I’m the Main Villain but the Heroines Are Obsessed With Me

49 – The Child Who Shouldn’t Have Been Born (3)

When Ian heard that Archbishop Raymond was almost at the Volkanoft Mansion, he headed to the study.

Archbishop Raymond was a candidate for the next Archbishop, and not just anyone, despite being a newcomer to the imperial politics.

“Dealing with such a person won’t be easy,” Ian thought.

He had seen through the system that Raymond was about to reveal his hostility towards him.

“It’s not that I dislike him. I just want to restrain Fierce, who emphasizes progress. He probably thinks we should allow events like the Danote, which are merely spectacles, to happen.”

It was a dispute that could be seen as a common disagreement about interpreting doctrine.

Fierce argued that restricting the Danote, which was just entertainment, went against the doctrine, while Raymond opposed it, saying that doctrine should be upheld.

“If it were a regular situation, we could simply confront each other and discuss it, but… the timing is not good.”

The current Pope and Archbishop were somewhat conservative, but Prince Fierce had brought a new breeze to Edenia.

For Raymond, who had thought about moving up from Archbishop to Archbishop, Fierce was a significant threat.

“He’s just a junior bishop for now, but Fierce is evaluated to become the youngest Archbishop soon.”

It seemed like a situation where competitors with different inclinations were gaining ground.

As Fierce grew, the conservative faction would gradually lose its position. From Raymond’s perspective, it was his duty to prevent that from happening.

“To rally the conservatives… I’ll use the Danote as a sacrificial lamb.”

A situation where he was being harmed in the political battle of his enemies.

Of course, Ian had no intention of being a pushover either.

He was desperate just like the rest of them.

“I won’t go down without a fight.”

That was his thought at that moment.

– Oh!

Natalion, who was surprised and didn’t know what to do, looked at Ian. She had been busy practicing her writing.

“Ian! How could I forget that!”

“What did you forget?”

“Practice writing!”

“Practice writing?”

Since gaining a human body, what was she writing, and why was she talking about it?

“What kind of practice writing are you talking about?”

“I was writing in my diary. I wanted to show it…”

“It’s okay. You can just show me this.”

“Really? Then let’s go, Ian! I worked hard because I wanted to help you!”

Ian gave Natalion a pat on the head, smiling faintly.

He must think that he didn’t do anything when others, including Eri, were helping.

The reason for writing in the diary was probably to see if it would be helpful once he learned to read.

“You’re admirable.”

Knowing his intentions, he couldn’t just smile and leave it at that.

Saying that he was of no help at all… That couldn’t be true.

“If you weren’t here, how could I have solved the paths I’ve walked so far?”

If she wasn’t here, winning against formidable opponents like Rilis, not to mention beating Igor in the transfer exam, would have been impossible.

“Even now.”

Natalion must have been a great help in the battle of wits with the Archbishop.

“You’re being very helpful. So you don’t have to worry too much.”

“Really? I’m helpful to you, Ian?”

“Yes.”

“hehehehe, that’s a relief.”

It was when he smiled while looking at Natalion.

“Young Master, Archbishop Raymond from Edenia has arrived.”

As Schkin finished speaking, a middle-aged blond man entered the room as the door opened.

Raymond, who brought about four inquisitors from the Edenian side, smiled pleasantly and said, “This sudden visit may be a nuisance, but I’m overwhelmed by such a warm welcome. I am Raymond Rius, holding the esteemed position of Archbishop overflowing with responsibilities.”

Extending his hand, Raymond invited a handshake.

“You’ve traveled a long way. I’m Ian Volkanov.”

At the moment of the handshake, he could feel a powerful grip squeezing his hand.

The nerve-wracking battle must have already begun.

Ian swallowed a smile as he looked at his tingling hand.

“Well then, I should also show you what I’ve got.”

Although it came about for a less-than-ideal reason, Raymond didn’t dislike Ian.

In the first place, there was no reason to dislike him.

“Ian Volkanov may not have done anything wrong. He even took care of the demon enemies of humanity.”

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They had done the work of the children of Eris, the goddess of peace, so why would he dislike them?

In fact, Raymond was inclined to thank Ian and offer his support.

However, considering the political issues at hand, Raymond had no choice but to oppose Ian.

“The winds of change that Pierce Arcana brings may lead to chaos.”

Pierce Arcana had expressed his opinions as soon as he became the High Priest. He believed in following the doctrine loosely rather than rigidly adhering to it, as it would be better to have more people dedicate themselves to the Erisian faith.

“Authoritarian doctrine can breed skepticism. That’s why he said we should bestow God’s love upon people instead.”

It sounded beautiful when spoken. Raymond had wanted to spread the doctrine to more people and lead the lost lambs back to the faith.

However, the dark aspect lurking behind was the problem.

“Progress and conservatism have always been at odds.”

