Chapter 70
And so, the demon-slaying incident that had stirred up a fuss among the influential figures at the royal palace banquet in Ravenna had passed. The events of that day were soon embellished to suit the king’s taste, spreading as per the agreement between the king and the church. The king wielded these rumors like a weapon, making bold moves without hesitation.
As the king skillfully dismantled various factions within the kingdom and appointed the first prince as the crown prince, Cardinal Andrea, who witnessed the entire process, couldn’t help but grimace.
“Indeed, the clergy is my true calling. Had I become the Duke of Bonaventura as my family wished, who knows how my life would have turned out? Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine.”
Whenever he visited Cardinal Alessandro at the government office, he would grumble like this, often gossiping about the kingdom’s power players.
In any case, now that the task of educating the clergy around the Sea of Tethys was complete, it was time to head to the next destination, the lowlands. With the travel schedule to the lowlands still undecided, the group’s focus turned to the method of travel—whether to go by land or by sea.
“The advantages of traveling by land are obvious. The distance is much shorter than by sea, and the territories we pass through are either Franquia or the Empire. For someone like me, who has mainly operated in Franquia and considers the Empire my home base, it’s a rather appealing option.”
Hildegard’s argument had its merits. Although crossing the Alps again was a bit of a hassle, it wasn’t a significant challenge for a group of superhumans like them. As Hildegard spoke, the group’s faces lit up with interest.
However, Esiocles Emanuele, or Egio for short, interrupted the flow.
“But there’s one problem with traveling by land: the sheer number of cities and territories we’d have to pass through. Even if we ignore the issues related to the instruments scattered across the continent, aren’t you Paladins beings watched over by the spirits and the Celestial God? Surely, you’ll encounter no small number of incidents along the way. Does the shorter physical distance really matter?”
At Egio’s point, Hildegard sighed. He was right. Especially in Hildegard’s view, while she might handle it, Sophia, who was waiting for their decision, was definitely the type to attract trouble. And given her ability to resolve such incidents, it was even more likely.
Noticing Hildegard’s glance, Sophia, who had been listening to the discussion with her chin propped up, tilted her head and asked, “What’s wrong? Do you have something to say to me?”
“No, not really. Nothing at all.”
Hildegard quickly averted her gaze and brushed it off. If she spoke her mind, Sophia would surely get angry or upset.
“Therefore, the advantage of taking the sea route comes into play here. While traveling by ship does require stopping at various ports along the way, it’s still far fewer than the number of territories, villages, and cities we’d encounter on land.”
“So, what’s your real intention?”
“Since we’ve already come down from the mountains, I’d like to have a more varied experience. Sailing along the coastline would definitely be more fun.”
As expected, Egio’s true intentions spilled out, and Conra, who had been quietly listening, couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. How could someone be so shameless? It was clear that living in the Alps in near-naked attire wasn’t something just anyone could do.
Moreover, Egio not only revealed his selfish desires but also dragged others into his scheme.
“Think about it. According to Cardinal Chazel, didn’t this young brother also set out to experience the world? For that very experience, wouldn’t it be necessary for him to travel by sea?”
Conra, who had been quietly listening, was suddenly pulled into the conversation. Why drag someone who was just sitting there into this!? But regardless of the boy’s confusion, the important thing was that Sophia’s attitude shifted somewhat when Conra was mentioned. She went from leaning back disinterestedly to sitting up straight and seriously considering the matter.
“Hmm, there’s something to be said for that.”
And so it went.
While they were deep in discussion about how to proceed to their next destination, a mysterious light suddenly condensed behind Sophia and Hildegard, revealing the spirits Gabrielle and Ariel.
[……!]
[……!]
“Huh? So, for this journey, it’s better to go through Hiberia and Caledonia?”
“Hmm, as expected? Then let’s proceed accordingly.”
The reactions of Hildegard and Sophia to the spirits’ whispers were slightly different. Hildegard seemed flustered by Ariel’s whisper, while Sophia nodded in agreement as if she had expected it.
Sophia, who had created an original spirit by sacrificing her fourth ethereal muscles and ethereal brain, had gradually begun to exhibit foresight akin to prophecy. Although it might not compare to the spirits’ abilities, a similar kind of foresight had started to work for her.
In any case, the spirits’ advice played a significant role in determining the actions of a Paladin knight. Especially since both spirits were saying the same thing, and Sophia had similar foresight, the group’s plan was ultimately decided: they would travel by sea.
Just as they were about to conclude the meeting, Sophia noticed Egio looking at her and Hildegard with envy dripping from his eyes and couldn’t help but smirk.
“Want to make a contract with a spirit, do you?”
At Sophia’s words, Egio paused, then sighed and replied, “Is there anyone among the clergy who wouldn’t want to contract with a spirit?”
Sophia laughed at Egio’s honest admission. “Is that so? From what I see, you have no reason to envy us.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because a spirit will come to you soon enough.”
“Really!?”
Sophia’s declaration was quite unexpected for Egio, and he couldn’t help but feel excited as he asked if her words were true. Sophia nodded as if it were obvious and explained further.
“Spirits are beings that naturally come to anyone whose training in Light Power reaches a certain level. Your level has already surpassed a certain threshold, so it won’t be long before a spirit comes to you. There’s no need to be anxious.”
“If that’s true,” Egio clenched his fist and said, “then I, Egio, owe Cardinal Chazel an immeasurable debt. The reason my Light Power has reached such heights is entirely due to him.”
“How is that my doing? It’s simply the result of your good qualities and accumulated training meeting the right time. Don’t talk nonsense.”
Sophia quickly waved her hand, already feeling annoyed. She had given him good advice, and now he was talking about repaying debts? Suddenly, she remembered what the clergy and nuns of the Alps were like.
“The clergy and nuns of the Alps are famous for their sincerity in repaying debts. Our way of repaying debts is very persistent and tenacious.”
That’s right. That’s how it was. She had been so busy that she had forgotten. No wonder. Before she could speak, her original spirit had vigorously shaken its head. It must have foreseen this situation. Sophia could only click her tongue and lament.
+++++
Hiberia was a country located at the western end of the Sea of Tethys, serving as the gateway connecting the Sea of Tethys to the distant seas of Atlas. Caledonia, on the other hand, was an island nation separated from Franquia by a strait, so traveling there required taking a ship.
Although Sophia’s steed, Jangbaljang, openly showed his dislike, the group managed to secure passage on a ship bound for Hiberia.
“It’ll be tough, but just bear with it a little. If you call yourself my steed, you should be able to handle this much, right?”
Sophia coaxed and cajoled, with a hint of threat, as she finally got Jangbaljang onto the ship. Once that was done, the ship finally set sail from the port.
As the sound of waves crashing against the ship’s hull echoed, Sophia smiled broadly. The excitement of a new journey brushed her cheeks like the wind.
And about three days later, during the voyage, the ship carrying Sophia and her companions docked at Marseille, a port city in southern Franquia.
