"Yikes! ......!

　The moment he felt the vibration so violent that the entire building shook, Rees involuntarily screamed.

　He reflexively looked at his feet, because it felt as if the current vibrations were coming from underneath him.
　Judging from the roar that could be heard at the same time, there must have been something unforeseen.

　But.

I'm not sure if this is ...... her doing.　You are a completely unavoidable person: ....... I'm sorry for making such a fuss.

　The words from the man in front of me did not upset me in the slightest.

　Not an ounce of agitation in the tone of his voice or the expression on his face.
　It's as if everything went as planned, but if that were true, you wouldn't have said what you just said.
　That is to say, you remain calm despite the fact that something clearly unexpected has happened.

　That's pretty impressive, isn't it?

But we needn't worry about that. This is a cathedral, the headquarters of the church. We have a good group of people here, and we're well prepared if anything should happen.

　The way he smiled at me was a way to reassure me.
　His fresh appearance makes him seem like a nice young man.

　But apparently, Noel didn't like that.

The best part is, hey ...... that means it's like they kidnapped us, right?
"Oops. ...... This is a tough one. I didn't mean to do that, but ......
Then what do you think?　Hey--Pope.

　At those words, the man - the Pope - smiled something like a wry smile.
　The eyes on Noel are kind, but they contain the same kind of expression as a deaf child's. I wonder if Noel senses this, too.

　The corner of his eye was lost to the corner of his eye, and he was lost to the corner of the world.

In the first place, we aren't even told why we were brought here in the first place?
Yeah, I'm sure that's true. I was just about to talk to you.
"...... It's with regard to the fact that we were suddenly summoned this morning, as well?
Of course.

　The nodding figure looked like ......, where the lie is not felt.

　It's true that at least that's not how Leeds saw it.
　However, there is a good chance that it's just a make-over and that Leeds just doesn't see it through.
　After all, the seemingly nice young man in front of you is the pope - the supreme leader of the church.

　He may look like a young man in his early twenties, but that can't be possible.
　He hasn't been replaced by the current pope for, I believe, fifty years or so.
　No matter how young he is, he must be over 70 ...... or even 80.

　So when I first saw him, I thought he was the Pope's deputy.
　It's a well-known story that few people ever see the Pope.
　That's why it was said that the archbishop practically runs the church: ...... At any rate, he may not be seen for some reason or out of caution.

　But the young man in front of you just happened to identify himself as the pope.
　This may sound very untrue, but ...... no matter what people say, the Pope is the supreme leader of the Church.
　How can he claim to be the Pope himself, even if he is a delegate?

　This is a cathedral, the headquarters of the church.
　There was no way they could fake it, much less call themselves ......, which meant there was no doubt that the person in front of them was the Pope.

　It's hard to believe, but that means there's a reason.
　There's no way to ask that question, but ...... is right in front of you.
　It must be easy to deceive Leeds' eyes.

　In fact, even though Leeds didn't feel the lie, that doesn't mean she believes the pope.
　It's only natural, since he is the one who had them kidnapped.

　That - that the Pope himself ordered the abduction of Leeds and the others - was told to me by him shortly after I met the Pope.
　There's no doubt that he ordered it.
　We haven't heard the reason for it yet, but I was about to ask ...... when I heard it, and then there was the earlier tremor.
　And according to the Pope, he will now tell us the story--

It's a good idea to start with a story about why you were kidnapped, as I'm sure you're curious about ....... But in conclusion, there was no need for that.
"......?

　Then the words were spoken, and Noel, what are you talking about?　The voice sounded like.
　You're going to be able to find out the best way to get the most out of the game.
　You're not going to be able to find out what you're talking about, such as the fact that there was no need for you to take him or her while he or she was moving in the carriage.

"Oh, no, it might be a bit of a misnomer to say that there was no need. However, the truth is that there was no reason why it had to be so. There were some gentle ways to invite you both here.
Of course there's a reason you didn't choose that option, isn't there?
"Yes, of course. There are three main reasons, but the first one is that it would have interfered with the process.
"Interference, is it?
"Yes, we are an organization that professes to have no power. We are an organization that professes to have no power. That's allowed in large part because of that. But to bring you both here could have given the impression that the Church was trying to gain power.
...... Surely, if Leeds, as they call her, a saint or something, were to approach the church and become a congregation, the church's influence would certainly increase. But what do I have to do with it?
Oh, this is modesty. You may not be as well known as Master Leeds, but you're a master craftsman in the know. I'm sure the church will wonder what you're up to if you come to them.

　In fact, the words were not exaggerated.
　Noel is a top-notch blacksmith.


　Even though they specialize in swords, that means that if you can get Noel to join you, you'll be able to have any number of top-notch swords.

　Those who know the situation will certainly not miss it.

But then, if you explain the situation properly, you can go to ......
Oh, it's impossible. Because it is true that they are trying to get you into the Church.
...... Well, otherwise you wouldn't have brought me to this place. So, as long as that part is true, what's your excuse?
Yes, we are not really interested in worldliness. We're not really interested in worldliness, but we can't get rid of people's doubts in any way.
...... So, what is the second reason?
"The second reason was to make it easier for you to understand. I thought it would be better to see it in person rather than have it explained to you in words.
"...... is the relationship between the devil and the church, that is?

　He never told me the words, but I guess that means it was an affirmation.
　Certainly, no matter how many words you were told, it would have been hard to believe, but since you were actually brought here by the devil, you have to believe it.

