CHAPTER 100

If knights who lost in war were gathered together, would the atmosphere be like this?

The priests gathered in the bishop's office lowered their heads and could not open their mouths, as if they had been defeated.

"······Is there any possibility of recovery?"

Someone had to report on the current situation, despite everything.

Otherwise, Bishop Pierre's cold anger would erupt.

"We may have to send a detailed report to the Vatican to know for sure······."

The priest in the white robe, a faithful follower of Bishop Pierre, hesitated to speak, but it was unavoidable.

"It seems difficult."

"······."

Bishop Pierre wiped his face with a heavy sigh upon hearing the priest's answer.

Pierre tried hard not to show his emotions, but there was an inevitable word rising from deep within his heart.

"This is absurd."

The Mirror of Saint Marello.

The relic bestowed directly by the Vatican, the Mirror of Saint Marello, was a source of pride for Pierre, but it inexplicably shattered.

All because it had merely glimpsed the soul of a novice knight.

'······What on earth is going on?'

Vlad of Shoara.

A knight from the back alleys.

His unusual background and young age undoubtedly gave him a unique personality, but no one could have imagined he would cause such a defection.

"Has anyone seen what was reflected in his soul?"

The Mirror of Saint Marello was a mirror that reflected the soul.

Ordinary people would merely see their own reflection, but in Vlad's case, it emitted an intense light that was hard to look at.

That also meant that there was definitely something inside the boy.

"He's not a special existence. If he were, we would have noticed."

"They say lightning struck the roof of the church. It could be a powerful presence that affects reality."

Bishop Pierre was only further confused by the words of the priests.

"······I have no idea what this is."

Even Pierre, who had spent years as a Heretic Inquisitor, couldn't fathom the identity of such a mysterious being.

It shone brightly, so it couldn't be associated with evil.

However, the power he possessed was too overwhelming to be called a blessing of the god.

"I must report this."

Though what lay within Vlad couldn't be discerned, it certainly exuded a presence strong enough to shatter a holy relic.

Even if it wasn't aligned with evil, such a peculiar anomaly would surely draw attention from the Vatican.

Perhaps, since it is an unknown entity, they can bring Vlad to trial again...

Knock, knock.

"Come in."

Pierre was momentarily awakened from his thoughts by a knock on the door.

"······Lord Bishop." 

"What's the matter?"

A priest carefully opens the door and enters while numerous eyes are watching in the office.

In his hand was a small paper note.

"A letter from San Rogino."

"From San Rogino?"

Pierre's expression turned puzzled at the priest's words.

It was rare for the northern parish of San Rogino to send a letter to him, a member of the Vatican.

"Let me see."

For reasons unknown, Pierre took the note from the trembling hand of the priest.

Opportunity arises after a crisis.

Conversely, behind every opportunity, there may also lurk a crisis.

Pierre had tried to trap Vlad into a crisis through deception, but ultimately failed.

"San Rogino..."

Now, the tide had turned from Pierre back to Josef, and Shoara's legitimate mayor didn't miss the opportunity that came his way.

"These damn northerners!"

Women lying in tears amidst the fog-filled village testified.

That the man known as the Black Bear was beyond indulgence.

And San Rogino accepted their tears.

-Bishop Pierre of Shoara will clarify the relationship between the Black Bear and the Black Mages. -

The mayor of Shoara and San Rogino.

A single arrow shot from the north pierced through Pierre's chest, chilling him to the bone.

※※※※

The name of the young deacon who accompanied Andrea was Christian.

The young boy, who had built up a connection with Vlad since the monster subjugation battle in Varna, had followed Andrea to Shoara.

"Is the priest alright?"

"He should lie down a bit more."

The young deacon, carrying a large water jug that reached up to his waist, said while grunting.

Vlad couldn't help but feel sorry seeing him like that, so he took the jug instead.

If it weren't for Vlad, the boy would have been living comfortably in Barna.

"It was difficult to move in the cold weather, but he had a round with the bishop as soon as we arrived."

"······That's right."

His feeling of guilt wasn't just towards the young deacon.

Priest Andrea was currently lying on the bed, groaning in pain.

As the young deacon explained, it was unreasonable for someone of his young age to endure so much, so it was inevitable that he would get sick.

"Is there anything you need?"

"No, Lord Josef is already taking care of everything."

Being indebted to someone brings complex and subtle emotions that are difficult to explain in one word.

And every time Vlad looked at Andrea, he felt those emotions.

From the moment he was given his name until now.

He always felt grateful to Andrea.

"But is it true?"

"What?"

The eyes of the boy, barely ten years old, were sparkling as he looked at Vlad.

"That you've received the blessing of God?"

"······Who said that?"

Rumors tend to grow larger as they spread.

Aside from the city's influential people who were directly at the trial, the pure white cloud that flowed into the church was one of the miracles that everyone in Shoara could see.

"It's not that big of a deal."

"Really?"

Christian answered as if it were true, but his expression indicated otherwise.

Because he had seen it too.

The white blade that had cut through the woman who was like a nightmare under the night sky.

"But I still liked it."

Christian, who arrived in front of the room where Andrea was staying, took a bucket of water from Vlad and said.

"Did you like it?"

"Yes."

The young mercenary who used to roam the streets had become a respectable knight under his sponsorship. 

And not only that, he was now accompanying a being with a dignified aura. From Andrea's perspective, it was certainly something to be pleased about.

"Can I boost to my peers later? That I prayed with Sir Vlad?"

"······If you want to, go ahead."

Though Vlad's response was somewhat lukewarm, Christian's face already bore a broad smile.

He was a knight who may have received the blessing of God. Just having a connection with such a knight was enough to be a proud accomplishment among young deacons.

