Chapter 37
“May I, as the sword of the great Demeter, continue to serve the world today—practicing love and justice, and guiding your humble servant…”
Before dawn, in a small chapel inside the imperial palace, a handsome man offered a devout prayer under the light of just three candles on a silver candelabrum.
That man was Ernst Heine, commander of the Holy Knights.
But today, he couldn’t pray as long as usual.
“Ahem, hmm.”
A shadow quietly approached from behind, interrupting him.
He frowned briefly at the disruption, then quickly composed himself and greeted the intruder.
“…Your Grace.”
The gentle-looking man with a long white beard down to his chest was Archbishop Moritz, a figure revered by all who followed the goddess Demeter.
“Sir Heine. Ever devout, I see. I heard you haven’t even been sleeping.”
Ernst rose, offering a solemn bow before lifting his head.
“It’s all for the faithful who share in the goddess’s light.”
“A noble mindset. However…”
Still smiling gently, Archbishop Moritz spoke in a tone at odds with his expression—firm and unyielding.
“…Some followers are disturbed by your recent conduct.”
“What do you mean?”
“At the Spring Ball, a joyous festival for all, Holy Knights were stationed and conducted inspections. That inevitably made the guests uncomfortable.”
“……”
“The knights are still positioned around the ballroom… and yet, after all those investigations, nothing’s been found. Even Her Majesty the Empress has expressed discomfort. Today is the final day, so they’ve endured it… barely.”
Moritz pressed each word with emphasis—clearly a warning.
“If you continue such unpredictable behavior under the guise of apostolic authority, it could strain not only the Church’s relationship with the palace, but our relationship as well.”
The archbishop’s real intention was clear—he wanted Ernst to step back.
But Ernst was no ordinary follower—he was the eldest son of House Heine, a prestigious family that had served the Church for generations.
“I understand, Your Grace. However… I’ve sensed something disturbing.”
“I regret to say, I don’t quite believe there’s a connection to any evil god.”
Ernst slowly stood.
“I didn’t believe it at first either. I thought the confessions I received might be delusions. But…”
In the dim dawn light, he looked almost holy—though his expression was grim.
“…There’s definitely something here.”
Ernst, the heir of a house long bonded to Demeter, was extremely sensitive to “aura.”
His divine power was the purest in the Church, overflowing like a bottomless spring.
If he hadn’t chosen the sword, he might’ve become Pope.
So when he said there was something—there probably was. However…
“You haven’t found any proof.”
“There wasn’t much time. But odd things have happened during this Spring Ball, haven’t they?”
“Odd things?”
“For one—top-grade magic stones, which are rare these days, suddenly appeared at the Church. I checked with all the merchant guilds—none of them admitted supplying such items.”
That stone had come through the priest Kerak. If Ernst hadn’t sensed something and interrogated him, it would’ve ended up in the archbishop’s treasury.
Moritz remembered Ernst’s interference with irritation but masked it.
“Rare items are often traded discreetly. You assign meaning to everything. And that so-called strange aura—you’re the only one who feels it.”
“The purer one’s divine power, the more sensitive they are to evil, Your Grace.”
No one in the Church could match Ernst’s control over divine energy.
And because he knew that, Moritz’s skepticism didn’t offend him. It made sense that someone spiritually dull wouldn’t feel what he did.
“If you copy the Demeter Scriptures by hand from the beginning, Your Grace, you may cleanse the stains from your soul. Then, perhaps, you’ll sense what I sense.”
In other words: You’re too impure. Go do some spiritual homework.
But Ernst said it with pure sincerity, not mockery.
Moritz, however, looked as if he’d bitten into a lemon.
Still, Ernst continued to praise Demeter with radiant devotion, unaware of the archbishop’s sour expression.
“And so the blessings of our goddess…”
“I’ve got a better idea.”
“…Pardon?”
“If evil energy is present, we must root it out at its source.”
The archbishop stroked his beard and said,
“As a servant of the goddess, I order you to step down as commander for now and personally pursue this evil.”
“But…”
“I understand the burden you carry, but the temple is full of capable priests. Only you can save innocent believers, Sir Heine. Do not return until you’ve found and eliminated the source.”
It was basically: Clear out. You’re being sent away.
But to Ernst, dubbed the Church’s “devoted dog” by Arc players, it felt like a divine mission.
“…If Your Grace truly permits it, I shall uncover the evil that dares defile this sacred ground with my own eyes.”
“Indeed. You, known as the ‘Shield of Protection,’ are perfect for this task. You have my blessing.”
“By the goddess’s will.”
“To the goddess’s will.”
***
With the Spring Ball now over, true spring finally arrived.
The fresh breeze carried the scent of budding earth, and colorful flowers were beginning to bloom.
“Mmm-mmm~♩♪ Mmm~♬”
I couldn’t help but hum.
Starting the day early, sipping tea in peace—was this the bliss of a noble lady’s life?
Sure, I hadn’t slept much and had huge dark circles, but I was in great spirits.
“Hohohohoho!”
“Eek!”
When I suddenly burst out laughing mid-hum, Sophie yelped and backed away.
“Oh.”
Oops. Didn’t mean to scare her…
But apologizing now would make things awkward.
So, I shamelessly kept laughing.
“Oh-hohohoho!”
“Sniff… sniffle…”
“Oh-hohohohoho!”
Sophie’s trembling sobs mixed into my laughter, but hey—it sounded like background vocals at this point.
Cheer up, Sophie. Your little whimpers won’t ruin my joy.
“Young Lady, excuse me!”
Tearing up, Sophie ran off—clearly unable to handle it.
I felt zero guilt. I was too elated for that.
Why?
[SYSTEM] Persuasion is working effectively.
‘Second Prince Adrian’ has accepted the unfair deal!
“I’ll accept the deal. I can pay up to 10 million darlings, so I’ll take 400 stones. Deliver 100 every fortnight for the next two months.”
“Thank you, dear customer! Hohohoho!”
I had successfully scammed Adrian. Glorious!
[SYSTEM] Trade complete!
Your cunning in sealing this deal with ‘Second Prince Adrian’ has earned you renown as Bregenz Empire’s finest villainess.
Intelligence +1
Not only had I earned a mountain of gold, my Intelligence stat—which never rose—had finally ticked up.
I was ready to put on a fireworks show in celebration.
And then—
[SYSTEM] Surprise Quest <Spring Ball Deal Hunt> complete!
Rewards granted:
+5 Elegance
+5 Intelligence
+5 Charm
· Intelligence: 16 (+5)
· Elegance: 20 (+5)
· Charm: 14 (+5)
You’ll receive the 10 million darlings reward through your deal with ‘Second Prince Adrian.’
Okay, I felt a bit cheated.
I mean, the system didn’t give me 10 million darlings directly—I had to get it from Adrian.
But whatever. That trade meant everything to me.
No more money worries…
10 million darlings is enough to eat at luxury restaurants daily, buy every new dress each month, and still have money left over.
If this weren’t the brutal world of Arc, I might’ve stayed here and lived in comfort forever. Ha…
Just as I was basking in this thought, a new message appeared.
[SYSTEM] Secret Reward Unlocked: <Hint – The System’s Silence>
