Chapter 20 - Signs of Gathering

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A few days after Aldias departed Ferbergen.

Unlike their outbound journey, Aldias, now unburdened by beastkin slaves, returned to the Imperial Capital relatively quickly. There, he, aletia, and Gahard were receiving a briefing on the Kingdom's situation from Freed.

"—So, that's the information we've gathered around the Royal Capital. I believe its credibility is high."

"...So, they're punishing the Apostles of God because they didn't deliver the results they expected, huh? It seems the Holy Church's lot are far more foolish than I anticipated."

"Agreed."

While Aldias had expected a significant impact on the chain of command with Ehit's loss, this was beyond even his predictions. Despite being a gathering of Ehit's fanatics, they were ostensibly the leaders of a nation. He had assumed they could at least manage basic state affairs, but it seemed he had overestimated them.

"Gahard. Are the Holy Church folks always like this?"

"Ah, well, I knew their faith in their god was messed up, but even I'm taken aback by this."

Gahard replied, his expression strained, to Aldias's question. He himself was a believer in God Ehit, but his primary concern was the Empire's future. Even when offering prayers to God, it was always with the nation's prosperity in mind. Prioritizing faith in God over the ruin of one's own country was utterly self-defeating.

"But Ehit isn't around anymore, so the Holy Church made this decision on their own?"

"Yes. However, the Holy Church announced that they received an oracle from Ehit. In other words, they are deceiving the populace."

"I understand that sometimes a nation chooses not to disclose all information to its citizens to protect them. I've done it myself. But what benefit does the Kingdom gain from executing the Apostles of God? Punishing them because they don't align with their ideals, no matter how you look at it, only leads to disadvantage. What's the public's reaction like?"

"Rumors are spreading that the Apostles of God secretly conspired with the Demonfolk and tried to rebel against God Ehit."

"Just like the Liberators of old. Though they're nothing alike."

The Liberators referred to those who, long ago, belonged to an organization formed to defeat Ehit after realizing his true nature. However, Ehit labeled them as enemies threatening to destroy the world, and all but seven users of ancient magic were annihilated. While the situations were similar, the Liberators and the Apostles of God were incomparable in terms of strength and conviction.

"Aldias-sama, what shall we do? Our original plan was to deal with the Kingdom later and head to the Principality first..."

Their initial plan was to proceed to the Principality of Ankaji after the Hoelscher Empire and Ferbergen. There was no particular reason to prioritize Ankaji, but they had chosen it because the Heiligh Kingdom would be incapacitated for a while, and Ankaji was surrounded by desert, isolating it from its surroundings. Aldias, who had been contemplating for a while, finally looked up as if his thoughts had solidified.

"Change of plans. We'll head to the Kingdom first."

"Hmph!"

"Mm, understood."

Freed and aletia immediately replied to Aldias's decision without hesitation. They likely had no intention of opposing Aldias's judgment from the start. However, Gahard wore an expression of genuine surprise.

"Unexpected. I thought you'd ignore them... Are you planning to help those Apostles of God?"

The Apostles of God were summoned to this world as enemies of the Demonfolk. It wouldn't pain the Demonfolk if they were executed. If anything, it would be a windfall if they weakened themselves. That's why Gahard found it so perplexing. Invading the Kingdom at this timing felt exactly like an act to help the Apostles of God...

"Don't misunderstand. I don't care what happens to them. I sympathize with them for being forcibly brought to this world, but choosing to fight was their own decision. From what I've seen of that Hero, he doesn't seem to have been forcibly subjugated either."

"Then why?"

"What I'm most concerned about right now is not knowing what the Holy Church will do after executing the Apostles of God."

As I've said repeatedly, there is no benefit for the Kingdom in labeling the Apostles of God as heretics. And since Ehit is no longer present, this judgment must have been made by the Holy Church itself. Moreover, the reason given is that the Apostles of God didn't produce the results they desired.

"Gahard, the Holy Church prioritizes Ehit over the common people... Is that right?"

"Yes, that's undoubtedly true."

"Then it's highly probable that this action wasn't for their self-interest but was taken with Ehit as their top priority. If they haven't realized why Ehit disappeared and believe it's due to the Apostles of God's incompetence, then if Ehit doesn't return even after the Apostles of God are executed, they might resort to even more bizarre actions... even sacrificing innocent lives."

"...Tch, I can't deny that. It wouldn't surprise me if that old man did something like that."

