----------------------------------------

Those who acknowledge personal Kung-Fu discoveries call it enlightenment, but the old-fashioned call it blasphemy, heretical teachings, or the sorcery of the Apostolic See.

–Thomas Hobbes

----------------------------------------

“Recite it.”

Meanwhile, the priest, seemingly bothered by the conversation we conducted through telepathy, approached me with a much calmer demeanor, using words like ‘request’ instead of blatantly trying to coax or negotiate.

“The Zion Clan never forgets gratitude and grudges. You know, gratitude and grudges.”

“So, you’re still going to play it that way.”

“Wait, wait. I am scarcely trying to scare you. If you respect the value of the ‘precious enlightenment’ you’ve realized, we are ready to reciprocate.”

“I see.”

I understood what he meant.

In summary, if I don’t reveal the secret of the Indulgence Talisman to Her Majesty or others and wait, the Vatican is also willing to reward me in their own way.

Even though he is not a disciple of the Zion Clan but a warrior from the British Zion Clan, saying this on behalf of the Vatican could be considered quite irresponsible.

However, considering that he was traveling with one of the top monsters of the Zion Clan, I could understand where his confidence came from.

Earlier, I only thought of him as Father Brown’s attendant.

However, considering the Father’s position in the Zion Clan, the priest traveling with him must be like a muzzle controlling that mad dog’s rampage.

If he were merely a disposable tool serving a madman and getting caught in a seizure, it would have been impossible for him to bring up such a story.

Considering that Lily Swordsmen have different authorities according to their duties, the priest might have the status to contact the Apostolic See and discuss whether to send an assassin or a gift to me.

Thinking that way, it seems natural to think that Father Brown didn’t leave him here, but rather he voluntarily stuck around to gather information in Buckingham.

Even the awkward attempt to leave late and getting caught by me was all an act.

Even if he were imprisoned, he must have been confident he could escape safely.

‘To receive such treatment and be recognized for his skills at that age, he must at least be the illegitimate child of an archbishop or the pope. If not-’

I stopped myself from imagining something that would be disastrous if spoken aloud.

Anyway, the point is this.

Depending on what answer I give here, it will determine whether I build a not-so-bad relationship with the Roman Apostolic See or turn them into enemies.

“Don’t speak nonsense. Why should I believe that?”

Such concerns are only possible when the Zion Clan were normal people.

“I see. So if I keep my mouth shut, the Zion Clan will surely let me live.”

Would they pass up the chance to keep the secret by killing just one person?

“Unless you speak recklessly, I’ll guarantee your life.”

“If you were talking about killing me just a moment ago and now want my trust, shouldn’t you be the one to offer a gesture of reconciliation first?”

“…I remember already apologizing once.”

“Well, it wasn’t impressive enough to remember accepting it.”

The Zion Clan can no longer completely hide the secret about the Talisman.

Now, all they can do is shut my mouth to prevent the method of activating the Indulgence Talisman from leaking out.

I didn’t think they would care about face and keep their promises in a situation where one of their biggest sources of income might disappear.

They have been convinced that no one could dismantle the formation of the Indulgence Talisman on their own.

It’s natural to think so since it’s a secret that hasn’t leaked outside of the Apostolic See for hundreds of years.

In fact, if I hadn’t gotten a clue from ‘that incident’ before my regression, I wouldn’t have been able to uncover the secret of the Talisman, so I can fully understand the Zion Clan’s confidence.

So, to ensure the safety of myself and those around me, I must firmly nail it down here.

“Since you asked me to remember, let me say one thing. I assure you, the moment I die at someone’s hands, the secret of the Zion Clan will spread throughout Europe. Regardless of whether it’s the Orthodox, Unorthodox, or Demonic.”

“What sort of absurdity is that!”

“You’ve experienced it once, so you should know what kind of person I am. Do not try to test me any further.”

“…Damn it.”

The priest raised both hands with a completely resigned expression.

“Alright. I swear on Father Brown’s name. If you keep that damn mouth of yours shut, the Zion Clan won’t try to harm you in any way. I’ll inform you of any additional conditions after discussing with the main branch.”

“That’s an improvement from before.”

“If you think so, I hope you won’t make any rash decisions.”

There was not a hint of rashness on the face of the Sword Queen as she turned around.

I understood that it’s not ideal for a clergyman to swear by God’s name, so making a promise under another name was understandable.

As someone involved in the martial world, such a trustworthy promise was rare.

However.

If he wanted to swear, he should have done it in his own name.

“By the way, which ‘Brown’ are you referring to when you say Father Brown?”

“……”

The priest stopped walking.

I didn’t miss the slight trembling of the umbrella sword in his hand.

“…May the Lord grant you daily wisdom.”

He uttered a strange answer without even turning his head.

Was it meant to suggest that I think about it on my own if I’m curious?

“Tell the Lord that I already have wisdom in abundance.”

I subtly threw out a line, but no answer returned.

-Thud!

The man started walking towards the exit again.

