143 - The High Priest
Night.
As we made camp, we rested while remaining vigilant of our surroundings. Because our travel speed was fast, we had managed to put more distance between ourselves and our pursuers than I had expected.
However, there was something I wanted to confirm, so I asked Gastone-san, the former High Priest, for information.
Our conversation took place a short distance from the campfire, as we both drank warm beverages.
There were many things I wanted to ask, but identifying the pursuers was the top priority. And also, what Gastone-san and his companions were aiming for.
With a weary expression, Gastone-san explained the situation to me.
"The elites of the Holy Knights?"
Nodding, Gastone-san muttered resentfully.
"They are an assassination squad in name only as 'elites.' Since long ago, they were a unit specializing in underhanded dealings. Lady Selma, the former Saint, was a moderate, and as a result, dissatisfaction inevitably built up within the Knights..."
From within the orb, a voice could be heard as if blaming Gastone-san. It was the Fifth Generation.
『Instead of just clashing, you should have encouraged and praised them for moderately subjugating monsters and bandits. To leave a spark of conflict within the country—or is it already a great fire? It's unthinkable to leave such a major problem unattended.』
I thought to myself that he was one to talk, having left sparks of his own regarding his children, but I didn't say it. I tried asking the Fifth Generation's question in a softer tone.
"Wouldn't it have been better to let the Knights prove themselves by encouraging monster and bandit subjugation?"
At that, Gastone-san gave a terribly exhausted smile.
"Do you think Lady Selma didn't notice? I, too, come from a lineage of High Priests. Naturally, I had no desire to support the Knights without having them do anything."
A lineage of High Priests. In terms of nobility, it was likely a position akin to a Count or a Viscount. While there were differences from the nobility, it seemed the priests were decided by heredity.
It was likely something unique to Zain. I didn't hear of it much elsewhere.
"...The High Priests and the Knights conspired to ensure we did not invade other countries and were not permitted to focus on internal affairs, leaving us with no choice but to rely on adventurers. We paid funds wastefully, and it took twenty years to finally make something of it. I couldn't even arrange for a change in generations, and Lady Selma suffered greatly."
The Fifth Generation apologized to Gastone-san from within the orb.
『...To be honest, I'm sorry.』
Though they couldn't hear it, I also felt an uncomfortable sense of guilt.
"Was it Lady Selma? Wouldn't it have been better if the previous generation hadn't forced her into retirement?"
At this, Gastone-san pressed his hand to his forehead with a troubled expression. He let out his true feelings in a whisper.
"...Given her age, being the Saint was difficult. She is beautiful, but as they say, she couldn't compete with young women; the people of the territory were also seeking a new Saint."
The Sixth Generation sounded exasperated.
『I'm amazed the rule lasted this long. I mean, if the Saint is just a figurehead, wouldn't anyone do? If things went poorly, a takeover would be easy...』
Then, the Third Generation spoke.
『Ah, so that's how it is. A woman from some faction becomes the Saint, and they use Zain to strike at opposing countries. I thought they were idiots for picking fights with everyone around them. Well, I still think they're idiots.』
While thinking that many things were wrong, I asked Gastone-san a question.
"The current Saint is, uh..."
"Originally, she is the daughter of a noble from a neighboring country called Selva. Normally, a girl of such origin should have been avoided."
Selva—a small country that moved around in the shadows in various ways. In a land where complex small nations were intermingled, it was currently maintaining silence.
Unlike some pair of countries, there were no signs of intense fighting.
(Is it even possible to unite a land like this? No, in the first place, can it even be united?)
As I felt uneasy, the Seventh Generation spoke happily.
『This is wonderful. We have the previous Saint and a moderate High Priest... the leader and her assistant are both right here in our hands.』
The Fourth Generation added.
『It's almost like a rebellion. No, this is a rebellion. A former Saint who had her position stolen, and a High Priest who was cast out!』
The Third Generation continued.
『The former Saint, grieving for the country, stands up because things cannot go on like this! It would have been better if she were a bit younger, though!』
The Fifth Generation spoke.
『Well, we can put those two at the forefront to build a faction, and Riel can serve as the core. Once we get our hands on Zain, we can change the method of governance using the rebellion as a reason.』
The Sixth Generation agreed.
『Indeed. As for those Holy Knights? Let's crush the elites sent after us right here. Considering the scale of the country, their numbers shouldn't be that high. It will surely be a significant blow.』
...From what I had heard, the position of Saint had been formally handed over. Though it was apparently somewhat forced, Gastone-san had seemingly been forced to accept it. Despite that, the successive heads of the family were trying to frame it as a rebellion.
