Chapter 35: Revolutionary Period - Proof of Faith

Chapter 35: Revolutionary Period - Proof of Faith

Translated by Mara Sov

Revolutionary Period Proof of Faith.

One week later, the Archbishop arrived at the Marquisate with a considerable entourage and Knights.

Marquis Pierre De Lafayette welcomes the esteemed guests from the Holy Theocracy.

Thank you for coming such a long way, Archbishop Mateo. Its an honor to receive the faithful from the Holy Theocracy in this Marquisate.

This humble servant of God is honored to meet the Marquis of Lafayette. Your faith and reputation have reached even our Holy Theocracy, so how could this old lamb refuse this journey?

The old Archbishop had a kind and devoted smile on his face. At first glance, everyone would assume this old priest was a sincere servant of god without any ulterior motive.

Noticing the Archbishop scanning his surroundings, I smiled and said.

Allow me to escort you inside, Archbishop. These servants will guide your retinue to their quarters.

Then I will gladly accept

As I led the Archbishop inside the mansion we were greeted by Eris dressed in a completely white and ceremonial robe.

Standing beside her were Sir Gaston and Sir Beaumont.

Sir Beaumont, the old man who always preferred to be called Uncle Francois by Eris, now had shaved his beard and was clad in a proper Knight attire, exuding the presence of an ex-royal guard.

While the Archbishop looked at them with narrowed eyes, Eris introduced herself with flawless etiquette.

Its an honor to meet the Archbishop of the Holy Theocracy. I am Eris, a simple girl under the grace of His Lordship the Marquis.

With a bow, Eriss long silver hair cascaded downwards, shimmering under the light as her mystical purple eyes were curled into an eye smile.

Now on the cusp of adulthood, Eris was already beginning to show a more mature figure, and with the proper clothing, she had an almost divine feeling.

Oh

A gasp escaped from the Archbishops attendants, showcasing the success of our little play.

With this, Eriss standing in the eyes of the Holy Theocracy would shift from a nameless girl with innate Divine Power, to a lady of noble lineage, or at the very least, someone masterfully molded by my hands.

Now that Ive successfully baited them, I had no intention of allowing the Theocracy to neglect Eris or underestimate her. And certainly, I wouldnt give them a chance to take her away under the excuse of training.

The Archbishop seemed to have grasped my intentions as he looked at me with narrowed eyes and a knowing smile.

Im sure that Eris is certainly struggling to hold back her laughter in front of him.

As am I.

You have traveled far, so you must be spent. We have taken great care to ensure that the Archbishops stay is comfortable, so allow me to show you your quarters-

This humble lamb of God is touched by your hospitality, Your Excellency. However, I must follow Gods will first. Before I settle in, I wish to discuss your profound faith, which even managed to impress the Pope himself

Ah, I see it now.

Very well. Let my servants escort your entourage while I shall receive your teachings, venerable Archbishop.

He must be very eager to see my gift.

After instructing the servants to provide the Archbishops entourage their rooms, only the Archbishop and an Imposing Knight, who was likely acting as his bodyguard, remained.

Guiding them down the familiar path, I showed the Archbishop the gift I had prepared behind bars.

This is Halphas, a member of Pride. I believe the Theocracy is already aware of its existence.

Ah, your faith and dedication are without equal. God must have guided your path well.

The Archbishop gazed towards Halphas with unconcealed greed, as the demon in question paled and trembled upon realizing just who was the one before him.

Gasp-. M-Marquis! T-This isnt what we agreed on!

Pardon? I have made no deals with you, demon.

Ah.C-Call for the Countess! T-The Countess said I-

I dont see the need to call for the Aquitaine Countess when we are in Lafayette. Now, Archbishop, I believe my faith has been sufficiently proven. Shall we discuss the specifics of our deal?

Hoho-. Of course, Your Excellency! With such a pious gift, even His Holiness will be overjoyed.

While Halphas continued to yell something in the background, I simply ignored it. Oh, whats that? Ah, it must be some annoying pigeon cooing while we were doing business.

You tricked me! You-!! Youre more despicable than a devil-!!!

Leaving the dungeon with the Archbishop, who seemed to be in a very pleasant mood now, I closed the door behind us.

