Chapter 194: The Saintess

So, when they stepped into York Territory, their eyes widened.

And as the Honorary Knights Order led them toward the Church’s location, their gazes gradually turned blank.

Under the direction of the apprentices, commoners were sowing seeds and reclaiming wasteland.

Some idle children ran and played freely in the wild, their innocent laughter ringing out from time to time.

Merchants coming and going had hired strong men to push carts laden with fine goods.

People along the road who were wearing their own gear shouted loudly to the leading Honorary Knights at the front, “Are these people returning from battle?”

“Is the Church preparing to recruit warriors to drive out the werewolves?”

In those words, there was admiration for them, as well as a yearning for battle.

Leo and Vito were also a little dazed.

They were natives, so they knew just how great the changes here were.

Especially when they saw the Church’s station stretching in a continuous expanse and the towering Clock Tower, their faces turned just as blank as everyone else’s.

“Warrior Leo and Warrior Vito, I’ve heard of your feats. The two of you can already be called heroes.” Administrator Piero looked at the two Temple Warriors, who appeared stunned, his warm smile making even the ferocity on half his face seem less frightening.

“You are… Administrator Piero?” Vito asked uncertainly.

“That’s me.” Piero gave a reserved nod, then introduced the two people behind him.

“This is Baron Jeffrey Sacker and Baron Bevan Morton, currently senators of York Territory.”

As Piero introduced them, the two barons wore polite smiles and gave slight nods toward Leo and Vito.

The two barons were standing here… and seemed to be welcoming them?

The thought made Leo and Vito’s hearts tingle, and the people behind them grew restless, muffled gasps escaping.

“Administrator Piero, the Bishop is still waiting,” said Borien, the Honorary Knights’ commander, still seated on his horse to the side.

“Alright, I understand, Knight Borien.” Piero turned to Vito. “The Bishop asked me to settle the people you two warriors brought back. The Bishop wants them to form a new village, so we’re here not only to welcome heroes but also to take them into our care.”

Piero’s use of the word “heroes” made the two blush slightly. Finally, Vito said, “Alright, I understand. I’ll go speak to them.”

Saying that, Vito greeted the people following behind, then, with Alice and Borien, headed toward the Clock Tower.

The person chosen as leader among the group stood trembling slightly before Piero and the two nobles.

This reaction made Jeffrey and Bevan, who had been called over to make up the numbers, feel much more at ease.

Though news traveled slowly, they corresponded by letter with Puniel and thus knew he was living a true noble’s life over there—uninhibited and completely free.

They envied him greatly, being stuck in York Territory playing political games with the local gentry.

“Alright, no need to be nervous.” Piero still smiled warmly. “York Territory is not like other places. Here, everyone is a devout believer in the Lord, and both nobles are very kind.”

Although Piero said so, the leader still appeared restrained.

“Then, may I ask your name?” Piero asked without further ado.

“Evan, my lord. My name is Evan.” As he spoke, Evan bent even lower.

“No, no, just call me Administrator.” Piero quickly corrected him. “And as for the two barons, you may address them as ‘Sir’ or as ‘Senator.’”

Then, worried that Evan might say something he shouldn’t, Piero continued, “From now on, you will be the guard captain of this new village. I’ll first take you to the location chosen for you. I’ve already had some supplies delivered there. You’ll need to choose others from among your people to serve as the village guards.”

“Tomorrow, or the day after, apprentices of the Monastery will come to guide you in building the village.”

“Lastly, the Senate will soon appoint a tax official who will inform you of the annual taxes to be paid.”

Speaking as he walked, Piero led the commoners toward the designated place. He did not ride a horse, but walked with the commoners, blending into the crowd as he spoke with Evan.

The two barons returned to the town.

…

On the first floor of the Clock Tower, three Honorary Knights led Leo, Vito, and Alice inside.

Corleon stood beneath the cross facing the main entrance, eyes closed, facing them.

The three knights, as well as Leo and Vito, immediately knelt on one knee and lowered their heads, leaving only Alice standing awkwardly.

