Chapter 10

"Then, let's come up with a new plan."

Seeing Iris's enthusiastic look, Mephisto couldn't help but smile.

"First, we need to assess the situation. How much does the Empire know about the secret history involving Satanford and the Empire? The negotiation method will change depending on that. By the way, you said you met Mina about this, right? Did you talk about the connection between the two countries?"

"No, I didn't. I wouldn't just easily tell such important state secrets to anyone. I only told you because it's you. I just asked Mina if she would help if she was interested in Satanford's affiliation. As a result, I ended up in prison."

Thinking about the fake saint, Mephisto shrugged.

"So, the problem is still the Emperor, then."

Iris tapped her fingers on the desk as she thought.

"The Crown Prince Edgar doesn't matter. He's not very smart. He wouldn't understand even half of this story. However, there's a possibility that the Emperor is aware of the Satanford issue, right?"

"I'm not sure... The Grand Duke's family only found out about the connection between the Empire and Satanford because they had the help of some very talented scholars. It's unclear how far the royal family's investigation has progressed. However, the current Emperor definitely views Satanford as an enemy. From his attitude towards Satanford, it seems he might even harbor a grudge."

Mephisto sighed, recalling the Emperor's constant provocations against Satanford in past diplomatic relations.

"Anyway, the Emperor will certainly not accept a half-hearted affiliation. Even if he doesn't know about the 'cursed ones' and Satanford's system, he would still try to drain the country's strength from Satanford as he did in the past."

At that, Iris suddenly thought about the current power structure of the Empire.

"The only person in the current Empire who can stop the Emperor is me, the saint. The Empress and other royal family members have all passed away, leaving only the Emperor and the Crown Prince. The High Priest, who holds power in the temple, is also the Emperor's confidant..."

Muttering to herself, Iris's voice made Mephisto tilt his head.

"By the way, the royal family of the Empire doesn't have any collateral lines. I'm not very familiar with the details, but what exactly happened?"

"Since it's a royal matter, not much is known, but... a few generations ago, there was a fierce power struggle when the emperor ascended the throne. The same thing happened in the next generation, with mutual poisonings and purges through accusations. In short, the royal family has been embroiled in bloody conflicts for several generations. Eventually, a precedent was set where the winner of the throne would purge the losers."

"So, the current Emperor also ascended the throne after a fierce power struggle?"

"Yes, that's right. So, we can't be complacent. He's a sharp person, despite appearances."

Hearing Iris's words, Mephisto looked exasperated.

"Tracing back, I also have royal blood from the Empire, but the royal family of this country is really hopeless. After all the mutual checks and killings, only two royal family members remain. Shouldn't we be more worried about the collapse of the royal family rather than the decline of the country?"

"I agree. But this is also an opportunity. If we can deal with the current Emperor, only Edgar will be left. With no other royal family members, this is the perfect chance to resolve the Satanford affiliation issue amicably."

"Indeed. It would be convenient for me as well."

"I want to probe the Emperor. How much does he know, and what does he think about Satanford? Is there a good way to do this...?"

As Iris looked at the map again, Mephisto suddenly stood up.

"What's wrong?"

"...Someone is coming. We should put this away."

Just as Mephisto put away the map Iris had spread out, there was a knock on the door.

"Iris-sama, I have come as requested. There is something I need to discuss with you..."

The High Priest had arrived. Iris stepped forward.

"Oh, then I'll hear it here. Please come in."

Without even asking the room's owner, Mephisto, for permission, Iris invited the High Priest in with a beautiful smile, which left the High Priest flustered.

"But, Iris-sama, this is the Grand Duke's room..."

"I don't mind."

Mephisto, who appeared beside Iris, smiled with his beautiful face. Unable to withstand the beauty of the saint and the Grand Duke, the High Priest reluctantly entered the room.

"Then, I will take the liberty of entering..."

Once the High Priest sat on the sofa, Iris and Mephisto sat opposite him. The High Priest, who was clearly irritated, forced a smile at the Grand Duke of the neighboring country, who was clearly ready to listen in.

"Grand Duke, I apologize, but I need to discuss something confidential with Iris-sama..."

"That's fine. Please speak freely without worrying about me."

