Chapter 508

Episode 508. The Guardian Dragon (8)

In the center of Rosario, the capital of the Holy Kingdom.

In a conference hall located deep within an immense temple, eight people stood, looking at one another with expressions laden with seriousness. They were the seven cardinals of Rosario and a Saint; in the absence of the Pope, they constituted the de facto head of Rosario.

—… What do you suggest we do about this?

Everyone shared their concerns with solemn faces. The reason was a “religion” that had recently infiltrated from the Empire and was spreading through the Allied United Kingdoms—no, across the entire continent.

—Certainly, the situation is not good at all.

—Did they say it is called… the Religion of War?

—That is correct.

—Tsk.

A heavy silence flooded the room. In reality, if anyone saw this scene of concern, they might find it strange. After all, the Holy Kingdom took no special measures even when a new religion was born right next to them. Of course, technically it was because a “certain person” prevented them from acting…

But even if that were the case, no one had major complaints. No one there was ignorant of the fact that the reason the Allied United Kingdoms functioned fully as nations was thanks to the Divine Land and the knights belonging to it. However, the reason they reacted with such sensitivity to this new Religion of War was different.

—… “Believing in the Divine Blood.” I see.

—It has not been confirmed that they are Divine Bloods. They only say they revere “War.”

—If it were only a matter of faith, it wouldn’t matter. The problem is that their influence is expanding with unnatural speed.

That strange religion spread like a wildfire, at a speed that exceeded the limits of a normal religion. Almost as if it were a contagion.

—Expansion is not the only problem. What is worrying is the behavior of those who are dyed by the Religion of War.

At a cardinal’s comment, the others fell silent in unison. The reason they described the expansion as a “contagion” was the behavior of its followers. Outwardly, the followers appeared normal, but strangely, at certain moments, they lost their reason. Then, as if suffering from collective hypnosis, they became violent and murdered anyone who did not share their doctrine. As if they became different people.

—It is a headache.

Furthermore, Rosario had not managed to decipher how the sect was expanding. Or rather, they wondered if it was even possible to decipher it. They were aware that the faith grew through frequent bloodbaths, but the method of proselytism remained an absolute mystery, even after directly interrogating captured believers.

A deathly silence flowed among those present. The cardinals, after letting out groans of frustration, looked in the same direction as if by agreement. Toward the only person who had not uttered a single word during the entire meeting, but who possessed the absolute right to speak in that place.

And then.

—Mmm…

Sensing the gaze of the cardinals, she, Yutia Bloodia, looked into the void for an instant and spoke calmly:

—Do not worry, everyone.

—Wouldn’t it be better to take some measure? —a worried cardinal asked immediately.

In contrast, Yutia Bloodia‘s face showed an unperturbed smile.

—It is fine.

It was a short answer. She did not explain the reasons. There was no hidden meaning in her words. Simply an “it is fine.” However:

—If Cardinal Yutia Bloodia says so…

—Mmm…

The cardinals, who a moment ago were agonizing over the Religion of War, nodded slightly. As if their previous concerns had never existed. As if her words were the absolute truth. No one questioned the situation.

—Yes, let us continue preparing well.

—Certainly…

—As soon as “that” is completed, Rosario will also…

After observing the cardinals with satisfaction and hearing their words of agreement, the meeting in the temple came to an end. When all the cardinals except Yutia Bloodia had left:

—… Cardinal Yutia Bloodia.

Yuman, who had been listening in silence without intervening, opened his mouth.

—Yes, tell me, Cardinal Yuman.

—… Is everything really alright?

—Which part are you referring to exactly?

—To the Religion of War.

At Yuman‘s question, Yutia Bloodia stared at him and replied:

—Mmm, strictly speaking, it could be a problem in many ways, don’t you think?

An answer totally opposite to the one she gave to the other cardinals.

—Then why…?

—Because they are friends to whom it is better not to pay attention.

—Better not to pay attention…?

—Yes. After all, they…

Yutia Bloodia continued her explanation, leaving Yuman dumbfounded.

—… Is… that true?

—Yes, so do not worry. Our indifference will be the greatest help. And besides… —Yutia Bloodia nodded and added with a slow voice—: … as ridiculous as it sounds, I remember these things quite better than the important things.

She sentenced coldly.

—Well… even when they are so openly spreading pheromones that they like you?

At Arculainisis’s innocent words, the expressions of Rine and Penia, who were staring at her, went blank. Stunned by the sudden declaration, they didn’t know how to react for a moment. But it was only an instant. Naturally, their eyes turned toward Alon Palatio.

Alon observed Rine and Penia in silence and then addressed Ar:

—Ar.

—Mmm? What’s up, Master?

—Just because they like me doesn’t mean they are concubines.

—Mmm? Oh, they aren’t?

—No.

—I was convinced they were because they are always with you!

At Ar’s shout, Penia and Rine let out an involuntary sigh of relief. But…

—… Eh?

—?

Rine and Penia looked at each other. They felt a strange dissonance for a reason they couldn’t quite pinpoint. After thinking about it for a bit:

—Eh…?

