Chapter 320
Chapter 320: Sincerity and Truth
Well, it’s Hero Alexander here, who was asked “How is Uncle Gerhardt?” by a local while trying to evade his assigned location.
Who on earth is this Uncle Gerhardt!?
Do they know that I’m struggling to remember names and faces!?
No… calm down. In moments like this, piling up lies will only make things worse.
“Ah, sorry, but I’m not familiar with that person…”
As I tried to brush it off with a smile, Edgar’s expression turned serious.
“You don’t know…? Archbishop Gerhardt…?”
—Archbishop.
He’s a commander-class in the regional army!!
He’s different from the southern archbishop I know! But then again, that was over a decade ago, so it’s only natural that faces have changed!
Anyway, it’s clearly odd that I’ve returned from the southern front and don’t know the commander of that area…!!
“…………”
Edgar placed a hand to his mouth, looking slightly puzzled.
‘You’ve messed up! Should we get rid of him?’
Don’t get too excited, Antendeixis! No… not yet…!
Damn it, but what the heck is with this “Uncle Gerhardt”!?
Where’s the respect for the archbishop!? Don’t show that casual familiarity typical of the southern folk right now!
And hey, Edgar, even though you speak pretty formally, you’re from the south? That’s too much of a trap!
“…Ahh, I apologize.”
I sighed, admitting defeat.
“The claim that I came from the south was false.”
Then I reached for the sword leaning nearby.
Ignoring Edgar, who looked startled, I gently placed it on my lap and unsheathed the blade.
Not to fight, but to showcase the blade. I channeled holy magic into it.
“…Oh.”
Edgar was drawn in, staring at the beautifully shining blade.
“Impressive… Is it dwarven craftsmanship?”
“Yeah.”
Adamas. The holy sword I splurged on in my previous life, commissioned from a skilled dwarf.
Back then, having recently been promoted to priest, I poured all my savings into this masterpiece. It’s something you can’t easily get without having status, skill, and funds, along with connections to dwarf smiths.
And, with this shine, it’s obvious that I am the rightful owner of Adamas.
Whether it was provided by the Holy Church or I ordered it myself, this holy sword also signifies my standing as a hero.
I am a hero worthy of this holy sword—
“…First, let me apologize for lying. I did not come from the south.”
I spoke in a low voice, even with the soundproof barrier active.
“I can’t disclose where I came from exactly. While I am currently on vacation, I do have a role to fulfill—”
I dramatically took out an envelope from my pocket. It’s just a letter I had Ixel write to lure out the night elves.
“…………”
After staring closely at Edgar, I put the envelope away. Please… interpret this as me being a hero on a highly confidential mission… in favor of Adamas’ brilliance…!!
“…I see.”
Whether or not my prayers reached the heavens, Edgar nodded sagely, seeming to read between the lines.
“…Alexander. Just one thing, tell me.”
With his hands clasped on his lap, Edgar stared at me with keen eyes.
—So you are a hero, right?
It was a sincere inquiry.
“Yeah.”
—No matter what anyone says.
“I am a hero.”
That will never change.
“Understood. I’ll believe you. I’m sorry for digging too deep…”
Edgar relaxed his shoulders and shook his head, looking relieved.
“That magic power, the holy sword, and even the White Dragon… I see, it must require quite the combination of strength and remarkable mobility for this mission—ah, no, sorry, that’s my bad habit.”
Seriously!!!!!!
You just said you were sorry for prying, and now you’re prying again at breakneck speed!!!
‘This guy is bound to get himself killed by curiosity one day…’
In truth, I would’ve been instantly killed if I couldn’t use holy magic…
“Ugh…”
I let out an exaggerated sigh, and Edgar started laughing, “Hahaha.” What’s so funny!?
“No, my apologies. But not knowing the archbishop is a surprise…”
“I was careless.”
I couldn’t help but wear a grimace.
“What’s this Uncle Gerhardt nonsense…? Can we even call him that?”
“Archbishop Gerhardt Lendorfrei is a very approachable gentleman, beloved enough to be called ‘Uncle Gerhardt’ by everyone. That’s why not knowing him is even more peculiar.”
This is such a trap…!!
By the way, regarding the hierarchy of the Holy Church, from lowest to highest:
‘Monk < Deacon < Priest < Senior Priest < Bishop < Archbishop < Cardinal < Pope.'
This ranking applies to both priests and heroes. Priests begin as Deacons, while heroes start as Monks.
