Chapter 11: Folly
THE news came to Krähe Imlerith, the Inquisitor in charge of Lenea's restoration, just as it became possible to cure the epidemic plaguing the Divine City Amrita. Once they rebuilt this city, which had the largest population in the Southern Province and had sustained the most damage, the rest of their work would go much smoother. The urgent news came in just as she thought they could finally breathe a little, and it pertained to something they had feared was coming from the start.
The forces of evil had begun a second invasion.
It sounded better to describe the situation away as having fallen one step behind their enemies, but it really came down to the simplest of mistakes—failing to confirm what was going on around them. Everyone was so busy with the task at hand, they all believed someone else was looking into it, when no one was. Then again, perhaps it was expecting too much of Qualia's clergy to know how to act during times of crisis when their nation had been at peace for ages.
Everyone falsely believed Mynoghra wouldn't reinvade. Or at least, not for a long time. Their false sense of security was coming back to bite them.
"Are the reports true?" Krähe asked.
"Yes, communication has been severed with all of the towns and villages in the southernmost region, including Seldoch."
It took Krähe a few long seconds to fully understand the meaning behind what the soldier told her with a stiff face.
Communication with other cities was often delayed. The messenger or the person dispatched to investigate might've fallen behind schedule due to unavoidable circumstances, or they might've been neglecting their duties, or just outright incompetent. As much as no one liked to acknowledge it, things not going according to plan for various reasons was the norm for the Holy Kingdom of Qualia. But there was nothing normal about losing contact with an entire region. Especially when that region just so happened to be concentrated around the southernmost part of the Southern Province…
"That's…bad news," Krähe said. "Have you received any reports or heard rumors about anything unusual happening in the city?"
"No. We haven't found anything unusual, nor has there been any word of the people being in danger. The towns and villages are avoiding contact with us. All of the messengers are turned away before they can ask what is wrong …"
It was a strange report. No matter how paralyzed Amrita's functions as a capital city were or how much control it lost over the rest of the Southern Province, it was inconceivable for the entire region to rebel. As far as they knew, the King of Ruin's curse of forgetfulness was limited to the capital and hadn't affected the other towns yet. They had confirmed as much during their preliminary investigation, which was why Krähe focused on restoring Amrita instead of splitting up her troops. She acted with every belief that Arlos's faithful would fulfill their respective duties and overcome the pandemic throughout the province…
"The messengers are making it clear that they are divine agents for the Scribe Saint, yes?" Krähe asked to be sure. "Refusing contact without due reason is an act of treason against the Saint. Making it a direct betrayal of God."
"Yes, you are absolutely right, Inquisitor! However…well, I can't do much about it…" the soldier squirmed.
"Ah, right. My apologies. I don't mean to criticize you. I just needed…confirmation. It seems I lost my cool there," Krähe apologized to the cowering soldier and stopped her pen hand. She took several deep breaths, but each came out as shallow huffs of air. She tried to calmly grasp the situation, but her confusion exceeded what she could handle. Her beautiful, long fingertips trembled in silence.
I heard that the El-Nah Alliance of Elementals had lost contact with each of its clans too. This is bad news indeed. Our situations are too similar, she thought.
The El-Nah Alliance of Elementals—it was already public information that the good nation run by Elves had fallen into the hands of evil, sparking a world crisis. The Mystic Saint was currently taking measures against the problem, but Arlos's Miracle Artes showed no signs of resolving this freak phenomenon that was unlike anything in all of Qualia's long history.
As it was, the departure of the Southern Province along with two Saints had critically weakened Qualia. It was the sacred responsibility of Qualia to drive away evil in the name of Arlos, but willpower alone isn't strong enough to solve every problem…
They needed the means—powerful means—to overturn the odds in their favor…
"Please summon the most prominent Paladins," Krähe said. "I would like to consider our next move."
Always assuming the worst-case scenario and reacting appropriately is a skill necessary for those in positions of power and entrusted with the lives of others. Krähe thought of the many people living in the regions they had lost contact with.
Ah, but was this truly the worst-case scenario for the shining kingdom of light blessed by the holy god? Of that she was not sure… Only a foreboding of ever-increasing shadows drawing closer to the light of Arlos haunted her dreams.
◇◇◇
Krähe's meeting went in circles, never getting anywhere. She'd summoned the Paladins to tackle the emergency, but no one came up with any solutions. Who could blame them? They never expected to face such a threat and couldn't conceive an immediate answer.
That said, they were people too. They required rest. Getting a brief change of pace when stuck at an impasse tends to help things go smoother after the fact. For this reason, they took a break, and Krähe used her free time to patrol the town, hoping it'd unravel her wound thoughts.
Our situation is dire, and evil is just outside our door. Meanwhile, Nerim's memory consumption is at an all-time high. Arlos, what should we do…?
Krähe had considered retreating from the Southern Province. If they withdrew to Central, they could expect support from the Mystic Saint and prevent the worst-case scenario. But they couldn't just abandon people in need. And it'd be delusional to even consider bringing everyone back to Central.
Either way, Krähe needed to stay here.
If only I could abandon everything and run away with Nerim. Wicked thoughts dominated her mind, wrenching a wry smile out of Krähe at the realization her true feelings were surprisingly weak and pitiful for someone serving in such an esteemed role as Inquisitor.
Then she heard it…the faint cries for help.
"Somebody! Help! HELP MEEEEEE!"
"…Oh no!"
Krähe took off running like the wind. The cries for help came from quite a distance, but that was no hindrance to her. Before long, she came to a stop in one corner of the mazelike city.
The scene of distress seemed to be taking place at the end of a poorly lit alleyway. She heard the unceasing cries for help and something being hit. Someone was likely being assaulted by a thug, and there was a chance the victim was seriously injured, so she needed to rescue them as soon as possible.
If someone is suffering, it's the duty of Qualia's soldiers to save them. The same applied to an Inquisitor like Krähe.
She dashed as carefully and quickly as her feet would carry her through the dark alleyway. Soon she was upon the scene where several men surrounded someone.
"What are you doing?!" she roared, though she did not draw her sword. She deemed it too extreme to wield her blade for a citizen's quarrel. Of course, should their actions require it, she wouldn't hesitate, but Krähe wouldn't lack in a fight against a normal person even without her sword.
However…
"Stop!"
She became extremely wary of the hair-raising strangeness of the situation. First, all of the ruffians who'd turned around at her shout had dead, vacant eyes and were mumbling something under their breath as foam dribbled from their mouths.
Second, there was something strange about the victim's attire. He seemed to be dressed like a street performer and not the type seen around these parts. Her eyes were especially drawn to his lanky and gangly body.
Lastly…
"Oooh! It's one of Qualia's Lady Clergy! I'm saved!"
The man rose to his feet without a sound, casting a long shadow. Despite having just been beaten, he stood as if nothing had happened at all. He dragged his hawkish gaze over her, a devilish glint in his dark eyes.
"Who are you…?" Krähe moved on instinct. She braced her knees and placed her dominant hand on the hilt of her sword. She sucked in a small breath and sent strength throughout her body.
"I'm Vittorio. Gleeful Spin Doctor Vittorio, at your service."
The man executed a respectful bow. His perfected gesture seemed almost theatrical and lacked sincerity.
Yes, I know without you telling me. I know without conversing.
There was only one explanation for who the man in front of her was— to his skin-crawling appearance.
"I am Vittorio—from MYNOGHRAAAAAAAA!"
Lastly…was the strong evil presence emanating from him.
The archnemesis of the forces of good had suddenly shown up right in front of her.
"O Lord our maker! Grant my sword the strength to defeat evil!"
The flash of her sword was faster and sharper than any other. Her Holy Sword Artes, honed through constant training, did not allow even an ounce of evil to exist. She ruthlessly tries to harvest lives according to God's will. In terms of ability, it was an attack on par with a High Paladin's. If she were up against a normal spawn of evil, her blow would've ended everything before her opponent knew what hit them.
