What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 646

#646

Religious Distancing (3)

The wizard, not being a paladin, couldn’t fully grasp his primal pain or agony.

But he could help. Francois quickly hardened his expression and turned around, his fingers trembling subtly as he swept back his hair.

“…Make the pulley move.”

“Pardon?”

“You all need to turn the pulleys on both sides to raise that man’s arms further and tighten the handcuffs. Quickly.”

“Ah, yes! Marquis!”

The servants, faces pale, hurriedly wound the pulleys hanging on either side of the warehouse. ‘Clang, clang, creak…’

With the grating noise, John’s arms slowly rose.

Francois didn’t usually enjoy comparing nobles and commoners, but seeing the Prelate, usually known for his ‘more noble than the nobles’ attitude, so disheveled was truly a sight to behold.

The white hair, which was always neatly tied back, was now half-undone and a mess.

According to Her Highness Aurelia, he wasn’t even fully exposed to the Crown [referring to a specific magical or divine power], yet the ripple effect of his vessel shaking to this extent was hard to believe.

The Marquis spoke in as businesslike a voice as possible.

“…I understand that it’s still difficult to receive the priest’s Aether [divine energy]. Would you like a sedative or tranquilizer? We have preparations for high-level magical beasts here as well.”

Of course, he didn’t want to use magical beast anesthetics on a person, but the subject was a Cardinal on the verge of a meltdown.

He himself would know his physical condition best.

“It’s no use anyway…”

“Yes.”

John made a hoarse sound, his head bowed.

He looked utterly exhausted to anyone who saw him, and to strangers, he would surely appear as a knight of the Holy State captured and horribly tortured by the Imperial Army.

Francois looked around the meager medicine shelf and swallowed hard.

It would be a hundred, a thousand times better to just fall asleep.

“…It’s no use.”

“…”

“I’m already… Ascended [reached a higher spiritual state]. Only… priests…”

‘Just don’t let the priests in.’ The Cardinal whispered intermittently with bloodied lips.

The pupils he glimpsed were completely unfocused.

The Marquis quickly nodded and gave the servants a few more instructions.

Since it seemed he couldn’t rest comfortably yet, there was no other way but to use the method that His Highness the Crown Prince had once been prescribed.

“Thoroughly block all gaps to prevent outside air from entering, and from now on, refrain from entering as much as possible. Unless it’s a critical matter, it’s best to move in shifts.”

“Yes, Marquis Dium.”

“Keep your clothes in monochrome colors as they are now, and only speak in whispers. Of course, food cannot be brought in, so please eat in the barracks before coming in.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t worry, Master.”

He felt somewhat relieved that they were trustworthy servants from the southern Empire.

Francois let out a silent sigh…

-Thud!

“Oh my!”

Just then, the warehouse door opened with an extremely rude noise.

The servants, startled and shrinking, identified the uninvited guest and hurriedly prostrated themselves on the floor.

They were all so surprised that they were trembling with a completely different kind of fear than before.

Francois quickly bowed to his superior. He suddenly felt a cold sweat breaking out.

“…Your Majesty, my liege. What brings you here?”

“My only mercenary is on the verge of death, so I had to come and see him.”

The husky voice echoed through the warehouse.

At the Marquis’s slight nod, the quick-witted servants quickly got up and went outside.

The knights and soldiers who had escorted the Emperor were all standing about twenty paces away.

When the door closed again, only three people remained in the room.

Frederic Riestel strode towards the Cardinal without hesitation.

John was still bowing his head as before.

The wet shirt and torn outer garment were all made of summer material, and the style was a year or two out of fashion.

The Emperor clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘He returned from another world,’ he said, and indeed it was no lie. Not that those guys would lie anyway.

“How are you feeling?”

“…I can manage.”

“…”

The answer came after a long time, and it wasn’t very satisfying.

The one in the position of supreme power reached out and lifted his chin sharply.

In the dim light, two pairs of eyes intertwined, and sweat dripped from the bloodless man’s skin.

Francois stood by the table, holding his breath.

The Emperor forged a sharp sentence.

“Just managing is not enough. How can you, the Crown Prince’s teacher, act so weak?”

“…”

“…”

Tsk. He must have suffered a lot and returned.

“Your child is doing well. She is still under the protection of the Ark [a place of sanctuary or powerful magical protection], so there is nothing to worry about.”

“Hah…”

Only then did John’s eyes widen, and hot breath poured out from his throat.