A reward is needed to congratulate your faith and dedication towards God, Marquis.

The Archbishop sat across from me with a kind smile as he sipped his tea.

The test you desire will proceed without a hitch and shall occur as soon as possible.

Although this was the first time Ive met this candidate, I can tell at first glance that Your Excellency has carefully ensured there will be no issues with the schedule.

Eris usually behaves like a curious bard, but she did grow up in the palace.

The foundations for her etiquette were already there, so I didnt have too much trouble instructing her, but they must be convinced that I have carefully molded Eris to my whim and are being cautious about it.

Of course, if her qualities and abilities are found sufficient, then her recognition as a Saint will be certain. The Theocracy also wishes to reward the Marquis dedication to finding another Shepherd for the Lord.

Pausing for a moment, the Archbishop hummed as he continued.

Despite the rumors that have reached our ears, I understand that the Marquis is an honorable Knight.

Ah, this sucks..My skin is going to become all wrinkly.

I cast a dry gaze towards Eris as she began to thrash about in the spring.

Soooo-Bor-ing!

The holy water splashed around the small room adorned with marble and magical stones imported directly from the Theocracy.

Using my mana, I managed to shield myself from the water to avoid looking like a wet dog.

After throwing her fit, Eris hugged her knees, with only her eyes and nose above the water as she glared at me.

Just endure it a little longer. Theres only one day left.

Eris got up from the spring as she grumbled.

Haaa-. If you could just sell the materials used in this sacred spring, you could feed a thousand people for a long time! Ill never understand how this waste of money is supposed to purify a persons body and spirit.

A bitter smile sprouted on my face.

Its because you still have a conscience to say things like that and the discretion to keep quiet in front of the clergy, that you are fit to be a saint.

Im not a saint.

Eris continued to grumble, as I spoke to her a little more formally.

Thats why you are the right choice to sit on the throne, Your Highness the Princess.

Eris looked at me, her eyes containing a glint of mischief as she opened her mouth.

Well after all of this, you wont be able to get rid of me, my dear deceptive patron.

I may have hidden the truth sometimes, but I have never lied to you. Perhaps it would be better to call me a trickster then, Your Highness?

Just then, someone knocked on the door behind us, making Eris and I exchange a look before chuckling.

Well, its almost over, so hang in there.

Ill try~

Opening the door, I could hear Eris snort as I faced the kneeling Knight before me.

Sir Gaston? What is the matter?

We have an unannounced guest, and it seems imperative that you, My Lord, meet him personally.

Well, who is it?

Count Millbeau.

Count Millbeau?

Isnt that the guy I turned into mice-meat alongside Duke Bretagne?No that cant be right.

If its the current Count of Millbeau then he would be Damien De Millbeau, the second son of Millbeau.

Weve only met three times.

The first one, when I lured his forces with the Aquitaine caravan; the Second, when I returned with Eris to the Marquisate; and the third was during the battle in the south where I killed his father and elder brother.

Now that I think about itDidnt my actions help him a lot?

I may have smacked him a couple of times, even Christine helped me sometimes, but stillHe became the Count thanks to me, right?

Ah, I may have spent a little too much time playing the Devil.

Next to the parlor entrance, my Knights stood guard as two disarmed and anxious Knights looked at me.

They must be the Knights Damien De Millbeau had with him.

I Cant remember their names

Regardless, I entered the parlor and looked at Damien for the first time in a while.

Either hes very bold or hes an idiot to come directly to his enemys stronghold.

Its a pleasure to meet you after a long time, Count Millbeau. Or should I congratulate you on your ascension first?

As soon as I said this, Damiens expression twisted, revealing his complicated thoughts.

I wonder just what things he must be thinking about now.

As I wondered, the doors were closed behind me and Damien did something I could have never imagined.

He knelt before me and shouted.

I have recognized your greatness from the first time we met, Marquis!

What is this crazy bastard saying? Didnt he challenge me, thinking I was a disgraced noble?

While I stood there without understanding what was happening, Damien started crying.

Ill give you everything you want My title, My lands Everything! Just spare my life, please-!

TL Note:

Damien just cant catch a break can he?

Bruh has the legendary E-Rank Luck.

/genesisforsaken