Yes, if only she were up against a normal spawn of evil. Unfortunately for her, she was facing someone who strode right past normal in more than a few dozen ways.
…It's also true that the sudden appearance of an enemy shook her. And it was also a fact that her inner turmoil clouded the sword she drew at the speed of light.
Still…
"Nuuuuuuuuuooooooooo! Emergency Evasion!"
The man dodged Krähe's attack with strange, twisting movements that were almost inhuman—not even the supernatural could move like that. Krähe was momentarily stunned that her killing blow had missed its mark.
But she didn't put everything into that one hit. Since her opponent lost his balance, she concentrated her strength to deliver the fatal blow on her return swing.
However…
"Stop! STOOOOOOP! Wait up, young lady! Halt! Cease! Puh-lease! Stop right there, fierce young lady!"
Her blade sliced the air. It's not that she missed, it's that she couldn't land a hit.
Krähe distanced herself from her opponent after her second fullstrength attack missed. Even she didn't know whether she withdrew to better gauge his strength or to call for help. Whatever the case, she'd given this man called Vittorio a chance to speak.
"Hee, hee, haaa, haa, I'm fwagged… I've never screamed so loud my entire life," Vittorio panted out.
"Any last words?"
Krähe came across strong, but she was unsure how to deal with him. Her opponent had named himself a member of Mynoghra, the nation ruled by the King of Ruin, who'd devastated Amrita and its surroundings. And in support of his own words, the evil aura that oozed from him was too strong and bone-chilling for him to classify as a mere scout or vanguard. Krähe found it hard to believe that Mynoghra's evil had reached this city, but she couldn't refute that they had already taken possession of several towns and villages while she had her hands tied here.
In other words, their encounter was inevitable.
But she never expected she'd be forced to fight for her life in a place like this before she even had the chance to mentally prepare herself. Krähe's breaths came fast and shallow from nervousness as she worried about Nerim back at base camp.
However, contrary to her fighting resolve, the situation unfolded in a different direction.
"I surrender! Waving the white flag here! Have mercy! Please show me overwhelming merccccccccccy!!"
The man—her would-be enemy, Vittorio, suddenly threw himself down on the ground, prostrating before her as he begged for mercy. It would be easy to cleave his head from his body with her sword as he desperately pressed it to the dirty ground. Though she faced the spawn of evil, she erupted with anger and confusion at his pathetic display.
"Hogwash!"
She didn't know what else to shout. She'd never seen someone take such a bizarre course of action before. It'd be a tad harsh to chalk her reaction up to a lack of experience. After all, her opponent was the Gleeful Spin Doctor—the master of wheedling and undermining through nonsense.
"I surrender! I shan't run nor hide! I'll let you tie me up! I'll go peacefully, so please, let me talk it out with you fair and squaaaaare!"
"…Huh?" Krähe squeaked in a high-pitched voice. She was incapable of any other reply. Her mind blanked because she never expected him to say that.
If her opponent was putting on this charade to get an opening in her defenses, then Krähe would've been dead as a nail right then. But that's not what happened. For of all the misfortunes to befall someone, she had to have Vittorio as her opponent…
"I'm anti-violence, you see?"
Vittorio grinned as carefree as can be. Krähe froze stiffer than a statue on the receiving end of Vittorio's overly eager and innocent gaze. While she was rendered speechless, Vittorio took that opportunity to advocate his case, seemingly used to people reacting like she had.
"You will accept my surrender, won't you? According to your religious teachings, God values dialogue, not violence!" All reason told her to take up her sword.
Her heart screamed at her to cut down evil.
The faith within her argued she shouldn't listen to this man's words.
But…
"The Teachings of the Holy God Arlos, chapter 4, verse 4 of the second great book: 'The Holy God has gathered the people and said thus: avoid violence and do not point your blade at those who have chosen to surrender. Even if they are a sinner.' In other words, this law established by the Holy God Arlos forbids his believers from harming those who surrender."
Aaah, the spawn of evil speaks of God's law. Is there anything more hopeless than this?
"Am I wrong? Dame Krähe Imlerith of the Qualia Inquisitors?"
The hands of evil had already closed in around her before she could do anything about it.
-x-X-x-
Chapter 12: Menace
"MMM-mm-hmmmm hmm~mm, mmmm hm~~mm~♪!"
An irritatingly jolly humming echoed off the walls. The type of humming that expressed oh-how-very-excited the singer was for what was about to come. You could search all throughout the vast, wide world and not find anyone humming as happily as this. The greatest flaw in this little performance was the tone-deaf tune and that the singer—Vittorio—was bound hand and foot.
"Hey! Hello, Mynoghra to Archlector Idiot!" an angry voice called out beside him. The voice belonged to the Lector of the Cult of Ira, Yona'Yona. The simplest way to explain her current predicament was to call her the sad little girl who found herself unwittingly tied up with Vittorio.
"Hmm~mmm-mm. Hmm-hmm-nnn! Fa-lalala-la-laaaaaaaaaa!!"
His godawful humming continued. She wished she could shove her sock in his mouth or strangle him with it. Unfortunately, Vittorio and Yona'Yona weren't alone. They were in the former headquarters of the Southern Province Order of Paladins, surrounded by several of Qualia's Paladins and Soldiers. The great hall, which formerly served as a dining hall and the Paladin headquarters when the Divine Nation of Lenea was founded, now served as a prison for Vittorio and Yona'Yona. They were tied to a pillar in the center of the hall, spending their time as prisoners of war under the unrelenting, sharp gazes of the holy soldiers.
"Oi, Archlector Idiot! I'm talkin' to ya here!"
Then again, Yona'Yona might've been the only one who viewed them as prisoners. Vittorio had been humming that terrible tune for a while now, leaving only Yona'Yona to panic since she got captured when she answered the Gleeful Spin Doctor's summons.
"Listen to me, you idiot!!"
Perhaps she just couldn't stand the irate glares coming from the Paladins or felt bad for forcing them to listen to her mentor's singing that was on par with nails on a chalkboard—whatever motivated her, Yona'Yona deftly twisted her restrained body to thrust the horns on top of her head right into Vittorio.
His unsettling performance ended abruptly and a blood-curdling scream took its place.
"Yowzerrrrrssss! How uncouth of you to raise your voice like that, young lady! You're being disrespectful to the Qualiaaaans who ever-sokindly prepared this venue for us to talk. Now you've gone and ruined this peaceful moment! And you ruined moi's beautiful face!"
"Shut the hell up, clown! Put a sock in it! You're pissing off our hosts!"
"Silent mode, activated!"
An eerie silence fell over the spacious great hall.
Seeming happy with the newfound silence, Krähe and the Lenea Investigation Squad began to discuss things a short distance away, keeping one eye trained on the pitiful captives. They never fully took their eyes off the pair, carefully watching to see if they made any funny moves.
"…Hey, Archlector Idiot. Why are we still in one piece? Don't bad things usually happen when you get caught like this?" Yona'Yona asked in a whisper, curious why the Paladins only seemed to talk amongst themselves without laying a hand on them.
Vittorio appeared quite contented by getting to hum his little ditty for so long, since he actually answered Yona'Yona's questions for once.
"Why, it's simple, ma tigresse! According to their teachings, they aren't allowed to lay a finger upon those who have surrendered! THUS, they will not inflict violence upon we who've surrendered! Je capitule, Seigneur! What a wonderful anti-violence stance! Praise be to pacifism! This is the clever method moi came up with to compensate for my lack of fighting prowess!"