As I rolled the orb with my fingertip, the Third Generation tried to persuade me.
『Do you not like it, Riel? If so, think of it this way! Use this opportunity to reform Zain's flaw-ridden method of governance! What, the surrounding countries used Zain to run wild anyway. This is actually an act of goodwill! To correctly lead this land of continuing strife, let us swallow our tears for now!』
The Fifth Generation added.
『Besides, if we leave it alone, Ceres will eventually destroy it. While her eyes are turned inward, we'll unite this land, even if we have to be a bit forceful. That alone isn't enough, but we'll consider the surrounding situation as well. Moreover, they are an opponent I cannot forgive if left alone.』
The Fifth Generation was showing more enthusiasm than ever. In the midst of this, the Sixth Generation spoke to me.
『Riel, I understand your feelings, but it is a fact that we need to break through this situation somewhere. Just think of it as you being involved. Furthermore, if we leave it alone, Ceres will definitely move in the near future. Judge this by looking further ahead.』
It was a gentle voice.
After a while, I asked Gastone-san about the future plans.
"What do you intend to do once we arrive in Beim?"
"We cannot make too much of a commotion. However, I want to ensure the safety of those who were dragged into this. There is Lady Selma, and also Lady Aura, a former Saint Candidate. If only it had ended with me being the only one targeted."
Despite having the face of a villain, for some reason, he was a kind person. He might have suffered considerably. And yet, the successive heads of the family...
『What? A former Saint Candidate? Based on the story, she's a rival to the current Saint, right? ...Oops, we've gained even more cards!』
『To the point of being a candidate. There must be people within Zain who give her instructions... I'm looking forward to this!』
『Then, should we sell the idea to Lorfis that we've gained a righteous cause? That place only has the princess now, right? The King and Queen died in an accident.』
『Nothing but fishy stories. And there's a country that's been suspiciously silent. A country whose name comes up, but whose movements cannot be seen...』
『No, no, this time is truly meaningful. The strength of the faction we'll fight is reduced, and we've gained a righteous cause. Now, let's set the stage and prepare for victory.』
They sounded happy. Very happy.
(These guys are scary.)
I took a deep breath and made a proposal to Gastone-san.
"Gastone-san."
"Yes?"
"About the pursuers. There's no doubt they're following us. I expect we'll be attacked somewhere."
"...I am aware. Even so, they are the elites of the Knights. If you think it's impossible, you may flee. However, in that case, please let Lady Selma and Lady Aura escape. As for the others, please take them with you if possible. If they can take my head, they will be satisfied to some extent—"
Before Gastone-san could finish, I spoke with a smile.
"It's fine if I just wipe them all out, right?"
"...Huh? Eh!?"
Looking at Gastone-san's surprised face, I explained the plan.
It was a valley that served as the shortest route back to Beim.
That place, surrounded by rocky terrain, was difficult to traverse due to the abundance of stones. However, since we had decided to take the shortest route, we absolutely had to pass through there.
Additionally, it was a place suited for an ambush. There was a lot of gravel, making the carriage's progress slow. Even so, the Porter was moving without issue.
(Porter, you really are reliable.)
Those round, glass-bead eyes seemed to shine today as well. A reliable comrade of ours.
"Now, it's almost time."
While looking around, I checked using my skills. I confirmed the surrounding terrain with the Fifth Generation's [Dimension] and grasped the enemy's status with the Sixth Generation's [Spec]. It seemed they had pushed themselves to chase us and had rushed to get ahead.
It was worth taking a route that intentionally aimed for the valley to lure them in.
Clara approached me.
"Riel-san, the preparations are complete."
Aria was also guarding the surroundings, and Eva, being an elf, seemed to have noticed the presence of enemies from the atmosphere.
The opponents seemed to be targeting the carriage, their objective, more than us. Feeling the prickly tension in the air, I gave instructions to Mei, who had taken her position.
(Mei, you can hear me, right? Can you see the map I'm looking at?)
On the map I was imagining, several red dots of light were glowing. There was also a group monitoring us from a distance; if they failed, they probably intended to return and report.
But I couldn't let them escape.
(I can hear you. I mean, my head is throbbing. There's too much information. So, which ones should I attack?)
I decided to have her handle the group at the distant location. Since there was a distance, they might escape.
(I'll leave the distant group to you. I'll crush the ones who attack us here.)
(...Fine. I'll be back soon, but I wonder if I'll make it in time.)
Mei, who was communicating via the skill [Connection], was tasked with crushing the group watching from afar.
