Chapter 231: Holy Nation (3)

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Hero.

Carl knew well, too.

It was a name synonymous with standing against the absolute evil when the Demon King and the Demon Realm’s forces invaded the Middle Realm.

“I am not someone fit to be called a Hero. My skills may be exceptional, but I lack the nobility of Sir Ruthwell and the pious faith of Sir Nadram.”

Carl refused flatly.

He had no intention of putting on the glamorous shell of a so-called Hero.

He would only be driven into a deathtrap laden with endless restrictions.

He understood better than anyone how heavy and burdensome it was to be someone the people looked up to and pinned their hopes on.

“But at least the test…”

Paladin Ruthwell persisted in persuading him.

It was only natural.

At just twenty years of age, Carl had acquired such power and even passed the trial of one of the Ancient Heroes, ‘Justice,’ becoming its successor.

If not someone like him, then who else could possibly be worthy of the title Hero?

“Sir Ruthwell. That’s enough. This isn’t something to be forced.”

“…Apologies. I let my emotions get the better of me.”

Only when Nadram stepped in did he withdraw, swallowing his disappointment.

But in the eyes he cast toward Carl remained a hint of obsession.

“Sir Carl. Please consider the matter of the Hero seriously at least once. It is that important to our Holy Nation—and to this continent as a whole.”

“I will.”

Carl nodded obediently.

Of course, he had not the slightest intention of doing so.

“We didn’t prepare this meeting solely to talk about the Hero. That’s more of a side matter. Since this is an important issue, allow me to apologize once again for how things turned out.”

“There’s no need for any more formalities. Let’s move on to the main subject.”

“Let’s do that. We’ve been delayed longer than expected. Carl, this friend here is quite busy, you see.”

With Crown Prince Yulian stepping in to back him, Cardinal Nadram nodded.

“At present, our Holy Nation is working in close cooperation with His Highness the Crown Prince to root out the forces of the Demon Realm hidden within the Empire. Starting from this very Imperial Family and Palace, we plan to eliminate them throughout the Empire.”

It was something Carl had already heard.

In fact, there were barely any Demon Humans or their associates left in the Imperial Palace.

There might still be those indirectly bribed or manipulated, but any Demon Human that entered would be discovered quickly.

“We’ve purged thoroughly enough that the place is now pristine. Of course, if we let our guard down, they could infiltrate again at any time.”

“The issue lies with the citizens. Their numbers are too vast for us to inspect each one individually.”

“And there’s also the underworld and Flick’s side to consider. The Imperial Family can’t move directly, and if we handle things carelessly, they’ll just go into hiding.”

“That’s why I’m here, isn’t it?”

Carl shrugged.

That was precisely why NOX was needed.

If he could take control of the Empire’s underworld, rooting out the Demon Realm’s forces would become far easier.

It was a world ruled by strength—if he simply crushed them with force, things would be quickly settled.

Crown Prince Yulian nodded.

“Exactly. That’s why we’re empowering that side. We can handle the citizens gradually, but we should start by cleaning up the underworld.”

“Our Holy Nation has also conducted our own investigation. Here, this is the list of suspected individuals.”

Carl reviewed the documents handed over by Cardinal Nadram.

It was a substantial list, and from the moment he turned the first page, his eyes widened.

“How reliable is this information?”

“Over 90% for the upper ranks. For the lower ones, some are merely under suspicion. We focused our investigation on the leadership, as that part is the most crucial.”

Among the nobles who frequented the Imperial Palace, there were almost none who had formed contracts with the Demonic Race or were clearly colluding with them.

But among the nobles currently residing in the Capital, a considerable number were under suspicion.

‘…Well, of course.’

Instructor Frahan’s family was a similar case.

If a household of that level had been corrupted, it wouldn’t be surprising if other families of similar stature had also allied with the Demon Realm.

The problem was, if they tried to purge them all at once, the political fallout would be enormous.

“The Imperial Palace will not make a move. Officially, the Empire will not intervene either.”

“…Are you planning to handle this under the surface?”

“Would you be willing to help?”

At Crown Prince Yulian’s question, Carl fell into thought for a moment.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to make him owe a favor here.

Clearing out noble estates wasn’t that difficult a task.

However…

“What about the Holy Nation?”

“Of course, we’ll assist. It wouldn’t be right to place the burden solely on Sir Carl.”

“That’s right. This is also an opportunity to pass judgment on those who have turned away. We can’t abstain from this.”

If both the Paladin and the Cardinal got involved, the task would be exceptionally easy.

Especially since they wouldn’t be moving alone—NOX would likely only need to lend a finger.

If something went wrong, they could shift the blame to the Holy Nation and minimize the fallout.

“Where should we start?”

“Let’s begin with the big one. To think that a so-called Count of the Empire was taking money from demons.”

“We’ll handle the preparations on our side. We’ll set the date and location and contact you—let’s meet there. More than that, I’d like to hear about the situation in Alforam.”

“Go ahead.”

Cardinal Nadram took a sip of tea and continued.