Frederic released the chin he had been holding only after seeing that reaction.

However, this time the Cardinal did not avert his gaze.

The mint-colored eyes, filled with heat, flickered with a dull light.

“There has never been a Cardinal-level paladin in Riestel, so even if I wanted to heal you right away, I cannot. What other way is there but to harass the priests who defected from the Holy State?”

The Emperor, who spat those words out, gnashed her teeth and glared at the air.

Francois had no doubt that her recovery to this extent in the past few days was the grace of the Main God.

Meanwhile, John silently waited for his superior’s next words.

As a mercenary, the thing he was best at was listening to the orders of the one who held his leash.

“So overcome it with your own will.”

“…”

“The war will resume from the beginning of March, and the last military conference of our forces will be held on the morning of the day before. If you don’t show up by then, it will affect the morale of the army.”

“…”

“Can you do it?”

The stern question fell.

Francois looked back and forth between his master and John, with a troubled expression.

With the end of February only four days away, the Cardinal had only regained consciousness for the first time this morning.

His body considered even a piece of bread too much stimulation, and his vessel was extremely unstable.

He wasn’t a priest, but even the air in this warehouse was fluctuating erratically, so that said it all. Recovering in just four days…

“I asked if you can strike down the puppeteer’s heavenly path, as everyone expects.”

Good God. Even going to war.

“…I will make it possible.”

“Good heavens.”

The Marquis hurriedly covered his mouth with his hand to stifle the outburst.

John, who had chewed out his resolve, shook his handcuffs once instead of groaning.

The Emperor looked back at the wizard with sunken eyes.

“Francois.”

“Yes. Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What happens in this area will continue to be your responsibility. I will support you with whatever you need, so make sure their recovery is not delayed.”

“…Please, leave it to me.”

“Also, there must be no leaks.”

“I receive the Imperial command.”

The Marquis bowed deeply.

The Emperor lingered for a few more seconds, unlike her usual self, then tapped John on the shoulder once. Flinch!

“Get some sleep.”

“…”

“They say it’s easier if you block your vision.”

That was clearly advice from someone who had been through a similar situation.

The Cardinal obediently lowered his eyelids.

*

No, I really appreciate it, but I don’t need this kind of thing—!

“I’m really fine. Can’t I just go out for five minutes?”

-Kyaa?

“I know Her Highness said no, but just once, really. Even if it’s just in front.”

Although the next day had come, I still hadn’t taken a single step outside the cabin.

At best, I would occasionally open a window to ventilate and stick my head out to bask in the sun.

Even that, the knights and soldiers on guard were so alarmed that I absolutely couldn’t do it for long.

Agate always brought me a generous meal, so I didn’t need to go anywhere to eat.

There were also priests in charge of the bathwater, and there was also someone to help me with my clothes (I politely refused this part, so they didn’t come this morning).

“How can such a precious person face the cold wind?”

The priest who was taking my pulse said in a solemn voice.

I quickly prepared my next retort. Still…!

“Your Highness, you must be mindful of your behavior as it may be an unnecessary stimulus to the paladins.”

“Didn’t Cardinal Boutier leave instructions? It would be wise to stay here and rest for the time being.”

“But according to Her Majesty Hanan, if a wavering paladin has enough will, they can withstand the priest’s Aether [divine energy]. Rather, it may make the vessel much stronger. And if the priest has a deep connection with the knight, the possibility of helping with recovery is several times greater…”

“That old woman is from the old days.”

What! I was shocked and gaped. The priests who came to examine me also looked surprised.

Jibril Diop, who was crouching in a chair next to the bed, shrugged.

“Did I say something wrong? Would an elder’s theory that’s been around for a thousand years work for today’s paladins? Aren’t you thinking about the risks involved?”

“That’s, well…”

Well, you could see it that way.

“It’s a hassle if you get hurt, and if someone goes berserk, how are you going to take responsibility for the repercussions? What if there’s a casualty?”

“…”

-Awoo…

That’s absolutely right, but… The wizard’s bright red eyes were cold.

I eventually lowered my gaze and bit my lip. I knew I was being stubborn myself, so I couldn’t argue anymore.

Tete, who was in my arms, looked up at me and whined.

The baby had been flapping its fin-feet since last night, looking for Ms. Gain.

It wasn’t crying yet, but if this continued for a few more days, it would surely be greatly heartbroken.

Just yesterday, Her Majesty Hanan Lumayan, who came to see me, said this.

