it means getting her hands dirty or straying from the path, she is doing everything possible to ensure the happiness of as many of the territory's residents as she can."

At Lulyu's response, the believer's gaze wandered in confusion.

The idea that someone would become a magician just to make them happy was beyond comprehension.

However, it was clear that Lulyu was not lying.

Among the church's believers, who shared the same values, they could understand each other.

But if that person was also a magician, it was something beyond imagination.

The believers couldn't tell if Sora was an enemy or an ally.

The believers in the church looked at the procurers with complex expressions.

Their sharp, piercing gazes seemed to be trying to discern the procurers' camp.

If the officials caused trouble, it would tarnish the reputation of their camp.

The procurers exchanged glances, sensing the atmosphere.

– Could this be a perfect opportunity to tarnish the viscount's reputation?

When their colleagues' purpose became aligned, a hand was gently placed on the procurer's back.

A chill ran down the procurer's spine from the spot where the hand was placed.

Upon reflection, there had been something following them from the inn.

The procurer cautiously turned around over their shoulder.

There, a soldier, like a ghost reaching out to its prey from a burning flame, was staring intently at the procurers.

If you betray your lord, I will burn you to the bone.

The determination, unspoken but clear, pressed down on the procurers.

With the procurers feeling the pressure, Lulyu spoke.

"They are not magicians. They are the ones who suggested to Lady Sora that she consider the myths. Lady Sora will hear the myths through them so that you, as believers, do not have to worry unnecessarily."

Lulyu's words, flowing smoothly, contained a lie.

The procurer understood.

They had been set up as devout believers who, as representatives of the church, advised Sora against getting close to the magicians.

And this setup was done by none other than Sora herself.

– What is that brat up to!

They were acutely aware of being ensnared in a trap.

Despite this awareness, they couldn't see Sora's true intentions.

The procurer looked around the church.

A considerable number of believers had gathered.

– Should I spill everything?

The procurer asked the sycophantic old man with a glance.

However, the old man shook his head and subtly nodded toward Geist.

The procurer immediately understood the meaning and twisted his face in frustration.

Geist had said he knew the reason for their visit from Sora.

This meant that Geist, the First Preacher, had a connection with Sora, who was close to the magicians.

Moreover, he was so close to Sora that he was helping to set the trap.

Given that Geist, the First Preacher, was on Sora's side, any plea for help would likely be suppressed.

Furthermore, the reason for seeking help was odd.

We have been set up as devout believers who advised Sora.

If they complained about this, it would imply that they lacked the resolve to advise Sora, who was close to the magicians.

In other words, they were not "devout" believers.

They might even be denied the status of believers altogether.

At this point, they couldn't seek help from the church.

Even if they tried to tarnish Sora's reputation here, no one would listen.

This was because they were seen as opposing Sora's current political policies.

The procurers had been set up as Sora's enemies, politically opposed to her.

If they were seen as trying to tarnish her reputation because they were enemies, it would be the end of it.

On the contrary, Sora's reputation might even rise for providing a place for such people to learn the myths.

– Should we just leave? No, we'll be seen as cowards who gave up on policy proposals. That brat is really something...

Before the procurers could find a way out, Lulyu urged them to sit in the front row of the believers.

With bitter thoughts, the procurers followed the instructions.

At this point, their only option was to win the believers over as allies and witnesses.

Given that the church's doctrine included the protection of believers, as long as the procurers acted as devout believers, the church would ensure their safety.

– Is this according to that brat's plan? But the one who will be troubled if they win the believers as allies is the brat.

In any case, they couldn't escape without knowing the shape of the trap.

The procurer, who was quick-witted in self-preservation, still couldn't see through Sora's intentions.