The Grand Duke, who was beautiful and polite but completely uncooperative, made the High Priest's forehead pulse with anger. The High Priest, who had heard from the Emperor, looked at the two of them with a distant gaze.

"Ahem. Then, I will proceed. I have a report and a request for Iris-sama."

"What is it?"

"Since Iris-sama awakened as the saint, reports of 'miracles' have been pouring in from all over. The amount is unprecedented, and even rain has fallen in the western Lannark territory. The people are praising and worshipping the true saint, Iris-sama."

"...Is that so? I haven't really felt anything other than these ruby eyes yet."

"As you use your power, you will realize the magnitude of your divine power. Now, the request is for you to serve as the priest at the harvest festival, which Mina was supposed to do."

Recalling the annual ritual performed by the saint, Iris nodded.

"Yes, I will gladly accept."

"Thank you. We will discuss the details later."

"You have worked hard. Thank you very much."

Just as Iris thought the meeting was over, she noticed something was off about the High Priest. He didn't seem to be leaving even though the conversation was over.

"High Priest? Is there something else?"

"That is..."

The High Priest kept glancing at Mephisto. Realizing that the High Priest was uncomfortable speaking in front of Mephisto, Iris leaned closer to him.

"I said you don't need to worry about him, right? Is there something else?"

The High Priest, who looked awkward for a moment, then raised his head determinedly.

"...Then, I will speak freely. Iris-sama, I heard that you declined the marriage proposal from Crown Prince Edgar last night. Is that true?"

Hearing this, Iris, who had realized why the High Priest had come, narrowed her ruby eyes and nodded confidently.

"Yes. The Prince had just married Mina, whom he loved so much. It was only natural to decline."

"Iris-sama! Historically, all saints have married into the royal family. By doing so, the saint's divine power binds with the royal family, maintaining the declining power of the Empire. Crown Prince Edgar loves Iris-sama, but he was forced to marry Mina, who was a false saint. He will surely annul the marriage soon. At that time, Iris-sama should follow the example of past saints and marry into the royal family!"

Hearing the High Priest's indirect pressure to marry Edgar, Iris, recalling her earlier conversation with Mephisto, smiled brightly as if she had a good idea.

"Oh, then I have a good solution! The ancestor of Mephisto-sama here is the famous first Grand Duke of Satanford. The source of his lineage is the imperial family. In other words, Mephisto-sama also has royal blood. If Mephisto-sama and I marry, everything will be resolved, won't it?"

The High Priest, hearing this, turned pale.

"W-What are you saying, Iris-sama!?"

Seeing the High Priest's anguished cry, Mephisto, trying not to laugh, placed his hand on Iris's shoulder.

"I think it's a great idea. I told the Emperor yesterday that we love each other. If my lineage can be of service to the Empire and I can marry the person I love, there's nothing better."

Iris maintained her saintly smile, and Mephisto, with his breathtakingly beautiful smile, left the High Priest, who could only open and close his mouth, completely flustered.

Seeing this, Iris, laughing inwardly, further taunted the High Priest.

"Then, High Priest, could you please inform the Emperor of this wonderful idea?"

"Huh? ...Huh? Me!?"

"Yes. I will discuss this further with Mephisto-sama. If we marry, we need to decide whether to live in the Grand Duchy or the Empire."

"Wh-What!? Live in the Grand Duchy!? That can't be allowed! The saint cannot leave this country!"

"Then, we should bring Mephisto-sama to the Empire."

"I would like to do that for Iris, but I am the successor to Satanford. I can't easily move."

As Mephisto, secretly shaking with laughter, said this, Iris looked at the High Priest with a very disappointed expression.

"Then, I have no choice but to go to Satanford..."

"Iris-sama!!!"

The High Priest's voice cracked, and he bowed desperately.

"I will present this matter to the Emperor and seek his judgment. Please, do not act rashly any further!"

Iris, smirking inwardly, showed the High Priest her saintly smile.

"Understood. Please convey my regards to the Emperor."

The Emperor, upon receiving the news, would surely rush over. People tend to slip up when they are flustered, making it the perfect opportunity to probe the Emperor.

As they watched the High Priest run off, Iris and Mephisto looked at each other and laughed.