With a confident expression, I began speaking again.
“If you don’t know, then allow me to enlighten you.
Sir Rein, when I speak, the Empire listens.
From its people to the Emperor himself, everyone pays attention to my words.
When I speak, the Empire acts. If I’m in the capital, the Imperial Army moves.
If I’m in the south, the Southern Army acts. If I’m in the west, the Western Army stirs. If I’m in the east, the Eastern Army follows.
And if I’m in the north, the Northern Army will respond.”
After finishing my statement, I spread my arms wide and exclaimed loudly,
“Thus, my words move the entire Empire. Even if the Empire does not act, the Holy Army of the Sacred Land will rise to fulfill my words.
Sir Rein, do you know why this is?”
I gestured toward Rein and asked him a question.
He didn’t respond. No matter. I smiled softly.
“There’s only one reason. Because I have endured countless trials and overcome them.
It wasn’t like this from the beginning.
Everyone doubted me.
But I proved my abilities to those doubters without a single failure, and as a result, I stand in this position today.
Of course, if you say I was lucky to receive this power, I wouldn’t deny it. Some might see it that way.
However, I hope you understand that I have borne all the responsibilities that come with this position.”
Even as I spoke, I couldn’t help but feel annoyed. Just thinking about the overwhelming responsibilities made me shudder—they were utterly burdensome.
Yet, now they are my strength.
“Sir Rein, my position is one where every word I speak could cost me my life, depending on whether it is right or wrong. This is why words are of the utmost importance in my role.
It may look easy and comfortable to others, but in truth, it’s a heavier and more grueling position than anyone can imagine.”
I walked past him and continued speaking, ensuring I could draw even more attention and that more people would hear my words.
As I moved forward, the number of gazes directed at us increased.
When enough attention gathered…
“Why is that? The reason is simple. My words move the entire Empire. This is the responsibility that comes with representing a god.”
By using the word “god,” I reminded everyone present of my position as the divine representative.
“Because of this role, every word I utter is spoken as if my life depends on it. Even a single mistake could cost me my head.
Fortunately, my words have never been wrong, and I’m still alive.
As a bonus, my standing has risen even higher.”
I reiterated my status.
This would have significantly bolstered my authority, making it almost impossible for anyone to oppose me now.
With the Paladins and High Priests present, to challenge me would mean to challenge them.
Unless someone of equivalent stature appeared, no one could stop me.
With peace of mind, I continued.
“If, even after hearing this, you consider my role a blessing without cost, then feel free to think so.”
I turned and slowly approached him again.
“Now then, Sir Rein, let me ask you one question.”
As I moved closer to him, I cast a small barrier spell in a voice too quiet for anyone else to hear.
“[Silence].”
The spell ensured that no sound within the barrier could escape.
The decision was made because what I was about to say might cause trouble if overheard.
With the spell successfully activated, I approached Rein, whose face was now frozen in a cold, hard expression.
In a very soft voice, I asked,
“What do you think would happen if I said a demon resides in the duke’s household?”
His reaction was immediate.
“Don’t be ridiculous!”
He shouted loudly, his voice charged with raw emotion. For the first time, he reacted with genuine intensity.
He pointed at me and, as if appealing to the crowd, cried out,
“Everyone, look at this! This is the true face of the so-called saint! A liar!”
But contrary to his outcry, no one reacted to him.
Not even the slightest change in their expressions. All they did was watch with curious eyes.
Momentarily, confusion crossed his face.
I spoke to the bewildered Rein.
“Sir Rein, the conversation we’re having right now is inaudible to the others.”
“Sorcery!”
Rein scowled deeply and pointed at me again.
“Are you threatening me? Fine, say what you want! I’ll report your words to everyone and prove your deceit!”
“Well, will that really happen? Do you think the Empire will believe your words… or mine?
My guess is… me.”
“Then I’ll tell my father everything! Your falsehood will soon be exposed!”
“So, you intend to report me to the head of the household? Very well, go ahead and speak. Then I’ll tell him you’re slandering me.”
“What?”
For a moment, confusion clouded his face, as if questioning what I was saying.
I shrugged at him and delivered my strongest point, one that exposed his greatest weakness and underscored my greatest strength.
“Who do you think the duke will believe? Your words or mine? I’m curious myself. Shall we find out right now?”
There was no rebuttal.
His eyes quivered slightly. He must have realized how things would unfold.
“Sir Rein, do you truly believe the duke will act on your claim? On the words of someone known as the scoundrel of the ducal family?”
His eyes widened in shock. I could hear his teeth grinding. He must have never been confronted so openly before.
I let out a mocking laugh.
“Pfft, Sir Rein, know your place. Your arguments are nothing but childish tantrums, while my words are divine declarations.
Unfair? Well, what can you do? That’s reality. And my god has decreed it to be so.”
I asked him,
“Now, do you still think words hold no power? That the weight of words doesn’t matter?”
It was time to bring this to a close.
“Sir Rein, this is the difference between you and me. I hold the power to move the Empire.”
