It seems like he’s going to such lengths to save me, but isn’t it too cruel to keep rejecting his feelings?
‘I feel uneasy about leaving him alone, but if Priest Arthur stays by her side to help… maybe it could work.’
‘It might draw criticism for involving the Holy Empire in the imperial throne struggle, so I need to be cautious, but… they shouldn’t be able to criticize us too much for providing a safe place.’
However, the weight on my heart grew because of the fact that this whole plan was only possible thanks to Priest Arthur’s help and sacrifice. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable using someone’s good intentions for my own purposes.
Princess Kanabi’s expression was understandably grim.
Just as Princess Lasiell had said, it was clear that my persuasion hadn’t sat well with her.
She’d said she wouldn’t resent me for not changing my mind, so I just hoped Princess Lasiell wouldn’t be too disappointed.
“Are you saying this came from the labyrinth?”
“Surprising, isn’t it?”
When Bishop Haman saw the item I received from Princess Lasiell, he mentioned that he also had something to show me and led me to a certain place. There, he proudly displayed the items retrieved from the labyrinth hunting expedition.
“That’s a relic, isn’t it?”
“Do you know why our Church sent out a hunting party? It’s because there are things to be found in the labyrinth.”
“If there are things to be found in the labyrinth… are you talking about sacred relics?”
“Exactly. You caught on quickly, even with just a small hint.”
“!!”
Why would a sacred relic be inside the labyrinth?
As soon as the question crossed my mind, I became concerned about whether I was supposed to be hearing such incredible things.
“Is this something I’m allowed to know?”
“It’s something that will be revealed to everyone soon. It’s not a big deal to know a little early.”
“Why is the relic in the labyrinth? Did that person order you to go into the labyrinth to retrieve it?”
“No one has heard the words of that person except for the statement about the labyrinth opening. The only reason we know about the relics is thanks to the records. In our Holy Empire, ancient records have been preserved well.”
Other countries had lost many records due to war.
People had expected peace to come after the labyrinth closed.
But sadly, as expected, peace didn’t come.
Instead, they started pointing their swords and knives at each other with the military force that had been poured into the labyrinth.
‘Thanks to that war, the Holy Empire developed at an incredible speed.’
By allying with this country and that, they reaped enormous benefits in exchange for medical aid.
Meanwhile, other nations wasted their military strength fighting amongst themselves.
As a result, cultural assets were destroyed, and large amounts of valuable records were lost.
When the labyrinth opened again due to the foolish choices of the ancestors, the descendants had to go in with only rare information.
“Is the location of the relics written in the records?”
“There are records about relics, but they’re not very detailed. We need more information.”
It seemed that they hadn’t been able to find any relics during this hunt.
“Also, because the records were vague, we thought we found a relic, but it turned out to be a new item.”
“Will finding relics become the main objective of the hunting party from now on?”
“Yes. And I received word from the Deltrak Imperial Family.”
The Deltrak Imperial Family.
Thanks to Princess Kanabi and Princess Lasiell, I had inadvertently formed a deep connection with the empire.
So, it was highly likely that what Bishop Haman was saying was connected to me.
“In fact, many places have been requesting to hire a priest for their teams. I have refused each one, saying that I cannot go without permission from the Holy Empire.”
“You handled it well. The Church doesn’t look favorably on priests’ personal activities. If someone dies doing personal work in the labyrinth, it would be quite unpleasant, wouldn’t it? Many people believe that personal activities should be strictly restricted for the safety of priests.”
I knew it wouldn’t be easy.
That’s why Princess Lasiell had used the Deltrak Imperial Family’s name.
“But everyone recognizes the need to allow limited activities for the sake of diplomacy.”
As expected, it seemed they couldn’t completely ignore the request for diplomatic reasons with the Deltrak Imperial Family.
“The Deltrak Imperial Family specifically requested Priest Arthur to be brought along. I know Priest Arthur has close ties with the royal family there. Did you receive his consent for this request?”
“Yes. The princess asked me first about my willingness. I agreed because I thought it was necessary for medical purposes. However, I did place a restriction, saying that I would need permission from the Holy Empire.”
“What do you think will happen if the permission is granted? If you can’t refuse and end up making excuses, the Church will protect you.”
Bishop Haman’s question was full of concern for me.
I smiled and replied.
“It’s a decision I made because I believe it’s necessary.”
“I understand. The orders will be coming soon.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
“It would be great if Priest Arthur could find a relic in the labyrinth. If he brings a relic back to the Holy Empire, he would earn immense recognition.”
