Lord Baby Runs A Romance Fantasy With Cash [EN]: Chapter 238

☆ 238 ☆

A sharp scream echoed through the Diluculum Hall.

Ruatisha froze, startled.

Tudududuk.

Red blood splattered like scattered flower petals,

Splashing onto her face.

No, it didn’t just splash.

Sidrian, standing beside her, pulled Ruatisha back to protect her. Simultaneously, a crystal-like ice wall and a jet-black wall of mana sprang up, shielding them from the front.

Beyond the protective barriers, a large, broad back was visible.

A back standing firm like an unbreakable fortress.

“Dad…….”

At his daughter’s call, Duke Paeraton turned around.

Behind him, a glimpse of a red-stained figure could be seen.

As Ruatisha strained to see more clearly, Duke Paeraton blocked her view.

Even without a clear view, she knew Schuella’s condition.

“Kyaaaaaaak!”

“W-What on earth is happening……!”

A terrified scream echoed from below the platform.

Everyone, young and old, was horrified by the sudden, terrible event.

“M-Murder in the Imperial Palace!”

“N-Not murder, she just suddenly d-died!”

But it didn’t end there.

A red aura began to emanate from the spot where her abdomen had burst.

At first, it was mistaken for blood.

But.

“T-T-That’s…….”

The moment they recognized it, no one could mistake it for blood.

They didn’t even know what it was, but an infinitely eerie and ominous energy sent shivers down their spines.

Just looking at it made it hard to breathe, and their limbs felt frozen.

The feeling was completely different from mana.

If mana inspired fear by its overwhelming power, this evil energy caused a visceral revulsion that made them want to vomit.

Those who were weak and sensitive couldn’t hold back the rising nausea and covered their mouths.

The next moment, a fiery red energy surged from Schuella’s body.

“Evil energy……!”

The priest’s eyes widened as if they would tear. Cold sweat ran down his chin.

“It really is evil energy……!”

The priests stared in dismay at the surging evil energy.

They were already so exhausted from activating Phidius [a powerful magical artifact or spell] that their entire bodies were drained.

Could they really stop it in this state?

No, even if they were in perfect condition, it was likely impossible.

“Everyone, rise!”

The old high priest shouted like thunder.

“This is the Imperial Palace! If evil energy spreads here, it will be unstoppable!”

At that, the other high-ranking priests encouraged the other priests, putting strength into their trembling legs.

“Stop the evil energy!”

“It must be sealed!”

“It is our duty to follow the will of God by sealing the evil energy and benefiting the world!”

Not only the highest-ranking priests who had activated Phidius but also the other priests who had assisted them joined forces to create a seal.

The sacred words and prayers from the priests’ lips were embroidered in the air and shone.

Elegant curves were engraved between the prayers, following the movement of the celestial sphere.

Soon, a huge barrier was completed, trapping the rampaging evil energy.

“I-It’s done……!”

A sigh of relief burst from someone’s mouth as they watched the scene.

People looked at the seal with relieved faces.

Soon, they had enough余裕 [Japanese word for “leeway” or “margin”] to even think that the shining seal trapping the crimson evil energy was beautiful.

When else would they see such a sight before their eyes?

However.

Inside the seal, the evil energy did not subside but instead grew larger and expanded.

The priests could trap the evil energy so that it could no longer spread, but they could not purify it.

However, they could not spread the seal wide enough to accommodate all the constantly expanding evil energy.

Eventually, the evil energy that filled the seal swirled violently and began to destroy the formation.

A subordinate priest groaned and spat out blood.

“Stay focused!”

The old priest encouraged, but even he was at his limit.

Ruatisha watched the scene and gritted her teeth.

The rampaging crimson energy that had lost its host was more clearly visible to Ruatisha than to anyone else.

‘Hermes Jjak.’

As she called out in her mind, Hermes Jjak immediately appeared.

Unlike before, when he couldn’t penetrate the barrier of the Imperial Palace, Hermes Jjak now responded to the call by passing through the barrier.

But Ruatisha couldn’t give any orders.

[What are you hesitating for, Jjak! Use me, Jjak!]

Hermes Jjak urged, unable to watch any longer.