The hem of the priest’s cassock quietly swayed.

As he passed between the marble pillars of the grand hall, sharp auras rose from all sides.

Patriots and the Queen’s Guards, cross at the discourtesy committed against Her Majesty by the Lily Swordsmen.

And those who learned the truth of the Zion Clan’s fraud were exuding murderous intent.

But none of them attempted to attack the priest.

The leisure revealed in Her Majesty’s smile was showing the victor’s magnanimity.

-Bang!

The door of the Old West Wing closed firmly.

In the middle of the silent lobby, the Sword Queen, who had been waiting for the conversation with the priest to end, slowly approached.

Exactly seven steps.

The distance allowed to me by the royal seal stamped on the Invitation.

I then recalled that she had approached much closer when receiving Father Brown’s sword.

It is true that I have to deal with her in the future, but first, I should express my gratitude with courtesy.

Even though things went according to plan, if she had not intervened, I might have been cut down by the priest’s sword and lost my life.

“I apologize for my impoliteness in not being able to thank you earlier due to the chaos. Thanks to Your Majesty’s great mercy, I was able to save my life.”

I knelt on one knee in front of her and bowed my head respectfully.

“Raise your head, Little Heavenly Demon.”

Her voice was incomparably softer than before.

As I raised my head and subtly checked my surroundings, I saw Watson pacing nervously from afar due to the fifty-step distance restriction.

She seemed worried that I might get caught up in the power struggle of the big shots and get hurt, but she couldn’t intervene and was just watching.

She needn’t worry anymore.

“How could a ruler overlook the danger to their people? Do not worry about it.”

“Your grace is immeasurable.”

“This time, your wit has aided me. It is truly admirable.”

To others, it might seem excessive praise, but to me, it seemed slightly lacking.

Interpreting the short conversation, it means ‘we’ve helped each other once, so don’t worry about it’.

I am now ready to start a fair deal with her regarding the secret of the Indulgence Talisman.

“There is still time before the ball begins. As I mentioned earlier, there is something I want to hear from you. Follow me quickly.”

Her Majesty seemed already impatient due to the tantalizing bait.

However, for me, it was difficult to continue the conversation immediately, so I didn’t want to follow her order.

The Ball would be followed by dinner, tea time, and chess.

Considering the mental energy I would have to expend during the remaining time, I thought it not a good idea to go for a deal with Her Majesty alone without taking a break.

In fact, my condition hasn’t been optimal since earlier, so if I don’t take some time to regroup, I’m sure I’ll make a mistake somewhere.

Above all, the sharp gaze that has been watching me since earlier is also concerning, and I need to reassure Watson, who is confused and knows not what is going on.

Since it’s come up, I should get her help for a moment.

“I will do so. Cough!”

-Gulp!

As soon as I unblocked the meridians I had sealed with acupressure to avoid showing any signs, red blood gushed out of my mouth.

I raised one hand to gesture that I was alright while pulling out a handkerchief with the other hand to cover my mouth.

Acting as if I wasn’t having a hard time.

In reality, it was about half true.

I endured the Signature Sound without issue, but because I drew out and detonated all the energy of the Indulgence Talisman, I was exposed to an excessively strong Lily Essence, leaving my meridians in a terrible state.

I hadn’t yet learned how to partially release the seal of the formation, and since I was going to detonate it anyway, I thought doing it as spectacularly as possible would leave a strong impression, which was the problem.

“Holmes…!”

The next moment, without anyone having a chance to stop her, Watson broke the fifty-step distance restriction and approached me.

I quickly reached out to stop her approach, but Watson, moving at a speed unbelievable for someone with a limp, quickly strode over and supported me.

“I’ve told you several times not to overdo it…”

Her Majesty, seeing this scene, widened her eyes as if rather surprised.

“Let go of this hand, Watson. Did Her Majesty not say she had something to tell me?”

“Your Majesty! As Little Heavenly Demon’s attending physician, I humbly request despite the impudence! This person has been exposed to a master’s Qi Frequency and has suffered significant internal injuries! Please allow Sherlock Holmes to rest!”

“Stop it, Watson!”

It was an unexpected situation.

Just pretending to worry from afar would have been enough, but for some reason, Watson began to speak directly to Her Majesty.

Breaking the distance written on the invitation and speaking recklessly to the Sword Queen was clearly rude.

At this rate, the Etiquette Enforcement Special Maid Corps could drag Watson out of the palace, and there would be nothing to say.

-Kakak!

See? The murderous intent exuded by the Maidens is already starting to pierce the skin sharply-

“I permit it.”

“…?!”

Huh?

“Attendants, provide Little Heavenly Demon and Watson with a place to rest and the necessary medicine. Little Heavenly Demon, focus on your breathing exercises and internal healing until the first song begins, then come to the second floor.”

She’s just going to let this slide?

“Your Majesty’s grace is immeasurable.”

Unexpected magnanimity.

I bowed my head and expressed my gratitude for the Sword Queen’s patience.