"See you later."

"Yeah."

Vlad wanted to at least say hello, but it was out of the question since Andrea was lying sick.

Since he had come for him, it was only right to be considerate as much as possible.

"Why are you even bragging?"

Vlad turned around in front of the door and scratched the back of his head, remembering Christian's words.

He had never been anyone's source of pride until now.

"······."

Vlad stopped in an empty hallway and looked out the window.

Every time the surroundings became quiet, there was a voice that spoke to him as if it had been waiting.

But now, in the empty hallway, all he can hear is his own muttering to himself without an answer.

"I'm not used to this."

If that voice were here now, would it have told him that it was proud of him?

But the voice that would have answered that had vanished, leaving behind only faint traces in his world.

Feeling alone for the first time in a long time, Vlad just stood still and swallowed the quiet silence.

※※※※

"The message came from San Rogino."

"Quite fast."

Josef, holding a wine glass, looked out the window and faintly smiled at Zayar's report.

"It seems the emotions we've been building up are finally paying off, right?"

"The neglect of the Northern Parish by the Vatican is already well-known, isn't it?"

The center of the continent is the central region, and the discrimination and disdain they showed towards other regions spared no one. 

It was a well-known fact that the Northern Parish of San Rogino was being ignored by the Vatican.

"Not bad."

The timing was right.

Though gaining support from San Rogino in political matters was not easy, the swiftly shifting balance of power made it possible.

The alliance between the lords of the North and San Rogino. 

Although it would be officially confirmed at the upcoming Northern Conference, showing proactive action like this in the face of such a clear opportunity wouldn't hurt either side.

"Sir Vordan. Make sure to treat Priest Andrea well. I'd prefer if he wasn't sent to Varna if possible."

"Understood."

Even though Priest Andrea was brought here with Vlad as an excuse, he was someone who could pressure Bishop Pierre just by his presence. 

He was a well-known priest and would not be out of place even if he were to take on the role of a bishop somewhere soon.

Josef already had the next plans regarding Pierre laid out in his mind.

"Lord Josef, I'm here."

"Come in."

Josef turned away from the window to look at Vlad entering the office.

It was right after a big event, but now that he was face to face with Vlad, he found it difficult to find the right words to say.

"What am I to do with you?"

"I'm sorry."

Josef's expression as he looked at Vlad was truly subtle.

"You're always unpredictable. From start to finish."

"······."

Josef preferred thorough plans that yielded results. And the boy in front of him was someone who could disrupt Josef's plans with his actions. 

In terms of compatibility, they were the worst match, but the results they produced were always beyond expectations, leaving Josef only puzzled.

"The priest mentioned that you might have the blessing of God within you."

"Probably not."

"It doesn't matter. I'll make it so."

Josef's intense gaze was fixed on Vlad.

Manipulation and fabrication were skills and essential parts of the education of nobles.

".....Bishop Pierre and the Vatican behind him will start paying attention to you. Although it wasn't intentional, you've disrupted their plans."

Josef let out a small sigh as he looked at Vlad quietly lowering his head.

The young knight, who was difficult to handle and even more difficult to nurture, was still giving Josef a headache.

"Take it."

"Huh?"

Vlad suddenly received a pouch flying towards him.

With a jingling sound, the pouch felt substantial in his hands.

"This is..."

"The end of this year is approaching."

As the snow fell, the end of the year was nearing.

Though it was a year that ended in a mishap, no year in Josef's life was as successful as this year.

In a way, it could all be attributed to the efforts of the boy in front of him.

"It's a special bonus. It's not a salary but a reward for your achievements."

As Vordan had mentioned, Vlad was also being paid a special bonus.

To mark the end of the year, Josef had calculated a certain amount for Vlad.

"It will exceed 300 gold."

"...!"

Vlad, who had just been bowing in remorse a moment ago, widened his eyes at the amount mentioned by Josef.

Though he wasn't sure, 300 gold was a large sum that could buy land to farm.

"Why, why... so much?"

"I've accounted for your achievements since you were a squire. It's a substantial amount, so plan wisely."

The boy always exceeded Josef's expectations.

Though the process may have been messy, the results were dazzling, and Josef felt obligated to reward him accordingly.

"You're a knight now. You have the right to claim recognition for your achievements."

"Thank you!"

Josef quietly looked at Vlad, who was thanking him with a red face.

It wasn't easy to deliver these words while seeing him so pleased, but it had to be done.

As the one responsible for Vlad, Josef knew he had to make it clear.

"Remember. Now that you're a knight, you're in a position of responsibility."

It's not just about overwhelming opponents with weapons and force.

Vlad, standing there burdened by Josef's words, felt overwhelmed by his presence.

"Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Yes."

"Good."

Vlad, seventeen years old now, would turn eighteen after this year.

The boy needed to understand.

Once this year passed, he could no longer remain a boy.

"Knight Vlad has disregarded the indulgence that embodies the will of God. This is your fault, clearly revealed by Bishop Pierre."

In yesterday's trial, Vlad admitted to killing the Black Bear, who had been pardoned.

This was a fault even Josef acknowledged, and Vlad had to take responsibility for it.

"As punishment for this responsibility, Knight Vlad will be banished from Shoara."

"...What?"

The blue eyes staring back began to shake visibly.

But it couldn't be helped.

Even if there was a speck of fault left, it would provide justification to the bishop and the Vatican.

"The banishment will last until I call for you again."

While the squire could stand behind, the knight had to lead.

The boy could seek forgiveness, but the adult had to shoulder responsibility.

And Vlad was now at an age where he had to understand responsibility and duty.

Outside the window, white snow was covering the passing year.

When that snow melted, Vlad would no longer be a boy but an adult.