“According to the information shared by Crown Prince Yulian, there was something like a portal beneath Alforam…”

“Exactly as it sounds. However, it was a one-way structure. It seemed to be a passage only for movement from the Demon Realm to the Middle Realm.”

“How large was it?”

“Not enough for an army to pass through. Barely big enough for one person, and the mana flow wasn’t that strong. Perhaps…”

“A passage for a small number of high-ranking Demonic Race members or demons, then.”

Paladin Ruthwell nodded gravely.

The fact that a passage of that magnitude had already manifested between the Demon Realm and the Middle Realm was a serious issue.

Even a handful of demons or demonic beings could cause immense chaos in the world.

“If possible, I’d like to see it with my own eyes—would that be feasible?”

“I’ll relay it to Alforam. However, the portal has already been destroyed and is no longer functional.”

“Even traces will be enough.”

Carl nodded.

Just showing it wouldn’t be too difficult.

He only needed to contact Laysis, who was likely still struggling in Alforam.

“There’s a favor I’d like to ask in return…”

“Ah, please speak.”

“I’d like to expand the size of the temple currently stationed in the capital of Alforam. It would be even better if the Holy Nation could sign a direct protection agreement with the Alforam royal family.”

“Hm.”

“I’ll personally guarantee the safety of the clergy. We’ll also assign separate escorts selected on our end. It only needs to last until Alforam stabilizes.”

It wouldn’t take long.

NOX estimated that the situation would be stabilized within a month or two.

‘Laysis is apparently handling things better than expected.’

Only a day or two had passed since the near-rebellion, but she was already taking control of the royal family and organizing the chaotic state of affairs.

He didn’t think it would be a bad idea for her to ascend the throne as she was, but she was firmly intent on returning to the Academy.

It was likely suffocating for her to be trapped in the royal palace for life if she became queen.

Carl could understand how Laysis felt.

“Understood. That much won’t be difficult. I’ll see to it immediately.”

“I think we’ve discussed enough for today. Thanks to Sir Carl, we’ve gained a lot.”

Paladin Ruthwell reached out his hand.

Carl took it and gave it a light shake as he said:

“I’ll be counting on you from here on.”

After all, he planned to leave the meat shield role to the Holy Nation.

Late at night.

Several figures swiftly approached the mansion of the Cayal Count’s household.

Normally, assailants at such hours would conceal their identities or affiliations, but these figures made no attempt to hide theirs—in fact, they displayed them openly.

“Barrier manifestation─!”

As Cardinal Nadram activated a holy spell, the entire mansion was engulfed in radiant light.

A second layer of magic wrapped around it, forming an illusion barrier to prevent the beams from leaking outward.

After all, a burst of light shooting into the sky in the middle of the night would attract attention.

“Let’s go in.”

At Paladin Ruthwell’s words, Carl nodded and stepped up to the mansion’s front gate.

“Uh, uh…”

The soldiers standing guard at the entrance held their spears in confusion.

“The Holy Nation? Why are the clergy here…”

The radiant divine power encircling the mansion and the fearsome aura they exuded—none of it looked ordinary.

Paladin Ruthwell offered them a faint smile and bowed his head.

“We’ve come to carry out divine judgment. Would you kindly step aside?”

“…”

The two soldiers looked at each other for a moment, then quietly moved aside.

Guarding the entrance was technically their duty, but there was no way they could withstand monsters like these.

Soon after, clergy members arrived and bound the soldiers.

Crack—!

Inside the mansion, cracks formed from the clash between demonic energy and divine power.

As if prepared for this kind of situation, a barrier of demonic energy surged up, pushing back and canceling out the divine barrier.

Lights turned on in the mansion as people poured out, confronting Carl’s party who had entered inside.

“…Why is the Holy Nation persecuting us?”

Count Cayal, standing at the front, bellowed at the clergy.

But Paladin Ruthwell simply chuckled and pointed above their heads.

“With such clear evidence overhead, do you still intend to deny it?”

“We… we don’t know what that is…”

Swoooosh!

A sword of light burst forth.

A divine slash surged like a tidal wave, sweeping away Count Cayal and everyone else nearby.

“There is no dialogue with the wicked. Only judgment awaits. Atone for your sins with your body!”

With eyes blazing like white flames, he stomped the ground and roared.

He looked more like a berserker than a priest, prompting Carl to let out a small, baffled laugh.

‘He must’ve held back quite a bit when fighting me.’

Perhaps that wild appearance was Paladin Ruthwell’s true nature when facing evil.

“…He’s not usually that rough. He just has an exceptionally strong battle instinct, so I ask for your understanding.”

Cardinal Nadram, standing next to Carl, said this with a slightly embarrassed expression.

It was understandable—he certainly didn’t look like a typical clergyman.

“Then, as promised, I’ll move separately now.”

“Understood. May the Goddess’s blessing be with you.”

Shhhhhh.

A divine blessing seeped into him.

Feeling his body become lighter, Carl kicked off the ground with force and circled around the battlefield.

He had his own role to fulfill, after all.

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