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Gilbert’s journey to the Divine Empire was promptly carried out.

The only reason he hadn’t been able to head to the Divine Empire earlier was due to the lack of approval from his superior, the Crown Princess. However, now that he had received unofficial approval, there was no need to delay any further.

Having somewhat forcefully obtained the approval, Gilbert used the Warp Gate to travel to the Divine Empire alongside Veronica.

After a flash of light and several transfers, he finally arrived at the sacred grounds of the Divine Empire. As he took in the view, he was overwhelmed by a sense of awe that only he could feel.

“This is no different from the game…”

Gilbert compared the scenery of the Divine Empire he had visited during his days of enjoying Tactical Combat with the one he was now witnessing firsthand.

It was distinctly different from the game, where everything was always fixed unless special events occurred.

The bustling square with newspaper stands and people praying to statues resembling the Lord. The sight of beggars gathering around the Warp Gate, usually reserved for the wealthy, to beg for alms.

Unlike the game, which only depicted the beautiful sacred grounds of the Divine Empire, this place felt alive, filled with people living their lives.

“Welcome to the Divine Empire!”

Veronica, who had taken on the role of Gilbert’s guide, spread her arms wide in a welcoming gesture.

She seemed somewhat excited, likely relieved that she could successfully complete her mission of bringing the figure from the prophecy to the Divine Empire.

“Should we head straight to the prayer room?”

“I wish we could, but there are procedures to follow. The prayer room is open to everyone, but to prevent overcrowding, the number of people allowed in is limited. Even if that weren’t the case, if a revelation were to occur in a room full of believers, it could cause social chaos.”

Veronica twirled her hair with her fingers as she answered.

While it might seem good for people to know that their Father exists, she believed it would only bring greater confusion.

People believe in God, but if His existence were proven, they would inevitably become weaker. They would seek God in every little thing and become dependent.

Doomsayers would undoubtedly use the revelation as an excuse to preach dystopian tales of the Demon King’s return and humanity’s downfall. Thus, it was better to keep the existence of the revelation hidden.

At least until everything was certain, the Divine Empire’s leadership believed in maintaining secrecy. This was also the reason Gilbert hadn’t been officially invited.

Gilbert had been briefed on this situation beforehand, so his visit to the prayer room was scheduled for the early morning hours when it was closed to the general public.

“Since you’ve arrived in the Divine Empire, I’ll guide you until it’s time to visit the prayer room!”

“Hmm…”

Though he knew this was a different world from the game, many aspects were similar, so he didn’t feel the need for a guide.

Given that many of his achievements required actions within the Divine Empire, he might even know more about it than Veronica, who had grown up here.

However, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse her offer, especially with her eyes sparkling and her excitement palpable.

It felt like taking candy from a child.

“Your Holiness, even though we’ve returned to the Divine Empire, you must still be cautious about your safety.”

“With Lord Gilbert here, it’s fine.”

“It’s not that I doubt Sir Gilbert, but guarding is a separate matter.”

Johan glanced at Gilbert while urging Veronica to be mindful of her safety and to stop wandering around the sacred grounds recklessly.

As the knight responsible for the Saintess’s safety, his words were justified, leaving little room for argument.

Veronica, well aware of this, pouted but didn’t argue.

Even when the journey to the Infractus Empire was decided due to the revelation, Johan had emphasized safety. Now that the mission was accomplished, he had no intention of indulging her whims.

“But I still want to guide our guest around the Divine Empire!”

“Very well. However, I cannot allow the two of you to go alone.”

Though his words were firm, Veronica was satisfied with just that.

“Shall we go, Lord Gilbert?”

Her bright, innocent face as she took Gilbert’s hand and led him felt more like a mischievous girl than a Saintess.

Johan, who had flinched upon seeing Veronica take Gilbert’s hand, sighed deeply and shook his head.

Seeing Johan’s reaction, Gilbert realized that this was the true nature of Saintess Veronica. In the game, she always appeared with a benevolent smile, but it seemed that wasn’t the whole picture.

Veronica, brimming with excitement, was as lively as Camilla.

Strictly speaking, she was more reserved than the always bouncy Camilla, but it was a complete 180 from the composed image she usually projected.

What kind of responsibilities had been placed on her shoulders as a Saintess?

How had the countless believers calling her Saintess and seeking her mercy affected her as a young girl?

Gilbert couldn’t even begin to imagine.

“Lord Gilbert? You look strange.”

“It’s nothing. By the way, is this fountain famous?”

“Ah! Yes, this fountain is said to be the most famous in the sacred grounds. I’ve heard that if lovers come here…”

Perhaps her bright demeanor was due to meeting him, the figure from the prophecy.

Having received the revelation and becoming a true Saintess, she must have shouldered an even greater burden.

Without anyone to confide in or lean on, she must have endured silently.

In the midst of that, returning with the presumed protagonist of the revelation, it was only natural for her to let loose, no matter how strong her sense of responsibility.

Perhaps she felt a sense of camaraderie, sharing the mission given by the Lord, and showed her true personality.

Either way, he couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her.

“Lord Gilbert?”

“Very informative. Please continue guiding me.”

Veronica, who had been chattering away, suddenly noticed Gilbert silently watching her and gave him a strange look but chose to ignore it.