The name of a relic is never light.
‘Because it holds the power of the Sun God.’
Relics that are said to bring miracles to the world.
I don’t know how many there are inside the labyrinth, but finding one would practically give him a shot at challenging for the position of Cardinal.
‘It feels like more and more reasons are piling up for me to enter the labyrinth.’
At first, I didn’t have a concrete goal to challenge for the Cardinal position.
Originally, I was thinking of just going to the labyrinth to gather honey, but isn’t it funny how people’s minds change?
When the path to success is wide open in front of you, it’s hard not to be drawn to it.
As the situation changed, I began to develop desires, and things started to get complicated.
Even things I had sworn I would never do eventually became things I voluntarily took on.
“Please contact me immediately if you find any holy relics or learn their location.”
“Of course.”
I readily agreed to the Bishop’s request.
After all, the person who was currently helping me with my life wouldn’t be easily replaced. There was no reason to send a holy relic to an unknown person and share the benefits.
“However, I’m not sure if such an honorable opportunity will ever come my way.”
“Who knows? It’s not impossible.”
Only the future could know for sure. Though I didn’t expect much, the mere possibility of entering the labyrinth gave a glimmer of hope.
It seemed like the Bishop was leaving some words of encouragement, just in case.
Not long after the Bishop’s permission, a surprising piece of news arrived from Princess Lasiell.
“Sister agreed! I told you it would work! She’ll be persuaded!”
It was the news that Princess Kanabi had agreed with Princess Lasiell’s plan.
Who might be targeting Princess Kanabi?
If you know her background, it’s easy to figure out.
Currently, the heir apparent to the Deltrak Empire is determined. But the current crown prince’s support base is weak since his mother came from a lowly concubine background.
On the other hand, Princess Kanabi’s mother was a noble queen. If the queen had borne a son, the crown prince wouldn’t have had a chance.
After the death of the former queen, the emperor’s mistress succeeded in elevating her son to crown prince. She also became the new empress, achieving a total reversal of fortune in her life.
“Queen Deltrak is said to be cruel and vicious.”
It was likely the Queen Deltrak faction was behind the attempt on Princess Kanabi’s life.
The nobility supported Princess Kanabi because of her traditional noble bloodline.
If Princess Kanabi were out of the picture, the prince would have no one to oppose his ascent to the throne.
“It seems the Holy Empire has strongly protested, but it’s hard to predict when they might make an unexpected move again.”
If they found out I had fully sided with Princess Kanabi and Princess Lasiell, they would likely begin to act again.
Before that happened, I needed to ensure Princess Kanabi’s safety by moving her to a safe location.
If they weren’t actively seeking war with the Holy Empire, they wouldn’t search for Princess Kanabi by rummaging through the temple.
So, as long as I was careful while moving her to the panic room, Princess Kanabi’s safety would be guaranteed.
“Living as royalty is indeed hard.”
How could she remain so composed in the face of the fear that someone might try to kill her?
And it was family, the one person she should trust most, who was after her.
“Being born into royalty must indeed be a bias.”
Princess Kanabi, Princess Lasiell, and I were now all in one place.
Now that Princess Kanabi had agreed to Princess Lasiell’s proposal, it was time to begin moving forward with the plan.
Lasiell, clearly excited after gaining her sister’s approval, elaborated on the details of her plan.
She would consider other ways of solving the curse without necessarily killing monsters, using items from the labyrinth instead.
“You’ve done well preparing this plan. I’m proud of you.”
“I told you I’d prove I could be good to you. Now you just think about yourself, alright?”
“I’m not sure I should be… I feel like I’m burdening you too much.”
“I know why you’re worried. But they’ll never be able to kill me. You know how strong I am.”
With that, Princess Lasiell flexed her arms, though they were far from muscular.
Anyone who didn’t know her might find it amusing, but…
“Only I and Princess Lasiell know the information about the panic room. Don’t share it with the knights. The panic room belongs to the Holy Empire, and we’re just borrowing it. Please understand.”
“Just helping us is enough. I won’t make any trouble.”
“Before that, there’s something you need to know.”
Princess Lasiell, with a serious expression, looked at both of us, Princess Kanabi and me, alternately.
“What is it?”
“The curse. What exactly is it?”
The curse on Princess Kanabi…
“…That’s…”
Princess Kanabi hesitated, unsure whether she should tell her sister right away.
“Please, tell me. I’m not a child. I think I have the right to know.”
It was almost funny that, after entrusting such a heavy responsibility, they hadn’t even told her the severity of the curse.