SAV 99

Chapter 99

After finishing the inspection in Hirschheim and returning to the cathedral, Archbishop Balthazar was waiting.

Isabel was a nun who held a position recognized by both the royal family and the Church. However, some in the upper ranks of the Church felt it necessary to reconfirm her through a high-ranking clergy member. For this reason, Balthazar had no choice but to summon her under the pretense of a religious ritual.

An hour passed, and Balthazar, wondering what the point of it all was, finally put the scripture down.

“The Lord says: He who wishes to be the light for the lost must first burn himself to illuminate it; his shadow shall stay only behind him, and his warmth shall reach the lost first. Thus, his spirit shall be filled with unquenchable oil, and his light shall never fade even in the eternal night…”

Isabel recited the prayer verbatim, without a single mistake. She had also answered the catechism perfectly beforehand.

Balthazar, who had intended to observe her for several days to understand her character and inner thoughts as a religious person, could only let out a wry laugh.

“If I were to doubt this sister’s faith, who could I trust?”

Shaking his head in disbelief, Balthazar stepped out of the bishop’s residence. For some reason, the prince, who had said he would handle his own business, was strolling in the cathedral courtyard, talking with the knights.

Many priests saw Isabel as a political link, but Balthazar was convinced that this was not the case.

Lionel probably only desired Isabel’s presence.

“Archbishop Balthazar. Why are you out here?”

“I wanted some fresh air.”

“And the discussion with Sister Isabel?”

“There was nothing more to discuss. I will make sure the report to the Church is handled properly.”

At those words, Lionel cast a slight suspicious glance, as if to say, If there’s a problem, now is the time to tell me.

Balthazar laughed heartily.

“No need to see it that way. I hold Sister Isabel in very high regard. You need not worry.”

“Hmm… even you think so, Archbishop?”

“If she had not been a sister, she would have become a priest… Come to think of it, wasn’t there talk of a miracle? I heard she saved Hochkirchen Castle.”

“And if that is recognized as a miracle, what would happen? Could she even be canonized as a saint?”

“It seems the beatification process before canonization could be pursued.”

Only men could receive the ordination required to become a priest. Therefore, Isabel could not become a priest, but she could be beatified and become blessed or eventually canonized as a saint. She could even reach the highest position the Church could offer.

Lionel briefly considered this possibility but shook his head. Simply giving her status would not necessarily make Isabel happy.

Balthazar, as if sensing Lionel’s thoughts, spoke quietly.

“The Church has sufficient intention to get closer to the royal family.”

“…Is that so?”

“I think it would be much more beneficial to the royal family as well, especially when there are untrustworthy people like now.”

The Church did not have overwhelming military power, but with its territories and cathedrals spread across the continent, it had a system that covered everything. If it chose, it could summon nobles or neutralize them with just a written order.

If the royal family influenced that authority, its power would be obvious.

Lionel did not expect the Church to take such active steps simply because a nun had donated church territories.

Yet that did not mean he was planning to seize the opportunity.

What mattered most to Lionel was not the royal family’s or the Church’s position—it was Isabel’s own will.

“First, ensure the report is done well. There is no one more suitable than Sister Isabel to be my preacher.”

“I acknowledge that. I will definitely convey everything about Sister Isabel… and I hope we can maintain a good relationship afterward, Your Highness.”

Seeing Lionel nod, Balthazar returned to the bishop’s residence. Isabel, eyes closed, was reciting the prayer again.

Balthazar waited quietly until the prayer ended, then asked when she opened her eyes.

“It seems you’ve memorized the prayer I gave you.”

“There are a few unclear parts. If you give me until tomorrow, I can memorize it perfectly.”

“Then take the prayer and memorize it. I will personally vouch for your qualification as a parish priest.”

“Eh? Is that alright?”

“I think anything further would just be a waste of time.”

Flexible as he was, Balthazar instinctively understood that sending Isabel off quickly was the best way to gain the prince’s favor.

Isabel hesitated, unsure if it was proper, but Balthazar smiled warmly until she left the bishop’s residence.

Outside, Isabel was slightly dumbfounded. She had thought Lionel would finish his business, tour nearby cities, and she would remain to study doctrine—but everything was over in just an hour.

Lionel, who had been in the courtyard, noticed Isabel, dismissed the knights, and approached.

“You came out quickly.”

“I was surprised too.”

“Shall we take a short walk?”

Following his suggestion, Isabel trailed behind him.

After walking in silence for a while, the streets became less crowded. Lionel looked at her and praised her.

“Archbishop Balthazar could not stop admiring you. You did well.”

“I only did my best.”

“Thanks to you, I could also maintain some dignity while being preached to.”

Normally, Lionel gave praise in a cold, businesslike manner. But now, the atmosphere was different. Wondering what had changed, Isabel studied his impassive face.

Lionel spread his hands and continued.

“So, is there anything you’d like as a reward?”

“That’s fine. I only did what was required of me…”

“You’d better speak now rather than regret it later.”

The first things that came to mind were impossible for a nun to say. Quickly dismissing the thought, Isabel remembered the sword she had seen earlier on the street.

But rather than requesting material rewards, it seemed better to discuss her future needs.

“If the war intensifies… could you tell me where you plan to place me?”

Lionel froze at her direct question, which pierced through what he had been avoiding.

He had no intention of sending Isabel to the battlefield. The mere thought of putting her there made his blood run cold.

The safest role would be a preacher—but even then, it felt like her abilities could not be fully utilized.

No matter what, Isabel’s position within the prince’s army would inevitably be ambiguous.

Lionel asked seriously.

“Did we not agree that you would not point your sword at the Kaliaans?”

“I believe that. But…”

“But?”

“Forgive me, I wish to block Count Meringan’s schemes.”

Unexpected words came out.

Lionel, slightly surprised, watched as Isabel’s face reflected the determination of a prosecutor seeking revenge.

The emotion was excessive for a count of the empire. Yet no one could say Isabel did not have the right to feel it.

She tried to pierce through Adelheid’s machinations with her sharp gaze.

“It is hard to guess the true intent behind Count Meringan wanting to cooperate today. He must have known you would refuse, Lionel—so why was he waiting?”

One could not simply dismiss her as a madwoman speaking nonsense.

Swallowing the words he had arrogantly meant to ignore, Lionel considered the next trap Adelheid was aiming for. No matter how he thought about it, he felt a noose was already tightening around him.

‘What exactly am I being caught in?’

It was a completely different sensation from dealing with Duke Wizenstein. If that had been chess, this was hunting.

A hunt where the hunter and the prey could switch places in a single moment.

Thinking that way, he could slightly understand Adelheid’s actions.

‘She knows nothing is scarier than an arrow flying from unseen places. Yet she came close… because she had something she wanted to see with her own eyes.’

Whether it was the location of her prey or a trap, Adelheid had clearly tried to confirm something. And she left, seemingly satisfied.

‘What is she aiming for, Adelheid?’

Lionel felt a strange tightening around his throat.