Chapter 334
Chapter 334. Shadow Organization
『……What is this “7th Bureau”? Is it your nonsense?』
No, it’s not. It’s a secret organization that is whispered about within the Holy Church.
The name “7th Bureau” originates from the organizational structure of the Holy Church’s headquarters. The central papacy of the Holy Kingdom in the eastern part of the continent is composed of six bureaus.
1. Bureau of State Affairs: An administrative organization that assists the Pope and is responsible for decision-making within the Holy Church.
2. Bureau of Sacred Warfare: The operational unit that shoulders the frontline battle against enemies of humanity.
3. Bureau of Medicine: A medical institution that researches miracles of healing as well as medicine and pharmacy.
4. Bureau of Mysteries: A research institution for more advanced miracles, rituals, and theology.
5. Bureau of Monasticism: An administrative organization for monastic orders and training institutions involved in education and nurturing future generations.
6. Bureau of Charity: A department engaged in charitable activities and public welfare.
Furthermore, the various local churches and monastic orders generally inherit these structures.
『Hmm… so you’re affiliated with the Bureau of Sacred Warfare』
Ultimately, yes. For a while after the village was burned, I stayed at the Church Orphanage, and after awakening my holy attribute, I trained at the training institution. To be precise, it means that my affiliations changed from the Bureau of Charity → Bureau of Monasticism → Bureau of Sacred Warfare.
If you look at the organizational chart, you’ll notice that the Bureau of Sacred Warfare operates based on the intentions of the Bureau of State Affairs, and the Bureau of Medicine is responsible for caring for the injured from the Bureau of Sacred Warfare. The research of the Bureau of Mysteries is also applied in the Bureau of Medicine, and the fostering of future generations by the Bureau of Monasticism is essential for the development of the Bureau of Mysteries. Additionally, among the orphans taken in by the Bureau of Charity, there are those who awaken their holy attributes and proceed to the Bureau of Monasticism—like me.
『Quite a well-structured system』
It’s a relationship where they influence each other.
And besides these six bureaus, it is said that there may be an undisclosed bureau.
For example, the purging of traitors, espionage of allied nations, and the study of forbidden arts, which constitutes the dark side of the Holy Church.
『That would be the 7th Bureau, then』
The official name is unknown. It literally means the “7th Bureau”—
“……The 7th Bureau. I thought it was just a common rumor, but… could it actually be real?”
With excitement still bubbling, Edgar’s voice rises.
“Are you a member of the 7th Bureau?”
“Right now, I’m affiliated with no other bureau whatsoever. …That’s how it would be phrased.”
I’m not lying about that. I was in the Bureau of Sacred Warfare in my previous life, but now I’m affiliated with nothing!
“And let me add, the ‘7th Bureau’ isn’t actually an official name or anything.”
Just to be safe, I tacked that on. Because I don’t know the official name myself.
With all these “Whoa!” reactions, there’s even the chance that Edgar is a member of the 7th Bureau and is trying to gauge my response!
『Indeed, if it were him, I could see it happening…』
Antedeixis growled.
“……I see.”
Unfazed by our concerns, Edgar was deep in thought.
“……Everything’s starting to make sense. I heard back in the last town that Alex played a pivotal role in extermination and sanitation at the orphanage, utilizing his immense magical power. I had assumed that the ability to purify worn-out sheets and dilapidated houses without burning or damaging them came from possessing either light or wind attributes….”
He managed to think that deeply from casual gossip, huh…
“I see, it’s darkness… The fact that he seemed to avoid regular members of the Holy Church makes sense now. Furthermore, if he had the cooperation of the White Dragon, it must be a highly confidential mission—oh wait, was Alex on vacation? Forget that last part.”
He seems to have pieced together (or was under the illusion of piecing together) a lot, waving his hand dismissively. “I’m your understanding friend… so don’t worry!” His refreshing smile should be very reassuring, yet for some reason, it mildly irritates me.
“You got it, huh?”
Still, aside from my inner thoughts, I managed to smile.
Looks like I barely escaped the inquisition…!
“So, what kind of magic can Alex actually use?”
――But then he circled back around!! Edgar, eyes sparkling with curiosity, posed the question.
This guy!!
『Does he not know when to back off!!』
Stop it, you’ll get me killed!!
“Since it’s darkness attribute, could it be necromancy…?”
Hey! Wait a second…! He was pushing his way in, and I momentarily pondered “how much should I reveal.”
In other words, I couldn’t answer immediately.
With eyes gleaming, Edgar—before this man, even an awkward silence felt like a resounding affirmation…!!
“……Ah, indeed. I’m a necromancer.”
I admitted with a hint of desperation.
“Really?!”
He’s super interested. The aversion to dark arts seems to be secondary. What a terrible priest he is.
『I agree, but he shouldn’t criticize you…』
Leave me out of it.
“If it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me what Alex’s necromancy is capable of?”
Seriously, leave me alone!! Edgar whispered discreetly, even though there was a soundproof barrier.
“……Everything is a trouble, to be honest.”
I replied painfully. It’s not just about necromancy; even if it is a matter of collaboration, asking someone for the intricacies of their magic is considered bad manners…!
『Why not teach him the essence of necromancy?』
Antedeixis incited with an evil voice. Stop it…! That’s a last resort…!
“Please don’t ask for too much detail. …Tampering with taboos will lead to death, you know.”
I warned Edgar with a serious expression.
“No… well, yeah, sorry about that.”
Edgar’s expression changed as if he had been splashed with cold water.
He was flapping his mouth, looking as if he didn’t know what to say, before turning to face forward again.
“……It’s not just mere curiosity. I know how to deal with the undead, but if I think about it calmly, I realize I don’t know the basics of necromancy well. I just felt that way for a moment…”
Edgar stammered as he made excuses and resumed his slow walk.
“Speaking of necromancy, surely, you can call forth the souls of the deceased?”
I intentionally chose not to answer that question. I felt silence was enough.
“Well, I thought… that you could talk to deceased people again.”
Edgar led the way, and I couldn’t see his expression.
“……Yes, for example. My acquaintance, the priest—Charlotte Vidua—who likely perished in the Evaroti Defense Battle.”
In the dark alley, a feeling of helplessness echoed.
“I just thought that I might be able to talk to her again…”
――I want to exchange words with a lost loved one once more.
That might be the original wish contained within necromancy.