Though it's declined now, there was once a custom of sacrificing living people to God. This wasn't just for Ehit; humanity, seeing natural disasters as God's wrath, offered young women and small children as offerings. The methods varied widely; some were killed by human hands, while others, like newborn infants, were abandoned in unreachable places. Some even revered colossal beasts as gods, and people were even devoured alive by them. Logically, one wouldn't want to think that anyone would try to carry out such acts, but Gahard couldn't imagine that the Ehit-supremacist Ishtar, having lost Ehit's presence, could make sound judgments.

"So, you mean you can't stand by and let innocent people be killed, even in an enemy nation? It's a bit naive, but you have the power to push it through. Isn't that fine?"

"I don't disagree with that, but what I dislike most are the Holy Church's people. To think the leaders of a nation could be in such a state... as someone in a similar position, I find it utterly repugnant."

As Aldias declared this, an aura of simmering rage emanated from him. As someone formally in a similar position, he had his own thoughts on the matter. If there had been a reason to prioritize the Principality of Ankaji, Aldias would have done so. The highest priority was the safety of his own people. He had no intention of involving them in his personal whims. However, whatever the reason, if the Kingdom had started moving, it was best to crush them quickly. More than anything, if their actions were due to despair after Ehit's disappearance, then leaving them alone would cause more trouble later on.

"Holy Church... It seems they could become an obstacle to the future I envision."

Of course, all of this was merely a prediction based on the currently available information. They might have their own justice that they didn't know about. There was also a possibility that they decided this by prioritizing the citizens, not Ehit. Still... if they truly were the scum he predicted...

"Every last one of them... I'll crush them."

Gahard took a step back, his face contorting at the dominant aura overflowing from Aldias.

(It's not even directed at me, but what an overwhelming presence. And why aren't these guys reacting?)

Gahard glanced at his side, seeing Freed and aletia completely unperturbed, even looking at Aldias with reliability. Of course, they too felt Aldias's dominance keenly. However, unlike Gahard, whose acquaintance with Aldias was brief, for them, it had become nothing more than a source of reassurance.

"...aletia, Freed."

"Mm, leave the preparations to me."

"Understood. I'll finish in three hours."

"Gahard, tell me what you know about the Kingdom."

"Alright, alright, I get it."

Following Aldias's instructions, each of them began to move. Ignoring them, Aldias glared intensely in the direction of the Kingdom.

(They might as well prepare themselves and wait.)

The scene shifts. Hajime and his party, having successfully conquered the Melusine Underwater Ruins and obtained the new ancient magic, Regeneration Magic, had left the Principality of Ankaji. Two days into their journey by four-wheel drive, as they were approaching Horuado, Hajime and his group encountered another party. Hajime initially intended to ignore the simple carriage that came into view, as there was no particular reason to stop. However, Kaori suddenly cried out, and one of the individuals who appeared to be guarding the carriage was someone he knew very well. So, he slowly reduced speed and stopped near the carriage.

The carriage guards were initially wary, thinking the four-wheel drive was an unknown monster, but one of them widened his eyes at its all-too-familiar appearance.

"Hajime? Is that Hajime!?"

"Yeah. So? What are you doing out here, Kingdom Knight Commander-sama?"

One of the guards—Meld—sighed in relief at the sight of Hajime.

"Thank goodness. I was looking for you."

"Me?"

Hajime tilted his head at Meld, who claimed to have been looking for him. On closer inspection, Meld's equipment seemed somewhat downgraded from what he remembered. In his current attire, he looked more like a common adventurer than a knight commander.

"Why me—"

"Kaori!"

"Lilly! It really is Lilly!!"

"Looking for me?" As Hajime was about to ask, a hooded figure interrupted his words and leaped into Kaori's arms. The person who leaped into Kaori's arms—Liliana—then tightly embraced Kaori.

"You surprised me! I never thought I'd meet you here, so I was half in disbelief. But why are you here, Lilly... Lilly?"

Kaori smiled at reuniting with her friend from this world, but she noticed something was off with Liliana, who was hugging her.

"Lilly? Are you crying?"

Liliana was burying her face in Kaori's chest, tears streaming down. Kaori, flustered, tried to calm Liliana by rubbing her back.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Kaori...!"

Kaori was confused by Liliana, who inexplicably began to apologize to her. At this moment, Hajime was thinking, "Who is this?" but he managed to restrain himself from saying it aloud. He wasn't so tactless as to say such a thing in this clearly serious situation. After Kaori finally managed to calm her, Liliana wiped away her tears and looked up.