The priests alone were not enough, but if Hermes Jjak cast a seal, things would be different.

But Ruatisha remained silent.

Years ago, Hermes Jjak had been seriously injured while casting a seal to save Ophelia.

The memory of not being able to recover for a while and wondering if something terrible would happen was still vivid.

[Master!]

‘……I can do it.’

Ruatisha looked at her hands.

Not Hermes Jjak, but she could do it.

‘The power of the Evil Destroyer.’

[No!]

Hermes Jjak screamed urgently and flew up.

[You can’t fully control that power yet! If you make a mistake, you might be devoured一.]

Crack!

Hermes Jjak stopped speaking at the eerie sound of something breaking.

Cracks began to appear in the seal, clearly visible to the naked eye.

Crack, crackle, crack!

Just as even the most solid embankment collapses in an instant when it breaks, the seal, unable to withstand the power of the evil energy, collapsed in an instant.

At that moment.

Liriel jumped into the gap.

“T-This is……!”

The priest was flustered and reached out to Liriel.

But his hand could not reach Liriel.

The priest couldn’t bear to watch the terrible sight and closed his eyes tightly.

It was obvious what would happen to the young lady.

But.

“……?”

More than anything else, his body felt it first.

The eerie and ominous feeling, like insects crawling on his skin, began to subside.

The priest cautiously opened his eyes.

And.

“……!”

“Good heavens……!”

A dazzling light was emanating from Liriel’s body.

Her eyes were gently closed.

Her hands were clasped tightly in prayer.

Her brilliantly shining silver hair fluttered in the wind.

The red evil energy could not overcome the light that dyed Liriel’s surroundings and gradually collapsed.

Everyone watched the scene, unable to take their eyes off it.

“P-Purification?”

A moan-like voice flowed from the priest’s lips.

“The evil energy…… is disappearing? Is she really purifying the evil energy?”

“Then could it be that the power of the Evil Destroyer that had already disappeared……?”

The attending priests looked at the old priest they served with excitement and anticipation.

Heartfelt tears streamed down the old priest’s eyes.

“God has not forsaken us.”

The old priest slowly knelt before Liriel.

“The Saintess has descended!”

Those words were like a declaration.

The priests all knelt before Liriel.

How much mental anguish had the priests suffered because the divine power kept weakening year after year.

It was really hard to maintain faith in that situation.

But finally, that faith was rewarded.

Not just a being revered by the people as a Saintess, but a true Saintess had appeared!

And a Saintess with greater power than any Saintess in history!

About 400 years ago, even the last Saintess officially recognized by the temple did not have the power of the Evil Destroyer.

No, except for ancient times, when opinions were divided on whether it was a legend or history, none of the Saintesses in history had the power of the Evil Destroyer.

They could only handle the sacred objects containing the power of the Evil Destroyer.

The evil energy completely disappeared, and soon the brilliant light emanating from Liriel faded.

Not only the priests but also the nobles all held their breath and looked at Liriel.

Soon, Liriel slowly opened her eyes.

Her golden eyes looked directly at Ruatisha.

“Saintess……!”

“Your Holiness!”

“We greet Your Holiness!”

Liriel’s lips turned up slightly.

And the next moment,

Liriel staggered as if she couldn’t overcome her dizziness and collapsed pitifully.

The Imperial Palace knight who was protecting the Emperor rushed out and caught Liriel.

It was a romantic and beautiful scene that could only be seen in paintings.

Ruatisha clicked her tongue inwardly.

‘Wow, she’s putting on a complete show, a real farce.’

But it was effective.

“L-Lady Liriel!”

“Quickly, move Her Holiness!”

“We must save the Saintess!”

The priests screamed in horror, and the nobles also stamped their feet and looked at the unconscious Liriel with worried eyes.

* * *

A subtle and awkward silence filled the Diluculum Hall.

Ruatisha looked at the empty seat.

The place where the Prussian Lady had died was cleaned up neatly without a trace.

People who had been chattering about what had happened a little while ago closed their mouths one by one after seeing the body being removed.

Although she was an heinous criminal who dared to use evil energy, the Prussian Lady was still too young.

They couldn’t help but feel somber after seeing the body.