Qualia worshipped the Holy God Arlos, and they held up the teachings in his Holy Books as law. Of course, they had practical laws and regulations in place to operate as a nation, but they were all based on the teachings in the Holy Books. Consequently, anyone from Qualia prioritized abiding by those teachings first and foremost. Even if they were up against the spawn of evil or someone using their holy teachings against them for malicious reasons, they could never act in opposition to those teachings since it would damage their very identity as followers of Arlos.
Vittorio was as calm as a cucumber because he knew that. He spared no effort to ensnare his enemies. When did he get the time to procure Qualia's Holy Books and read them from cover to cover? He had studied them enough to understand what he needed to pull off this scheme.
But the forces of good weren't just going to roll over and take it.
Krähe came marching up to them, seeming to have overheard Vittorio's not-so-quiet explanation. His voice had an obnoxious way of traveling even when he supposedly suppressed it.
"Enough games, spawn of evil," she spat. "It doesn't matter how much you hem and haw your way out of things here, you will receive official punishment soon. It's only a matter of when you will die—not if."
She spoke the truth. The Holy Books forbade attacking someone who surrenders, but only temporarily. If Central later passes judgment based on the holy laws, it would become just punishment and the law of God. And Central had nothing but death in store for evil.
But Vittorio was more than well aware of that. He let out the loudest, longest sigh at Krähe's remark, then launched into a scathing, belittling lecture like he was instructing a young child who just didn't get it.
"Oh me, oh my! Is that really, truly, surely all right with you? I came here with an excellent deal! It's a special deal, you know? I'll even give you bonus points! Oh, would you like a member's card?"
"What a load of crock… We would never accept a deal with the spawn of evil—"
"VITTO-RI-OOOO!!" Vittorio suddenly shouted. His voice was so loud it caused the ground to tremor slightly, and even the Paladins watching over them from afar grimaced.
"…What?" Krähe asked, feeling a little sorry for Yona'Yona, whose eyes were spinning because she was sitting right next to Vittorio and had received the worst of his shout. Krähe hated taking his bait, but she felt like they wouldn't get anywhere if she didn't.
"Please call me Vittorio when you speak to me. If you don't respect my request, I'll start calling you Pretty Kitty!"
"There's no reason for me to remember your name," she demurred.
"There's no value in uttering or remembering the spawn of evil's name."
"Pretty Kittyyyyyyy!!"
"You can't provoke me into—"
"Meow, meow, meeooow! Pretty Bitty Little Kitty!!"
Krähe's cheeks flushed crimson, perhaps out of offense at his insult or sheer embarrassment. Either way, she didn't know how to deal with this man who never listened and arbitrarily argued to have his way. Getting pulled into her opponent's games was dangerous, but leaving him to his own devices was even more dangerous.
Krähe had faced all sorts of crazies in her line of work. Due to their unique duties, Inquisitors often encountered people who'd had mental breakdowns and gone insane. Such people tended to live in their own little world, but the creature before her was leagues beyond any of them. What she especially couldn't stand about him was that she could tell he was going out of his way to act like this to get under her skin.
"Um, excuse me…" Yona'Yona spoke up, her rattled brain finally recovered from his shouting.
Krähe shifted her gaze to the girl that somehow ended up apprehended with this cretin and urged her to speak. The man sitting beside her was so unhinged it was impossible to hold a conversation. As someone born in Qualia, Krähe felt discrimination toward Beastpeople, but she was grateful the goat girl was here.
"I'm seriously sorry 'bout this idiot here. He's the type who won't listen once he's made up his mind about somethin', so would you mind just calling him by name for now?"
"…Vittorio, was it?" Krähe said. "Fine. I'm showing you Arlos's mercy, not compromise, by calling you by name."
She had a horrible headache, but went along with him to keep things moving. She had given in to his request but didn't want it to look like she had succumbed to evil over something like this. Krähe convinced herself she was doing the right thing by thinking she was helping the young girl being manipulated by him save face, so she grudgingly decided to start calling the man in front of her Vittorio.
"Mmm, gooooood! You have successfully landed yourself at the trading table, Inquisitor Imlerith!" Vittorio trumpeted.
"I already told you we don't make deals with evil, Evil Spawn Vittorio. Our divine mission from God is to stop you from inciting the masses further and spreading your wicked purpose."
"Mwahaha. Serious one, aren't'cha? You should rule on my fate here and now, but you're purposefully waiting for Qualia's ruling? Looks like you're the type who loves the stress of getting stuck between the people on the field and the higher-ups!" he goaded.
"..."
Did she not want to debate him? Or did he hit the nail on the head? Either way, Krähe fell silent.
Yona'Yona was the first to break the brief silence. She was going to take this opportunity to get a word in edgewise.
"We aren't gettin' anywhere like this, so I'll introduce us in that moron's place. We are denizens of Mynoghra, the nation ruled by the great and mighty King Takuto Ira. On top of that, we are followers of the Cult of Ira that worships our king as God. I'm the Lector, and this idiot is the Archlector. We've come to this land to proclaim the manifestation of a new god and spread our faith!"
"On paper, that is! That's our front, ehe!" Vittorio interjected.
"…Shut your big fat trap, idiot!" Yona'Yona hissed.
Yona'Yona's introduction caused a commotion, starting with the Paladins watching over the proceedings. Were they surprised by the news? Krähe was taken completely by surprise to learn their opponent had started their own religion. Even though this was her first time learning about the existence of the Cult of Ira, her stance remained unchanged.
"This is land governed by Qualia," Krähe stated. "No one, not one, is allowed to worship anything other than the Holy God Arlos. There isn't an inch of room for evil to wheedle its way in."
"Oh dear, isn't this the Divine Nation of Lenea?" Vittorio asked. "A different country from Qualia, no? Isn't it a tad strange for Qualia to lay claim to another nation?"
"Lenea is a nation that broke off from Qualia. A nation founded by Saints who abide by the same holy teachings under Arlos. It is only natural that Qualia extends a hand of support and protects them."
"I'm not talking about feelings, but international politics, Inquisitor. Or do your holy teachings proclaim that it's all right to take advantage of another country's collapse, hm? Oh, and just to be clear, our country is all good with it!" he declared.
"We aren't seeking your acceptance or understanding. Our holy will shall repel your wickedness from this land. That is the reality of it." "Well, that sounds about right," Vittorio conceded.
He'd certainly hit where it hurts, but Krähe was used to a battle of wits on this level. Some of the many heretics and madmen she had judged tried to stir up controversy or get their way by starting arguments. It was the duty of an Inquisitor to confront such people head-on and destroy their fanciful theories once and for all. And so, Krähe swore to herself and Arlos that she wouldn't reveal any weaknesses regarding the ownership of this territory.
But she was up against the Gleeful Spin Doctor. There was no guarantee his goal was to defeat his opponent in a battle of wits.
"And sooo, I'm here to make you a deal!"
As expected, Vittorio presented the same proposal again, as if rewinding them back to square one.
"That again? It's not good to keep saying the same thing over and over again," she chastised him. "We won't accept any deal you bring to the table, but I will allow you to at least utter it."
Not wanting to deal with another bout of his yelling, Krähe caved and allowed Vittorio to speak. Another concession.
"Why, my deal is to play a little game! Let's all game! Does it not make sense when I put it like this? I want to have a contest with you. A fun, enjoyable bit of sport! What do you think? Doesn't it sound exhilarating?"
"Sport? What kind of contest would we have with you at this point?" Krähe asked, incredulous. "Have you forgotten? We don't make deals with evil. You will continue to wait for word from Central until you are punished by Arlos's divine will." Mustering her iron will, Krähe refused the Gleeful Spin Doctor's invitation.
"The contents of the contest are simple," Vittorio explained, completely ignoring her response as if it had no bearing on the conversation.
Krähe instinctively tried to stop him, but missed her chance as she got swept up in his momentum. Strangely enough, the Paladins experienced the same thing, and Vittorio launched into his explanation before anyone could interject.