"I apologize. Nothing will be solved by my crying... This makes me unfit to be royalty."

"Lilly..."

"Princess..."

(.........Ah, the Kingdom's Princess, huh.)

Hajime, who had been completely left out of the loop, finally remembered that the person in front of him was the princess of the Heiligh Kingdom at Meld's mention of "Princess."

"Lilly, what on earth happened?"

From Liliana's demeanor, it was clear that something bad had happened. Something that concerned him as well... At Kaori's question, Liliana hesitated for a moment but then, as if making up her mind, finally spoke.

"kouki-san and the other Apostles of God have been declared heretics."

"...Huh?"

"...What?"

Kaori's eyes widened, and Hajime frowned at the news Liliana delivered.

"W-wait a minute!? We're heretics!? Why would that happen...? Oh! C-could it be that me leaving on my own was bad!?"

"Calm down. If something like that made you a criminal, there'd be no end to it. Besides, what benefit would they gain from doing that? What exactly happened?"

"I don't know what's happening either, but..."

Though struggling for words, Liliana explained what was happening in the Kingdom. The Holy Church suddenly ceased its activities a few days after Hajime and his group encountered Aldias. When they finally reappeared, they declared the Apostles of God heretics. All Apostles of God in the Royal Capital were detained by the Holy Church. Furthermore, kouki's statements and the public's reaction.

"I'm sorry, Kaori... Shizuku and the others... your friends are captured, and I couldn't do anything."

"No way! It's not your fault, Lilly!?"

"Kaori is right! It's all my responsibility as their instructor!!"

Kaori hastily made Liliana raise her deeply bowed head. Meld followed suit, stating that the responsibility lay with him. Meld, who already regretted not teaching kouki and the others the resolve to kill, also believed that kouki's refusal to fight the Demonfolk was his fault. If Hajime heard this, he would definitively say that it was kouki's original personality, but Meld wanted to punch his past self for not having him gain experience in killing sooner, thinking it might have changed him a little. Ignoring the two who continued to blame themselves, Hajime alone clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Tch, that idiotic Hero. He's caused quite a nuisance... So? You guys were looking for me because you want to help them?"

"...That's right. In the Kingdom, the Holy Church's power is immense. No matter that I am the princess of the country, my words alone won't reach them. I know I'm asking for trouble. Nagumo-san... I heard about you from Shizuku and Commander Meld. Please, could you lend us your strength?"

Hajime scowled unhappily at Liliana, who bowed her head and pleaded.

"You guys are convenient. You can't go against the Church yourselves, so you want to use me? That's quite the—"

"No, we're not entrusting everything to Nagumo-san. We will fight too."

"...Are you serious?"

Hajime's eyes widened at Liliana's statement, which interrupted him. That implied going against the Holy Church's wishes. Even as the princess of the country, she would likely be treated as a criminal. Following Liliana, Meld also hardened his expression.

"We feel the same as Her Highness. We have watched kouki and the others closer than anyone. We cannot stand by silently while they are punished. We are prepared for everything."

The knights around Meld also nodded in agreement. Hajime hadn't noticed at first, but he realized that he recognized the surrounding knights. They were probably the ones who were in charge of their training, just like Meld. Initially, they had tried everything to overturn the decision, but all their efforts were futile. Even informing them that the Empire had fallen to the Demonfolk didn't change anything. If the Demonfolk attacked in such a situation, the Kingdom would undoubtedly be doomed. The Holy Church had explicitly stated, "If we continue to offer unceasing faith to God Ehit, he will surely save us. The Demonfolk are insignificant," but as those who stood on the battlefield, they could not possibly rely entirely on God against the immediate threat. That's why they made their decision. Even if they were branded as criminals, they would at least try to save kouki and the others, who had been dragged into a battle that didn't concern them.

"However, we alone cannot possibly retrieve everyone from the Church."

Needless to say, what Liliana and her group were attempting was literally going against the will of God Ehit. They had few allies, and although her father, the King, would tacitly approve of their actions, he couldn't easily move due to his position. If they carelessly tried to gather allies and the Church found out, it would all be for naught.

As Liliana pondered what to do, she suddenly remembered her absent best friend. And the person who would likely be with her... From there, her actions were swift. She took Meld and other trustworthy knights as escorts, and considering the risk of being discovered by the Demonfolk, she changed her equipment and headed for Horuado. Meeting Hajime and his group was truly a coincidence.

"Please, please help us!!"

"Hajime-kun..."