‘Well, that’s something you can only think about because there’s no damage.’

“Your Majesty.”

At Ruatisha’s call, the Emperor looked at her.

His face was complicated.

But as a capable Emperor in his own way, he did not forget what he had to do.

“Everyone will agree that the winner of this competition is the Paeraton Duchess. I entrust the Paeraton Duchess with all the rights to the water management project.”

“H-However, Your Majesty! Liriel. No, Her Holiness just saved the Empire一.”

“No matter how great a painter is, you can’t ask them to compose music, and no matter how great a composer is, you can’t ask them to paint.”

“Her Holiness is also an outstanding talent!”

Earl Harris protested again.

He was one of the forces in league with the Empress.

‘He must want to prevent me from taking on the water management project, so he’s trying to hold on to me at this opportunity.’

But the Emperor was firm.

“The Duchess won the competition overwhelmingly. Lady Liriel overlooked the most important thing. Also, she didn’t even secure investment or properly grasp the information.”

“……Your Majesty, you are being too harsh on Her Holiness.”

The old priest said uncomfortably.

“Regardless of how great Lady Liriel is, this is an administrative matter. The Paeraton Duchess is much more suitable.”

“…….”

“I have declared that I will entrust all rights to the winner of the competition. Surely there is no disagreement with the results of the competition? Or are you telling me to reverse my words?”

“No, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor, who dismissed all the words, said to Ruatisha.

“Duchess, you know the importance of this project. I trust you.”

“I will follow Your Majesty’s orders. I will definitely succeed and stabilize the people’s livelihood.”

The Emperor nodded as she bowed.

“By the way…… about the Prussian Lady.”

Earl Harris cautiously opened his mouth.

“Didn’t she try to point out who was behind her before she died? I think it’s Lady Liriel…….”

At those words, the old priest burst into anger.

“Didn’t the Earl see! Her Holiness was so injured that she even harmed her body to purify the evil energy! There’s no way Her Holiness is behind it!”

“Of course. However, isn’t it possible that someone who tried to put the blame on Her Holiness did it? Could that person be the real culprit who used black magic…….”

Earl Harris slyly turned his eyes and looked at Ruatisha.

“Paeraton Duchess, you seemed to be particularly questioning the Prussian Lady about who was behind her at that time一.”

“It’s best not to say things that could be misunderstood.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to the voice that suddenly cut off the words.

Liriel was standing there, supported by a priest.

“Ruru never did that. Rather, she argued with the Prussian Lady, saying that it was natural for close friends to help each other with their love lives.”

More than anything, it was the Emperor who had pressed her about who it was.

‘How foolish.’

Liriel sneered at Earl Harris inwardly.

You won’t get anything by questioning Ruatisha with that.

Even in the midst of this chaos, Ruatisha is not forgetting to take what she should take.

‘I thought she would at least be shaken. To think she’s so fine.’

Liriel suppressed her annoyance and approached Ruatisha.

“Ruru, you must have been very surprised. People are really too much.”

“No. It’s okay, Liri. Are you feeling better?”

“Yes…….”

Liriel nodded and staggered slightly.

Ruatisha held Liriel’s arm tightly and supported her.

“That’s a relief. I thought something terrible would happen when I saw you collapse.”

Liriel smiled at the support and expression that contained no regret.

‘……It’s not easy after all.’

It would have been nice if she was as foolish as Schuella.

‘But it starts now.’

Liriel smiled brightly.

* * *

A few days later, the Empress’s Palace.

The Empress put down her teacup on the saucer and opened her mouth.

“To think that Liriel was really a Saintess. Bonbi [Korean word for “secret” or “confidential”] was also very surprised.”

For nearly 400 years, there have been many beings that people have called Saintesses, but there has been no Saintess officially recognized by the temple.

“Is that really the case?”

I sipped my tea and shrugged my shoulders.

The Empress looked at me with a slightly troubled face.

“What does that mean?”

“It means exactly what it says.”

“Ruru.”

“Leave Liriel alone.”

The Empress did not ask any further.

She just looked at me with a deep gaze and then nodded.

“It seems you have something in mind.”

I didn’t answer and just smiled.