Even if he, a conservative himself, agreed with Pierce’s plan, there would still be those who clung to their beliefs.

They would once again threaten progress.

“If this competition intensifies… we might repeat past mistakes over interpreting religious doctrine.”

The pain of the wars over interpreting doctrine from the distant past. Raymond had never directly experienced religious warfare, but he knew that meaningless fights should not occur.

That’s why.

“Regardless of what happens, there must be a balance between conservatism and progress. To rally the conservative faction that’s falling behind, we must stop the martial arts tournament that Ian has planned.”

Opposing Ian Volkanov’s plan.

Using him as a sacrificial lamb was regrettable, but it was unavoidable.

Raymond had made up his mind, but Ian was a formidable opponent.

“I’ve said it several times. My thoughts remain unchanged. I have no intention of canceling the tournament.”

“Do you realize that it goes against the doctrine of Erisianism?”

“Eris has said not to engage in meaningless fights. But isn’t fighting about causing each other pain and sorrow? The tournament doesn’t fall into that category.”

Ian, who had taken a deep breath, spoke again.

“It is an event created to honor the legacy of Alex Volkanov, the hero of the Empire and my ancestor. No matter how friendly we are with Edenria, prohibiting an event that commemorates historic figures of the Empire seems like a somewhat unreasonable request, don’t you think?”

“Hmm….”

Despite already discussing for tens of minutes, there was no progress in the conversation.

The other party had expressed their determination to proceed with the tournament.

In the end, Raymond had no choice but to use what he had prepared last.

“What do you not understand? Do you not know why the Colosseum disappeared? Even if it is a agreed-upon fight, it inevitably ignites the flames of war in the hearts of those who watch it. That is why Eris forbade meaningless fights. Isn’t there no need for the descendants of the gods to fight each other, even if they face the enemy of demons?”

“Flames? Are you talking about that?”

“Yes. I understand your intentions, but if the tournament continues, it can only be seen as an action that goes against the doctrine. In that case, there will be consequences that correspond to it.”

Having left a harsh remark, Raymond met Ian’s gaze.

“Make the right decision. Eris is also waiting for your decision.”

“She is waiting for my decision. Unbelievable,”

Hearing Raymond’s words, Ian inwardly let out a sarcastic laugh.

He knows what they are talking about. They must be telling him to bend his will and act according to the doctrine.

Even if he explains logically, it does not fit the doctrine. Raymond tells him to think again.

As expected, he was determined to maintain that attitude until he uttered the words he wanted.

“I guess I’ll have to use this in the end.”

With closed eyes, Ian folded his hands together and assumed a praying position.

“What are you doing instead of talking?”

It was at that moment when Raymond was bewildered by the strange sight.

“I have resolved it.”

“What? You resolved it by praying with the party involved. Whether or not you were going to hold the tournament, you said to do as you please.”

“What are you talking about now! You told us to handle it ourselves! Are you mocking us? Did you really think that God would listen to your words just because you prayed once?”

“Why doesn’t it work? Do you think I don’t believe in God?”

“Oh, no, it’s not that but…”

“When I prayed, they told me not to expect anything. We resolved it with the party involved, so why are you saying this and that?”

“What the hell…”

Ian’s confident statement made Raymond’s pupils tremble.

How can he say such things with such confidence?

“I should do something that I can handle. What is that!”

Even Raymond, who had been a member of the Aeration Church for decades, had not yet experienced receiving God’s will.

To think that God would give instructions just because of a single prayer, there was never such a provocative statement.

Even the Archbishop and the inquisitors of heresy, let alone others, couldn’t believe such remarks were made in their presence.

“How can he boldly tell such obvious lies without getting caught?”

The inquisitors of Edenria were tasked with eliminating those who defied the will of God.

But that was not all they could do.

“They are priests who can sense divinity.”

They were born with extraordinary abilities.

As the inquisitors who punished those who tarnished the name of God, they had the eyes to see divinity.

And there were even four of them in this room.

“And since I myself am an inquisitor, I can discern to some extent.”

I couldn’t exactly understand what he was saying, but I could discern whether it was truly a response from God or not.

“To lie in front of us…. This is impossible.”

This cannot be happening. Raymond, who had made up his mind, immediately invoked his sacred power.

I could see it.

“Oh….”

“What on earth….”

The inquisitors were instantly terrified and shocked by the discernment.

And.

“How is this even possible? Has God truly answered our prayers?”

The overwhelming amount of divinity that circled around Ian!

Although it was slightly different from the divinity of the Goddess of Peace, Eris, it was clearly divine.

If that’s the case.

“Does it mean that the author truly received the will of God? That Eris also supports it?”

Realizing that he had been wrong in his stubbornness, Raymond finally bowed deeply.

The disappointment of realizing that everything he had done until now had been in vain was indescribable.

