The Protagonists of Romance Fantasy Novels Have Escaped

33 – 33. Baptism of the Earth (1)

The location of the Holy Sword Aldebaran has been confirmed.

Furthermore,

It has been observed that a person named ‘Edanant von Hohenberg’ is currently using the Holy Sword Aldebaran.

How should we handle the current issue?

High-ranking priests representing the Holy Kingdom gathered in the conference room.

Through their vivid crimson robes, it could be inferred that the assembled high-ranking priests, with cloud-like gatherings, held the second-highest position as cardinals.

“This is an unprecedented event! An outsider dared to touch the Holy Sword!”

“But isn’t he the younger brother of the hero Maximilian? He’s not a complete outsider. He defeated evil mages and cultists, so we should consider him enough.”

The Holy Sword must be retrieved immediately.

No, let’s postpone the decision and observe the situation.

Opinions among the cardinals were divided and clashed intensely.

The argument that strict adherence to the regulations of the Holy Kingdom was essential dominated, but with Edanant von Hohenberg, confirmed as a Holy Sword user, having eliminated the cult forces infiltrated into the Baltarian Empire, the tide changed.

“A crisis of unprecedented magnitude, with both the hero and the saint missing, isn’t it? Retrieving the Holy Sword in this situation will only boost the momentum of the cult forces!”

“What about recognizing Edanant von Hohenberg, who succeeded in subduing the evil, as a new hero before the punitive expedition….”

Isn’t the current absence of both hero and saint a critical situation?

Let’s rally behind Edanant von Hohenberg.

He is not only the blood relative of the hero Maximilian but has also achieved remarkable feats.

When such arguments arose, some cardinals who had adhered to a doctrinal position rose like a swarm. They belonged to the faction following the glory and the second saint, Beatrice.

“What nonsense is this now? Does the ownership of the Holy Sword not solely belong to the Holy Land?”

“Having achieved feats and merits does not exempt one from the strict rules!”

While the officials of the Prosperous Kingdom acknowledged Edanant’s achievements, they mostly adhered to their principles regarding the issue of transferring ownership of the Holy Sword.

This was because Edanant was an uninitiated non-believer.

If he had been a devout follower, the officials might have viewed it more positively. The fact that he hadn’t undergone initiation raised suspicions among the officials.

Why hadn’t he been baptized?

That became a new point of inquiry.

The Baltarian Empire had accepted the proposal of the Prosperous Kingdom and early on, revered the Grand Land Gaël as the sole deity. Therefore, most nobles, including the emperor, were devout followers of the Grand Land Gaël and had undergone baptism.

Since it was customary to receive baptism immediately after the coming-of-age ceremony, the officials found Edanant’s omission strange.

“Could it be that Edanant has disrespectful intentions towards the Grand Land Gaël…?”

“What are you suggesting? Edanant is a chosen figure by the Holy Sword.”

To resolve their suspicions, Edanant had to undergo baptism, without a doubt.

Receive the baptism of the Grand Land.

That was something they could never compromise on.

Continuing their debate, the officials proposed a compromise to Edanant: instead of arbitrarily transferring ownership of the Holy Sword, he should receive baptism from the priest sent by the Prosperous Kingdom.

No one raised objections to this compromise.

It was believed that the Holy Sword bestowed by the Grand Land would only be permitted for those who had received the sacred baptism.

* * *

If you want to receive the ownership of the Holy Sword, undergo baptism.

Jevlinne felt the absurdity of the Prosperous Kingdom’s demand.

Forcing belief in a religion.

It was no different from the military sectarians enticing recruits with hamburgers and cola.

It would have been better if the Prosperous Kingdom had threatened with a demand for ten trillion. They would have given it easily for such a small sum.

Of course, she would complain incessantly.

“Do you know? In the old days, they used to immerse believers in cold rivers during baptisms. Now, it’s just a brief pouring of water over the head.”

“Yes, I know.”

Immersing the body in the river was called submersion baptism.

Pouring water over the head was called affusion baptism.

How could she not know that?

She had seen the priests of the Prosperous Kingdom conduct baptism ceremonies several times. By the way, she had also witnessed the scene where Maximilian underwent baptism.

With a lively voice, Javelin shrugged her shoulders and replied, “When you receive baptism, they treat you to bread and wine? And they give you a piece of ham and cheese. It’s truly a compassionate welfare.”

“Wow, that sounds appealing. I want to get baptized right away.”

Not wanting to respond seriously to Javelin’s playful question, he mumbled appropriately and exaggerated his gestures.

In response, Javelin burst into laughter.

“I heard that citizens of the Baltaria Empire receive baptism at the same time as adulthood, regardless of their class… but you, Eadnant Gongja, seem quite unusual. Do you have any particular reason for avoiding baptism until now? Maybe some unavoidable circumstances that prevent you from receiving baptism?”