“Welcome home, Leo and Vito. You’ve worked hard during this time. I am proud of you,” Corleon’s voice came.

Leo and Vito’s eyes stung inexplicably, and tears streamed down their faces.

“Ha, I hope those are tears of joy.” Corleon chuckled softly. “What you have done will be praised by the Lord Himself. This is the greatest good deed.”

“…But we didn’t return with Captain Hode,” Vito said, wiping his tears.

“He’s still alive. George saved him, and he still has his own mission,” Corleon replied.

“Really? That… that’s great.” Vito spoke with a bright smile, and Leo joined in his joy.

“But now is your time.” Corleon continued, “You have accomplished such a great deed; you should be rewarded with gold. This money will allow you to build a home near the Church. Dean Oscar of the Monastery will compile your deeds into a story to be sung by all. Your merits are enough to make you knights of the Lord. Will you choose to become Guardian Knights or Punishing Knights?”

Without hesitation, both answered in unison—Guardian Knights.

Corleon nodded with a smile, then changed their Commandments.

“I imagine you’re tired from the journey. Knight Borien, please take them to rest in the Glory Fortress,” Corleon instructed.

“Your will,” Borien bowed in reply.

Then Corleon looked at Leo and Vito. “Your knight’s armor and weapons will be delivered to you soon.”

“Yes…” Vito nodded, then glanced at Leo before continuing, “Bishop, Priest Marl and the others are driving out the northern werewolves. They may need us, so we wish to head there to fight once we receive our armor and weapons.”

“Not yet. First, rest in the Church for a while. See the land you’ve worked so hard to protect—this new York Territory, built through the efforts of you and all the Lord’s servants,” Corleon said with a smile.

“Engrave this sight in your hearts. When you fight outside, recall these scenes and remind yourselves that everything you do is so all those in suffering may experience the Lord’s teachings and live as happily as York Territory’s devout believers.”

“As for your battles, when the time comes, I will summon you. For now, enjoy a well-deserved break after half a year of fighting.”

The two could only nod in agreement.

The Honorary Knights guided them away, leaving only Alice, still uncertain what to do.

“Welcome, Saintess of the Cross Painted in Blood Theocracy, Alice Yokich,” Corleon said.

Alice was startled and hesitated.

“I am a servant of the Lord. When you arrived, the Lord granted me a revelation, telling me of your identity, and of the holy child in your womb who bears the bloodline of the Theocracy,” Corleon continued.

Alice’s eyes widened at his words, about to speak.

“That is not Patriarch Darks’ bloodline. You know what is normally required for bloodline inheritance—and you are still a maiden,” Corleon said before she could speak.

Hearing this, Alice lowered her head in some fear.

“Do not be afraid. This is the Church of the Sanctuary, the Lord’s holy place. It is the place of His blessing,” Corleon reassured her.

Although still fearful, Alice finally spoke. “Please forgive me. By order of the Three Sages, I came to the Church of the Sanctuary to study, and to warn the Church to beware of the fishmen. The Three Sages also ordered me to bring this.”

She took a cloth bundle from her robe.

“Ah~ I have received it.” Corleon sighed. The cloth bundle floated from Alice’s hands to hover beside him.

Alice looked up briefly, then lowered her head again.

“Are you curious about what’s inside?” Corleon asked.

“I am, but the Three Sages told me not to look,” Alice said softly.

“Do you wish to see it?” Corleon pressed.

“…Yes,” Alice admitted after a pause, but quickly added, “But the words of the Three Sages are absolutely correct. If they told me not to look, then it means what’s inside is not for me to see.”

“You are very honest,” Corleon said with a smile. “But the Three Sages only instructed you not to open it or look during transport. If you wish to see it now, there is no problem.”

“So, do you still wish to see it?”

Alice lifted her head with a shy smile, a liveliness befitting her age returning to her expression.

Corleon chuckled, then lifted a finger slightly. The bundle beside him began to unfold.

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