Needless to say, what legal theism governs is the law. And Wisteria and I were the ones who broke the law by getting injured in a big fight in the entertainment district. If the incident of last night's incident gets out, it's clear to me that I'll be held accountable.

　That was done by the same source being (Anima) and not Wisteria's true intentions - such an explanation would not pass muster with the legal gods and the officials of the Belka, and Wisteria would be captured. I myself am responsible for causing more damage to Wisteria by not trying to seize her immediately, even though I was aware of her danger.

　Well, as far as I'm concerned, although I was slow to react, I was able to protect Belka, so I won't be blamed for the crime.

　However, the charges against Wisteria, which caused a lot of injuries and damage to the city, must be serious. Either she will be beheaded in prison or go to jail for a long time, either way, the end of the demon god (Pazuzu) who ate and killed her host (Wisteria) will be inevitable.

　In order to avoid that end, I returned to Belka and went to meet Cardinal Sairala on my way. Of course, this was to explain what happened last night.

　I could have pretended not to know about it, but if I did, there's a good chance that the legal gods and the Belka government would put Wisteria on the wanted list. I'm not going to let the Wisteria, who gave me into their custody, live a life of seclusion for the rest of my life. If you have given custody of yourself, it's only natural that you should take on the crime that they have committed as well.

　For this reason, Cardinal Sairala was easier to convince than an unacquainted Belka official.

　It was well planned.

'In the name of Noah Carnelius, I swear here that I will repay this favor.

　This is what Pope Noah said to me the other day when I defeated the Immortal King (Sharamon) in the Forest of Titis. I stepped that if I cited this pope's pledge, Wisteria would not be punished to the extreme. However, I wasn't fully confident, so I decided to have Wisteria and Lunamaria both wait outside the temple.


　-- In conclusion, my request was granted. However, the process leading up to it was going to take on a much more acrimonious aspect than I had anticipated.


　Cardinal Sairala graciously accepted my early-morning visit, but his face wasn't calm until I spoke to him. As the conversation progressed, Cardinal Sairala's expression became increasingly grim, and by the time he finished, his eyes were looking at me with a needle-like intensity.

　The cardinal's words were low and heavy, as if to match his expression.


His Holiness wrote to me about the battle of Titis in a letter from His Holiness. In the letter, His Holiness said that if you had any requests, he would do his best to fulfill them. I also intended to do so in view of the events of Alou and Katia. And I'll tell you something else. It's not a sane man's idea to defy God and surround the dark elves.


　I couldn't help but be amazed at the strength of the rejection in the other man's voice.

　Indeed, in my report, I mentioned the legend of the dark elves that Lunamaria had told me about. He said that they were a clan that had received the blessing of the devil and the curse of the world in their bodies, albeit in two ways.

　But the Dark Elves are fairytale beings that not even their kindred, Lunamaria, feels hatred for. Why would Cardinal Sairala, a human, show such rejection?

　I said back, puzzled.


It's just that they resemble the dark elves of the lore. And you can't charge them with a crime just because they resemble the villains in elven fairy tales.


　He deserves to be charged with the crime of last night's incident. But if the charges are added to the charge for past bad deeds that may or may not be true, then I must defend against this.

　The cardinal shook his head gravely in response to my words.


'This is not some evil deed from the past, nor is it a fairy tale of the elves. The Dark Elves exist and are still spreading mischief in the world against the gods. And they are no stranger to you.

Nuh-uh?


　I blink my eyes at the other person's words. From the way he just said things, it seems that I'm related to dark elves other than Wisteria.......it's not as if I have any idea. It's only natural, and once I see a brown elf, there's no way I'll forget it.

　I raised an eyebrow and asked the Cardinal back.


''What do you mean by that?''

"Demons who defy the gods, who defy the laws of life, who devour eternity. The Immortal King you fought in Titis.


　As soon as he said that, the image of Sharamon came into my mind.

　Seeing my reaction, the cardinal continued to speak.


He is the very definition of a dark elf. He is the first dark elf of the Night Assembly. How many priests have ended up at his hands? I'll say it again. The Dark Elves are not the stuff of legends. They are mortal enemies to us, the messengers of the Dharma God.


　The Cardinal then gives me a sharp look.


It was Laskaris who had Sharamon attack His Holiness. It was probably Lascaris who sent His Holiness to attack His Holiness. I do not believe it to be a coincidence.


　It's difficult to defeat a dragonslayer head on. But if you sleep and wake up nearby, you can take advantage of any number of gaps. Bathing, dressing, mopping up, eating, sleeping. There are plenty of moments when you are defenseless.

　If you are a woman, you can use other means as well. Cardinal Sairala told me this with deep concern.


"Say no evil," he said, "but don't surround the dark elves.

"Thank you for your kind advice, your eminence.


　I bowed my head politely, and the Cardinal finally relaxed his expression.


''Then you will hand over the dark elves to us, won't you?

No, I don't intend to.


　Both of the cardinal's eyes visibly lifted as he responded. A penetrating look in the eyes would be unbearable for a person with a soft heart.

　But the effect on those who don't have any guilt in their hearts is not so great. I met his gaze squarely and continued on with my words.


I believe that the misdeeds of Lascaris and his ilk are personal, not the property of the tribe. In addition, His Eminence seems to suspect that Wisteria is under the control of Laskaris, but that is only speculation. More to the point, even if His Eminence's speculation were true, that's no reason for me to change my decision. I gave him my hand even though I knew that he was possessed by something strange to begin with.

You can't get rid of them. The fact that they are possessed by a demon is proof of that. As an apostle of the God of Law, he cannot accept such a person and neither can the person he is defending.


　Emotions began to mix in the cardinal's eyes that hadn't been there before. His voice was turning somewhat chilly.


His Holiness's words, I shall be answerable for what happened the other night. But if you are only defending the dark elves, the Mukou can't help you in any way. I'm not going to be the only one. I want you to know that.


　Perhaps that was Cardinal Silara's ultimatum. He said that if I wanted the cooperation of the Dharma Goddess in the future, I should hand over Wisteria.

　To this, I again readily complied.


I thanked him for his hospitality. I thank you for the hospitality you have shown me to date, Your Eminence.


　With that, he stood up, turned on his heel and left the room.

　There was no call from the Cardinal on his back.

　However, I could feel his gaze. All the way out of the room, I felt a piercing gaze on my back, as if it were shooting through me.