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Originally, crossing borders between countries wasn’t such a light matter. Especially between Franquia and the Sacred Gryphon Empire, who had a long history of growling at each other over continental supremacy, it made even more sense.

But since when do things in the world go according to common sense?

Traditionally, the borders between Franquia and the Sacred Gryphon Empire had changed countless times over the years. As a result, the regions along the border had relatively vague national identities from the start, and moreover, they were all familiar faces to each other.

Add intertwined interests and blood relations to the mix, and the borderlines were practically meaningless.

Not only that, but the administrators in this area, who were at least somewhat objectively loyal to their respective affiliations, were mostly graduates of the University of Bologna. In other words, these administrators also had their own sense of camaraderie based on their academic backgrounds.

And Sophia had a token that would let her bypass the administrative processing of the Bologna University alumni association.

“Is it really okay to pass through this easily?”

Even with the typical recklessness of a teenage boy, Conra, who had been raised as a sensible person according to his parents’ educational principles, was stunned by the speed of the customs process.

Having just seen someone get rejected and walk away dejectedly, or another person throwing a fit after being told the next administrative process would take days, the boy’s pupils were shaking in fear.

“Remember this well. This is what connections and power are.”

Sophia, the person in question, whistled cheerfully. Who wouldn’t prefer a quick administrative process over a drawn-out one? Especially since she was someone who refused to wait in line at the city gates, boldly cutting in with the excuse that she needed to track down and eliminate a demon as quickly as possible.

Of course, if her actions were to cause significant harm to someone or create a major problem for the system itself, she might have reconsidered.

“Do you understand? Fish don’t live in water that’s too clear, and water doesn’t accumulate in places that aren’t low and wide enough. Water flows from full places to empty ones without conflict, following the path east or west, and when it finally gathers, it becomes a great river, lake, or sea.”

Sophia continued in a sing-song tone.

“The sea, due to its size, can carry large ships and let big fish swim. When it causes a tsunami, it can turn coastal cities into uninhabitable places. When it becomes light, it rises to the sky, meets the cold wind, and becomes clouds. When it becomes heavy, it falls as rain. Such is the nature of water. So, what about human life?”

Conra fell deep into thought at Sophia’s dizzying words.

Sophia, delighted by the quick administrative process, and Conra, lost in thought over Sophia’s profound advice, leisurely rode their horses across the border.

After about three days of travel, they finally entered the territory of Baden-Baden, their destination. However, as they got closer to Baden-Baden, both Sophia and Conra’s expressions grew increasingly tense.

“Wow, this is really serious, Master?”

“…Yes, it is.”

[…]

The spirit Gabrielle also flickered with a somber light, revealing her discomfort. Although not as bad as during the Bronze Age or the era of rampant priests, this era also had its share of misfortune and sorrow growing like poisonous mushrooms wherever people lived.

The aftermath of the succession dispute between Baden-Baden and Agnon tormented the people living there. Commoners had their property seized under the pretext of looting or strategic requisitioning by both sides, and farmers had to leave their fields fallow after a ruined harvest.

Merchants, driven mad, only traded military supplies and spoils of war, while ordinary merchants, the foundation of regional economic activity, avoided the area. The livelihood of the people in this region was practically in ruins.

Despite this, the lords of Baden-Baden and Agnon were only concerned with fighting over the legitimacy of Baden-Baden’s succession, with no proper follow-up, which was frustrating.

Local priests and bishops issued critical statements condemning their actions, but without any real force behind them, these statements were met with cold sneers and ignored. At best, they were seen as a nuisance by the clergy trying to hold back secular power.

“Sigh, I think we’ll have to visit Agnon when we return.”

“Are you going to handle it like you did with Bruhmat?”

“What do you think?”

Seeing Sophia’s fierce expression, Conra silently offered a moment of silence for the yet-unseen lord of Agnon.

“What about here?”

“Haven’t you heard? The Empire has Paladin knights operating within its territory. One of them will join us, so we’ll leave that part to them. It would look strange if I stepped in.”

As Sophia answered, Conra suddenly changed the subject.

“By the way, what kind of person is this other Paladin knight who will join us?”

Conra was really curious about this. Given that Sophia, whom he served, was such a strong character, he wondered what other Paladin knights were like. At first, having grown up in the forest, he thought all outsiders were like this, but after meeting others while following Sophia, he realized no one was quite like her, so his curiosity was justified.

Sophia thought for a moment, then answered with a subtle expression.

“Hmm. I don’t know every Paladin knight’s face, but generally, among the Nun Knights and Knight Templars, there aren’t many as refined and cultured as me. Most probably have some personality quirks.”

“Ah… Is that so…?”

“Huh? What’s with that subtle reaction?”

“Ah, haha. No, it’s nothing, don’t worry about it, Master. I definitely wasn’t thinking, ‘So all Paladin knights are like Master, huh?'”

Without fear of the impending punishment, Conra boldly answered. After all, he had nothing to be ashamed of. Even if he were misunderstood and treated unfairly, he wouldn’t regret it.

Of course, such boldness and confidence didn’t lessen the iron-fisted disciplinary action that would come his way.

The inspection at Baden-Baden’s city gates was quite strict, but since so many people were coming and going, it didn’t take long to pass through. This time, Sophia didn’t try to cut in line like she did in Strasbourg.

Unlike Strasbourg, Baden-Baden was in the territory of the Sacred Gryphon Empire, not her homeland Franquia, and she had to consider the psychological state and social atmosphere of the people coming and going.

Sophia’s principle was not to hurt someone’s feelings for her own convenience.

Passing through the stern yet somewhat listless and stagnant atmosphere of Baden-Baden’s city gates, the two followed Gabrielle. Surprisingly, the spirit didn’t head towards Baden-Baden’s church. Instead, she led them to an old tavern in Baden-Baden.

“No way, right? It can’t be, Master?”

Conra said. Sophia also answered with a slightly troubled expression.

“I think that ‘no way’ might be right. I can sense a high level of Light Power and the presence of a strong individual inside.”

“Ahh…”

Conra grabbed his head with both hands. The tavern employee welcoming guests quickly led Sophia and Conra to the stables. After tipping the employee, the two entered the tavern.

As soon as they opened the door, their ears were met with the hearty laughter of a heavily drunk patron.

“Hahaha, you drink well! Then I can’t lose either. Come on, pour me another drink!”

The laughter was so hearty it seemed to drown out the surrounding noise, naturally drawing Sophia and Conra’s attention to its source. Soon, they found the owner of the laughter.

“Hoh, this is a new type.”

“Ah, someone please give me back my illusions…”

There, sitting with a wooden mug of beer raised high, her head tilted back, and laughing heartily, was the very person they were looking for—a short-haired nun in armor with a veil on her head.

 

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