CHAPTER 108…………………………………………..
Though polygamy was permitted only in Til Neve Cedric, it was not so in Poldenbach.
Marriage there was a sacred union, blessed by Eridrahan. No one could fathom how Duke Lachaise intended to resolve that issue.
[All the glory from the expedition will be wasted… How does he plan to manage that?]
Even if she were to ascend the imperial throne, marrying a woman would surely lead to immediate excommunication from the Church of Eridrahan.
But Elio, who thought this far, soon realized another possibility—and understood.
[…No, if it’s that pig of an archbishop, Victor, perhaps he managed to twist things his way. Ha.]
The Church of Eridrahan had recently risen in power, but before the Saint’s return, it was Duke Lachaise who had sustained its influence. It was not impossible that the Duke had bribed Archbishop Victor to turn a blind eye.
[Anyway, what’s the conclusion? You met Governor Saruin, didn’t you?]
At the emperor’s question, Bernadette answered cautiously.
“Yes, Your Majesty. However, his request was…”
Three days after meeting the Saint of Poldenbach and her delegation, Governor Saruin had made a simple proposal.
As Nicholas had said, he offered a marriage alliance.
The alliance with Duke Lachaise had been annulled, but he was open to forming a new one.
“Marriage alliances are more the custom of you believers than of us in Til Neve Cedric, aren’t they?”
That had been Governor Saruin’s exact words.
[So?]
“His Excellency suggested… that either Your Majesty marry his daughter—or that the Saint herself…”
At Bernadette’s hesitant tone, the emperor scoffed.
[That old fool must be insane—to think I’d marry Eris?]
“That was not exactly his intention…”
Of course, the governor had not demanded Eris Ahen herself.
He merely stated that, since he already had an heir and could not take a second wife, the empire should instead form a marital bond with his successor—or with a powerful noble from one of Saruin’s allied regions.
“He did mention that one of the governors from an allied territory remains unmarried…”
[Not worth considering.]
“…Then Your Majesty’s marriage plans…?”
[Surely you know I didn’t leave the empress’s seat empty just to wed a heretic.]
The emperor clicked his tongue. He had left the position of empress vacant only to one day take a wife who could strengthen his reign—a daughter of a great lord, perhaps.
But, of course, the Saint would have been a far better choice to consolidate his power.
It wasn’t mere amusement that made him pursue Eris Ahen.
[Til Neve Cedric will be irrelevant once I seize greater power. But I can’t reject the offer outright—tell them I’ll consider it, and buy some time.]
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
It was a well-kept secret that the emperor used demonic power to communicate with his subordinates through water.
Bernadette could only pretend to write letters, claiming to “consult her master.”
The method was fast, but it forced them to waste time pretending—lest anyone discover they were using demonic power.
Still, the emperor had no shortage of patience. He simply ordered that the remaining time be used to search the temples of demon worshipers.
[What about the inquiry I ordered?]
“I have looked into it. The place in question seems to be a temple devoted to death.”
[Death?]
The emperor’s voice rose slightly, intrigued. Bernadette briefly explained what she had learned.
Though Til Neve Cedric was known as a land of unbelievers, they too acknowledged life and death.
They did not serve gods, but they held life and death sacred. When a child reached one hundred days, relatives gathered to bathe the infant in a pure spring, praying for health and safety.
When someone died, the body was laid in a temple of death, where mourners danced for three days for the deceased’s peace before burial.
[So, it’s more a funeral hall than a temple?]
“The interesting part, Your Majesty, is the conditions for entering that temple…”
Bernadette paused before continuing.
“…They’re the same as those required to meet the one I serve. One must be free of impurity.”
[Ho.]
To enter the temple of death, one must carry no metal, bathe in clean water fetched personally, abstain from sexual relations for a week, and have no blood on their hands.
Bernadette had immediately thought of demons—since those who contracted with them underwent similar rites to invoke their power.
“Moreover, the governor’s daughter is said to be a dancer serving at that temple. The dancers there must also be virgins.”
[Interesting. I should see it for myself.]
The emperor never intended to make a direct contract with a demon—doing so could entangle him in perilous complications.
Yet, entrusting such contracts only to subordinates also had limits. At present, only three of them—Bernadette included—served under demonic pacts.
“Will that be all right, Your Majesty?”
[I can’t rely on you three forever.]
“It is my honor to serve, sire.”
Elio Poldenbach smiled in satisfaction—but his thoughts were far from trusting.
‘Say what you will, but there’s no guarantee you won’t betray me.’
He trusted no one. And so, he had recently decided it would be best to make a pact himself.
He had, after all, annihilated the Ahen family before—though only because they were fools. Elio had confidence in his own strength.
[I’ve already departed. The one who reaches Til Neve Cedric will be another envoy in the emperor’s name—be careful.]
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
If news spread that the emperor himself was traveling to Til Neve Cedric, it would cause great trouble—too many in that land still despised Poldenbach.
[And the Saint?]
The question was halfhearted—but the answer was unexpected.
“She has… changed somewhat, sire. She now eats.”
[That woman? Of her own will?]
The emperor frowned. Bernadette hesitated before replying.
“Yes. Her escort arrangements were altered.”
After the holy fire descended, the Saint had requested that Bernadette assign Liet Klein as her personal guard.
Bernadette had refused at first, but the Saint had been insistent—and even added a condition Bernadette could not ignore.
‘If you do, I won’t refuse to eat.’
‘!’
The woman who had long rejected every meal said that. In the end, Bernadette relented—on the condition that Liet Klein would always work in pairs with her.
The result was surprising.
“My apologies for acting without permission, but she has not refused a single meal since. She still cannot eat much—her long fasting has weakened her—but she does try.”
Even Elio, who had been ready to scold Bernadette, hesitated at that.
[And the lizard?]
“I do not know its whereabouts. But it was never constantly by her side to begin with…”
[She hasn’t made a contract with a demon, has she?]
This time, Bernadette could answer with rare certainty.
“Absolutely not.”
Those who wielded demonic power could sense others of the same kind—much as knights could sense another’s aura.
Perhaps not from a distance, but certainly not when face-to-face.
Elio accepted that, albeit with some doubt.
[Perhaps hardship has changed her heart.]
“Having someone familiar near her seems to help.”
In truth, it might have been Liet Klein’s unrelenting cheer that helped more than anything.
Liet Klein was the most enthusiastic in helping the Saint eat.
‘Saint, just one more bite and I’ll give you a kiss! That’s it—good job! Now on my cheek! What? When did I say I’d kiss you? You’re supposed to kiss me!’
It was anything but dignified. Bernadette lowered her eyes, ending the discussion.
“…But I intend to keep observing.”
