---

Suddenly, an explanation: the continent’s dioceses are broadly divided into 10 regions.

Those visiting the Holy City of Ravenna were clergy scattered across regions like the Hiberia Diocese in the southwest, the Rotaringia Diocese where the Church Order’s headquarters is located, Southern Franquia and the southern part of the Holy Griffin Empire, and the Elada, Anatolia, Kemert, and Aksum Dioceses in the east, where the Constantine Empire is situated. These clergy could send people via Mediterranean sea routes or trade routes through the Alps.

Thus, about 300 people gathered in Ravenna. Representing churches from all over the continent, their attire and appearances were all different, with the only commonality being the Church Order’s emblem on their priestly robes and veils or zucchettos.

The emblem, a fish shape symbolizing the Great Master’s devotion within a light-evoking wheel, adorned the 300 clergy. Their influx was no small number for Ravenna, bustling with around 40,000 people, especially since many were foreigners with different languages and appearances.

On the podium, the 300 clergy sat in pre-arranged seats.

This was the entrance ceremony for their three-month training program. After the general procedures, Sophia ascended the podium and looked down at those waiting for her words.

“Seeing this, it’s even more spectacular.”

Sophia, having been trained at the Council beforehand, looked down at the clergy from across the Mediterranean world and marveled at the sight.

In her past life, such a scene was unimaginable. Despite her efforts and a stroke of luck to acquire the technique, there was no one to pass it on to. Thus, this was a first for Sophia too.

Suddenly, a faint smile appeared on Sophia’s lips. Feeling her inner energy and Kundalini rise, and the blessing of the ‘Eloquent One’ at work, she slowly began to speak.

“It’s truly delightful to meet fellow travelers on the same path. I am Sophia de Chazel, 7th Seat Paladin. Like you, I am entrusted with holy duties.”

Surprisingly, Sophia’s voice wasn’t loud or booming. Instead, her tone was calm and composed. Yet, her voice reached each of the 300 people as if she were speaking right beside them.

“I won’t explain in detail what you’ll learn. That will come during your three-month training with the instructors here. But to motivate you, I’ll show you what you must ultimately grasp.”

Sophia observed the expressions of those looking up at her. Some showed curiosity, others doubt, and perhaps some indifference. But Sophia didn’t blame them. Anyone would feel the same. Without seeing or feeling, one cannot understand.

No matter how convenient a tool, it’s useless to someone who’s never used it. No matter how valuable knowledge, without experiencing it, one may not feel its necessity.

Thus, such a performance was necessary.

At some point, the gathered people noticed a golden light mixed with jade emanating from Sophia. The light spread evenly from Sophia on the podium to those seated at the farthest ends. In that moment, those who could wield Light Power felt the same shock as the priests who attended the Council of Toriento.

The feeling of the instruments clinging to their Light Power falling away brought an indescribable sense of relief and liberation. Once known, they could never return to how they were before.

Sophia’s performance at the entrance ceremony had an undeniable educational effect. They willingly undertook the arduous Reverse Muscle Technique and Reverse Brain Method training to master the Immovable King Wisdom Technique. Their enthusiasm even made Hildegard, who had received Sophia’s training earlier, marvel.

“Understandable, but truly tremendous passion.”

“Of course. Knowing such a light-emitting technique exists, not yearning for it would be strange.”

Esiocles, summoning a golden light in his palm, replied nonchalantly. He then attempted a ‘strange pose,’ but the golden light flickered and faded. Clicking his tongue, he said, “Tch, still not working.”

Esiocles, who usually enjoyed coating his muscular body with Light Power, was now researching how to apply the Immovable King Wisdom Technique’s principles to his usual methods.

“The heightened consciousness when posing makes it hard to maintain the Immovable Mind. Still a long way to go…”

“Don’t be too disappointed. You grasped the technique itself in just half a month.”

Hildegard, trying to console him, soon noticed a muscular priest from the Alps, grinning ear to ear with a look of ecstasy.

“Magnificent! The path of longing for the Great Master still lies so far ahead. I can still keep walking.”

