13. The Pope’s Ambition
The aristocratic children of the Kingdom of Llahendia made their debut in society at the age of 15 and attended the Royal Academy at the age of 16.
The gap year was used to study for entrance exams.
As a matter of course, Eleonora was thinking of entering the academy by the back door.
“What’s the difference!? I’m putting in the efforts just like the nobles around me!”
Eleonora boasted so—
—However, there was a miscalculation.
Lydian came over with study materials.
Although he’d completed all the curriculums, he intended to attend the Royal Academy because, ‘I’m sure it’ll be interesting to spend time at the academy with Eleonora.’
“Eleonora. Let’s study for the entrance exam together. I’m sure we can be the top two.”
…As if she could just say, ‘No thanks, I’m using the back door’ To the person she loved.
In the end, Eleonora had no choice but to work hard.
While Eleonora was on study dates with Lydian, a conspiracy was about to embroil the royal capital.
The tower that stood a little far from the royal castle was the headquarters of the Church of Goddess Leticia.
Goddess Leticia was the omniscient and omnipotent god who created this world, and was worshiped in every country on the Continent of Isas.
The candlesticks, the edges of the chairs, and basically everything in that cathedral were gilded with gold. A bunch of thick-skinned old men surrounded a round table.
“As you all know, Crown Prince Lydian is becoming increasingly popular with both nobles and commoners.”
“What a blasphemy! As a result, many forgot their respect for Goddess Leticia and refused to donate…”
“If this continues, the prestige of the church will waver. Your Holiness the Pope, what should we do? Especially regarding the crown prince…”
An old man looked at the other old man who sat on a luxurious chair. The stern-looking old man was none other than Pope Garmalpen, the head of the Church of Goddess Leticia.
Garmalpen smiled reassuringly.
“Rest assured. I have a secret plan. Do you remember the Prophecy of Dellyas from 100 years ago?”
“Uh, if I remember correctly, ‘At the resurrection of the Demon King, the saint who has received the Goddess’ blessing shall get rid of all evil with the power of love?’”
“Wait, didn’t it say, ‘The Demon King shall seek out a villainess, attain unlimited power, and rule the world with darkness.’”
“—Both are correct, actually. But the key lies in the words of Archbishop Boczow, ‘The saint shall get rid of all evil with the power of love.’ Throughout history, our church is known for its saints. Those who are frightened by the Demon King will turn to us, the church. Lydian’s reign wouldn’t last. Hahahahahahaha—!”
As the pope laughed boisterously, his round stomach jiggled.
The other bishops also followed suit.
“Just you wait, King Xanagan—! Crown Prince Lydian—! Someday, the Kingdom of Llahendia will become the first papal state on Isas—! When that time comes, you will grovel at my feet and pledge yourself to me—!”
Pope Garmalpen loudly declared his greedy ambitions.
In reality, everyone in the Kingdom of Llahendia knew of the legend of the Demon King’s Resurrection, but they believed that the Prodigious Crown Prince, Lydian, and the Benevolent Maiden, Eleonora, would do something about it.
Although, the arch ministers were in a silent agreement.
“…I’m sure His Highness Lydian is the Demon King in question, while Lady Eleonora, the only woman who is willing to accept him, is the saint.”
—Hence why there was no sense of crisis regarding the Demon King’s Resurrection.
Translator’s Note:
Wipe the floor with his body, Lydian!!!!
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