Penia caught the anomaly without difficulty. And Rine did too. Both looked at each other and realized they shared the same doubt: Why hadn’t Alon been surprised?

As much as it cost them to admit it, Penia and Rine thought that, until now, Alon had no idea of the feelings they harbored. After all, Alon had never acted as if he had noticed anything. But how was his reaction now? He was explaining the situation calmly, as if he already knew they liked him. As if it were something trivial.

Eh…? Was Alon-nim not terribly clueless?

I also thought the Godfather had that kind of castrated instinct.

But it turns out it was all a lie.

From what he says, it seems so.

Penia and Rine conversed with their eyes. They didn’t know whether to be happy or annoyed, maintaining ambiguous expressions. But that lasted only a short while.

—Ar, besides, let me teach you something else —Alon continued.

—What is it?

—There are many types of “liking.”

—… Many types?

—Yes. Love between lovers is one form, but there is also affection between family members or appreciation between comrades.

—Ah.

—Ah.

Seeing Alon continue his explanation with total serenity, both looked at each other again without realizing it.

It seems it wasn’t that.

I see.

Should I be happy or sad?

It’s subtle.

Right?

Yes.

I think the same.

Again, a silent chat. A long time later, after finishing dinner with Ar, Alon walked through the long garden alongside Evan to meet with Contanias.

—Alon-nim.

—What is it?

—A moment ago… did you really not understand?

—What are you referring to?

—I mean when the Crying Dragon said they were releasing pheromones that they liked you.

—Ah, that.

—I was wondering if, truly, you didn’t take the hint.

—… Weren’t you outside at that moment?

—Yes, but it could be heard perfectly from the outside.

Faced with the blatant declaration that he hadn’t gone for a walk but had stayed to listen, Alon remained silent for a moment and scratched his head.

—… It’s not that I didn’t understand.

—Wow!

—Ahem… in fact, I even came to think that perhaps there was some defect in my male body.

Alon made a face like “this guy…?”, but sighed.

—It’s not that.

—Then, it just seems like you know what’s happening but pretend not to know to enjoy it in secret.

—… Put that way I sound like trash, but… it’s not that.

—Then…?

At Evan‘s question, Alon meditated. Just as he said, Alon was not totally blind. Of course, in these matters he was… quite obtuse, but even so, he could notice. The reason he didn’t react was:

—… Are you saying you have a problem with your feelings?

—Rather, it’s a problem I’ve had from the beginning.

Alon had realized that something was failing in his emotions.

—Probably.

It hadn’t been long since Alon was aware of this. He perceived it vaguely when Kalanon showed him his form of Manifestation. Alon remembered that moment. Seeing that divine form that should inspire absolute terror, Alon felt fear, yes, but it was a small fear. The strange thing was that it didn’t feel like a real emotion. It was like reading a word. He simply “perceived” that he felt fear. He didn’t feel it because the emotion truly arose. It was as if someone dictated to him that in that situation “he should act like this.”

Until then he hadn’t noticed, but in that fleeting instant, his reasoning detected the strange contradiction and concluded that something was wrong with his emotional capacity.

—That means…

—In short, I’m in a situation where it’s hard for me to judge my own feelings correctly. The first thing I must do is solve this problem. Only then can I act accordingly.

—Is there a solution?

—… I am investigating, but I still don’t know a clear way to fix it.

—I see…

Seeing Evan nodding understandingly, Alon sighed.

‘Certainly it wasn’t like this before.’

Alon tilted his head remembering his previous life in the other world, a now blurry past. Although the memories were faint, he still kept the memory of when he desired to love someone deeply.

‘What could be happening to me?’

While Alon was thinking, Evan spoke:

—But Alon-nim.

—Tell me.

—It’s just a guess, but according to your central point, is it not that you simply cannot perceive your feelings?

—Well, I suppose.

—Then if there were a potent external stimulus, could your emotions return to normal?

—External stimulus?

—Yes, you know… an immense joy or a love that makes your heart beat.

At Evan‘s words, Alon reflected.

—I don’t know if my heart would beat in this state, but if it really worked…

—Would you fall in love immediately…?

—Hum… it’s not an impossible idea.

“Well, that’s if it works,” Alon added, nodding. at that instant, a small noise was heard behind them.

—?

Alon turned his gaze, but saw nothing.

—What’s happening?

—No, I thought I heard something.

—I didn’t hear anything.

—Oh, really?

Alon tilted his head and kept walking. He didn’t see that a blue head of hair, which had come out to deliver something to Alon after playing with Ar, was hiding behind a large column.

And then.

—Alon-nim.

—Mmm?

—The brooch and the badge… are shining with an unusual intensity.

—Hum… could it be because of the moonlight?

Evan and Alon continued their chat seeing how the red brooch and the green badge glowed.

—By the way, what are we going to see Contanias for?

—I have a favor to ask him.

—… A favor?

—Yes.

—What kind…?

At Evan‘s question, Alon replied:

—It seems I will have to enter the Academy for a while.