For Mei, a Kirin, a small number of Knight elites were easy opponents. The problem would be those of us fighting the main body of the group.
I spoke to Clara, who was walking beside me.
"I got a message from Mei. I've asked her to handle the ones monitoring us. She plans to join us after that."
Clara's gaze was directed toward the Porter. He was sweating and looked more exhausted than anxious.
As the enemies took their positions around us, Aria grew tense. Sensing the atmosphere, her body seemed to stiffen.
Eva had also noticed the opponents and was pretending not to. Where the enemy was aiming and where they were positioned—I knew it as if it were in the palm of my hand. Gripping the orb in my left hand, I raised my right hand and used magic.
"Ice Wall!"
Walls of ice appeared floating in the air around the carriages moving in line and around the Porter, and as if aimed precisely there, flames struck. Arrows were also fired, but they were blocked by the ice walls. The horses pulling the carriages became excited, but the driver gripped the reins and calmed them down.
As I blocked the attacks coming one after another, a group wearing robes leaped down from the cliff. There were seven. Two more were waiting atop the cliff.
As the robed men armed with weapons ran toward us, I changed the orb into a bow and used a skill.
I aimed with [Select] and fired an arrow of light toward the sky. The single arrow of light fired toward the heavens quickly vanished from sight.
Returning the bow to an orb, I drew two sabers hanging from my neck.
The opponents were suspicious of my actions, but four of them ran toward the carriage. The rest attacked us.
To protect Clara, who was weak in close combat, I stepped forward, while Aria and Eva faced the robed men.
"So you're planning to target the objective while keeping us occupied... quite loyal."
I spoke while looking at them, but the opponents did not answer my conversation. However, I twisted my lips into a smirk.
"You should be careful of what's above."
They seemed slightly concerned by my words, but the robed man in front of me thrust a spear toward me. Amidst the slippery gravel, he accurately aimed for my vitals.
(Sharp... but softer than the Sixth Generation!)
I deflected the spear with the saber in my left hand, rotated my body like a chess piece, and sliced down an arrow fired from the cliff with the saber in my right hand. I stabbed the robed man with the saber and kicked him away.
I let go of the saber, and a bit of blood splattered on me. As I prepared magic in my now-empty left hand, I saw an enemy trying to slash at Eva behind me.
"Stone Bullet!"
Several pebbles leaped from the ground and were fired toward the enemy I pointed my left hand at. Upon hitting the target, the enemy's robe was shot through.
He dodged and turned his gaze toward me, his eyes filled with hatred.
"Don't get too distracted by me... I did warn you."
The robed men who had attacked others besides us had destroyed the carriage door and climbed inside. They were surely looking for the previous Saint, the Saint Candidate, and the former High Priest.
As the driver stepped away from the carriage, the sky lit up. When the enemies turned their gaze upward, small arrows of light rained down one after another.
We remained where we were, while the opponents tried to flee from the arrows of light. In a place with nowhere to hide, the enemies were shot through by the small arrows raining from the sky. The power of each single shot was low, but as many of them pierced their bodies, the opponents fell without resistance.
Looking around, I saw Aria, splattered with blood, gripping her spear and collapsing to her knees.
I rushed over and looked at the opponent.
(Did she defeat them using a skill?)
Aria was shaken, and her breathing was erratic. Unlike defeating monsters, there was something that hit her mentally. I placed my hand on Aria's shoulder.
"You did your best. Rest a little."
Aria nodded and then looked down and vomited. Rubbing her back, I looked around. Eva was sitting down. She didn't seem to be injured.
I checked with my skill, but there were no surviving enemies.
Then, Mei, who had leaped from the cliff, landed on the ground.
"As I thought, it was already over. Just as I said."
Looking at Mei puffing out her chest, I gave a light reply of "I guess so" and looked at the Porter while continuing to rub Aria's back. The rear door opened, and the former Saint and her companions filed out.
They had been forced into the narrow cargo area.
Seeing the aftermath of the battle, Selma-san looked surprised.
"Could it be that you really defeated them? There should have been nearly ten of them."
She directed a gaze of disbelief toward us, and Gastone-san, who stepped down after her, looked back and forth between us and the fallen elites of his own country.
From within the orb, the Third Generation spoke.
『Now, with this, we've made a strong impression on Riel. Additionally, we've managed to defeat about fifteen of the enemy's elites... Riel, this is where it begins.』
At the Third Generation's serious voice, I gripped the orb tightly. However, beside me, Aria was still vomiting. I continued to rub her back and speak to her.