The muscular priest, clad in revealing attire, clenched his fists and struck bizarre poses, leaving Hildegard speechless and involuntarily stepping back.

+++++

Even as the training progressed, Sophia kept observing the Royal City’s situation. Meeting Joseph Hiltman, who ran a detective agency in Ravenna and was a distant relative of Paul Hiltman from Strasbourg’s detective agency, was an unexpected stroke of luck for Sophia.

“The Church Order does have informants, but they’re too naive, especially when it comes to political matters.”

Joseph Hiltman, the Ravenna detective agency head, wished he could slap his past self for laughing at his relative’s troubles. There must have been something fishy back then.

‘A demon involved in the royal succession dispute? I really didn’t want to know such dangerous things.’

There are two places in the world where those seeking a long, thin life shouldn’t meddle: demon-related matters and high-ranking political affairs.

This case involved both, so the danger needed no further explanation. It was too heavy for Joseph, a commoner at heart.

‘But now that I know, I can’t just turn a blind eye and walk away.’

Having settled in Ravenna and run the detective agency for over a decade, Joseph had poured his blood and sweat into it. He couldn’t just leave it all behind because of danger.

Especially since the royal succession dispute involved demonic schemes, there was no guarantee of safety anywhere. He had to endure the stomach-churning fear and prevent the situation from escalating.

“So, my job is to gather intelligence on the succession contenders, their supporters, the ailing king and his entourage, and the court officials watching the situation, then relay it to you, Sir Knight.”

Joseph, looking like he wished this weren’t real, blinked several times. Sophia nodded in satisfaction.

“Exactly. Your family is indeed quite capable.”

“No, damn it. For something this important, shouldn’t you go to a bigger agency? A small shop owner like me gets overwhelmed and can’t do the job properly with such a big case.”

“By saying that, you prove you’re a capable informant. From what I’ve gathered, you’ve already built connections among the palace attendants and officials.”

Sophia’s casual remark made Joseph jump in shock.

“How on earth did you find that out!?”

“You proudly displayed it on the wall here. The list of cases you’ve handled. Probably just the ones you deemed safe to disclose, but even that’s enough to infer who the clients were and what was needed during the process, right?”

Sophia tilted her head as she spoke, while Joseph muttered inwardly, ‘Most people wouldn’t notice that!’

But Sophia, ignoring his thoughts, continued, “Anyway, do a good job, and you’ll get a fitting reward.”

“…What kind of reward?”

Joseph asked in a deflated voice. Well, since he had to do it anyway, he might as well get a proper reward. But with a Church Order Nun Knight as the client, could he expect monetary compensation? This seemed like an unofficial job, so Church support was uncertain.

Seeing Joseph’s conflicted expression, Sophia smirked, then suddenly hid her presence right in front of him. Joseph, losing track of her despite her being right before him, exclaimed, “Huh? Huh!”

Revealing herself again, Sophia said, “I’ll teach you this. How about it?”

How about it? There was no question. Joseph Hiltman, the Ravenna detective agency head, nodded vigorously.

Anyway, a reward is a reward, and you can’t get work done for free. After signing the contract, nearly depleting his assets, Sophia left the agency, continuing to think about her plan.

‘With the help of a capable informant and the Cardinal’s support for cross-verifying Church intelligence, I should be able to trace the demon’s presence I felt.’

Even if they find the demon’s trail, what then? She considered handling it herself but realized that might not be wise.

Those already thinking of using the Church’s authority for their political games would surely try to involve the Church if demons were exposed in their succession dispute.

In that case, it might be better to officially demonstrate the Church’s power and influence, not just the individual might of a few strong Paladins, but the extent of the Church’s reach, to instill some caution.

“Timely, the trainees also need real combat experience.”

These clergy would someday face demons in official wars. By then, relying solely on a few Paladin special agents to counter the enemy’s entire force would be impossible. Preparing them with experience against great demons might not be a bad idea. Such calculations began forming in Sophia’s mind.

 

---