Barbarian in a Failed Game

“So, can you explain what’s going on, magus?”

“I was about to.”

In Jerome’s study, filled with books from all sides, stood Jerome, his disciple Jan, and Ron, who had hurried back, even giving up a dinner he was to receive from Veil.

“First of all, this isn’t officially confirmed yet. But it’s certain that the cardinals at the main church discussed the removal of Miss Aries.”

“What? Isn’t the paladin lady a big shot in the church? She’s supposed to be an apostle of the gods….”

“Her rank isn’t much different from a typical paladin yet. It’s just that she gained influence beyond her rank because of being designated as the apostle of the Goddess of Justice.”

“And how is that different? If the Goddess decided so, shouldn’t the church follow? Isn’t it a group that believes in the Pantheon?”

“Hmm, it’s not that simple, like Uncle Ron suggested. Isn’t it the same for our Magic Tower?”

“Eh? What about the Magic Tower?”

Jan added with a wry smile.

“The Magic Tower originally was an educational or academic institution for training imperial mages. The tower masters were supposed to be the master representing each color, not leaders. Now look at it; the Magic Tower is one of the wealthiest organizations around. The tower masters directly manage the business of the Magic Tower.”

“The disciple is right. Many of the initial purposes of the Empire’s three pillars have significantly changed over time. The church is no exception.”

Dressed in typical gentleman attire, making him hard to believe as a mage, the middle-aged Magus Jerome continued in a calm tone.

“The Pope has become merely a symbolic figure and remains silent, while a few cardinals at the main church effectively lead the powerful Pantheon Church. The major diocesan territories of the empire have long become their backyard.”

“What does that have to do with the dismissal of the paladin lady?”

“You understand now that today’s cardinals aren’t just simple clergy, right?”

Ron nodded.

“Then isn’t the answer simple? Miss Aries is a threat to the existing power holders. She’s very young and has the backing of the Goddess of Justice. The intent is probably to crush her before she grows further. The fact that they chose ‘dismissal’ over ‘excommunication’ clearly shows this as part of a blatant containment strategy.”

“I see…. Huh, unbelievable.”

Ron shook his head in disbelief.

“It seems the reasons behind are even pettier than I imagined.”

“But isn’t the risk too big? Even if she isn’t an apostle yet, the Goddess of Justice still favors the paladin lady….”

“Doesn’t this imply there’s something more hidden? Either Miss Aries holds a weakness that forces the cardinals to respond so sternly, or they’ve secured a benefit that outweighs the risks.”

“It means there’s no way to know for sure right now. Even with the Magic Tower’s information network, it’s tough to grasp the detailed internal circumstances of the church, isn’t it?”

“It’s actually harder because we are from the Magic Tower. Politically, the triumvirate espouses mutual coexistence.”

“Is there any way to make contact with them…there isn’t right now, is there, magus?”

“In the first place, to enter the church’s main headquarters from outside, you need their permission. It’s the same the other way around. It’s difficult with an ordinary status.”

Ron showed signs of discomfort on his face. It wasn’t because of Magus Jerome’s lack of enthusiasm.

Ron might not know about Aries, but he didn’t regard her as just another person. The bond formed when they fought for their lives together with Darkin Phereyas was meaningful. And if his cherished colleague Khan considered Aries a comrade, then to Ron, she was a comrade as well.

“Damn it. Isn’t there any way to do something?”

Ron felt self-reproach for being unable to act while Aries was in trouble. If only his personal strength was as formidable as Khan’s, he might have been able to storm in and cause a commotion—.

“Commotion…?”

Ron murmured as if struck by an idea, while contemplating seriously.

“Has there been any news about someone causing a ruckus over there?”

“At least in the information I’ve obtained, there’s nothing like that. Did you think of something?”

“Well… honestly, I’m not sure….”

“Your instincts often defy logical explanation. Go ahead and share.”

Even though he spoke with uncertainty, Ron cautiously opened his mouth.

“Doesn’t this seem like your handiwork?”

***

The Imperial Capital did not refer to a single city but to the entirety of “Revanheim”, the imperial territory directly governed by the Emperor. Naturally, its scale was more than that of several large cities combined.

And the main headquarters of the Pantheon Church was situated in the southern part of this vast Imperial Capital.

Outwardly, it appeared to be an ancient castle perched on a mountainside. However, its interior was a sanctuary for Pantheon worshipers that had existed since before the establishment of the Empire. The omnipresent idols of the divine gods serve as testament to this.

