Going Home (1)
It was the same day as per usual.
Of course, this was not the case for the others. After all, one of the largest guilds within Celia had disappeared instantly, so I knew that the possibility of an uproar was probable.
The Lindel Daily had also been diligent with dealing with the story, so wherever one would go, the topic of discussion would be about Ito Souta and the Yamato Guild. All the members of the Yamato Guild had also been executed the same day Ito Souta had died.
The Pope’s personnel, joined by the Yozora, Black Swan, and Red Mercenary Guild, had done their job, and the whole of Celia simply watched them do so. Of course, not everyone died.
Those who thought that there was room for extenuation had their lives spared, but these were a sparse few. Most of the members dedicated to Ito Souta ended up dying.
It was quite a disastrous result, simply for taking the wrong side.
‘Tut-tut…’
I wasn’t able to witness the scene myself, and therefore did not know the exact situation. However, I knew this had put me at an advantageous position. I could build up both mine and Cha Hee-ra’s reputation, slightly crumpled from the Lindel terrorist incident, and also gain power by chumming up to the Pope’s members.
The alliance between our three guilds and the Yozora Guild had also been a great achievement. This had created great repercussions within the Holy Empire, and everyone had to admit that this was the first time that this had ever happened.
Though the two Free Cities maintained a comfortable relationship, this was the first time that there had ever been such a close alliance. This showed quite the beautiful image, of guilds from two different cities yielding to one another.
Of course, this had not been the only case to happen.
“T-Then, will you become a priest?”
“Probably. Who knows?”
There was also the case of a freeman earning an official title granted by the Pope. That freeman was, of course, me.
‘Ah, how beautiful.’
I knew gaining a position was a good possibility, but I never thought I’d achieve a position better than what I had initially thought. Being granted the title of Honorary Bishop, which was considered to be of the same ranking as that of the Archbishop, felt quite excessive for me.
If one were to compare this position to the positions within a royal family, would be of the same power as a count.
I would be well-treated no matter which church I would go to, for I was now known as the Benigore Goddess’ Honorary Bishop, a god that was considered one of the best among the few gods that did exist within this world.
It felt amazing, just thinking about it.
As I came to my senses after a while, however, I noticed Jung Hayan’s pale, worried face. I felt like I knew what she had been worried about, and it would only be right for me to clarify things before the problem could get bigger.
“You don’t have to worry. It’s just an honorary position… It doesn’t come with any responsibility, only rights. I don’t have to attend prayer meetings, and I don’t have to answer to the Pope.”
“Ah…”
“Of course, marriage and dating are also possible.”
“Ah!!!”
As expected, it seemed that this was the problem. This had been Jung Hayan’s concern.
Unlike the Free City priests, marriage was taboo for those who served the Benigore’s Goddess. However, this didn’t seem to apply to the Honorary Bishop of the Free People.
“There are conditions for me to be able to distribute sacred wine periodically, but there are no other restrictions. It’s not a free delivery too… Rather, it’s nice because I can make money.”
“Y-You’re right.”
“It’s so good to be close to the church. Especially in the Holy Empire…”
“What exactly is so good about that?”
“There are many things. First of all, the most obvious is the treatment I’d get.”
“Ah.”
“I am considered to be one of the highest at this point. If you think about being the Pope, the Cardinal, the Patriarch, and the Archbishop, it makes sense, right? Of course, there are positions such as Director of Inquisition or Commander of Holy Knights found within the middle, but the ranks of armed groups in the Pope’s side only come in second.”
“I see.”
“Yes. The position of Honorary Bishop can be considered the same as Archbishop’s position.”
“Then that’s actually quite high.”
The rights that went with the title were not yet distinguishable, but I felt like it would be enough to move the Heretic Inquisitors and Holy Knights around.
Basically, I could use them at my disposal if I ever came across a problem. Though this did not reach the scope of having them accompany me in dungeons and the like, the fact that I could seek their help or support should any external disputes occur was already more than enough.
‘If I can go up to the Cardinal’s rank…’
If I did, then the three Templars in possession of the Pope’s side would react if I got in danger.
I haven’t confirmed it with my own eyes yet, but as they were the monsters the Pope’s side was so proud of, they would be at least similar to or better than Cha Hee-ra and Victor Hart.
T’ll get there soon enough.’
Since I was a free citizen, it may be hard to become a cardinal priest, but anything can happen.
Anyway, who would have known that I would have a position similar to that of Archbishop right now? if the right opportunity arose, I know I’d be able to achieve the position.
In conclusion, what I got was several hundred times better than earning the noble title of the kingdom, which was only superficial. The real nobility lay not on the Emperor’s side, but on the Pope’s. However, this did not mean that the Emperor was to be taken lightly.
Because I gained a lot from them too.’
First, as Victor Hart had said, the royal castle gave me a griffon, a white one that was a little different from Cha Hee-ra’s. I felt like they had given it to me while thinking of my position as an Honorary Bishop, as religion was a symbol of pure whiteness.
I had examined the griffon to be of a suitable size to be called an adult. It was smaller than Cha Hee-ra’s, but it could fly with no problem whatsoever.
Pride filled me every time I looked at it. It felt like owning an expensive, foreign car.
In fact, considering the high value of griffon in this world, it was incomparable to the mass-produced products at a factory.