“…”

Are you trying to fish it out?

Smiling mischievously, Javelin asked.

He remained silent for a moment.

It was because the azure eyes of the First Saint sparkled significantly.

It seemed that the saint might have chosen the wrong profession. He momentarily thought that a mischievous shepherd girl would suit better than a saint who was forced into purity and solemnity.

“I think I said something similar to some brat a while ago…”

Suddenly, a sense of déjà vu struck him.

Somehow, someone came to mind when he saw the playful and lively saint. Strangely, the memory was faint, despite being just three years ago.

“I have an allergy to holy water.”

“Pffft!”

The girl with flowing silver hair covered her mouth, bursting into laughter. On the other hand, the knights who escorted the saint, dressed in full armor, showed signs of discomfort, indicating their dislike for jokes.

“It’s a joke. If it’s the decision of the Holy Kingdom, of course, you have to follow it.”

“Indeed, a wise decision.”

After leaving the villa, Javelin and he continued their conversation as they walked the streets.

Whenever the girl with silver hair and the fully armored knights appeared, attention from all directions focused on them.

Phew.

Surely, there won’t be fake news circulating again?

A playboy who deceived the empire’s princesses is now targeting the saint….

If any news outlet spreads such fake news, he thought about resorting to bomb terror by disguising himself as Bomb Ma Gale.

From Noble mtl dot com

“The bishops of the Holy Kingdom will try to capture Eadnant Gongja, starting with baptism. Given the significant gap in power caused by the disappearance of the Saint Party, it’s only natural that they need a ‘new hero,’ right?”

“Your jokes are getting too much. How would I replace my brother?”

“I have no intention of accepting the proposal from the Glorious Empire.

Nor did I have any intention of leaving the empire.

I simply desired tranquility.

Ever since the disappearance of the Holy Maiden Party, everything had been deteriorating continuously.

However, just entering the Glorious Empire, teeming with high-ranking priests, would increase the risk of exposure. That’s why I evaded Javelinu’s significant proposal.

“…If it’s Edanant Gongja, I thought you’d answer like that. I had some expectations, but to be refused so abruptly feels somewhat regrettable.”

“……”

Javelinu let out a deep sigh.

It seemed as though he was looking at a girl who confessed impulsively only to be rejected.

Is there really a need to feel so disheartened?

Isn’t the only unique force comparable to the formidable Valtaurian Empire, the Gael Glorious Empire? If Javelinu declared a holy war, countless holy knights of the Glorious Empire would willingly face even death.

“Before receiving baptism, you should at least memorize basic prayers… Are you, by any chance, familiar with them?”

“No, I’m entirely ignorant of them.”

“To think there’s someone lacking so much in faith, it’s truly a pitiable situation for a saint of the Glorious Empire.”

“…I apologize.”

It’s extremely embarrassing, not even knowing the short prayers that children recite by heart.

Feels like being a fool.

Was Rue, who always dashed around like a whirlwind, ever in such a state?

When the time came to recite prayers, she’d probably freeze. In a blatant display of perplexity, Javelinu offered assistance with a merciful smile.

—

The kind saint willingly extended a helping hand to educate the less civilized.

Missions, too, are the duty of a saint.

Javelinu spoke thus while heading towards the villa together.

Never would I have imagined receiving private tutoring from the saint.

If the priests who revered the saint caught sight of this scene, they would have shed tears of envy. They were such zealots that they would have rushed to Javelinu upon his arrival in the empire to seek teachings.

“Now, please, have a seat. I’ll read for you.”

“Well, that’s…”

“Ahem! Are you refusing my generous offer to impart knowledge?”

“……”

The beautiful girl with cascading silver hair gracefully sat on the soft cushioned floor.

After that,

He tapped my knees lightly.

I had no choice but to yield to the blatant coercion. Lying down with a discomfort akin to sitting on thorns, I committed the sacrilege of resting my head on the saint’s knees.

“Well done,” she said, her sacred laughter resonating brightly as she gently stroked my head. Every touch of her smooth grip sent shivers down my spine.

What’s going on?

I blinked my eyes and cautiously observed Jeblinne’s demeanor.

I initially thought it was just a playful joke to mock me, but it seemed otherwise. Jeblinne genuinely wore a smile of happiness.

The peachy blush on the girl’s cheeks, like a sun-kissed peach, revealed it all.

“I always wanted to repay the favor of being a knee pillow… and here’s the perfect opportunity.”

“…What?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just find it amusing to see you staring so intently, like a curious philosopher.”

“….”

The girl with silver hair spoke with a voice soaked in contemplation.

The warmth overflowed from the hand that caressed my head like dandelions dancing in the wind.

It felt like meeting a lover after a long separation.

We were surely mere strangers until not long ago.

Yet, Jeblinne expressed genuine emotions as if we had known each other for a long time.