Chapter 97: A Nuclear Fireworks Show Over the Capital (Patreon)

Milis Continent. The capital of the Millis Holy Kingdom. Inside the Temple cathedral.

Rudeus and his party had only just stepped off the ship when the Pope received word. He summoned the entire upper echelon as fast as he could.

The Pope looked over the assembled faces, each wearing a different expression, and said slowly:

"I imagine some of you already know why I've called you all here. But many of you don't, so allow me to explain.

"Earlier… I had intended to have the Asura Kingdom make a move and test Rudeus's strength for us. But they aren't fools. They told us outright that Rudeus is headed in our direction, and they timed the message so it only reached me at the last possible moment.

"And now!! Rudeus has already arrived at West Port with Dragon God Orsted.

"So now… I'd like us to discuss this together. If Rudeus and the Dragon God come here, how should we deal with them?"

As the Pope's words faded, everyone looked at one another. But not one of them said a word.

Honestly… if Rudeus had come alone, it would have been easy enough. But now!! He had really brought the legendary Dragon God with him. That meant Rudeus's own strength as the Magic God was, for all practical purposes, confirmed genuine.

In a situation like this, how to handle them, how to treat them without angering these two big shots, was a task requiring real skill. Botch it, and there'd be hell to pay.

And if they handled it the wrong way, say the two big shots ended up satisfied but their own colleagues didn't, then getting an earful would be the best-case outcome. If someone came looking for a reckoning, they'd be damned from both sides!!

So… it was better to let His Holiness decide for himself. Don't push the small fry out front. If His Holiness handled it badly, and they were truly cornered, installing a new Pope wasn't out of the question.

After all… circumstances are stronger than people!!!

They didn't like it either. But what could they do, when Magic God Rudeus and Dragon God Orsted were simply too strong?

Seeing the assembly like this, the Pope gave a cold snort inwardly. He raised his head and looked at Carlisle, Captain of the Temple Knights, standing to one side.

"Carlisle, how have Paul and the others been lately?"

Called upon, Carlisle bowed. "Everything is fine."

The Pope nodded… then continued, "Any leads on Zenith?"

Carlisle answered honestly. "We've had word already… Adventurers from the Begaritt Continent say someone resembling Zenith was seen in the Labyrinth City. But nothing is certain yet."

"When did you learn this?" the Pope asked. "Have you told Paul?"

Carlisle shook his head. "Not yet. I'm still verifying how reliable it is."

The Pope nodded with a smile. "Mm, I understand your thinking.

"After all, I told you earlier to treat Paul and the others well. If we deceived Paul with something we can't confirm as true, that really wouldn't be good. And the Labyrinth City isn't a safe place. One careless step and all kinds of accidents can happen.

"But then… that was then, and this is now.

"When you go back, tell Paul that Rudeus is coming, and tell him this news as well. Of course, when you do, remember to stress that it's unconfirmed. Present it as something we worked hard to search for and have finally managed to find. Use whatever approach suits it best."

Carlisle bowed his head. "Yes, Your Holiness. I understand."

The Pope nodded… and watched the relieved look in everyone's eyes. His face was as gentle as sunlight, but inwardly he gave another cold snort.

He waved a hand to send them away. Once the crowd had dispersed, he turned and walked alone toward the statue of Saint Milis inside the temple.

Having dismissed everyone except his confidants, the Pope knelt before the statue and closed his eyes. He quickly slipped into a doze.

And at that moment… he arrived in an empty spiritual world.

Here, Hitogami (Human God), looking utterly sacred, smiled gently at the arriving Pope.

"It seems your subordinates aren't particularly useful," Hitogami said.

The Pope bowed his head. "Honored Hitogami… it's quite natural that this should happen. They have faced too many temptations… and long ago lost their sincere faith in religion and the gods!!"

Hitogami nodded… and the two of them talked at length.

Everything seemed… as if a Father God were treating his true believer with boundless benevolence!!

…

Milis Continent, West Port.

The West Port official, who had followed the Pope's orders, was attending Rudeus's party with great respect. Meanwhile, the surrounding streets had been swept clear by guards. As Rudeus's group passed, the whole street fell quiet.

At first… Rudeus chatted and laughed pleasantly with the official. But when they were about halfway to the inn, he suddenly asked with a smile:

"I can see anger in the eyes of quite a few people. Are you trying to stir up the people's fury against me with this?"

His tone was mild and his face was smiling. But to the West Port official, who knew a little of Rudeus's background, those barbed words were terrifying. He hurriedly began apologizing over and over, insisting that was not what he meant.

Rudeus nodded with a smile. "I know that's not what you meant.

"So, since we've got nothing better to do, how about watching some fireworks?"

The official asked, bewildered, "Fireworks??"

Rudeus nodded with a smile. "Yes, fireworks. A beautiful fireworks show.

"We've come to the Millis Holy Kingdom and been received so hospitably by the country. The least I can do is express my heartfelt thanks!!!"

"You…"

The West Port official swallowed involuntarily. His voice trembled slightly as he asked, "What do you intend???"

Rudeus smiled. "Me? I intend… to put on a grand fireworks show in the capital of the Millis Holy Kingdom!!!

"It needn't be too big, but it has to be dazzling enough!! That's how I'll show my immense gratitude to the Millis Holy Kingdom!!!"

As Rudeus's words fell, he lightly raised a hand…

Rudeus, Eris, Nanahoshi Shizuka, Ghislaine, Dragon God Orsted, the West Port official, and the several dozen guards clearing the street… all of them, in that very moment!!

Were effortlessly, almost casually, lifted by Rudeus into the sky, higher and higher!!!