My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 300

300. The Beginning Fate (2)

“······!”

“······!”

The assembled officials of the Imperial Palace widened their eyes in shock.

Valua also looked quite surprised.

He hadn’t expected the talk of dismissal to come up.

Dismissal was the highest punishment that could be given to a clergyman.

It meant stripping them of all related positions and eliminating their authority.

And they could never be reinstated as a clergyman again.

It was truly the ultimate punishment for a priest.

Therefore, dismissal was not an easy thing to do.

Looking back at history, it had only been done a few times.

Even then, only ordinary or apprentice priests were dismissed.

There were almost no cases of high-ranking priests being dismissed.

But to dismiss the Saintess, of all people?

The meaning was simple.

*What Aria is doing has nothing to do with our Holy Empire.*

*In other words, our Holy Empire will completely withdraw from this matter.*

“Hmph···.”

“This is···.”

The shock that settled in did not easily dissipate.

A moment of silence.

“What will you do with the Saintess?”

After a moment, Valua opened his mouth.

Aria gently raised her head and looked at Valua.

And as she looked into Valua’s eyes.

Aria could read Valua’s intentions.

Some tolerance shining through the dignity.

*I would understand if you withdrew your statement.*

Valua was saying that to Aria.

Frankly, Aria’s power was also embedded in Valua’s statement.

Therefore, if Aria retracted her words, Valua’s statement would also lose some of its power.

This would be a blow to the Emperor’s face.

To put it more bluntly, it would be Aria stabbing Valua in the back.

Even so, Valua was showing that he understood.

It was truly a display of the Emperor’s magnanimity.

It was a stark contrast to the Pope of the Holy Empire.

That’s why Aria had no choice but to hesitate.

And after a moment of contemplation.

“I will not retract my statement.”

Aria was able to make a decision.

Once again, shock settled in at Aria’s decision.

Everyone seemed surprised by Aria’s unexpected words.

“You will not retract it?”

And Valua also looked a little surprised.

“Yes.”

“I assume there is a valid reason for that statement.”

Rahir immediately asked in response to Aria’s answer.

Aria turned her gaze and looked at Rahir.

And the reason and evidence Rahir was talking about.

Aria smiled sweetly at Rahir.

A breathtaking smile combined with transcendent beauty.

Aria’s beauty shone like a goddess.

Sounds of admiration were heard among the officials at Aria’s beauty.

Aria brushed aside such admiration and moved her steps lightly.

The scent of flowers was felt amidst the fluttering platinum blonde hair with each step.

Just as they were about to be intoxicated by the beauty emanating fragrance.

Aria was already standing in front of Rahir.

“Did you ask for a valid reason?”

And at the same time as asking with a pure voice.

Aria brought her mouth to Rahir’s ear and whispered.

“I told you it’s God’s will.”

That small whisper that was heard.

“You old bastard.”

It spread throughout the quiet grand hall.

“······”

“······”

“······”

Beyond shock, an undeniable horror settled heavily in the grand hall.

#

The Imperial Palace was turned upside down.

It should be said that it was more than just turned upside down; it was a complete mess.

The reason for this was, of course, Aria’s shocking remarks.

However, if that was the *only* reason the Imperial Palace was turned upside down… that was not the case.

The decisive reason why the Imperial Palace was turned upside down:

“Why did you slap him *there*?”

“That old snake kept annoying me!” Aria shouted, her voice irritated, at Xian’s words. Her expression was also flushed, showing that she was genuinely annoyed.

*Anyway, that damn temper.*

“Then, slapping him once would have been enough. Why did you knee him *there*?”

“He kept threatening me with dismissal and stuff, so should I have just stood still?”

“Then, what about grabbing his hair and stomping on him with your shoe?”

“That’s because that bastard kept saying things—”

“So, you crushed Rahir’s nasal bone and jawbone? Even using Divine Speech [a form of holy magic] to pretend you didn’t hit him, and quickly healed him?”

“H, how did you know that?”

“It’s obvious since the Royal Knights rushed in but couldn’t stop you.”

The Royal Knights were skilled individuals, all of whom were Experts [highly trained warriors].

Those Royal Knights couldn’t handle that slender Aria?

What more needs to be said here?

