The Great Temple of St. Adriana.
　I was born as the third son of the Whitefield family, who were originally country lords and only the maidservants of a frontier count, and this was the first time I had entered the capital of the Draukos Empire - the imperial capital.
　That's why, when I saw the huge, majestically built temple, I was taken aback.

'Here. Get down.

Huh ... it's an awesome place.

It looks like the building will cost a lot of money.

'No, I'm not sure that's what you think of the first place you've been, Jessica.

　It's true that it's going to cost a lot of money to build. The material of the outer wall, it seems to use gold leaf or something.
　I feel that it is likely to be stolen when such an expensive material is only used. Even if it is called an imperial capital, there is probably a slum area.
　I wonder if the imperial capital is that safe.

Then Jessica, Drake, I'm getting off.

Yes, Master Noah.

Ha. As you wish.

　I lead the way down from the carriage.
　And since the platform is a little high, it's like jumping off with a whimper. And as for Jessica, Drake got off first, then put out his hand and put it down. Drake, you're more of a gentleman than you think.
　Then, he went to the opulent door guarded by two gatekeepers who were probably temple knights.

''........''

　Brother Lei led the way, and we followed behind.
　Without saying anything in particular to the Temple Knight, Brother Lei pushed open the door. Just as Brother Ray said, those who come in that carriage will be able to enter without being questioned.
　Although he looked at us somewhat sceptically, we were let through without any movement.
　Once inside, we are greeted with even more lavish furnishings, sumptuous wallpaper, and a crimson carpet that appears to be hand-woven. Surrounded by such expensive looking things, I felt somehow nervous. If I break a jar or something, will I have to pay for it?



Drake, have you been here before?

''Ah, yes. In case you're wondering, I've been working mainly in the Imperial City. I've never met the Archbishop of Lucidia, though.

Yeah,

　Too bad.
　If the Archbishop and Drake were acquainted, I would have let them negotiate or something.

'Oops ... excuse me, Master Noah.

Hmm?

Metamorphosis.

　As Drake muttered, a flash of light ran through his body.
　With that, Drake returned to his original adventurer's body - human. But former human demons like Drake and Angus don't change their appearance at all, even if you use 《Human Change (Metamorphic Human》).
　That's why I don't always know which state Drake is in. Jessica seems to be able to tell that he's in demon mode right now because he can't communicate, but...
　Brother Ray gives a strange look to Drake, who has a flash of light for a moment. But he doesn't say anything else.

''From here, we're going to rise up.''

The High Pope, is he up there?

The first floor is mainly for devotees to worship. The first floor is mainly for the worship of the faithful, the pulpit and the confessional. No one can go above the second floor unless he or she is of higher rank than the priest.

Wow.

　Brother Lei indicated the stairs leading up.
　Naturally, the two temple knights were guarding that place as well, but perhaps they had been able to get through to them. You can't stop brother Lei's steps, nor our steps following behind him.
　All we could hear was the sound of him climbing the stairs.
　Soon I would be greeted by the High Priestess who had called me. Drake and Jessica both look somewhat bolder than before.
　I finish climbing the stairs and walk down the corridor, which is still over-decorated, to reach the end of it.
　There was clearly a huge door with a different presence.

''........''

　A sculpture featuring a golden bird, a symbol of the Mullerian religion. It was a large, symmetrically carved marble door.
　Huh, sighed Brother Ray with a small sigh, and then put his hand on the door.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find the right one.

'Who (was) there?'

　The first thing we saw were three figures.
　The one on the right appeared to be a young man standing there with a smile that seemed to poke fun at us somewhat.
　And the one on the left is the figure of the priest we met at the Ruins of Rilkara some time ago - Marin. Unlike that time, he is wearing a white cassock embroidered with gold. I'm not sure if it's because they've confirmed my appearance, haha, and their eyes widen for a moment. But he doesn't say anything else.
　Finally, the only thing I see in the center is an old man sitting in a throne-like chair. But what seems odd is that he has a cloth down from his eyes? I have no idea what kind of expression he has on his face.
　Perhaps - this man is Archbishop Lucudia Rhinophallus.

''It is Ray Whitefield, His Holiness the High Pontiff. I have brought Noah Whitefield with me, as you requested.

So that man is the wizard Noah Whitefield.

　Brother Ray kneels down.
　However, we, who are standing behind him, remain standing. It's not like I'm a believer in the Mullerian religion. It's not that I'm a believer in the Mullerian religion, or that I'm a guest, since it was the High Priestess who called me here in the first place.
　And as long as you are an equal guest, there is no reason at all to kneel to me.

"So, what do you want?

Hey, Noah!

'I'm sorry, but I'm here to represent my country. I'm not going to kneel to you.

Kuhn ... fine. A little disrespect is forgiven.

　I raise my eyebrows at the Archbishop's words.
　I don't have any disrespect for you, I don't work for you or anything," he said, "but this is hostile territory.
　But this is enemy territory. If push comes to shove, it's safe to assume that this entire temple will be turned against us. If that happens, I'll be able to protect Jessica.
　In the meantime, I'll smile wryly too.

'Earlier, I was listening to Unu's story. Demonslayer.

Oh, yeah? What are you talking about?

I've heard you can turn demons into your own men. That's why you're building a demon kingdom.

Well. For me, I'm trying to create a country where demons and humans can live together.

Ho.....

　That's my honest opinion.
　It's a country of demons for now, but I hope to increase the number of humans in the future. And my ideal is to be a country where demons can be accepted as good neighbors.

'What kind of country would that be?'

'I don't think it's that deep. However, demons are more powerful and stronger than humans. My goal is to create a country where humans are not afraid of demons, but can get along with them as neighbors who can be trusted.

I see.

　The one who shows a little bit of surprise at my words is Marin, who is standing next to the Archbishop.
　On the other hand, the young man on the other side of the room is snickering and laughing. Who in the world does this guy think he is?

''Then our interests are aligned.

"Huh?

"Demon hunter, lend me your help, and I will grant you what you want and what I want. Then your wish and my wish shall be granted.

　...What?
　What is he talking about?