Inside the headquarters, the hall dedicated to the elite paladins, known for its independent and lofty status, was unusually quiet today.

“……”

“……”

It wasn’t an air of solemnity but something more akin to tension before a storm. An atmosphere close to that before a battle.

Among the paladins who confront heretics and demon worshipers across the continent, the Goddess of Justice holds a very special place among the divine gods. The young girl chosen as the apostle is considered precious beyond measure.

Discussion regarding Aries’s dismissal was in full swing. The atmosphere within the Order of Paladins was at a boiling point, ready to explode any second.

The only thing keeping them in check was Aries’s lack of a vehement response. The tension was palpable enough to make the instigators of this situation wary.

“It seems the young apostle understands our sincerity.”

The first to speak among the gathered cardinals was an elderly man named Georg Melchus. He was ninety-two years old but stood tall with a dark beard, appearing much younger than his age.

People whispered that his very existence was a divine blessing, claiming that a God who favored him granted him youth.

“Ultimately, the purpose of the Pantheon Church is the propagation of faith. It appears that our dedication has finally been acknowledged.”

Supporting Georg’s statement was an old woman with a hunched back. Known for purifying an entire city tainted by black magic, she was revered within the Pantheon and was famously called “Clemens the Purifier” in the western parts of the Empire.

“Ha ha ha. Cardinal Clemens is right. Moreover, the preliminary apostle, despite her innate talents, still lacks maturity. I hope this opportunity teaches her about the church’s duties.”

A broad-chested giant, whose muscular frame couldn’t be hidden even under his voluminous red priestly robe, laughed heartily. He was Cardinal Berto, who also served as the archbishop of the southwestern imperial archdiocese of Koeltz and maintained close relations with the empire’s nobles.

Besides the three who spoke, there were three more cardinals present in the meeting. While there were cardinals outside the main headquarters as well, those with the most significant influence were the ones who had spoken.

“However, the unsettling atmosphere within the Order of Paladins is somewhat concerning.”

“It’s unfortunate. However, they will eventually come to understand our true intentions, just as the Sword of Justice has.”

“Ha ha ha. Under the Pantheon, we are but shepherds, spreading the gospel. Cardinal Clemens is correct. Yet, we cannot simply stand by and do nothing.”

Cardinal Berto’s facial muscles twitched in displeasure.

“I’ll assign tasks to those who can unify opinions, including Fraga Grobel. When faced with a proper crisis, even the most hot-headed will cool down a bit. Isn’t that so?”

Clemens nodded in agreement.

“Speaking of which, have you received what was promised for the Koeltz Archdiocese, Cardinal Berto?”

“Ah, of course. Thanks to Cardinal Georg’s special care! Hahaha!”

“It’s simply the reward for Cardinal Berto’s diligent execution of his duties. However…”

Cardinal Georg slowly opened his eyes, revealing a sharp gaze that contrasted starkly with his priestly demeanor.

“For the time being, it would be wise to exercise restraint. The mere talk of the young apostle’s dismissal has already caused turmoil among the clergy. Not to mention, we must be aware of the imperial family’s gaze. Immediate silence doesn’t necessarily represent the will of the imperial family.”

“Hmm, understood. But is it necessary to be this cautious? Support from merchants for the church has always been customary. Why is this occasion different?”

“…They are not like us. Given the Empire’s sentiments, it’s prudent to approach with utmost caution. However, time will resolve this, especially with our assistance. Eventually, we won’t need to tread so carefully. Until then, please bear with it, Cardinal Berto.”

“Hahaha! Who am I to refuse? Ah, now that I think about it…. I’ve explained too little to the soon-to-be new cardinal.”

Cardinal Berto’s hearty laughter filled the hall, drawing everyone’s attention.

“This is quite awkward…. Just as another prospective apostle nearly derailed our grand mission, it’s been corrected by another. And here this old man was, too excitedly chattering away.”

Georg and Clemens turned their attention toward the same direction as Berto.

There sat a young girl, entirely out of place, with an expressionless face. Despite her cheerful appearance with her slightly reddish hair tied into twin tails, the cold look in her large eyes seemed starkly incongruent. However, no one chastised her for this.

“Your support for Dame Aries’s dismissal is truly… a testament that the gods are watching over us. I once again express my gratitude.”

Georg bent his rigid frame in a courteous bow to the girl. The other cardinals followed suit, showing respect as if addressing the most revered person in the room.

“Isn’t it only natural to correct the mistakes of a friend?”

“Your words lift a great burden from this old heart.”

The priest Elena.

TL’s Corner:
What’s Elena plotting?