247th Episode
The Mad Scientist Cardinal Jephar.
He immediately recognized that it was Lafez due to his peculiar laughter and unique way of thinking.
At least as far as I know.
In this novel, there was no one else with such vast curiosity and bizarre imagination.
In the original work, he was often seen mumbling to himself as a cardinal, so how could I possibly forget?
“Most of it was useless talk, but… there was some pretty important information too.”
Anyway, compared to the wild antics he pulls, Jephar is famous for keeping his true identity tightly under wraps.
In fact, at this moment, there is no ‘person’ who knows what Jephar actually looks like.
Not even among the followers of the Goddess Church.
So, if I were to see Lafez’s appearance as I did in the trials,
Or if it weren’t just a mix of different people’s looks in my brain,
It means I would be the only person capable of recognizing Jephar.
Of course… I expect that quirky guy has done all sorts of things…
“Jephar. When I finally see your face in the future, I will make sure you pay back for all the trouble you’ve caused me so far.”
It’s not the first time I’ve had to adjust my plans because of Jephar.
There’s a lot to talk about this time, but the most important thing to keep an eye on is the ‘canopy’ made of red aura.
That phenomenon, which suddenly appeared on the battlefield and drew a line, left the heroes stuck in place.
It hasn’t been revealed yet exactly how it’s structured and how it’s being maintained.
What is certain is that it’s a canopy using red aura that only Altife can pass through.
The artificial spirit squad was just a means to disperse the heroes, ultimately meeting their demise without crossing the barrier, with over half of them dead and some captured.
Under the leadership of Spirit Summoner Ferangis, the investigation into the artificial spirits is ongoing, but it still needs time to produce visible results.
“In the end, what’s needed at this point is time.”
The red canopy pinpointed the location of Gamigin’s nest more accurately but boasted absolute defense.
Despite using the same red aura and Helion’s unique spell, we failed to break through.
Since the church also needs to be reorganized, the necessary heroes were deployed to the battlefield, while students and various support troops from different nations and families were first sent back.
It’s because maintaining an army for a long time requires massive amounts of money, resources, and food.
What you’d call a strategic cold war.
It’s a unilateral cold war without treaties or anything, but the basic shape is similar.
“Alicia is currently receiving both physical and mental treatment… and has been investigated regarding her relationship with Salecius.”
Salecius’s identity has hardly been revealed to the public, but there are many who witnessed Alicia referring to him as ‘Sister’.
There were quite a few witnesses to the moment when “sister” was mentioned.
As a result, Alicia underwent an inquiry from the Church, and by now, she must be forcibly recalling all those unpleasant memories.
Since the Church is aware of Alicia’s potential value, they won’t treat her carelessly… but if they mess her up, they won’t get off scot-free either.
How much time and energy have I poured into making Alicia who she is now…!
I simply can’t bear to see my investments go to waste.
“Baron Vargan. Let’s get to the point from now on.”
Heilion’s voice echoed softly in the meeting room.
It seemed kind and warm, yet undeniably carried an air of authority that weighed down the atmosphere.
Right now, I am under the scrutiny of high-ranking Church officials and numerous heroes, all staring dead center at me.
“Yes, I too am ready to clarify the truth and positively review the Church’s affairs.”
Though I was no longer a member of the Schugenhartz Family, I was a noble who had received a barony from the Church.
I smiled politely, putting on a show.
A bit of pretense is basic social etiquette.
Everyone sat in silence, their eyes directed towards me in this very moment.
Seated as the main subject in the Church’s meeting room, which is closest to the battlefield.
“Baron Vargan has presented various achievements and remarkable contributions. Dortmund….”
Heilion began to drift into tangents, claiming he was getting into the main point.
I listened with one ear and let the other ear receive it. I nodded appropriately and replied.
“Yes, I acknowledge that fact.”
As if I had witnessed it all firsthand.
The Central Church had researched every single one of my accomplishments thoroughly.
I kept nodding my head.
After a few nods, the lengthy tale finally got to the current point.
“Baron Vargan’s unique spell required trials, and the duration of those trials was an unprecedented six months.”
“I suspected it would be unprecedented, but I didn’t realize it was the longest. Well, that’s correct.”
“Additionally, after completing the unique spell, Baron Vargan immediately joined the battlefield and defeated the second danger level, Bifrons.”
“That’s correct.”
“Furthermore, the individuals who can testify to this are Chancellor Heigel of Rikeion and Trisena, ranked seventh.”
Heilion briefly mentioned how they became witnesses and confirmed whether it was true.
Then a hologram of Heigel replied, and Trisena, who was actually occupying a seat, affirmed it too.
As everyone’s gaze converged back to me, Heilion spoke.
“Therefore, the Central Church acknowledges Baron Vargan’s contributions and recognizes his ownership of the Judgment Weapon for the second danger level, Bifrons.”
“I will strive to use this power for the sake of Yggdrasil and humanity.”
I bowed my head straight to express my gratitude.
I killed the thing, so of course it’s mine, but do we really need to go through all this? But if it’s necessary, what can I do?
It’s better to be certain now than to have disputes later about ownership.
I displayed a bright smile with not a hint of dissatisfaction.
Heilion, seemingly catching onto my expression, spoke in a voice tinged with amusement.
“The Central Church highly values Baron Vargan’s unique spell and abilities.”
“I’m embarrassed. It feels burdensome to be held in such high regard.”
“Baron Vargan will be recognized for his title as a baron, his unique spell, and the ownership of the Judgment Weapon, and thus will assume certain obligations for Yggdrasil.”
As I realized the Church was trying to use me for free, I subtly tried to withdraw, but lo and behold, they had me firmly in their grasp.
It looked like they were trying to use me for free, so I subtly tried to back off, but lo and behold, they had a tight grip on both my legs.