“Whoo…”
Who would have thought that when I came here, I would get a griffon? And not only one!
‘I got two.
The other one was taken rather than gifted. It had been owned by Ito Souta himself, and was the thing that I wanted the most.
I only had to spread rumors about wanting it, and I had naturally obtained it.
The reason why I wanted him was obvious.
‘I can’t just forget about Hyunsung.’
It was a perfect gift for my Guild Master, who would still be suffering back in the guild.
The black guy was definitely a male. My griffon was a female, so perhaps they would make a good pair. We could even produce another griffon in the future if possible. Though it was said to be theoretically impossible, I felt like it was still worth a try.
All in all, I was happy.
“Ah, oppa. Cardinal Basel is here.”
“Ah… Alright.”
Seeing him coming all the way here when I was about to leave revealed that he surely liked me.
Even though we talked all night last night, I was grateful for him showing up like this. I can even see the others hurrying right behind him.
There were Duchess Catherine and Marlin Young-ae, Countess Elise, Archbishop Jessica, Director of Inquisition Helena.
Of course, Cardinal Basel reached me first. His face showed his displeasure at me leaving.
“You haven’t left yet, Honorary Bishop Lee Kiyoung.“
“Hahaha. That’s because the Mercenary Queen hasn’t come yet.”
“Ah…”
“I expected Cardinal Basel to see me off.”
“Hohoho. Honorary Bishop Lee Kiyoung always seems to be good-natured. Haha.”
“I am so grateful that you came out to see me off so early in the morning.”
“It is not just a regular man, but Honorary Bishop Lee Kiyoung that is leaving, so of course I have to see you off. I’m worried that this old man has been holding you too much.”
“No. I enjoyed it a lot too. I’ll see you again soon. Cardinal Basel.”
It was certainly interesting to see Cardinal Basel holding my hand tight. In his eyes was the kind of insurmountable trust no one could ever dare to reach.
If this man became the next Pope, perhaps become a cardinal. With this thought in mind, I held his hand just as tightly.
Of course, Cardinal Basel was not the only one who did not want me to leave.
“Lee Kiyoung-nim.”
“Oh, Duchess Catherine.”
“I’m sorry, I have come at slightly bad timing. It seems that you didn’t enjoy the social gathering properly…”
“No. Actually, I was a little busy before, but the last days have been really fun. It was really exciting to meet and talk with the people to who you introduced me to. I seem to have met all the people I could ever meet in a lifetime. It’s all thanks to you, Duchess Catherine.”
Even Marlin Young-ae was crying, strangely enough.
‘What’s wrong with that one?’
She made me remember Yuno Kasugano, who I had left two days ago. She had sobbed to me before she had left for Celia. I had to promise to stop by once a month, which barely even calmed her down.
Of course, I understood her feelings. It would hurt to keep living separately from me. However, I couldn’t take Yuno Kasugano to Lindel since she had some more work to do for me at Celia.
“Sniff… Snife…”
“It seems that Marlin Young-ae is very sad. Hoho.”
“L-Lee Kiyoung! You must come again. Sniff…”
“Yes, Marlin Young-ae. Of course, I’ll visit you. I will come as soon as possible, so you don’t have to be sad. Countess Elise too, we will definitely meet
again.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll make sure to visit Archbishop Jessica and Director of Inquisition Helena as well.”
“Yes. Honorary Bishop Lee Kiyoung. We will also visit you at Lindel.”
“That would be an honor.”
There were a great many people besides them who had arrived, and it was hard bidding them goodbye one by one. Though I was mainly focused on those who held a high rank within the society, I knew I had to value each and every one. Each of those here had their own set of networks and connections that I could surely make use of. I couldn’t throw anyone away.
Managing a human network was certainly difficult.
Although I felt like I had become a popular person in no time, well…
‘It’s a little tiring.
I couldn’t show my exhaustion, however.
“If this is your first time riding a griffon, the Pope’s side will send you a driver.”
“Hahahahaha. Thank you for the offer, but it’s fine, Cardinal Basel. I’ve already flown in the sky a few times, and it felt okay. I think the Goddess has helped me in advance.”
“If you are an Honorary Bishop Lee Kiyoung, that is more than likely.”
“That’s such a big praise, Cardinal Basel.”
When I thought it was getting boring, Cha Hee-ra and Victor Hart arrived at the Griffon take-off.
They stopped by to greet everyone, too.
After glancing at me, Cha Hee-ra couldn’t help but smile.
“Shall we go, honey?”
“Yes, Hee-ra. Thank you, everyone, for seeing us off.”
“You are always welcome here, Honorary Bishop Lee Kiyoung.”
“Hahaha. Thank you so much.”
As I climbed onto my griffon’s back, Jung Hayan took the spot behind me.
Cha Hee-ra placed herself on her griffon, and on top of Ito Souta’s griffon sat an executive of the Red Mercenary Guild.
It would seem like he would be the current driver on the way back.
After a slight nod, griffon slowly started to flap its wings.
I’m going home.
As the background surrounding me changed, the place I thought was my home also changed.
I felt a mix of relief and disappointment,
I wanted to see my family back at home. No, rather than that, I was curious about Hyunsung’s reaction to my various gifts.
‘Hyunsung! I’m going!’