"A contest for the religious hearts and minds of this city's people. Let us use that to decide which of our gods is greater."
The first emotion everyone, including Krähe, experienced was confusion. They thought he'd come up with a more sinister and unscrupulous proposal, but it was surprisingly reasonable. Of course, he'd only revealed the gist of the contest. Considering Vittorio's past words and deeds, it was unlikely to end there. It wouldn't be strange for this to be where his wicked mind reared its ugly nature.
Nervous tension ran through the holy forces. However…
"I'd love to say, 'Anything goes,' but I understand you wouldn't be amendable to that, my good fellows. With that said, let's prohibit acts of violence, brainwashing, and other unfair maneuvers. We also don't wish for any harm to come to the people. It'll be a perfectly acceptable case of mutual nonintervention!"
Vittorio's proposal wasn't all that dodgy and seemed to favor Qualia. It was impossible to claim there were no holes in it, but it appeared to be fair on the surface. Even so, using the sacred act of propagating the faith as fodder for a contest didn't sit well with Qualia's people…
"Why should we even believe you? Why should we partake in a contest with you? You should come to terms with your situation, Evil Spawn Vittorio," Krähe coolly shot down his proposal.
Although she'd allowed him to speak in the heat of the moment, she had no intention of considering Vittorio's deal from the get-go. Besides, she had every suspicion that the rules he vowed to protect would be broken the second the situation called for it.
And yet, for all of that, the spawn of evil continued to elude their questions with half-truths, further ensnaring the forces of good with only his words.
"Please don't misunderstand—this is a concession," Vittorio stated. "You have everyyyy right to refuse, of course, but you must accept that the result of your refusal is your own choice. I'm merely making the proposal. It's your job to make the decisions and produce results!"
Threatening language and blackmail are common tricks used by the forces of evil. There normally wasn't any room to give their venomous words a second thought. All Qualia had to do was quietly proceed with the usual procedures and erase this windbag from the face of the planet in Arlos's holy name.
However…
"Or perhapsss, it's a tall order for a mere investigation squad to save everyone?"
No matter how strong their will and holy ambition was, they couldn't deny his next query. This was the first full truth Vittorio had uttered. The Lenea Investigation Squad lacked the numbers to do all they set out to do. And their small squad was already tied up trying to aid people.
It'd be easy to turn down evil's invitation. Any follower of the Holy God Arlos had the willpower to do so. But what about dealing with the resulting tragedy?
They didn't even need to think twice about what the King of Ruin would do if he lost this man who claimed to be the Archlector of the Cult of Ira. They had no guarantee reinforcements from Central would make it in time. Worse, they had no guarantee reinforcements would even be sent.
Inviting another disaster to Amrita seemed cruel when it was finally showing signs of recovery…
They needed to buy time. At least enough time to deal with the coming disaster.
The argument gave way to silence, halting their conversation.
Perhaps he was irritated by Krähe's indecisiveness or anticipated it because Vittorio's crooked face broke into a leering smile that incited the desire to puke. "Aw, fine! I'll give up my big secret! What we want is people and land! That's why we're making such concessions! It's easier to get what we want without conflict!!!"
Krähe was torn over what to do.
It was well-known that the southern part of Idoragya, where Mynoghra was located, was a barren land. The Accursed Lands the Mynoghrans called home was considered even more inhospitable than the rest. It was a persuasive argument then that they would target the abundant, fertile land belonging to Lenea. As for people, if they could really brainwash others into believing in Ira from the bottom of their hearts, it would be beneficial to them in various ways.
Considering what Qualia already knew of the happenings in the ElNah Alliance of Elementals, one of the goals of the forces of evil seemed to be increasing their military strength through others. If true, then at least the citizens would live. Granted, there are some fates worse than death…
Krähe and the investigation squad had no information on how the believers of Arlos were treated once they fell into Mynoghra's hands. There was nothing they could do with information they did not have.
Krähe continued to hesitate, and before she realized it, her gaze shifted to Yona'Yona for help.
"Uh, yeah, he's not lying," Yona'Yona said. "That's our goal, all right. You lot might see us as little more than cold-blooded, malicious monsters, but that's not the case. Even we laugh and cry. We're just as happy not to let things get messy, you know? Well, this creep here is one giant walking mess, but what's a girl to do?"
If this girl says so, does that make it true? At the very least, she looks more sincere than Vittorio and like she's got her hands full with him, Krähe thought.
This conversation helped Krähe get a general gist of her opponent's intentions. Since the King of Ruin wasn't taking direct action, it might be safe to assume they had a grace period. Besides, the Divine Nation of Lenea was destroyed by the King of Ruin's attack. And it was the two Saints— Saint Soalina of Blooming Burials and The Veiled Saint Fenne Kahmair— targeting the King of Ruin that brought about his counterattack in the first place.
If this whole tragedy was caused by provoking the King of Ruin— who'd kept to himself in the Accursed Lands—then it was hard to decry their pacifist means as an outright trap.
Before she knew it, Krähe was sorting the information in the most convenient way for her. And no one pointed it out. Then again, even if they
had pointed it out, nothing would come of it… Finally, Krähe made her decision.
"Do you vow to keep your earlier promise and not interfere with us?" She decided to accept the devil's deal.
A member of a good empire was making a deal with a member of an evil empire. She had just committed an act in direct violation of the Holy God Arlos's teachings.
"Inquisitor Imlerith!"
The Paladins raised their voices in protest. They criticized her for losing her mind, not realizing they had no alternative to offer.
"I will take responsibility," Krähe declared. "We need to buy time."
"B-But…!!"
It's always easier for the people who don't have to take responsibility. It's even easier for those who only criticize without offering alternatives.
Krähe felt the need to persuade the Paladins to understand the situation correctly. But indecision is fatal in these situations. And the fatality would not befall them, but the citizens.
"I know you must be worried, so I'll keep an eye on this moron to keep him from doing anything unfair," Yona'Yona said, offering encouraging words to support Krähe's decision. "I swear upon the name of our great Lord Takuto Ira, as the Lector of the Cult of Ira. So please rest assured in this: the Cult of Ira is making this concession in good faith. I won't let this nutjob lay a hand on you, no matter what he's schemin'."
Yona'Yona's helping hand always offered what Krähe wanted, when she wanted it. While she silently thanked the girl for her sincerity, Krähe finally made a declaration that would become a major turning point in her life.
"So be it. Arlos's believers will never fall to evil. We accept your challenge."
"Mm, very good!" Vittorio chirped. "I can say with full confidence that you just made the right decision, Inquisitor Imlerith."
Was that truly the right decision? Will my attempt at buying time end up bringing forth a far worse result? The worries Krähe couldn't wash off turned to sludge and ate away at her, but even so, she couldn't have made a different choice. Her thoughts suddenly turned to the kind girl who chased after her father's shadow, journal in hand.
"Now then!" Vittorio announced.
"Whoa!!"
A gust of wind rushed upon them and Vittorio rose. The Paladins hastily drew their swords, but Vittorio already had Yona'Yona tucked under his arm and his feet on the windowsill.
It'd be a lie to say they hadn't been wary, but they had let their guard down.
This wicked man could've fled at any time. The whole thing was an act from the beginning—he pretended to get caught just to make this deal. "I bid you farewell! Until we meet again! Adieu~~!!" The jester's grating laughter disappeared out the window.
Krähe was strangely relieved that Vittorio hadn't forgotten to take Yona'Yona with him, her expression darkening as she imagined the harrowing days ahead.
"Inquisitor Imlerith."
The Paladins all looked to her, concern and confusion plain on their faces. Convincing them came first. If she didn't, she'd lose the precious time she'd bought for them with her life on the line.
"You better have a good reason for this," they demanded. Krähe had a long fight ahead of her.