So, until Xian stepped in, no one could stop Aria.

No wonder Leah hasn’t been able to nag Aria well these days.

Well, anyway.

“You know the Emperor was right in front of you, right? You almost got dragged away for treason.”

It was really fortunate that Valua showed leniency.

“Do you know what His Majesty said about you?”

“What did he say?”

“He realized that there was one more crazy bastard in this world.”

“······”

Aria just pouted her lips.

“More than that, weren’t you supposed to be acting innocent in public?”

“I don’t know! I’m so annoyed, what does it matter?”

“Oh, really.”

“More than that. Who’s the other one?”

“What?”

“He said there’s one more crazy bastard. Doesn’t that mean there’s one more besides me?”

“I don’t know. How would I know that?”

Xian gave her a look that said, *why are you asking me that?*

That’s because how would he know that?

It’s not like he knows mind reading.

But why, why is that?

“Why are you looking at me? I really don’t know.”

“No, just.”

Aria just stared at Xian with meaningful eyes.

Xian sighed and shook his head.

“You could have just said you would retract your statement. Why were you so stubborn?”

“I told you I would help you. If you back out now, is that a promise?”

“You have to do that while looking at the situation. What if you really get dismissed?”

“Ah, I don’t know. If they want to dismiss me, let them.”

As Aria turned her head away with a sulky look.

A certain confidence was felt, but also…

It also felt like a hopeless tomboy.

“If you get dismissed, do you have a place to go?”

“I do.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I can just live in Ruben.”

“Ruben? You don’t mean *that* Ruben in the Dark Forest? My territory?”

“Is there another Ruben besides that?”

“Who decided that?”

Xian wore a dumbfounded expression.

*What is she even saying right now?*

“Aren’t you going to accept me?”

“Why would I accept you? No, more than that, you know you owe me for room and board, right?”

“Ugh! I said I’ll give it to you!”

“When are you going to give it to me? And if you get dismissed from your position as a Saintess, won’t you have nowhere to get money from?”

“Th, that’s···.”

“Let’s talk again after you pay off your overdue payments then.”

Xian cut off the conversation as if he had nothing more to say.

“You bad bastard! Petty guy!”

“Did you only realize that now?”

“Your heart is as small as an anchovy, and your personality is terrible! You’re the most pathetic person in the world!”

“Hey. You’re starting to get carried away?”

“You’re the most foolish person in the world! A pushover who can’t even take what’s given to you!”

“······ What?”

“Ha!”

In an instant, Aria was startled and widened her eyes.

Then, with a flustered expression, she covered her mouth with both hands.

Then, her face gradually turned red, and soon it turned as red as a carrot.

“What did you just···.”

“I don’t know! And who cares if I get dismissed or not! Who cares if I die on the streets! What does it matter to you!”

Then, she ran away!

She got up from her seat and ran out as if breaking the door.

“Why is she like that these days, really.”

More than that, that damn temper is really…

Xian shook his head.

“Well… if she really gets dismissed, there’s no helping it.”

She has nowhere to go, so I can’t just leave her out there.

Above all, isn’t this something that happened because she was trying to help Xian?

“She could just live comfortably in the Holy Empire. She’s really making trouble for herself.”

Making trouble on purpose is also a talent if it’s a talent.

“Well, Lucas will be happy.”

Xian shook off his thoughts with a smirk.

“More than that, the Holy Empire moved…”

Xian sat still and pondered.

The delegation from the Holy Empire that came to the Imperial Palace this time.

To be exact, Cardinal Rahir, who became the head of the Twilight Order [a religious faction] this time.

“Did Rachel move?”

As of right now, that was the most likely possibility.

Rachel is the former Cardinal of the Holy Empire and the head of the Twilight Order.

Although Rahir has filled that position now, her influence would not have disappeared.

And that Rachel was currently with Elandur.

“Then, did Isabel take action?”

So, it could be thought of this way.

And if it goes a little further than this…

“She’s thinking of taking control of the Holy Empire and moving it…?”

However, it was a conjecture mixed with considerable leaps.

Not just a single religious order, but moving the entire Holy Empire.

Of course, compared to the Charlotte Empire, the Holy Empire is a little behind.

