NOVEL NEXT v1c20
The mastermind behind the scene, the Grand Duke Kasteen, looked pleased to have gained possession of the church.
"Heck, now I've got most of the country under my control. The church was a distraction from the constant production of saints."
Of course, the original function as a saint was already not working properly.
Instead of being a demon slayer, she has become a mere appellation, so there is little hope for her to be a force to be reckoned with.
Still, the title is a force to be reckoned with.
Especially for the Grand Duke Kasteen, who is working on various matters that cannot be said, the name of a pure saint is a good way of expressing innocence.
The other nobles will be too scared of the church to say anything, and they will also be able to connect with the heroes.
"...... Well, nowadays, heroes can be bought with money."
Even if there were no church, most heroes would still be lamenting the lack of money. Or the heroes who do backstage family business can be commissioned for a large sum of money.
Although it's hard to use them because they only have a little bit of power to be useful.
I have more power than that. And when the time comes, I can play my trump card. I am almost ready. I am almost prepared to take over the kingdom."
The Grand Duke Kasteen gives a broad smile.
The timing of his preparation is also the timing of the start of the original work.
◇ ◇◇◇
"Mission ......?"
Yuna tilted her head curiously.
'What on earth are you planning to do?"
'We're going to capture the Grand Duke!'
"What?!"
Kurt's words were unbelievable, and Yuna's mouth was hanging open in disbelief.
"How could you say such a thing?"
It is true that the Grand Duke is the brother of His Majesty the King.
It's no wonder that it seems insane to be trying to defeat a man like that.
Nevertheless, Kurt can not let the original story begin at any cost so that he will not be forced to become underdog
'Yuna, have you ever thought that the current kingdom is quite twisted?'
'...... hmm? I don't particularly ......?"
'What the hell have the demon tribe done in the first place? Why is the kingdom sending out inexperienced heroes instead of sending out soldiers? Why don't they give them proper equipment?"
Well, it's because there are so many heroes. ......
'Did you really think that the heroes they sent out were the real heroes?"
Kurt's words made Yuna gasp.
The saint's faith will tell you if he is a hero or not,.......
'Then have you ever thought that the saints ......, or even the church that organizes them, are in on it?"
In fact, at the time the original story began, the Church had become an organization that could not defy the Grand Duke Kasteen's orders.
''Oh, no ....... But, but no one said that. ......'
If you tried to tell them, they would erase you, right?"
Not only Yuna, but also Melia seemed to have an idea of what he was talking about.
"The reason why I and the heroes were sent to this territory is because of ......."
'Of course, this territory was in his way and he was going to dispose of Irma privately. It is not necessary to bring a hero for a mere investigation.'
"But the reason the heroes came along was because there was a sign of evil ...... and."
'So, did you actually look around the territory and find anything like that?"
No, there were none. ......
Then that's the way it is. So that's what you get for believing that Grand Nobility, the Church and the country are right without seeing it with your own eyes.
"Well, then, why did I become a saint? ......
Losing what she had believed in, Melia was on her knees in disappointment.
'That's something for Melia to figure out, I suppose. But didn't you want to help someone in need?"
'Yes ....... I thought that if I could eat a hearty meal, I could help those in need. ......"
'Then why don't you do that Melia? We do what we want to do. Just do that. ......'
I understand. I'm not going to do ...... that? It doesn't seem any different to do what I've been ...... doing."
'Then you've been doing exactly what you wanted to do.'
Melia was tilting her head.