-x-X-x-
Chapter 13: Cachinnation
THE matter of being taken in by Vittorio—by the spawn of evil's honeyed words was shelved for the time being. The Paladins understood the predicament. Understood what fate would befall the city if Krähe Imlerith hadn't accepted his proposal. That was why they decided to put judging her decision on hold and prioritized their holy duty to keep the masses safe first.
But it was undeniable that Krähe had violated Arlos's sacred teachings. A certain kind of tension formed between them precisely because the Paladins were such devout believers of Arlos, and they struggled to process their feelings of powerlessness and betrayal over Krähe's arbitrary decision.
A slight crack formed in the bonds that existed between Krähe Imlerith and the investigation squad.
"This is bad news…"
In her private quarters within the former Southern Province Order of Paladin Headquarters, Krähe calmly analyzed the situation. However, no matter how much she calculated and scrutinized the information, she and Saint Lytrain were in a terrible situation.
The Paladins are uncooperative. Worse, they doubt me… Krähe lamented.
The Paladins had their opinions and wanted to hold to them. Their attitudes had changed dramatically since the Vittorio incident. Naturally, none of them were childish enough to make their grievances public. The fact no one had come forward criticizing or denouncing Krähe instead of doing their job was proof of that.
Even so, the rift between them was gradually growing further apart.
I thought I made a rational decision to save the people, but they must have taken that as me making concessions for the spawn of evil. I can no longer enforce things using my position as a shield.
Krähe could wield such authority and sway until now solely due to her position as the Scribe Saint's representative. This was further supported by the fear and reverence everyone held for the Inquisitors. But her authority had dropped like a rock. Her status came from Lytrain's trust and Central's command. But it wasn't as effective now that the Paladins no longer trusted her.
That showed how sullied her standing had become by making a deal with the devil in a clown outfit.
No, I should stop glossing over it, she told herself. I unquestionably compromised with the spawn of evil. Nerim was bound to get hurt if I let things go on like that. I just couldn't…shake the fear of that happening.
The power of Saint Lytrain's journal was inimitable. She could perform all sorts of miracles as long as she was willing to sacrifice her memories. But the journal's wielder was nothing but a poor, unfortunate child. Unlike Krähe, she was a novice when it came to combat. With the Paladins and Soldiers having their hands full elsewhere, Saint Lytrain was a sitting duck.
Krähe was both clergy and warrior. She represented Arlos's will and protected people everywhere. But she was also Lytrain's friend. The girl might've forgotten about their friendship, but Krähe would never forget. And Krähe wasn't so coldblooded that she could sacrifice her dear little friend for the greater good.
Even if that meant…sacrificing everything else to protect her.
Krähe would never, ever forsake Lytrain.
O Lord, my god… What should your humble servant do?
She had prayed to Arlos more times than she could ever recount. The holy scriptures were so stuck in her mind, it was hard to get them wrong. The sacred rituals she'd performed in His name numbered more than the stars in the sky.
But her—their—situation didn't improve.
"O Lord… Why don't you help us?"
Just as she uttered words of doubt she shouldn't have, there was a slight noise in the room. Krähe perked up and spun around in surprise. After a long moment, the door where the noise had come from slowly opened, and Lytrain popped her timid face into the room.
"Um… Inquisitor Imlerith?"
"Oh, hello there, Nerim. How are you feeling?"
Krähe schooled her features into a smile. Did her awkward attempt get through to the little girl? Her heart thundered in her ears as her mind raced with worry that her young friend had overheard her questioning God. This was the first time she was ever grateful for the miracle that was Lytrain's complete memory loss. This dark secret too…would soon be erased from her innocent mind.
Then again, it seemed she was worried for nothing, since Lytrain tilted her head at her curiously.
"…? I'm well?"
"Is that so? You have been pushing yourself of late, so I was a bit worried."
"Have I?" Lytrain shuffled into the room.
Krähe urged Lytrain to take a seat and knelt before her so she could speak to her at eye level. Lytrain's perfectly round, glasslike eyes stared at Krähe, making her feel like she'd get sucked into their clear depths. Then Krähe slowly confided her feelings to the Scribe Saint.
"Your power is…a precious gift granted to you by God. It is powerful enough to heal people, restore their faith, and ward off evil. However, it requires your memories in return."
Even the most temporary of memories that we all forget in time anyway… All of them were taken, over and over and over again.
"I don't want you to bear this burden any further…"
"Father told me: 'If you keep doing good deeds, good things will happen."
That again.
Every time she asked, she received the same answer. And sadly enough, Lytrain most likely forgot even that repeated dialogue. But Krähe listened to her story as if it were her first time hearing it.
"Um… I promised to live with my father again. That's why I have to keep doing my very best, so I can live with him soon. I need to do as many good deeds as I can."
The chances of High Paladin Verdel being alive were dismal. The circumstances made his fate as clear as day, especially given the irrefutable fact no one had returned from investigating the Accursed Lands.
Lytrain didn't know that her father went on a mission to investigate the Accursed Lands. She also wasn't privy to the fact he hadn't returned from there or that they had lost all contact with him. And that was why she continued being driven by her desire to be with her father again.
"Yes, it will be all right. I just know you will be able to live with your dear father again. Because you have done so many good deeds, Nerim…" Krähe was disgusted by her own cowardice.
Should such a foolish person be allowed to exist in this world? Instead of facing the one and only dream this girl held, she was a spineless coward who closed her eyes to reality and refused to tell the truth.
Aaah, why won't anyone save her? Krähe repined. Why isn't there a way for everyone to be happy? A future where she can live with her father? "How would you like to actually live with you dear father agaiiiin?"
Someone suddenly interrupted their conversation.
Krähe quickly stood before Lytrain, casting a deadly glare at the speaker—the spawn of evil who hailed from Mynoghra—Vittorio. How long had he been there? He was thoughtfully rubbing his chin with one hand, his usual skin-crawling sneer plastered on his lips and his unrepentant gaze eating them up.
"Nerim…stay behind me," Krähe said in a dark voice. "Evil Spawn Vittorio, what are you thinking? You agreed we would not interfere with each other just the other day. Are you already breaking your promise?"
"Non, non. My visit this time falls under the umbrella of a mere discussion! It shan't influence our little game!"
"Lies. Do you think I'll be satisfied if you just reword things to suit your needs? What does your Lector think of this?"
"Well, y'see, I came without telling sweet little Yona'Yona. She'd beat the living daylight out of me if she knew…"
"I like the sound of that. I propose that she becomes the one and true
Archlector."
"Mwahaha. I wholeheartedly agreeeee."
It appeared the young Lector—Yona'Yona—wasn't with him. If Vittorio was to be believed, he'd come without consulting her, and given what Krähe knew of the girl's earnest personality, that seemed likely. Then there was no leash for this crafty man—proof he was free to do whatever the hell he wanted with no one to stop him.
"Does that mean you wish to be on the receiving end of my Holy Sword Artes?"
Krähe glanced at a spot a short distance away. As she was relaxing in her own quarters, she'd left her equipment hanging on the far corner of the wall. Threatening him with her sword sounded cool and all, but it was a long shot if she'd actually be able to get the jump on him to pull it off.
But Krähe had to try. She'd vowed she was willing to make any sacrifice to protect the trembling girl behind her.
However, the unexpected that should be expected by this point had happened.
"Non, non! We use words, not swords! I only came here to make a proposal!!"
The man wanted to bargain with words again. In other words, he had yet another deal to strike. More evil temptations. More taboo words to invite people to their ruin.
"A proposal? Again? What in the realm do you—"
"Inquisitor Imlerith," Vittorio cut her off before she could finish. "Would you be interested in taking that fair young lady and joining our side?"
His invitation caused both Krähe and Lytrain to gape at him. Krähe glared at him with all the anger bubbling up inside her at his ridiculous offer.
"Are you daft…?"