There was no need to mention that he had momentarily pitied her.

“I’m glad to hear it was helpful.”

“Do you enjoy guiding people?”

“Not really. It’s just that helping someone makes my heart feel full.”

“More like you enjoy it yourself.”

“That’s also true. It’s all thanks to the grace bestowed by the Lord.”

Veronica’s face, filled with a radiant smile, was truly blessed by the divine.

***

After a full day of energetic guidance from Veronica, Gilbert finally entered the Papal Palace, the heart of the Divine Empire, by evening.

Of course, since many believers were still attending evening prayers, he didn’t head straight to the prayer room.

Instead, he paid his respects to the Pope, the de facto master of the Papal Palace, where he was staying.

The Pope had a warm demeanor, but his clear, shining eyes amidst the wrinkles revealed why he held the position. His calm yet piercing gaze, deepened by age, was inscrutable.

“Welcome, young hero of the Empire.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Holiness.”

Kneeling before the Pope, Gilbert slowly rose at the Pope’s gesture and cautiously observed him.

Despite his advanced age, his robust physique suggested he still maintained rigorous training.

After all, the Pope in Tactical Combat was quite different from those in other genres.

“On the Lord’s right hand, to carry out righteousness.

On the Lord’s left hand, to execute evil.”

The Popes of the Divine Empire stood on the Lord’s right hand to uphold justice and, at times, on the left hand to execute evil.

In other words, they were the Lord’s hammer, and all who walked the path of the clergy never ceased their training.

This was no different for the Pope, leading players to jokingly refer to the Pope in Tactical Combat as the “Combat Pope.”

Among them, the greatest Pope, Peter, despite being in the twilight of his years, appeared more formidable in combat than any paladin.

“Perhaps you should set aside your competitive spirit?”

“My apologies. I unintentionally overstepped.”

Had his gaze become too blatant?

At the Pope’s remark, Gilbert bowed his head.

He hadn’t gone so far as to challenge the Pope to a duel, but it was still impolite.

In a way, it was akin to staring intently at the Emperor of the Infractus Empire.

“No matter. It’s just been a while since I’ve seen such a gaze. More importantly, your presence here suggests you believe in Saintess Veronica’s revelation, does it not?”

Peter, with a serene smile, raised a barrier of sacred power before discussing the revelation.

Though it was a precaution against potential eavesdropping, it underscored the importance of keeping the revelation confidential.

Veronica had also used a sacred barrier when first mentioning the revelation, as loose lips sink ships.

“I’ve left the possibility open. I wish to visit the prayer room to clarify some doubts.”

To be more precise, he sought answers about why he had been transported to this world and how to return, but he kept that to himself.

Instead, he vaguely stated his purpose to avoid the Pope sensing any deceit.

After all, he was genuinely curious about the revelation and planned to ask all his questions in the prayer room.

“Very well. May the Lord guide you on the right path.”

“Thank you, Your Holiness.”

After meeting the Pope, he joined Veronica for dinner.

The Papal Palace didn’t serve lavish meals; instead, the evening menu was modest.

Since Veronica received the revelation and became the true Saintess, she had rooted out corrupt clergy who had been exploiting the Papal Palace.

With the Lord’s gaze once again upon the Papal Palace, how could they harbor wicked thoughts? This led to a massive overhaul, reflecting on their laziness and worldly corruption.

As a result, the Papal Palace returned to its original state of integrity and piety, serving simple meals.

Even this was luxurious compared to the starving poor.

Considering it sufficient for a meal, the two enjoyed their dinner before resting until it was time to head to the prayer room.

Gilbert lay in the room Veronica had arranged, lost in thought.

Finally, he would uncover the reason he had been brought to this damned place.

It wasn’t entirely bad to be in a world based on Tactical Combat, a game he had loved.

He had formed many good connections here, fostering positive emotions.

But he was too worn out to embrace such normal feelings.

Every time he closed his eyes, he saw his comrades dying, the acrid smell of gunpowder stinging his nose.

In the distance, he could almost hear the roar of artillery and the explosions of fighter planes.

He pushed away the unnecessary PTSD, burying it deep within. He had long since graduated from breaking into cold sweats and losing his composure over those memories.

– Knock knock

“Lord Gilbert, it’s time to head to the prayer room.”

“Mm, I’ll be right out.”

It felt like no time had passed, but apparently, it had.

Before opening the door, he glanced out the window to see that night had fallen, and stars filled the sky.

Outside, Veronica, dressed in her pure white Saintess attire, awaited him.

Johan, her guard, was nowhere to be seen.

“Shall we go?”

The cheerful girl from the morning was gone.

Now, only the true Saintess of this era, who had received the revelation, remained.

The prayer room, open to all, was located in a cathedral outside the Papal Palace.

Entering the cathedral, the moonlight and starlight filtering through the stained glass windows converged on the statue of the Lord, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere.

And then, the prayer room.

Here too, light poured in through stained glass windows.

Gilbert couldn’t help but gasp at the sight.

[You have visited the Papal Palace’s prayer room.]

[Using accumulated causality.]

“Welcome, User Kang Do-jun. We’ve been waiting for you.”

As the system notification appeared, Veronica, with half-opened eyes, faced him.

The official Q&A session had begun.

 

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