"Oh my~ Alright, alright. I was just saying. Is there any need to turn this into such a lecture?"
Elizabeth winked at me and spread her hands, gesturing toward the Saintess of the Sun.
Unexpectedly, Momoka frowned as if she had seen the gesture, despite her eyes being closed.
"Lady Elizabeth, please show some respect. My eyes are closed only because of my Authorities, not because I am blind."
"I know, I know~"
Elizabeth stuck out her tongue.
"Your Highness, the other four Saintesses are also requesting to join the meeting."
The mage spoke up to remind us, and both Momoka and Elizabeth nodded.
"Let them in."
Seeing their reactions, I could only nod in agreement.
"Since you both agree, then let them join."
As I spoke, streaks of light appeared above us once more, forming a semi-circular light screen in front of my eyes. Six figures appeared.
Elizabeth in her heavy Saintess's robe.
Momoka in her shrine maiden outfit.
Next was a woman wearing a sheer, gauzy Saintess's robe. She had long pink hair, a proud figure, and stood at least 1.7 meters tall with a confident smile on her lips.
"Saintess of Flame, Anna Saint Uriel. Greetings to the Saintess of the Moon and my fellow Saintesses."
Then came a Saintess wearing a white headscarf and a white robe, her face hidden behind a veil.
"Saintess of Water, Ophelia Saint Gabriel. Greetings, everyone."
Following her was a woman clad in armor, a longsword hanging at her waist, radiating an unstoppable, sharp aura.
"Lina Saint Michael, Saintess of War."
Finally, there was a mature woman wearing very little, only something resembling a two-piece swimsuit. She was draped in thin gauze, her body partially visible as she lay across a bed, with someone beside her giving her a massage.
"Is everyone here? Hehehe~ Aisha Saint Metatron, Saintess of Sand. Greetings to you all."
Seeing this, I had to reintroduce myself.
"Saintess of the Moon, Luo Li Saint Sariel. Greetings, Your Highnesses. Thank you for your concern."
The fact that they contacted me immediately after the magic tower was repaired proved their attention toward the Kingdom of the Moon.
A simple thank you was not enough to express my feelings.
"No need to be so polite. We of the Eight Nations of the Holy Church and the Seven Saintesses are indispensable to one another. If something were to happen to your Kingdom of the Moon, I'm afraid we would all face big trouble~"
The Saintess of Sand, Aisha, clearly had a hidden meaning in her words.
The big trouble she mentioned was definitely not just the demon army, but another entity.
After all, her Kingdom of Sand was located in the northwest of the Eight Nations of the Holy Church. Half of its land was desert, making it difficult for foreign enemies to invade. They were shielded by the Holy See in front, and my Kingdom of the Moon further ahead. Unless the Eight Nations of the Holy Church were almost completely defeated, the demon army could not possibly reach that far.
Thus, there was only one option left for the big trouble she spoke of.
The Pope!
"I wonder what happened with this demon invasion. Brilliant City suddenly lost contact, and the Holy See, the Kingdom of the Sun, and the Snow Country all mobilized troops. It seems the problem was quite serious. Has it been resolved? If you need reinforcements, please notify me at any time. I will... personally lead my troops to slay the demons!"
Lina spoke up impatiently.
Her Kingdom of War was adjacent to a forest where demonized beasts often caused trouble. The entire country had a very high regard for martial prowess. Furthermore, they were neighbors with the Dwarven Kingdom, which was also a martial nation.
Consequently, there were frequent frictions between the two countries.
This was also the reason why the Kingdom of War ranked second in military strength among the Eight Nations of the Holy Church.
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Saintess of War. The demon army has retreated. The attacking force was led by the demon general, Butcher Zuka. He has retreated after being heavily wounded. Our army achieved over eighty thousand kills, and the remnants are still being cleared out."
"What!?"
"Eighty thousand kills?"
"Lady Saintess of the Moon, surely you are joking?"
"I believe that in such a setting, as a Saintess, she would not lie."
"When did the demon army become so vulnerable? That Butcher Zuka is one of the Twelve Demon Generals. You, a newly appointed Saintess, actually managed to heavily wound him?"
"As far as I know, your country's Heavenly Punishment Knight, Kevin Cromwell, was not in Brilliant City. I wonder what method you used to repel this demon general?"
The other Saintesses looked at me in surprise, discussing the possibility of such an event.
I pondered for a moment before describing the changes on the battlefield in the briefest language possible, naturally avoiding the key points.
As for Butcher Zuka's heavy injury, I only mentioned it was due to a special Authority and did not go into detail.
A Saintess's abilities are only known to the high-ranking officials of her own country; Saintesses from other countries could not possibly know my specific abilities.
This was a tacit understanding between Saintesses, an unwritten rule.
"I see. It seems that Lady Saintess of the Moon, despite having been in power for only a short year, has achieved something quite remarkable. Truly rare."
Aisha, the Saintess of Sand, looked at my face with a faint smile, though that smile gave off an unfathomable feeling.
"This is an event worthy of being recorded in history. I never imagined the Saintess of the Moon would be able to lead troops in battle. You have my respect, Lina. If there is an opportunity, I will certainly ask for your guidance!"
Lina, the Saintess of War, this girl did not seem as elegant as the other Saintesses. Instead, she carried the valiant aura of a female general.