Changing sides is the art of war. In disputes between nations, this is done through mediation. Qualia had long been a peaceful nation free from war, but such acts had been recorded in the annals of history and even been observed during small-scale skirmishes. The reasons someone might commit apostasy and become a turncoat are as multifarious as the situations they find themselves in at the time.
But what Krähe knew for sure was that she and Lytrain had enough value to the enemy to make this proposal. Krähe shook off her desire to know his intentions and flatly rejected his offer.
"I refuse."
"Oh my Saints!" Vittorio gasped. "Whyever would you?"
"It's not even a question of why," she responded tersely. "I played along with your little games once, but that was only because it was the most peaceful option. Your offer this time shows clear contempt for our nation. And let's pretend that wasn't the case—why would you think we would ever submit to evil?"
"But if you doooon't, he'll never come back to life, will he?" Vittorio pointed out. "And here I was, all ready and rearing to ask my great and mighty God to bring him back from the dead if Imlerith flashed me a double peace sign and said, 'I'll succumb to eeeee-vl, ehe!'"
Krähe sucked in a sharp breath between her teeth. "St-Stop that. How dare you try to deceive people with such heresy. You can't bring someone back from the dead. That is why everyone always reflects on their actions and does their best to live without regrets. Besides—his death is your fault!"
Krähe knew what Vittorio was alluding to without him having to say more. And she was furious about it. Just how much must this spawn of evil make a mockery of people before he's satisfied? she seethed. How dare he even try to use the greatest desire of an innocent little girl in his wicked plot.
"It's not moi's fault, you know? The fault lies with the Under Paladin accompanying him who went and did something unnecessarily foolish. He was supposed to return home safe and sound. But that young welp of a Paladin became so blinded by his biases, he made the wrong decision. Karma sure is a bitch for Paladins when they have to pay for their allies' mistakes with their lives. My condolences!"
"Grrr!"
It was strange. The High Paladin Verdel that Krähe knew was a calm and collected man who never picked a fight he couldn't win. He quite honestly played a little fast and loose with Arlos's Holy Teachings, but that gave him flexibility and adaptability, and he achieved results that exceeded his orders. He could decide to beat a quick retreat if he sensed danger, and he was better than anyone else at assessing a situation. Krähe found it more than a little strange that such a man would never be heard from again, but it made sense if Vittorio was telling the truth.
But if that was the truth, then it'd extinguish the sliver of hope Krähe was holding on to. Someone who called the Accursed Lands home spoke of the fate of a scout who'd gone missing after being sent to said Accursed
Lands. There was no proof more despairing and concrete than this…
That's why… Aaah, that's why…
"Um, pardon me, what are you talking about?" Lytrain asked.
I didn't want her to hear this news.
Krähe hesitated. She debated how to trick her young friend. Wondered what lies she could come up with to get them out of this situation.
"Dear, little, pitiful Scribe Girlie. Your daddy is dead, you know?" Vittorio simply told it like it was, shattering Krähe's hopes to smooth things over.
"…What?" Lytrain asked, dumbfounded.
"L-Lies! He's lying! You mustn't listen to him, Nerim!" Krähe shouted. But her words rang hollow.
"You of all people, mon p'tit chaton, know in your heart and soul that I am not lying. High Paladin Verdel ran straight into our territory while investigating the Accursed Lands. He lost his life in the ensuing conflict. No contact, no visual, means no way he's aaaalive!" The jester belted out a blissfully delighted deriding laugh.
While Krähe was fumbling for a counterargument, Nerim boldly stepped out from behind her, large, crystalline tears rolling down her pale cheeks.
"But, but! I met with Father!" she cried. "He told me he would come to see me again when he's less busy! That he'd tell me everything then!"
"Oh, that was an imposter, ma poupée. To be specific, it was our God mimicking him. Sounds like you had a heartwarming reunion with an imposter! Poor, poor poupée!"
"Y-You're lying… It can't… No…" Lytrain gasped out between sobs.
"Aw, shucks! Even I took a hit to the feelers on that one! Nobody wants to be the bearer of bad news! But it had to be said! Looks like everyone kept it a secret from you! That's why I took up the mantle to tell you, ma poupée!"
Tears poured like a river from Lytrain's big, round eyes.
Krähe didn't even notice her own vision blurring as she watched her young friend tremble and weep. Aah, Lord, is it truly all right for the spawn of evil to cause such suffering in others? Even without the use of scorching flames, evil curses, vicious claws, or heinous weapons, is it all right for mere words to inflict such harm upon one's soul?
Krähe lost the will to argue. She realized she'd already reached the point of no return. It was all over a long, long time ago—long before Vittorio ever did anything. That truth was made evident.
"But…but! Good things will surely happen if you keep doing good deeds…"
The Scribe Saint's heart shattered like glass. The one and only thing she held on to for dear life to keep her sense of self—her memories with her father—and the pure, unadulterated wish that helped her stand up against the miseries of reality.
If you keep doing good deeds, good things will happen.
The words of hope her father gave her …
"Has anything good happened thus far?" Vittorio asked.
All of it was reduced to ash right then and there.
"No… No…"
"Now, now, don't cry your heart out, ma poupée. Life is full of twists and turns! Your dreams will come true as long as you never give up! Come on, stand up. Stand strong. I've come bearing especially good news for moi's poor, poor poupée. So, will you hear me out?"
The spawn of evil's wicked words tore Lytrain apart, piece by piece. The heart-wrenching end to the girl's dream—the one she believed would surely come true one day—came in the worst possible way.
Krähe became dominated by anger, forgetting all about the reason and teachings keeping her good-aligned.
"Enough. Your words reek of rot. Don't utter another word. I made a mistake. To think going along with the devil's smooth talk would bring about such utterly repulsive results. I'll cut you down and end all of this here."
Unprecedented hatred filled her whole being. Her sword was farther than she'd like, but it didn't matter. She was seething with such dark emotions that made her want to cut down the man in front of her this instant, that it chased away her holy mindset and rationale.
"No, I will utter another word," Vittorio said. "And lower those fists! For I've come bearing the one and only means to repair this tragedy!"
Nonsense. Krähe couldn't fathom how the man in front of her believed in his delusion that she would hear him out after he'd insulted them. But it mattered not what he thought or wanted. There was but one thing for her to do now—punching his lights out and taking that opening to grab her Holy Sword and silence his filthy mouth for all eternity.
However…
What the? I can't move!
It was almost as if an invisible force was compelling her to hear him out because Krähe remained dead silent despite her fervent desire to impale him with her sword.
"Right then, to the deal! Here's my proposal! Join our side! Simple, right? You see, even I'm sympathetic to the young lady's plight. I'd like to do whatever I can for her. I mean, when you think about it, isn't it super offensive? The whole situation is heartless, really."
Move, move, move, damn it! She yelled at herself to take action. She struggled and fought internally, but her body wouldn't even utter a single word.
"And soooo! I'm gonna save you all! Yay! It's a happy ending!"
Don't listen to him. If you do, your heart will be swayed. If you do, you'll accept his damn offer!
Vittorio's honeyed words turned to poison and ate away at Krähe.
"Evil shouldn't pity people? Nonsense!" Vittorio exclaimed. "An evil person is free to do whatever they please! Meaning we are also free to show pity to a holy Saint who stands against us! We're not like you do-gooders who are tied inflexibly to justice!"
"Whatever you say, we won't succumb to you! Your honeyed words won't reach us!" Krähe shouted. "Accepting a deal from the devil is the same as embarking down the road to ruin. I understand that all too well now. You forced that understanding upon me!"
"Hmmm," Vittorio hummed to himself. "Another of the holy god's teachings. What an admirable thing for a do-nothing god to teach, ha…"
Krähe gasped for air. She'd mustered all her strength to shout back at Vittorio and it utterly exhausted her. But it seemed Vittorio hadn't expected her to rebel, because he snorted at her with disinterest. Like his toy lost its shininess.