Priests need to acquire a lot of knowledge about complex rituals, miracles, and command skills right from the start, which is why they start at a higher rank.
Conversely, heroes are rigorously trained in combat techniques, learning only the bare minimum about using holy attributes before being thrown into actual combat— as long as they survive.
A clear example would be Mycin, the Priestess Apprentice from the Evaroti Autonomous District. Her magical competence is below that of a Deacon but above that of a Monk, yet she can probably command around fifty soldiers.
I reached my final rank as a Senior Priest. Almost top-tier as a hero. If I had the potential to become a Bishop or higher, I would’ve been raised as a priest to begin with… in my previous life, I was hardly any talented wizard.
Anyway, that’s why many at Bishop rank and higher come from priestly backgrounds.
Perhaps after the Demon Lord Castle assault operation, I may have even been promoted to a bishop under the guise of martyrdom, but that’s irrelevant now. As a Senior Priest, I can theoretically command a force of around five hundred soldiers, but in my case, most of my experience came from leading elite units during invasion or retreat— not from commanding large groups.
"Still, I had no idea Edgar was from the south... Your manner of speaking is really stiff... I thought you were definitely from the north or central region..."
"Hahaha. When I first got assigned here, I was too familiar and ended up being quite rude. I had to tone it down, and now it's second nature."
Edgar laughed cheerfully. You’ve toned it down too much, man...!!
Well, anyway, it’s a relief I could suppress doubts through sheer force.
Thanks to Adamas! As I patted the hilt, it vibrated proudly. I polished the blade on my sleeve and then returned it to its scabbard.
"Oh, right. I apologize for asking this repeatedly, but what about the search for a person?"
"That's true."
I made my point clear on the insurance before continuing.
"…It’s a final request from a friend."
"I see... If possible, should I call out for him at the branch over there to help?"
"I appreciate it, but that’s fine."
I shook my head slowly to decline.
If I get more deeply involved with the Holy Church, I might expose my cover. I feel that Edgar might manage to support me well, but dragging the Holy Church into my search for Isabella and Nina would raise ethical concerns.
"…After all, countless warriors have perished while thinking of their families. Among them, I'm just searching for one soldier's family. It sounds harsh, but I'm trying to treat them specially."
I want to take care of the wife and daughter he left behind. There must be many others who wish the same for soldiers like Kaito I promised to help...
But I lack the ability to meet all of those wishes.
"…It’s my selfish desire. So I should handle it on my own, within my own capabilities. I should not use the Holy Church's organizational power for personal matters, nor should we divert limited resources in the current situation."
"I see... That makes sense..."
Edgar seemed to understand, nodding with a serious expression.
"However, it wouldn’t hurt to ask if they have any acquaintances?"
"…That’s true. If it's just that much."
"I pray they are found safe and as soon as possible."
Edgar clasped his hands together, offering a prayer.
As soon as possible, huh.
I sincerely wish for that too, but I’m also scared.
What face do I even put on to help them, me…!
—a gentle sensation in my hand.
Leila beside me gently placed her hand over mine.
Her bright, clear golden eyes gazed at me compassionately.
...This won’t do, I can’t let myself be comforted like this. I need to pull myself together!
"Uh-huh."
And Edgar, would you kindly stop nodding while watching us warmly?
...And then.
In the corner of my vision, I noticed movement. The monk on the coachman’s seat was waving towards us.
His mouth was moving, but no voice reached me. Oh right, I had left the soundproof barrier up.
"Apologies, I was using magic."
"Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation."
As I released the soundproofing, the monk's face turned a bit relieved.
By the way, even those who cannot use holy attributes or magic can still become monks. They handle the clerical tasks of the Holy Church and various chores, or forsake the secular world for the faith in the divine light. There are all sorts of monks, including heroes in training and sword monks who are Sword Saints.
"We’re nearing the capital soon."
"Oh, so we’re moving along well."
The monk nodded at Edgar, who stood up and leaned forward.
"Yes. We should arrive in about thirty minutes, Lord Wakanan."
Looking where the monk pointed, I saw the city’s stone walls appearing at the edge of the fields and farms.
That was closer than I expected. But still...
"Wakanan?"
When I glanced at Edgar, he grinned and shrugged.
"That’s my family name. Edgar Wakanan, Senior Priest."
Wait, are you my equal at this young age in my previous life!?
You’re quite the elite, aren’t you? Seriously?!
