The Protagonists Of The Novel Escaped – Chapter 33

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: TushChen
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The location of the holy sword Aldebaran was confirmed.

Moreover, it was discovered that a person named “Edanant von Hohenberc” was currently using the holy sword Aldebaran.

How should the current issue be handled?

High-ranking priests representing the Holy Kingdom attended the meeting.

Through the distinct crimson vestments, it could be guessed that the high-ranking priests gathered like clouds were cardinals, the second highest in rank.

“This is unprecedented! An outsider touching the holy sword!”

“But isn’t he the younger brother of the hero Maximilian? He is not a complete outsider. They say he defeated the evil Meiros and the cult followers, so we should judge him with sufficient consideration.”

The holy sword must be retrieved immediately.

No, let’s withhold the decision for now and observe the situation.

The opinions of the cardinals were divided, clashing fiercely.

Although the argument for strictly adhering to the rules of the Holy Kingdom was dominant, the flow changed as Edanant von Hohenberc, confirmed as a holy sword wielder, swept away the cult forces that had infiltrated the Valtarian Empire.

“Aren’t we facing an unprecedented crisis with the simultaneous disappearance of the hero and the saintess? In this situation, retrieving the holy sword would only boost the morale of the cult forces!”

“What about recognizing Young Master Edanant as the new hero for his success in the subjugation…”

Currently, the absence of the hero and the saintess is critical.

Let’s put Edanant von Hohenberc at the forefront.

As the blood relative of the hero Maximilian and someone who has achieved remarkable feats, he is worth trusting.

When such arguments emerged from one corner, the cardinals adhering to principles rose like bees.

They belonged to the faction following the Holy King and the Second Saintess Beatrice.

“What are you saying? Doesn’t the ownership of the holy sword belong solely to His Holiness!”

“The fact that he achieved feats and accomplishments cannot make him an exception to the solemn rules!”

The cardinals of the Holy Kingdom took a stance in acknowledging Edanant’s accomplishments. Still, most of them adhered to principles when it came to the issue of transferring the ownership of the holy sword.

It was because Edanant was a non-believer who had not received baptism.

The cardinals would have considered it positively if he were a devout believer. The fact that he had not received baptism acted as a factor for the cardinals’ wariness.

Why hadn’t he received baptism?

That became a new point of inquiry.

The Valtarian Empire had adopted the Holy Kingdom’s proposal early on and worshiped the Earth Mother Gael as the sole deity.

Therefore, most nobles, including the Emperor, were believers of the Earth Mother who had received baptism.

It was a common culture to receive baptism as soon as one underwent the coming-of-age ceremony, so the cardinals found it strange.

“Could it be that Young Master Edanant has an irreverent intention?”

“What are you saying? Isn’t Young Master Edanant someone chosen by the holy sword?”

To resolve the suspicion, Edanant had to receive baptism.

The baptism of the Earth Mother.

That was something they could never compromise on.

The cardinals, who had been continuing the debate, proposed a compromise.

Edanant would receive baptism from a priest dispatched by the Holy Kingdom in exchange for arbitrarily granting him ownership of the holy sword.

No one raised any objection to that compromise.

Because the holy sword bestowed by the Earth Mother would be rightfully allowed only to someone who had received the sacred baptism.

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If you want to be granted ownership of the holy sword, receive baptism.

I felt the absurdity of reality at the Holy Kingdom’s demand conveyed by Zebeline.

Forcing someone to believe in a religion.

It was no different from military chaplains luring new recruits with hamburgers and beer.

It would have been better if the Holy Kingdom had threatened me to pay tithes. I would have given them any amount of that measly money.

Of course, I would grumble endlessly with my mouth.

“Did you know? In the old days, they used to immerse believers in cold river water to perform baptism. Now, it’s simplified to just pouring water on the head.”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

Immersing the body in river water is called immersion baptism.

Moderately sprinkling water on the head is called sprinkling baptism.

How could I not know that?

I had seen the priests of the Holy Kingdom presiding over baptism ceremonies several times. By the way, I had also witnessed the scene of Maximilian receiving baptism.

I shrugged my shoulders and answered Zebeline’s lively voice.

“When you receive baptism, they serve you bread and wine? And they give you a lump of ham and cheese each. It’s truly benevolent welfare, isn’t it?”

“Wow, it’s really tempting. I want to receive baptism right away.”

I didn’t want to seriously answer Zebeline’s playful question, so I responded sarcastically with exaggerated gestures.

Then Zebeline burst into laughter.

“I heard that the citizens of the Valtarian Empire, regardless of class, receive baptism simultaneously with their coming-of-age ceremony… Young Master Edanant, you’re quite unique. Is there any particular reason why you have avoided baptism until now? Like an unavoidable circumstance that prevents you from receiving baptism.”