In the face of Raymond’s despair, Ian showed an unsympathetic expression.

“It’s a bit unfortunate.”

He must have raised his sacred power to grasp divinity. They must have witnessed the tremendous energy circulating around him.

However, what they saw was not the divinity of Eris.

As an Eris who had never spoken to the Pope and rarely prayed herself, it would be unreasonable for her to speak to someone like him.

The divinity that circulates around Ian was that of someone completely different.

I’ll do everything you want! I’ll support you!

Neltalion, the High Priestess. She had no fear of the interrogators, however many there may be, standing beside her.

***

After a long journey, there was no harvest.

Raymond, who saw the divine power with his own eyes, escaped as if fleeing. Of course, it was an impossible task to stop the apostates.

“In the end, it became impossible to suppress the momentum of the progressives.”

At first, Ian’s words seemed nonsensical.

But Ian was truly chosen by the gods. He had clearly witnessed a tremendous amount of divine power with his own eyes.

From then on, Raymond had nothing more to do.

“Indeed, the gods have chosen Ian Volkhanov. What a pathetic facade. Is this ultimately a failure?”

A sigh escaped from his depths, filled with a sense of futility.

He was both surprised and envious.

Wasn’t Eris the one who never answered his prayers, despite his constant prayers since his unfortunate childhood?

Of course, he never denied her existence because of the divine power that surged every time he prayed.

“What I wanted was…”

He only had a small hope, that she would speak to him at least once.

“But in the end, it wasn’t me who received the love of the gods…”

A sigh flowed out uncontrollably. Even though he had devoted his entire life, it was not him who received affection.

Raymond raised his head and looked up at the sky.

“It’s damn clear.”

The bright sunlight that made his eyes shine. Whether it knew or not, it dug into his soul.

Bowing his head deeply due to the glare, he fiddled with the shabby necklace hanging around his neck.

A tattered necklace made of rough wooden pieces.

It was something that the children in the poor neighborhood made for him when he first set foot in the Elysian Church and went to volunteer.

While distributing bread to the children whose bones were visible due to malnutrition, one child asked him.

“Lord Raymond… Can I become a person who helps others like a priest when I grow up, too?”

“Of course! If you sincerely pray to Lady Eris, she will guide you on the right path.”

He had been grateful while taking care of the children who had lost their families due to demons.

For being able to extend a helping hand to these children in need.

He believed that he could offer hope to someone, despite his past misfortunes.

Raymond never forgot that he was able to escape his childhood, marred by the loss of family to demons, and bring warm love to others because he believed in Eris.

That was why.

“This too… must be the will of Eris.”

Despite experiencing a seemingly insurmountable failure, his faith remained unshaken.

“Archbishop… Are you okay?”

“Haven’t we done all that we could? That’s what matters.”

“In the end, we couldn’t achieve our goal.”

“We haven’t failed in our goal… no.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Raymond raised his head and gazed at the sky.

The sunlight, which had been unbearable just moments ago, now felt like the warm embrace of a god.

“Perhaps the path we should follow has revealed itself.”

“The path to follow…”

“Just now, I’ve withdrawn my intent concerning Ian Volkanov.”

With a sly smile, Raymond addressed the inquisitors following him.

“Ian Volkanov, who has inherited the will of God, and we are inseparable, so…”

Edenia had pledged unlimited support to Ian Volkanov.

***

After finishing his conversation with Archbishop Raymond, Ian headed straight to his room.

“I’m not sure what just happened… but it must be for the best.”

Raymond, who rose from his seat as if to escape as soon as he confirmed Ian’s acceptance of the faith, couldn’t obtain Ian’s withdrawal from interfering with Danoth.

However, now that he had seen Ian’s acceptance of faith, there was no more room to obstruct it by preaching.

“The best course of action is to make Raymond’s conservative faction support me… even if it doesn’t work out, if Danoth’s scale grows, Edenia won’t be able to do anything.”

At this point, it was still possible to interfere because Danoth had only recently been established. But as the scale grew and nobles started to invest more seriously…

Even if it were Edenia, there would be nothing more to say.

Having resolved the thorn in his side, Ian went straight to his room.

“Now, let’s take a break. The envoys are working hard too. As long as nothing major happens, we can afford to rest.”

And Natalion would have to go to pick up the paper he had left.

Clank!

Just as he opened the door while thinking about that. Ian saw it.

“I. Ian…”

“Why is mother…”

Letitia, who was looking at herself with a surprised expression and tears.

Why did she bother coming to a room that she had never visited before? And what is the reason for shedding tears?

Unfortunately, Letitia couldn’t answer Ian’s question.

Instead, something else solved the question.

Swoosh!

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The paper that weakly fell from Letitia’s hand.

On the paper that drifted in the wind and reached Ian’s feet, it was written like this.

– I may have been a child who should not have been born.-