Everything I’ve received from the Church so far has been a reward for my achievements, yet they seem to want to sneak in a little extra for themselves. What are they thinking?
I figured if I argued, it would just create trouble.
In any case, I needed to hear what my obligations were to end this long meeting, so I asked them.
Normally, such a response would draw frowns from the elders stuck in outdated notions, but I didn’t care that much.
Then Helion, wearing a patient smile, said, “Baron Vargan isn’t just a student; he has an obligation to respond to the Church’s call as a ‘special asset.’”
In short, instead of keeping me tucked away as a student, they wanted to use me on dangerous battlefields whenever they liked, basically for “free.”
Until now, my accomplishments were highly valued with generous rewards, but from now on, they intended to treat me the same as regular heroes.
Hmm… No matter how you slice it, that’s incredibly unfair.
I’m still an esteemed student, after all; there’s a limit to this!
I feigned compliance for a moment and then intentionally revealed my discomfort.
“I don’t want to pretend I’m unaware of the higher education I’ve received at the Academia and the benefits I’ve had so far. However, I can’t shake the feeling that you’re imposing too many obligations on me.”
As I voiced my blasphemous thoughts, the atmosphere around us quickly grew chaotic.
I scanned the high-ranking administrators of the Church, who I assumed were wary of me, and added with a smile, “Stability in this world is maintained through equitable exchanges. Of course, the concept of a fully equal exchange is nonexistent, but if one party suffers excessive losses, a price must inevitably be paid.”
I pointed out the Church’s unfairness.
Naturally, this ruffled the feathers of some present.
—How rude of him…!
—Look at this! Didn’t I say it was too much to grant two Judgment Weapons to a still-immature hero-in-training?!
—Helion! Speak up! Wasn’t it you who suggested giving this insolent brat two Judgment Weapons?!
It was a shock that it came from Helion, but I didn’t back down as I boldly addressed them.
“Wasn’t it my considerable contributions that allowed this war to conclude with minimal damage? Am I wrong?”
—Arrogant! So proud! A hero must know how to accumulate virtue along with strength!
—We’re definitely not acknowledging the ownership of those Judgment Weapons! If entrusted to someone like him, significant trouble will surely follow!
“…….”
Helion stared at me, silent for a moment.
So I kept my gaze steady on him.
The commotion around didn’t bother me.
Helion seemed slightly perplexed by my unadorned demeanor and opened his mouth, about to speak.
Then, at that moment…
—I believe Baron Vargan has a point.
That single statement captured all the attention in the room.
Though appearing as a hologram, it was someone I didn’t find entirely unfamiliar.
—What do you mean by that? Are you siding with Dortmund just because it once helped you?
The Holy King of Dortmund. The one who handed me a nameplate and assisted me in obtaining the rewards I desired from the Central Church.
He continued speaking in a gentle voice.
—Baron Vargan has certainly shown achievements that are not to be considered mere student-level. I assume no one here would deny that.
—Ahem….
—That may be true, but… a Hero, by nature, is….
The Holy King leisurely yet firmly made his point.
Even though his eyes were pierced through by magic, it felt strangely like he was looking directly at me.
He said,
—Too much focus on results isn’t necessarily good, but… should we really trample on those fragile sprouts that have just started to grow? We must give them water, let them bask in the sunlight, and nurture them with love.
The Holy King spoke on my behalf, mentioning the rights I was entitled to.
Within that was the undeniable Judgment Weapon.
He also argued that I should be treated as a student, not just a Hero.
In other words, he was fully in agreement that I should receive as much as I achieved moving forward.
I wouldn’t pretend I hadn’t received help. I bowed my head slightly in gratitude, and the Holy King smiled gently.
When the King of Dortmund made such a strong assertion, the atmosphere in the hall became restless, leaving everyone in a dilemma about what to do next.
Soon, Helion, who was overseeing the meeting, subtly smiled and spoke up.
“Baron Vargan. Before we conclude this discussion, I’d like to ask something.”
“What is it?”
When I tilted my head, he continued.
“If you were to receive the reward from this ‘Gamigin Subjugation’… what would you like to receive? I’m curious if you have something in mind.”
“I see… for something like taking down Gamigin….”
I pretended to ponder while stroking my chin.
Some were sneering, asking if I was some merchant, but I ignored them and spoke up.
Honestly, something popped into my mind as the discussion progressed.
*
A rather noisy distribution of rewards….
I’m not sure if I should call it that, but anyway, after the meeting ended and I stepped out, Erica appeared.
“Done already? That took a while.”
Erica walked up swiftly.
She naturally approached Vargan and crossed her arms beside him.
She had improved significantly to the point of waiting alone in a hallway while people passed by.
Perhaps it was time for her to gradually try to converse with others without Vargan.
As Erica walked alongside Vargan, she felt that his mood seemed unusually good and asked,
“Looks like the results turned out well?”
“Yeah, that seems to be the case.”
“That seems…?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Now you’ve really got me curious.”
With a look that seemed to say “please tell me,” Erica glanced up at him.
Just a few days ago, even such a simple request would have been difficult for her, and yet she was changing.
Vargan looked at Erica with a gentle smile and lightly ruffled her hair.
However, Vargan only smiled without giving a response, and Erica didn’t press further.
“If you’re okay, then that must mean everything is fine.”
In truth, if Vargan was in a good mood, that alone was enough.
At Erica’s pure statement, Vargan smiled again.
A smile tinged with a hint of bitterness. However, the shadow didn’t seem to fall on Erica’s side.
Vargan murmured softly.
“Soon it will be April 28th.”
“Huh? Oh, right. It’s already that time. Stick close to me then. I’ll help you as much as I can.”
“Yeah….”
Vargan swallowed his words along with his saliva.
“Let’s stick together, then.”