“……”

Is she trying to probe me?

Zebeline asked with a grin.

I stayed silent for a moment.

Because the First Saintess’s blue eyes twinkled meaningfully.

I wondered if the saintess had chosen the wrong profession. Wouldn’t a mischievous shepherdess suit her better than a saintess who required purity and solemnity?

I thought for a moment.

‘I think I said something similar to some kid before…’

Suddenly, I felt a sense of déjà vu.

Perhaps someone came to mind because of the saintess’s mischievous and lively appearance.

Strangely, the memory was hazy.

Even though it was a memory from only 3 years ago.

“I have a holy water allergy.”

“Pfft!”

The girl with silver hair flowing down covered her mouth and burst into laughter.

On the other hand, the holy knights escorting the saintess showed signs of displeasure, as if they disliked my joke.

“Tis’ but a joke. Of course, I will follow the Holy Kingdom’s decision.”

“That is truly wise on your part.”

After leaving the villa, I walked the streets with Zebeline, engaging in conversation.

Whenever the girl with silver hair flowing down and the holy knights armed in full armor appeared, attention was focused from all directions.

Phew.

I hope there won’t be any more fake news.

Like the playboy who captivated the empire’s princesses, now targeting even the saintess…

If any newspaper company spreads such fake news, I plan to commit a bomb terror in the style of Bomber Gale.

“The cardinals of the Holy Kingdom will try to win over Young Master Edanant starting with baptism. Since there is a significant vacancy in their forces due to the disappearance of the Saintess Party, they naturally need a ‘new hero,’ don’t they?”

“Your jokes are going too far. How could I replace my brother?”

I had no intention of accepting the Holy Kingdom’s proposal.

Moreover, I had no intention of leaving the empire.

I only wished for peace.

Although things had been going from bad to worse since the Saintess’ Party disappeared.

Just entering the Holy Kingdom, with its abundance of high-ranking priests, would increase the risk of my identity being exposed.

That’s why I indirectly declined Zebeline’s suggestive proposal.

“…I knew Young Master Edanant would answer like that. I had some expectations, but being rejected outright makes me feel a bit disappointed.”

“……”

Zebeline let out a deep sigh.

It was like looking at a girl who had been rejected after rashly confessing.

Is there a need to be that dejected?

Isn’t the Gael Holy Kingdom the only power comparable to the mighty Valtarian Empire?

If Zebeline declared a holy war, countless sacred knights of the Holy Kingdom would brave even death.

“Before receiving baptism, you need to memorize basic prayers… Do you happen to have them memorized?”

“No, I am thoroughly ignorant of them.”

“To think there is someone with such a lack of faith, as the saintess of the Holy Kingdom, it’s truly regrettable.”

“…I apologize.”

It’s embarrassing, but I don’t know the short prayers children can recite fluently.

I feel like a fool.

Is this how Rue feels when she bounces around like a scatterbrain?

When the moment comes to recite the prayers, I’ll freeze up on the spot.

As I overtly showed my perplexity, Zebeline smiled benevolently and said she would help me.

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The kind saintess willingly extended a helping hand to educate this lacking savage.

Missionary work is also part of a saintess’ duty.

Zebeline said that and headed to the villa together.

To think I would receive private tutoring from the saintess.

If the priests who revered the saintess as a demigod saw this scene, they would have shed tears of envy.

They were such fanatics that they had rushed out as soon as Zebeline arrived in the empire, begging for her teachings.

“Now, lie down quickly. I’ll read it to you.”

“That’s a bit…”

“Ahem! Are you going to refuse my kindness of willingly imparting teachings to you?”

“……”

The beautiful girl with silver hair flowing down sat on the soft carpeted floor.

Then, she patted her thighs.

I had no choice but to surrender to her blatant coercion.

With a restless mind no different from sitting on pins and needles, I lay down and committed the sacrilege of placing my head on the saintess’ lap.

“Good, well done.”

The holy maiden smiled brightly and stroked my head. Every time her soft hand brushed against my skin, I felt a sensation that made me flinch.

What is it?

What kind of situation is this?

I blinked my eyes and observed Zebeline’s expression.

I thought it was just a prank to tease me, but it didn’t seem to be the case.

Zebeline was smiling with genuine happiness. Her peach-like blushing cheeks were telling me that.

“I’ve always wanted to return the favor of a lap pillow… It’s good that the opportunity has come.”

“…Pardon?”

“No, it’s nothing. It’s just amusing to see Young Master Edanant’s blank stare.”

“……”

The silver-haired girl spoke in a voice filled with emotion.

The hand stroking my head like a dandelion fluttering in the wind was overflowing with warmth.

It was as if she were treating a lover reunited after a long separation.

We were definitely strangers until recently.

Nevertheless, Zebeline showed sincere emotions as if we had known each other for a long time.

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