Maybe I avoided falling for evil's temptation this time… Relief enveloped Krähe like a warm blanket.
"Well, all right then," Vittorio relented. "I'll return home with my tail between my legs this time. It's almost time for supper, after all."
He's leaving again? Krähe didn't have the energy to chase after him. But it was fortunate her opponent decided to retreat. Perhaps he's not a fighter? Krähe speculated but didn't have time to linger on such thoughts. She tracked Vittorio's back as he strolled toward the door with a hop in his step. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to escape this miserable situation.
"Oh, one last thing, Inquisitor Imlerith!" Vittorio said just as his hand opened the door to leave. "Do you truly understand why they say the deals evil offers are so terrifying?"
"..."
It was a strange question.
Krähe answered him with silence, but she had no idea what incited him to ask it. Deals with the spawn of evil were frightening because one's own ruin awaited on the other side. That was the way of the world and Arlos's teaching. What in the realm was he trying to convey by reaffirming that universal law?
"Because it's all real," Vittorio said.
"…What?"
Krähe was confused by his short reply. But his next words made her deeply regret letting him continue to talk.
"Eternal beauty, femme fatale, limitless intelligence, unparalleled power—and reuniting with dead loved ones. In every country and every age, the gifts evil bestows are all real. Of course, there's no trap behind it. Eternal beauty never fades. The femme fatale continues to smile away at you, intelligence and power only increase. And the resurrected don't become ash and bone. That is the reason why evil's deals attract people like flies to honey."
The jester continued his temptation. Every word he uttered was sweeter than the last and aroused great interest.
"You seem to believe ruin awaits you if you accept my offer. That it must be some kind of trap. That you will waste away in eternal suffering and regret."
He was absolutely right. She had been taught as much and believed it to this day. And she wished with all her heart that it was true.
"I swear that will never happen. All that awaits she who bows before my god is eternal happiness and peace. Peaceful days with your dear friend, who will regain her smile. A life with three meals a day and no overtime. And at the end of the story, is the promised happily ever after. That is exactly what our God Takuto Ira will grant you."
The devil's sweet, sweet invitation ensnared Krähe and Lytrain.
"I look forward to your choice, ladies!"
A loud, earsplitting laugh that seemed to mock the world rang out, followed by dead silence. All that was left in his wake was the freezing cold and dark, dark feelings of despair. And the two pitiful girls who had to cope with it.
"Inquisitor Imlerith… Miss Krähe…"
"Y-Yes…?!"
"Was what that man said…true?"
"…I'm sorry, Nerim."
"Father's no longer…"
"I'm sorry. I am so, so, so sorry…"
Both girls pulled each other into a hug and silently wept, as if that would console the other.
-x-X-x-
Chapter 14: Surrender
SEVERAL days had passed since Vittorio carried out his grievous subterfuge during the crepuscular hours. Krähe remained calm on the surface. Their situation in Amrita was as bad as ever, and they continued to use Scribe Saint Lytrain's powers to save people. However, the contest proposed and implemented by Vittorio and his Cult of Ira had netted overwhelmingly negative results for the forces of good.
"The situation in Amrita is beyond what we can handle."
"Ninety percent of the population has converted to the foul Cult of Ira and abandoned Arlos."
"Oh, Arlos, how did it come to this…"
They were holding a meeting in the command post tent. Not long ago, the area outside used to be crowded with people seeking treatment and instruction from Arlos's holy teachings. Now the hustle and bustle were replaced with such silence, it made one doubt the commotion of the past.
It goes without saying the holy forces weren't just resting on their laurels. The Paladins and followers of Arlos had steadfastly preached the good word about Arlos, spreading the faith. More than a few clergy set out with Nerim to treat the sick. Even an objective third party could look at the situation and determine they had gone above and beyond the call.
But the Cult of Ira was faster.
For every ten people they edified with Arlos's teachings, the Cult reached one hundred. For every ten people they treated, the Cult cured a thousand. It was anyone's guess what wicked methods the Cult employed, but they were definitely saving the sick and the saved became open believers in the Cult of Ira's doctrines. Even the people Qualia had put significant time and effort into helping remember their faith were easily won over by the Cult. Cleric Cayman and other competent personnel necessary to rebuild Amrita had willingly left Qualia's camp for the Cult of Ira.
Defeat was inevitable.
At least they were able to help some citizens escape to the north.
No one who converted to the Cult of Ira was mistreated, neither in Amrita nor elsewhere in the Southern Province. As far as that point was concerned, Vittorio—or most likely, Lector Yona'Yona—kept their word.
No one was suffering. The situation was as bad as it could be for them, but Krähe found a sliver of hope in the people's well-being. However, the Paladins didn't share the sentiment. If anything, they put their hopes in something else entirely.
"We have no choice but to rely on the Scribe Saint now."
"That's a bad idea…" Krähe jumped to her feet and argued against the Paladin's alarming suggestion. "Nerim— Saint Nerim's power is too devastating on her person. There's no telling what horrible things will happen to her if she seeks a miracle capable of overturning our predicament!"
Krähe thought they would end up adopting a plan to abandon Amrita. Given the circumstances, she believed the Paladins would understand and return to Central to bolster their forces with the Mystic Saint. She painfully learned that her thinking was naïve.
"Inquisitor Imlerith, we have reason to question your stance on evil," a Paladin challenged. "Do not be spineless in the face of evil. Inquisitors aren't meant to throw their weight around just to protect their loved ones, are they?"
"I must agree with him completely," another joined in. "I must say that your response toward evil on this occasion is too weak-kneed. God's trials are oft heavy and painful. But they can always be overcome. We understand that is why the Saint has been sent to this land."
Krähe was in shock. She never imagined the Paladins would be so obsessed with dealing with evil that they would let it warp their minds and souls to this extent. What good did it do for those who had remained silent during meetings and hadn't offered any concrete measures before to suddenly talk big? They weren't even offering to do anything about it themselves, but instead wanted to put all the burden on another.
Krähe had been trying to show them due respect, given the sticky spot she'd put herself into with how she handled Vittorio, but she couldn't remain silent any longer. She wouldn't stand for them sacrificing Lytrain.
"You want to rely on Saint Nerim's power just because you are incapable of doing anything yourselves?" she impugned. "You want to push all the responsibility upon a young girl, and you dare call yourselves Paladins?"
"It's because we call ourselves Paladins that we sometimes have to make ironhearted decisions." The Paladin turned from Krähe to address the others. "It appears Inquisitor Imlerith is tired. She needs to take a break. We will handle the rest of the meeting, so you may rest now."
Krähe looked around the tent. Angry and suspicious looks fleeced her from every corner. She had nothing to say to these men who reacted in the same heated manner, as if they'd caught the same virus. She understood she had become a target for criticism, but she never thought their respect for her had dropped beyond repair.
No one would take her side.
"…Very well. I'll excuse myself for now."
True to her word, she indicated her intention to leave. What a polite way to tell someone to get lost, she thought. They intend to never let me participate in another meeting again.
She heard the men's amused laughter behind her as she exited the tent…
◇◇◇
"AH, Inquisitor Imlerith."
"Nerim… So this is where you were. I decided to take a bit of a break myself. Mind if I join you?"
Krähe was walking without a destination when she came upon Lytrain journaling in a corner of their squad's recreational tent. Normally this place would be teeming with people, but the girls easily spotted each other because no one else was there.
Krähe quietly sat beside Lytrain. She'd been removed from her squad's activities. The Paladins would decide their next course of action without her, and it was hard to say how that would affect Saint Lytrain.
No, stop lying to yourself. They'll absolutely seek it. They will order her to offer every last memory she has to Arlos to overturn this crisis with a transcendent Miracle… Krähe writhed with anger at the thought. "Inquisitor Imlerith. I'm…okay with it."