‘-The Aether [divine energy] is greatly fluctuating throughout the vessel, making it difficult for the young ones to even preserve themselves.’

‘Your Majesty Hanan. What does that mean…’

‘-They can’t even handle a drop of the priest’s Aether [divine energy], so how will they come into contact with other paladins, and how will they withstand that energy?’

In other words, my friends, including Ms. Gain, were in very critical condition.

Goosebumps rose on my cheeks and the back of my hands. I asked urgently.

‘Is there really no way I can help? Everyone is having such a hard time…’

As a partner and friend, was I just supposed to stay still?

I wanted to be of help in any way possible.

‘-If it’s a pinwheel [a specific symptom or condition], it’s a temporary premonitory symptom of a meltdown, and the other two must be in the process of widening their vessels [increasing their capacity for divine energy].’

‘…Widening their vessels [increasing their capacity for divine energy]?’

I awkwardly accepted the cloth doll that was being handed over to me.

Her Majesty Hanan waved her short arms and explained with dignity.

‘-The suffering of a clergyman who upholds the will of God is inherently like that. Haven’t you also gone through several trials to become the force you are now through the bishop? Is there an error in my words?’

‘Ah…’

Looking back after hearing those words, I really only detonated the Crown [unleashed a surge of power] when I overcame a life-threatening crisis or when I was similarly excited.

When I came back here from our veranda, when I first communicated with Wilhelmina Sneider, and this time too… I nodded silently.

Then I vaguely understood the concept that my friends were going through similar pain and stepping up to the next level.

Diop, who had been listening to the conversation quietly, let out a low sigh.

‘-A growing vessel [capacity for divine energy] is very sensitive and easily broken, so it is always the wisest course of action to prohibit the entry of priests.’

‘…Is that so.’

‘-But if it’s a relationship where you’ve shared life and death, it might be different.’

‘Yes?’

I slightly brightened my gloomy expression.

The cloth doll twitched its carefully sewn mouth.

‘-What’s so good about being a partner? When happy, the knight carried the priest on his back and roamed the world, so when sad, the priest should comfort the knight to be fair.’

Hmm…

‘-If they are familiar with each other’s Aether [divine energy], it won’t have a bad effect as the young Emperor fears. It may even promote growth.’

‘Is that really true? Have you perhaps experienced it yourself?’

‘Hey, Your Majesty. If you can’t guarantee it, don’t poke around recklessly. This palace lord really does it.’

‘Hey, look at that wizard’s way of speaking. Did your mana come from a griffin?’

‘What?’

Suddenly, Her Majesty Hanan questioned the origins of Diop’s son (?), so the topic quickly faded away.

In any case, that was the reason why Isabel had never seen her daughter’s face.

I heard that the divine beasts were the same.

For the absolute stability and recovery of the paladins, no being that operates Aether [divine energy] can approach the paladin area.

The friends’ injuries were quickly treated by the healing priests in the early stages, but even that was not enough to completely heal them, so they used topical medicine.

‘Then how is Your Majesty… Are you alright?’

I asked carefully. The cloth doll twitched its eyebrows.

‘I clumsily released the Crown [unleashed a surge of power], but Your Majesty Hanan was not affected?’

‘-This body’s Aether [divine energy] has been rotten for a long time, so it is.’

‘Oh, I’m sorry.’

‘I will often come to deliver news. Please don’t worry, Palace Lord, and just focus on resting.’

Lady Elizabeth smiled and skillfully concluded the conversation.

Thus, the subsequent topic flowed in a completely different direction.

But I hadn’t completely escaped from that moment.

“…Son, you said you met Sir Christel in person?”

“How many times are you going to ask?”

“Did you perhaps see him again this morning? How was he?”

“I told you, he’s just sleeping. All covered up with blankets. No manners at all.”

“…”

While the priests were taking my temperature, brewing bitter medicine, and collecting down feathers with my permission—I had a pointless conversation with Diop.

The son shot back as if it were nothing, but I knew he was lying.

How great would it be if that were true? If Ms. Gain was just sleeping comfortably…

-Knock knock

Then someone knocked on the cabin door. I let the guest in immediately.

Since it would be another priest anyway—

“It’s been a while, Palace Lord Juliette. You’ve been through a lot.”

“…Huh?”

Uh-oh? As soon as I saw his face, my expression loosened like a fool.

Suddenly, for no particular reason, I had a feeling that things would work out.

“Welcome, Commander!”

It’s Camille Bakari!