After some more pleasantries and confirming that my Kingdom of the Moon was fine, the Saintesses ended the communication.
Phew~
It seemed the Pope's ambition was an open secret that everyone knew.
Among the other six Saintesses, except for Anna of the Kingdom of Flame and Ophelia of the Kingdom of the Sea who were secretive about it, the others didn't hold back at all, daring to say things that should and shouldn't be said.
The Kingdom of Flame and the Kingdom of the Sea were adjacent, and their climates were very similar, both located at the southernmost tip of the Eight Nations of the Holy Church.
Commerce in these two countries was very prosperous. If I had the chance, I would like to do business with the Saintesses of those two nations.
In short, I had met the other six Saintesses of the Eight Nations of the Holy Church.
Besides me, the Saintess of the Moon, the only one left I hadn't communicated with was His Holiness, the Pope of the Holy See.
However, His Holiness had just withdrawn his troops from the border of the Kingdom of the Moon. I assumed he wouldn't have the face to call me?
Yet, some things always come quite unexpectedly.
Just as this thought crossed my mind, the mage dealt me a blow.
"Your Highness, a communication from His Holiness the Pope has arrived."
"Let it through."
He actually dared to call at a time like this?
Whatever comes, I'll deal with it. Let's see what he has to say.
To speak human to humans and ghost to ghosts, this was a skill not easily learned.
The screen connected.
"Lady Saintess of the Moon, it is wonderful that you are safe. I truly did not expect that Martha would be a witch. It was a failure of my Holy Church to not identify her. On behalf of the Holy See, I offer you my sincere apologies."
This man was dressed in a white Pope's robe with gold trim. His expression was amiable and kind, looking like a friendly older brother from next door, and his voice was gentle.
He took the initiative, apologizing right away with a beaming smile.
"Your Holiness is too kind. No one wanted to see such a thing happen. Only those irrational beasts would wish for such an outcome. It was all a plot by the demon race and has nothing to do with Your Holiness. Please do not blame yourself excessively."
My words were obviously an insinuation toward him. However, the Pope's depth was indeed profound. Even when I compared him to a beast, his expression remained unchanged as he looked at me with a smiling face.
"It is best that the Saintess thinks this way. Originally, I received word from your border count, Duke Simmons, saying that the demons had already invaded Brilliant City. That is why I hastily raised troops. Fortunately, the situation has settled, and I have recalled my forces. I hope this matter does not cause any misunderstandings."
The Pope remained full of smiles.
By saying this, was he trying to wash his hands of the whole affair?
But for now, I couldn't press the matter further. After all, I had no evidence on hand. Even if I insisted it was the Pope's doing, he could completely push the blame onto his subordinates, and at most, a couple of slaps would settle it.
"How could I misunderstand? Your Holiness worries too much. Your Holiness's timely reaction put some pressure on the demons, which allowed me to drive them away so easily. I should even thank Your Holiness for the assistance."
"Since there is no misunderstanding, then I am relieved."
The Pope placed a hand over his chest.
"Look at me, I forgot to introduce myself. After our brief encounter last time, this is our first formal meeting. Hello, Luo Li Saint Sariel. I am the seventh Pope, Diocletian. Popes do not have surnames, so..."
"Your Holiness need not worry. I understand."
I waved my hand.
His purpose for coming was to clear himself of suspicion. After these words, it would be difficult to continue seeking accountability.
After some pleasantries, the conversation finally ended.
Walking out of the communication room, I couldn't help but breathe a long sigh of relief.
So tired QAQ.
These women were all shrewd veterans, and then there was the incredibly deep-seated Pope.
Thinking about having to deal with these people in the future made my head ache.
Too much trouble.
If only I had enough strength!
At least I wouldn't have to think so much.
Unfortunately, this was not a world where strength alone could crush everything. If I were a demon, it might be different, but the gap between ordinary humans was not that large.
The gap between Saintesses was even smaller.
The other six Saintesses had been in power much longer than I had. They had plenty of time to increase their strength.
The distance between us was a bit too great. I still needed to explore more and strive to increase my own strength as quickly as possible.
Only then could I truly feel at ease.
When I returned to the square, it was already midnight. The citizens had taken to the streets, laughing and joining the banquet.
Seeing this, I did not disturb them.
This was what they deserved.
"Lola, wake me up early tomorrow morning. We're going to the prison again. The trial is tomorrow at noon, correct?"
"Yes, Your Highness. According to the schedule, the Great Trial will be held in Moon Square at noon tomorrow, followed by the burning at the stake."
"Mm. Go and prepare. Tomorrow morning, I'll go see Cyrus. Have that old bull lead the way again."
"Your Highness... he is of another race."
Hilda had still not left and remained by my side.
"I know. But sometimes... another race might be more trustworthy than one's own people."
Although the old saying goes, those who are not of our kin must have a different heart.
In this era, it might not be entirely accurate.
That old bull was a pretty dumb and cute fellow; he could be of use.
I just wonder what price I'll have to pay to win him over?
"Your Highness, it is time to rest."
I looked out the window. The moon was high; it was already midnight.
Everything today had settled. What could be done had been done.
The rest... could only be left to the heavens.
God! I sincerely pray that you make Kevin my fall guy!
I glanced at the massive statue.
You think I really believe?
Hmph.
As expected, I should still think of a way to use something practical to trade for his loyalty.
How should I go about it?
Rate on N.U.
