CHAPTER 80
The Saintess was visiting the Holy Church in the capital, and the city was in an absolute uproar.

The Saintess was a figure renowned not just within the Holy Church, but across the entire world. For her, who usually resided in the Holy Land, to visit another region was an international event.

Perhaps that was why the streets were abuzz with a festival atmosphere to welcome her. It was a festival the Holy Church had hastily arranged in coordination with the Imperial Family. The people were delighted by the sudden festivities. For these uncivilized this-worlders, who lacked proper entertainment, a single festival like this was a source of great joy.

“You’re saying the Saintess came all this way just to see you, Harua?”

In contrast to the mood outside, the atmosphere among our group was quite serious.

Just yesterday, I’d brushed off Aigis’s words as nothing special. I figured it was a good opportunity to build a connection with the Saintess, and that was that. But I never imagined it would lead to the Saintess herself coming from the Holy Land the very next day.

“Yeah, it seems that way. Lady Aigis said she’d arrange a meeting between me and the Saintess.”

Aranseol wore a look of disbelief. To her, the story sounded completely absurd.

“Aren’t you being a little full of yourself?” Babiyen, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. “She probably had a reason to visit the capital’s Holy Church anyway, and the timing just happened to line up. The Paladin Commander only mentioned it to you because she already had a visit scheduled.”

“...You’re probably right.”

Frankly, I’d be more comfortable if that were the case. I didn't want to get the wrong idea.

“B-But a 1st Grade Light Attribute is as rare as the Saintess herself.”

This time, it was Horizon who spoke up. That was the point that kept nagging at me.

“A-And besides, Harua has Divine Power, too.”

“Maybe the Saintess came in person to induct you into the Holy Church,” Aranseol added, following Horizon's train of thought.

Her words complicated my thoughts. If I refuse an invitation from the Saintess herself, will I be branded a heretic and sentenced to death? Of course, considering the character of Aigis, the Paladin Commander, that seemed unlikely. Still, my head was a mess.

In any case, I had already told Aigis I would meet the Saintess. The Paladin Commander had surely relayed the message, so there was no backing out now. I couldn't ignore the debt I owed her for teaching me the Paladin combat arts for free.

I, Harua, am a man who, if nothing else, always repays his debts.

“I’ll be back.”

A meeting with the Saintess was not something outsiders could attend. So, Aranseol, Babiyen, and Horizon decided to go enjoy the festival.

“Harua, don’t cause any trouble.”

Why does she always assume I’m going to cause trouble?

Leaving Aranseol’s worried gaze behind me, I made my way to the Holy Church’s cathedral. A massive line of people had formed outside, all hoping to catch even a single glimpse of the Saintess.

Of course, I had a free pass. After all, I was technically affiliated with the Holy Church.

“Ah, Sir Harua, you’ve arrived!”

As I approached the front of the line, a member of the Holy Church recognized me and guided me inside. The people in line stared at me with envious eyes.

These uncivilized this-worlders. This is the difference between you and me.

Basking in a sense of superiority, I stepped inside and saw that the main hall was sparkling even more than usual.

Ah, I know what this is. It was just like soldiers frantically scrubbing the barracks for a division commander’s inspection. I was dragged to this world before I had to enlist, but I’d heard the stories. As a Korean man, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.

“Ah, Sir Harua, you’re here!”

Aigis soon came out to greet me. Unlike her usual self, she was dressed in extremely formal attire. Her robes, made of pure white fabric with luxurious gold embroidery, radiated a sacred aura. Her golden eyes also seemed to shine more intensely than usual.

A fanatic. A true fanatic.

“This is a fresh reminder that you’re a member of the Holy Church, Lady Aigis.”

“Of course. We are all but lambs, waiting for the day we return to the divine Embrace of Holy Light.”

She’s certainly energetic. It seemed the Saintess’s visit had put her in an exceptionally good mood.

“Are we going to see the Saintess right away?”

“I’ve just received word that she has passed through the capital gates. Let us go inside and wait together!”

So she’s really coming. That line outside was filled with people who just wanted to lay eyes on her for a moment. This was a world where god-like beings, Transcendents, actually existed, unlike on Earth. It was no wonder there were so many fanatics.

The room Aigis led me to was the most luxurious one in the entire capital cathedral. A plush, high-end sofa enveloped my rear. I never knew a sofa this comfortable could exist. Aigis sat on it with impeccable posture. Meanwhile, church members quickly brought in snacks and teacups. The snacks looked exquisite at a glance, though I doubted I’d be able to eat any in the Saintess’s presence. With Aigis sitting so formally, I couldn't help but feel tense myself.

After waiting for some time, a tremendous cheer erupted from outside. It was unmistakable proof that the Saintess had arrived. A moment later, I heard the clicking of heels, accompanied by the heavy footsteps of Holy Knights in full armor. They were undoubtedly the Saintess’s escort.

The footsteps grew closer. Soon, the door opened, and a brilliant light flooded the room.

The person who appeared seemed to be crafted from light itself. Snow-white hair and translucent eyes. With her robes also being pure white, she truly felt like an embodiment of light.

What surprised me most was her face. Having spent every day with Aranseol, I had become almost desensitized to beauty. Yet, a face as stunning as Aranseol’s now filled my vision.