Hey, I didn't actually see it, okay?
"As for Master Noel, I thought it would be more troublesome to see him in person. I also thought that an explanation from Master Leeds would suffice.
"...... I see.
"Don't get convinced. ...... I'm a little convinced myself.
Anyway, now that you've seen it, you understand it well. We and the devil live together, and we can convince even the devil. And of course it's not because we want power. It's all for the sake of humanity.
"For the sake of humanity, is it ......?

　I don't know why.
　I feel that the words are true ...... and yet, at the same time, a thin chill runs down my spine.

　What gives me goose bumps when I think the smile the pope is smiling is from the bottom of his heart.

People don't know anything about the will of the gods. Even though the gods have given us this wonderful gift of power, they don't think about its meaning. But not knowing is not a sin. That is why it is necessary for us to teach people the will of the gods.
"I'll give it to you, but hey, ...... sounds pretty uptight, doesn't it?
I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to do so, but ...... is all my fault. Even if I am called Pope, or live for a hundred years, I would still be a novice.
"One hundred years ......?　Are you really that old?　It doesn't look very much like that: ......
This is all a miracle given by the gods. But a hundred years or so is not something to be proud of. I am proud to say that some of them have been able to benefit mankind. ......
For the benefit of humanity ......?　...... What the hell did you do?

　That said, Noel turns a scandalous face to the Pope, and Leeds agrees.
　I have a feeling that he is not doing ...... a good job of it.

　And .

Well, I guess there's no point in bragging about the old days, so let's talk about the relatively recent years: ...... Ah, yes, yes, we did get rid of a top-notch dwarf.

　With a smirk, the Pope uttered such words.

What about ............?

　Unlike the earlier muttering, it was a stunned one that had no idea what he was talking about.
　The Pope did not care that he was being looked at by Noel's stunned gaze, and rather happily continued on with his story.

It was an eccentric dwarf from a remote place, but the dwarf was too good to be true. She was fickle. No matter how much we asked, she could create powerful weapons at will. If it falls into the hands of someone who cannot control it, who knows what might happen?　So I decided to dispose of her. Using the power of the devil and the demons he plays with. All for the sake of humanity.

　Regardless of the reason, the situation sounds familiar.
　The expression on Noel's face has vanished, and his gaze is fixed on the pope with an unusually sharp gaze.

　As it is, the words come out of Noel's mouth in a matter-of-fact manner.

Hehe, so ...... what else?
Another time, yes ......, you did get rid of the Emperor of the Empire. As you can see, he went too far. There is an order and a degree to everything. We couldn't afford to let him expand the map any further. There was a demon who could conveniently use his power to assassinate ...... and, speaking of assassinations, you had something closer to home. Yes, I was responsible for the assassination of your general in your country.
What is ...... that, or ......?
Yes, yes. Oh, yes, just so you know, he was actually one of us. But if people find out that you got him involved, there will be a lot of noise. We kept it a secret. Just like you, I suppose.
"...... was I talking about replacing those people, or something like that?
Well, I want you guys to be my friends because they're gone. No, missing is not accurate. I gave the orders.
"From the way you put it, maybe the Archbishop is too, ......?


As you can see, the general worked hard, but he worked too hard. The general worked hard, but he worked too hard. His presence was enough to put an end to the fighting. Too much fighting is strictly forbidden, but the right amount is necessary. Because of that, people will be refined and feel the greatness of gods. So he was a hindrance to humanity. And although the archbishop did a lot of work on my behalf ......, he had been planning a rebellion, I don't know why. I did not understand the reason, but perhaps he misunderstood while taking my place. He didn't know what he was doing, even though it would be unthinkable for him to turn on me, the representative of the gods. His gift was useful, but I didn't have a choice. And if there is a need, the gods will give it to me again, so there is no problem.

　After all, the Pope was smiling when he told ...... that much.

　A smile that could even be gentle, and Leeds felt horrified at the same time.
　Is the person in front of him ...... really the same person as him?

Hmmm ...... I see?　So you took us to make it easier for us to help you with these things?
Of course I'm not going to ask you to help with the disposal, but ...... in the broadest sense of the word, that might happen. That's what I most wanted you to know, that we have the power to do it.
"Very well.
"Oh, really?　I haven't even explained all the reasons why yet,
I don't need it. Wouldn't Leeds feel the same way?
...... Right. With a story like that, the answer is already known.

　When I said that and turned a firm face to him, the Pope looked vaguely puzzled.
　The face didn't seem to be mended, but that doesn't change the answer.

　There is no way you can cooperate with someone who is so happy to talk about such things.

I'm at a loss for ....... I think I know what they are going to say before I even hear the answer.
"Well, I'm sure ...... is the right choice.
Yes. --Well, in that case, I decline.
I'm sure you're right. ...... Strangely enough, that's the kind of look people make when they think they have to get rid of it. Why is that ......?
I guess that's the way it's supposed to be, isn't it?

　Suddenly a voice was heard and a new figure appeared on the spot at the same time.

　Reflexively turning his gaze, Leeds' eyes widened at the figure in his field of vision.
　Noel's eyebrows were furrowed as he wondered who it was, but that couldn't be helped.
　They talked, but Noel wasn't supposed to see it.

...... You are...
It's been a long time since you've visited ....... I know you have something to say, but may I ask you to wait for now?　I would like to go over there.
"You want me to?
"Yes, ...... is good, right, Your Holiness?

　Then the familiar demon woman smiled lustily and showed it.