Nevertheless, the Holy Empire is a vast nation that falls into the same ranks as the Empire.

In other words, taking control of the entire nation of the Empire and moving it.

It was a conjecture mixed with considerable leaps.

“Hmm···.”

However, Xian could not just dismiss it.

The reason for this was that it was related to demons.

And Cardinal Rahir came as the representative of the Holy Empire.

Rahir’s nature that he heard from Aria.

And considering the Pope’s attitude and the current situation…

“Was the Holy Empire eaten by the Twilight Order?”

Even if they moved quickly in the time Aria was away, it was still a difficult task.

But if it’s related to demons?

He thought it might be possible somehow.

Above all, didn’t he see with his own eyes that Rachel was related to demons?

That Rachel was currently in Elandur.

Adding to this, Isabel had been strangely unresponsive all this time.

“It’s strange···.”

It was really strange.

It was too strange.

If all of the above conjectures are correct…

“She’s thinking of moving the Holy Empire to wage war?”

It was really an absurd thought, but it was not impossible.

If it was Isabel that Xian saw, it was possible enough.

Isabel, who oversaw the internal affairs of Elandur.

In some ways, Isabel was more difficult than Durak.

“Hmm···.”

However, it was at a level where he could not easily be certain.

“That means there are demon worshippers inside the Vatican···.”

Furthermore, it means that the Vatican has been eaten by demons.

In just a few months that Aria was away.

“Does that make sense… well, it might.”

Perhaps if it was the usual Xian, he would have immediately shook his head.

However, the current Xian was not.

At least he was thinking that there was a possibility.

In Kyle’s memories that Xian experienced.

Something similar happened a thousand years ago.

When Muriel was being consumed by a demon.

The Vatican was already full of demon worship.

If the current Vatican is also like that.

If it is already being eaten by demons like a thousand years ago.

“Hmm···.”

A strangely fitting feeling.

However, since it was only a conjecture, Xian did not confirm it.

And right then.

Buzzing.

Suddenly, a buzzing noise was heard from outside the VIP room.

Slightly raising his senses to check.

The Royal Knights of the Imperial Palace were moving busily with urgent expressions.

Somehow, something seemed to have happened.

Xian got up from his seat.

And he opened the door of the VIP room and grabbed one of the Royal Knights who was running in front of Xian.

“What’s going on?”

“Who… Ch, Ch!” The Royal Knight, who was frowning at the sudden call, hurriedly saluted after confirming Xian’s face.

Xian nodded once and asked again.

“What’s going on?”

“Ah… th, that is…”

Then, the Royal Knight trailed off and did not answer.

His troubled expression…

Somehow, it seemed like it was something he shouldn’t say.

He was very curious, but there was nothing he could do.

He couldn’t make the Royal Knight feel bad for no reason, so he was about to swallow his curiosity.

“The Imperial Palace investigation team that was dispatched to Elandur has just returned.”

A familiar voice was heard from one side.

He turned his head and looked at that place.

There, Crown Prince Conrad was slowly walking towards this way.

“I greet the Crown Prince.”

“Ch!”

Xian and the Royal Knights showed the appropriate respect for each position.

Conrad nodded lightly and gestured to the Royal Knight.

“Then I will return to my unit!”

The Royal Knight saluted once again and disappeared from sight.

After the Royal Knight disappeared like that.

Xian slowly raised his head and asked Conrad.

“If it’s the Imperial Palace investigation team… are you talking about the investigation team that was dispatched to Elandur in relation to demons?”

“That’s right.”

Conrad nodded and continued.

“I was about to go find Xian, you, about that matter.”

“Me? Did the investigation team find something?”

“They didn’t find anything.”

Conrad shook his head firmly and opened his mouth again.

“No, to be exact, they say they can’t even know if they found anything.”

“Yes? What do you mean…?”

Xian tilted his head and asked.

No, if they found it, they found it.

If they didn’t find it, they didn’t find it.

What does it mean that they can’t even know if they found it?

Xian looked at Conrad with a suspicious face.

Conrad slowly opened his mouth with a heavy expression.

That was the answer Conrad gave.

“The severed heads of the investigation team have just arrived at the Imperial Palace.”

Xian’s eyes widened.