Okay, I can see why people become devout. If a Saintess like that went out proselytizing, anyone would fall for it hook, line, and sinker.

“Lady Aigis, it is good to see you again so soon.”

“Yes, Saintess. I am overjoyed to be in your presence again.”

Aigis replied to the Saintess’s greeting with a radiant smile. The reverence in it was almost frightening.

Soon, the Saintess’s gaze fell upon me. Her translucent eyes met mine, and I froze for a moment. For me, who had a high tolerance for beauty thanks to Aranseol, to have this reaction… others wouldn’t stand a chance.

But then I remembered that she, too, was just another this-worlder, and I suddenly calmed down. When I thought about it, all I was doing was meeting a holy-looking this-worlder. There was no need for me to be so nervous.

“Hello?” the Saintess greeted me with a bright smile.

“Yes, hello,” I replied casually.

For some reason, the Saintess found this amusing and let out a small laugh.

“You may all leave. With Lady Aigis here, I will be fine.”

She then dismissed the Holy Knights who had followed her. Aigis reigned as the Divine Lord. No one in the order of Holy Knights was stronger than her, so they withdrew without complaint.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a great deal about you from Lady Aigis.”

“I don’t believe I’ve done anything worthy of the Saintess’s attention. I’m sorry to disappoint.”

“Not at all. She told me many interesting things. For instance, that we share the same name.”

“Pardon?”

This was the first I was hearing of this. As I blinked in confusion, the Saintess covered her mouth and giggled.

“Before I was chosen as the Saintess, my name was Harua. After becoming the Saintess, it became rare for anyone to call me by my old name.”

Harua is a gender-neutral name in the 1st World, Astrape. It’s a name that wouldn’t be strange for any man or woman to have. It was common enough that you were bound to hear it at least once in your life. So, it wasn't surprising that someone else had the same name.

But the fact that the Saintess had the same name was a shock.

“I suppose you knew the Saintess’s real name all along, Lady Aigis.”

Aigis smiled warmly at my question. “Yes, that’s right.”

Now I understood why Aigis had taken such a special liking to me. A 1st Grade Light Attribute Holy Mage. That alone was reason enough for the Holy Church to actively support me, but I even shared the Saintess’s former name. Perhaps Aigis felt this was all the will of the gods. That a man destined to become a Saint, following in the Saintess’s footsteps, had appeared.

This is how believers become fatalists. They tie everything to their god, and suddenly it all feels like divine will.

“Heehee, we have a lot in common, don’t we?”

Now I also understood why the Saintess had taken an interest in me. Aigis must have excitedly told her that this was the will of the Embrace of Holy Light. And she, as the Saintess of the Holy Church, would naturally want to verify anything related to that will.

“A 1st Grade Light Attribute and the same name. Yes, it certainly is a remarkable coincidence.”

“Yes. And the fact that you wish to eliminate the Radiance Faith is another, isn’t it?”

My body froze solid. I could feel the Saintess’s translucent eyes staring intently at me.

They’ve investigated me.

I cracked my stiff neck and loosened my frozen limbs. Well, I was about to meet the Saintess. It was only natural they would run a background check. The question was how deep their investigation went.

I had been using my resurrection magic continuously. I couldn’t just stand by and watch this godforsaken world, which could collapse at any moment, go to ruin. And in many situations, not using resurrection magic would have been far more dangerous.

I had tried to hide it as best I could. When I felt I shouldn't use it, I refrained. But it was true that if someone investigated me thoroughly, they could piece together the existence of my resurrection magic.

In fact, I had a grand plan revolving around this very point. If the Saintess had confirmed it, my plan would fall perfectly into place.

I view the Holy Church in a relatively favorable light. Aigis’s teachings have been a great help, and this meeting with the Saintess showed they valued me highly. I was more than willing to add them to my network of connections. The only question was whether that network was worth revealing my resurrection magic for. Even if they already knew, admitting it was another matter entirely.

“Yes, that’s right. I despise those bastards from the Radiance Faith. I’ve suffered at their hands, and so has an acquaintance of mine.”

So, from this moment on, I would find out. Is the Saintess someone I can trust?

“That’s why I helped Lieutenant General Inferno prepare for the Radiance Faith subjugation.”

This was information anyone could find with a little digging. Many people had seen me entering and leaving the Regular Army headquarters.

“I see. You’ve done very well. The Radiance Faith commits acts that are utterly unforgivable. Our Church is also making moves to strike them down.”

I was pleased to hear the Holy Church was hostile towards the Radiance Faith. Every last one of those scumbags deserved to be ground into dust and scattered across the vast ocean.

“And that is precisely why I have come here today.”

“To deal with the Radiance Faith?”

“Yes. To catch the members of the Radiance Faith who have hidden themselves within the Holy Church.”

I feel like I just heard something I wasn't supposed to hear.

“Lady Aigis.”

“Yes, the preparations are complete.”

At the Saintess’s call, Aigis rose from her seat. The Saintess stood up to join her.

“Sir Harua, what do you say? Will you join us in rooting out the heretics hiding within the Holy Church?”

Hearing her words, I stood there dumbfounded for a moment. But before I knew it, my body was already on its feet. I didn’t fully grasp the situation, but this was a chance to annihilate those rotten Radiance Faith bastards.

“Let’s go right now.”

Now this I couldn’t pass up.