"Okay with what?" Krähe asked despite knowing the answer. She wished she could prevent her young friend from saying the rest. She didn't want to hear Lytrain voice her resolve.
"Using…my power," Lytrain said. "I believe God granted me this power for this exact moment."
"You… You should think more about your own happiness," Krähe insisted. "You should be rewarded for suffering so much, for serving others, and for giving everything to God."
Lytrain didn't nod in agreement with Krähe's argument.
"Nerim. Once you cross that line, you will cease to exist. Please don't force me to make that decision," Krähe pleaded with everything she had. She had never cursed her lack of charisma more than she did now.
I'll do something about it, so please don't make that decision. It was easy to say such a thing, but it took skill and dialogue to persuade another person to believe you. Lytrain seemed determined to follow through with it, but she also seemed resigned to the idea. Like she had given up on there being another option.
"Inquisitor Imlerith… Do you think I'll ever see Father again?" Krähe said nothing.
"I have nothing left. I lost it all. I wonder if there's any reason for me to keep on living."
Krähe wanted her to live. She wanted her to live and find happiness. That was her greatest wish. But was she just being selfish? Was there really nothing she could do for her young friend anymore? A sense of powerlessness dominated Krähe.
There's no hope… Not for us here, at least.
"I did good deeds, so I'm sure I'll see Father on the other side. That's what I think…" Lytrain quietly shared.
Several hours later.
Welcomed by the Paladins and followers of Arlos, Lytrain announced she would use her Miracle Artes. The people smiled and extolled her decision.
◇◇◇
"WHY, God! Why!!"
Krähe's private quarters were trashed. The room, usually tidy and organized in a way that reflected her methodical personality, was now in complete disarray. All the furniture was smashed and broken. Paperwork was strewn about.
Standing in the middle of the chaos, wailing, was a dejected young woman whose only wish was dashed. A foolish and powerless young woman who couldn't even protect her only friend.
The god she clung to didn't answer her.
The god she clung to didn't save her.
There was but one road for the abandoned to take…
"Forgive me, Arlos. You have forsaken us…"
Krähe slowly rose to her feet like a ghost. She staggered from the room and never returned.
◇◇◇
"OWIE, owie, ow, ow, owie! No violence! Stooooop! Yooooour! VIOLEEEEEENCE!"
A melodramatic scream echoed through the churchyard. This was the base of operations for the Cult of Ira in Amrita. Their church was an extensively renovated chapel in the southern parish.
The man bound hand and foot with a straw rope and strapped to a wooden hanging stand specially made for him was none other than Mynoghra's Gleeful Spin Doctor Vittorio. And the ones mercilessly wailing on him, causing him to scream and whine like a little baby, were Mynoghra's very own Witches of Regret, the Elfuur Sisters.
"This doesn't even count as violence," Caria said. "You're a Hero, you're made different, no? I'm going to punch you two to three more times."
"Hehehe. It'll show on his face, so go for the stomach, Caria."
"Good idea. You're the smartest, Big Sista."
The hour was midnight. The moon was out—the perfect time for the Elfuur Sisters to manifest their powers as Witches. The fact Vittorio could easily take even a play-beating from these twin sisters, who had long strayed from the shackles of mortal existence and possessed strong powers as Heroes, revealed his own status as a Hero. Although…no one would dare call him a hero with how pathetic he looked.
"Serves ya right, Archlector Idiot. I kept tellin' ya not to get up to any funny business, but you just didn't listen. This is what you get. Seriously reflect on yer actions, stupid," Lector Yona'Yona cut into him with her words.
The Heroes weren't the only ones present. Yona'Yona watched Vittorio get beaten with irritation, and the new followers of Ira were looking on at this odd chastisement ritual with confusion. Furthermore, the original cultists who followed Vittorio to this city were tired of seeing this same scene play out, so they just focused on getting the work assigned to them taken care of.
For better or worse, this was a common scene in the Cult of Ira.
"Oh! Please let me have a turn once you're finished!" Yona'Yona asked of the twins. "I still haven't beaten him up for going off on his own the other day!"
"Okey-dokey," Maria said.
"Sure thing," Caria said.
"What the hell is wrong with these bratssss? Aren't you all a little too comfortable with violence?!"
Vittorio complained about his situation, but he was just reaping what he sowed. It was especially unforgivable of him to deviate from his agreement of noninterference with the Arlos followers just to go and stir up trouble. Neither Yona'Yona nor the Elfuur Sisters gave a jot about what happened to the Arlos followers because of him, but their agreement was made in Takuto and the Cult of Ira's name. Breaking the agreement meant smearing mud on Takuto's good name. And that was the one thing these girls wouldn't stand for.
Hence the chastisement by physical punishment. They had given up on getting through to Vittorio with his warped personality, but they at least needed to take out their frustrations on him through beatings. For that reason, Vittorio was strung up and turned into the perfect punching bag. He did seem to feel pain, but also didn't seem to care. If anything, he actually seemed to come up with new schemes while being smacked around.
In fact, a nauseating sneer turned up the corners of his lips as he directed his gaze toward a spot in the distance. "You must have the utmost respect for those in your circle and never sacrifice your friends. That's a basic and universal rule for mortals. Don't you think, Inquisitor Imlerith?"
"Vittorio…"
Krähe Imlerith, High Inquisitor with the Holy Kingdom of Qualia, appeared from the shadows. She should have been a devout servant of Arlos, loyal to his holy teachings.
"Is it all right if I assume your visitation at this late hour means you are willing to accept my deal?"
Surprise flashed across Krähe's face when she saw Vittorio hanging in the air, questioning her with all seriousness. She quickly caught herself and schooled her features. She must've understood his query, but she fell silent, her expression grim. Everyone could tell she was hesitating.
"Hm, I don't know what brought ya here, but we'll welcome you with open arms if yer joining us," Yona'Yona said. "But there's no turning back once you're one of the family… Oh and this weirdo is an outlier." She jabbed her finger in Vittorio's direction. "The rest are good people. There's nothing to worry 'bout. I guarantee it."
"Hehe. We're a good place to be," Maria giggled. "Forget everything that's happened and join us."
"It seems like you are suffering, so if you want to be with us, we welcome you. But if not, leave before your presence becomes a nuisance," Caria warned.
It was the dead of night. The moon was high in the dark sky, and the overwhelming evil aura exuding from the twins filled the churchyard with an unbearable pressure that made one want to run with fear. Yet, standing in direct contrast to their aura, their words were filled with kindness for Krähe. Even Caria's harsher word choice seemed like it was meant to give her the push she needed to make her choice.
Their reactions made Krähe want to ask them about her situation— about Nerim's situation. Strangely enough, she felt like a sinner about to confess her sins to God.
"Nerim is a pitiful child," she began. "I wanted her to be happy. That's all I ever wanted…and yet God never rewarded her. Not once."
"That's because your god doesn't reward faith," Yona'Yona said. "Seems like it's forbidden to seek something in return for believing."
This was the foundation of the Holy Teachings of Arlos. God gave instructions, but never saved. Or rather, God's salvation was given through the Saints and clergy. He saved people through the Miracles wielded by the Saints—that no mortal could wield. The clergy were the guardians of those Miracles. They preached Arlos's teachings to the masses and showed the Saints to those seeking help.
…This was the Holy God Arlos's law and order. The absolute holy law.
But then that begged the question: who would save the Saint? Who would help the Saint who was always required to aid others and had to make a huge sacrifice in exchange for using her great power? The Holy God Arlos never said.
"It is just too heartbreaking. Why does such a little girl have to be treated this way?" Krähe lamented. "I'm just too powerless to save her."
"There is only so much a mortal can do," Vittorio replied. "You are a mortal, not a god."