Meld and the others bowed their heads just like Liliana, who was bowing deeply. Seeing them, Kaori looked at Hajime. Though unspoken, Hajime understood Kaori's thoughts perfectly. Shizuku and the others were captured. There was no way she wouldn't be worried.

"Hmph, can't be helped."

"!" Hajime-kun!

"!" Is that acceptable?"

Kaori's expression brightened, and Liliana's face shot up at Hajime's words, which could be taken as consent.

"Don't misunderstand. I don't care what happens to the Kingdom or the human race. If it was just Amanogawa who got caught, I would have ignored it... but Yaegashi has helped me out in various ways. Also, by declaring the Apostles of God as heretics, does that mean Sensei was also captured?"

"Yes... However, only Aiko-san's verdict hasn't been decided yet. They say they'll show leniency if she continues to contribute as an agriculturist for the country, but Aiko-san is adamantly demanding that everyone's safety be prioritized..."

"Well, she'd do that."

She was the kind of person who would act for her students more than anyone else, even if her own life was targeted. She wouldn't try to save herself while her students were about to be executed.

(But if they're only trying to let Sensei go, does that mean she wasn't captured because of that thing?)

Hajime had assumed that the truth about this world's god, which he had told Sensei, had been discovered and she had been captured to silence her, but it seemed that wasn't the case. While kouki and the other Apostles of God were certainly important, Aiko, revered by the people as the Goddess of Fertility, also had strong trust from the populace. In fact, unlike them, who often secluded themselves for training or in labyrinths, Aiko, who often exercised her power in front of the people as an agriculturist, would likely have her words spread more easily. Hajime, unable to think of a reason for the Apostles of God being declared heretics, tilted his head while Liliana urged Hajime and the others to hurry, believing that action was better than delay.

"Then, let us hurry back to the Kingdom!"

"Hm? Ah, that's fine, but... what? Is their execution already imminent?"

Hajime tilted his head at Liliana's expression, which seemed to suggest every second was precious, but his eyes widened at Liliana's next words.

"No, there are still a few days until the execution. We should make it in time."

"Then why...?"

"...There's a possibility that the Demonfolk, the Demon King Aldias, will invade the Kingdom."

"!"

"Eh!?"

"No way!?"

Not only Hajime, but Shea and Kaori also widened their eyes in surprise at Liliana's unbelievable statement. Only Tio put a hand to her chin, saying, "That name, indeed..."

"Aldias... he's the man who serves as the king of the Demonfolk, isn't he? Master and Shea, and Kaori, you've met him once, haven't you?"

"...Yeah, I got beaten black and blue without being able to do anything."

Hajime's expression was grim, as if recalling that time.

"...So, Lilly, how do you know the Demonfolk are coming?"

"A few days ago, the Empire fell to the Demonfolk."

"The Empire!?"

Shea was the first to exclaim at the news that the meritocratic Hoelscher Empire had fallen. She apparently couldn't hide her surprise at the fact that the nation which had tormented the beastfolk for so long had been defeated.

"Yes. There have been skirmishes before, but this is the first time such a large force has been deployed to conquer a nation. There's no definite proof yet, but it's hard to imagine that king would miss this opportunity."

"I see... No, considering his power, it's more like a miracle that they've been safe until now. Still, why did he suddenly start moving?"

"I don't know either. The sudden increase in Demonfolk activity. The Holy Church's strange behavior. I'm afraid they're all connected somehow..."

"...Princess, I'm telling you, I'm—"

"I understand. Nagumo-san and your party, please escape the Royal Capital as soon as you rescue the Apostles of God. After all the trouble we've caused you, I wouldn't ask you to fight the Demonfolk now."

Liliana smiled as she said this. The nation was already in an uproar over the Apostles of God being declared heretics. In such a state, it was clear that they wouldn't last long against a Demonfolk attack. She had no intention of involving Hajime and his group in such a losing battle. No matter how extraordinary Hajime's power was, the enemy was a monster far surpassing him. Hajime had no intention of provoking such an opponent unnecessarily.

"...Then, fine."

Saying only that, Hajime walked towards the four-wheel drive. Infiltrate the Holy Church, rescue Aiko and Yaegashi, and the other classmates as well. If there was time, obtain the ancient magic on God's Mountain. That was all. Yet, the bad feeling within Hajime wouldn't dissipate.

"Hajime-san...?"

Shea looked at Hajime worriedly. Her gaze fell on Hajime's slightly trembling fist...