That marked the end of the magic. It was time to dispel the spell.
By now, those watching us must be dying of curiosity, wondering what I said to cause Rein’s sudden outburst.
From their perspective, it would seem like I uttered something that drove him to his fit of rage.
Previously, I used the spell to prevent anyone from hearing my words because they directly threatened their positions.
But now, that’s no longer necessary.
I dispelled the magic.
“But what about you? What do you possess?
Sir Rein, when people think of the North, who do you think comes to mind?”
I smiled again as I posed the question.
From this point onward, I would target what was, for him, akin to a reverse scale.
“In my opinion, the first would be the Duke, and the second would be the first daughter, considered his heir. After that, perhaps the Margrave guarding the northern gate, which serves as the North’s entrance. Beyond that… I’m not sure.”
From what Bliss told me, Rein harbored an intense inferiority complex toward the first daughter.
I intended to exploit that.
“As for me, I barely know about you. The first son? Pfft, I’ve never even heard of him. In fact, before coming here today, the name Rein Everglow was completely unfamiliar to me.
Do you understand what this means? If I hadn’t come here today, you would’ve remained an insignificant, unknown figure to me for the rest of my life.”
I mocked and insulted him, evaluating him as if he were unimportant and utterly useless.
“In that sense, today might be a stroke of luck for you, wouldn’t it? After all, you managed to make me remember your name, though not in a positive way.”
Finishing my statement, I clapped my hands once with a smile.
“Well, in any case, my lesson ends here. Phew… dealing with immature individuals is so exhausting. I’d like to have a more constructive conversation now.”
I sighed as if tired, massaging my shoulder with one hand.
I even stretched, as if shaking off the fatigue.
Now for the grand finale.
“So, Sir Rein, could you kindly summon Lady Alice for me? I need someone to discuss the North with, and I don’t think you’re quite suited for such a conversation.”
With that, I pointed in one direction and added,
“I’ll be waiting over there. Please make sure to bring Lady Alice.”
Having said all I needed to, I turned and began walking toward the direction I had indicated, carrying a faint sense of anticipation.
But then, it happened.
Behind me, I suddenly felt magic gathering.
“[…Burn it all!]”
A loud incantation echoed, followed by a surge of heat.
It seemed Rein had finally lost his temper and resorted to magic.
‘Hah, so he really is just a spoiled brat,’ I thought, smiling as I quickly scattered divine energy to assess the magic behind me.
To my surprise, the spell wasn’t directly aimed at me. While its power was considerable, its trajectory was slightly off.
I came to a conclusion.
‘He’s trying to intimidate me.’
Most likely, he wanted to show off his power, scare me, and regain some of his shattered confidence.
It appeared this method had worked well for him before. Judging by how quickly he resorted to magic, he’d likely used it to intimidate others in the past.
After all, ordinary people fear madmen who defy common sense.
But life is all about reality.
I muttered, “[Dispel].”
The searing heat vanished instantly.
I heard a sharp intake of breath from somewhere nearby, followed by murmurs of shock.
Slowly, I turned to face him.
“Hah, and what do you call this?”
I let my face show irritation, even though I was laughing internally.
With a tone of disdain, I said,
“Truly disappointing. Is this how the North treats its guests?
Sir Rein, do you realize what it means to attack me?
You’ve just declared war on the Holy Kingdom.
I ask you now: does the North intend to oppose the Holy Kingdom?”
Turning to the surrounding onlookers, I continued,
“Hmm… judging by the situation here, that doesn’t seem to be the case. So perhaps it’s just your family that’s hostile to the Holy Kingdom?”
Rein’s face twisted in confusion and panic. I began walking toward him once again.
“Sir Rein, I understand your family holds great influence. But do you think your household alone can contend with the entire Holy Kingdom?”
As I stepped closer, I raised my voice for emphasis.
“Over 300,000 soldiers and countless believers spread across the lands.”
One step.
“And seven Paladins.”
Another step.
“Temperance, Courage, Justice, Wisdom, Love, Hope.”
Yet another step.
“And Faith.”
Finally, I stood before him, meeting his gaze. In a low voice, I asked,
“Sir Rein, do you truly think you can handle all of this?”
His lips quivered.
He likely wanted to say something but found himself unable to. He was too cornered.
In truth, I wished he would speak, for every word he uttered would only bolster my position.
But even a scoundrel like him seemed to have a savior.
“Enough.”
A clear, melodic voice interrupted from somewhere. I immediately turned to its source.
A woman was approaching us. Her pale sky-blue hair, a blend of pure white and blue, rippled as she walked.
She stopped near us and looked directly at Rein.
“What is going on here, Rein?”
“Tch…”
Rein clicked his tongue, his face scrunching up as he avoided her gaze, like someone facing a person they didn’t want to see.
From his reaction, I quickly deduced her identity.
Alice Everglow.
The first daughter of the Everglow family, the most likely heir to the North, and Rein’s sibling.
Her arrival had changed the dynamics entirely.