A cold aura is felt from beyond the distorted space.

"..."

Normally, the archbishop's sobbing voice should be heard, but why is a lion standing there?

"Kuhuhu... what kind of joke is this?"

A satisfied laugh continued to flow from the man's mouth, so much so that the dripping red blood felt out of place.

-That's enough for today.

Why is the black sword piercing his own body? Why can't the archbishop's voice, which should be asking for salvation, be heard?

"Ah... Greed is right before my eyes."

-Grip...

He tried to snatch the sword and pull the man in front of him beyond the space, but the owner of the sword, who didn't budge, seemed to possess a power beyond imagination.

-I think it's best to close up shop for today.

What a funny thing.

The first greeting is an attack aimed at his life.

"...Who are you?"

-...

"Why are you doing this to me, brother?"

-...

Looking at the aura felt beyond the gate, there is clearly only one, so did he kill them all by himself?

Many questions arise.

The question of who is in front of him.

The Knight Commander.

No.

A different aura is felt from him.

I don't know how audacious a person would be to do something like this, but...

"...Are you going to stay silent until the end?"

It couldn't be anything but an interesting event.

I would gladly like to repay that audacious person's gift with a big gift, but.

-Guguguguguk.

The strange black sword embedded in his chest was preventing him from doing anything rash, making it impossible.

"You are meticulous..."

Unfortunately, in the closing gate, the person's face could not be seen.

The man, looking at the blood flowing from the hand that grabbed the blade, spoke softly to the disappearing person.

"Let's meet again soon."

-I would like that.

"I pray that God's will may be between you and me, brother."

He disappears.

The greedy him.

The one who created greed in a short time.

-Well then, goodbye...

He was running away from before the apostle's eyes.

-Drip...

He, looking at the disappeared gate, wiped the blood from his hand with a handkerchief and spoke to the people with swords behind him.

"The third sanctuary has fallen."

"...The sanctuary!!!"

"Why are you so surprised? If we attacked them, it's normal for them to counterattack."

"...You mean the empire did this...!"

"I don't know. Whether the empire did it. Or an individual did it..."

"..."

"There is a traitor in the order. An inquisitor... no, a traitor of a rank higher than an archbishop exists."

The man gave a command in a heavy voice to the murmuring people.

"Find him."

"..."

"You must find the apostate, even if it costs you your lives."

"..."

Apostle of Greed.

Ventarion.

A name he gave himself.

The Pope gave him the position of Apostle of Integrity and the name Benedictus, telling him to stay away from greed, but his greed, which could not be washed away no matter how hard he tried, could not be erased.

Greed is honest.

The desire to take and possess was an honest feeling that applied to everyone.

"Kuhaha... what a funny thing."

What others have is always the most beautiful, even if you have the same thing.

"This is... Kuhut..."

The appearance he showed for a moment was nothing but greedy.

The Apostle of Integrity, engulfed in a dark shadow, let out a hollow laugh and licked his lips. He was wondering what a delicious fruit the person who had plunged a sword into his chest would be.

"Summon the apostles."

The Apostle of Integrity, with cold eyes, clutched the dripping blood and moved his steps.

"It seems there is much to talk about."

*

The quiet Desmunt mansion, as always.

"This is what happened."

The new religious order, the Ricardo Order, surrounded a round table and were talking in the basement that Hans had made.

-Mooooooooo!?

Tang-tang-i, who was surprised to see its tentacles turn red along with the hot teacup.

"My God, is the seat not uncomfortable?"

A zealot.

"I see. I thought something was suspicious when the Apostle of Integrity said something strange at the meeting..."

He was a former zealot.

Elishia, the Apostle of Gentleness, who had returned from a meeting at dawn, nodded lightly and gave a regretful smile. She said she was disappointed that she couldn't run wild, even though she was good at it.

"I didn't know because the Saint-nim ordered me to protect the mansion. I immediately knew who it was when I heard that someone had attacked the sanctuary... but I just wanted to be sure."

At Elishia's words, who replied with a small smile, I lifted my teacup and smiled.

"I was sure Elishia-nim would say you would follow."

"...Well, that's true."

"I apologize if you were upset. Next time, I will be sure to tell you before I move."

I smiled slightly, enjoying the subtle scent of black tea, and asked about the meeting that took place last night.

When I struck the gate made by the archbishop with my sword, I definitely felt a cutting sensation.

"How is the Apostle of Greed... no, the Apostle of Integrity?"

"There were no serious injuries. I only realized something was wrong after hearing that the Saint-nim had injured him, but I wouldn't have known he was hurt if you hadn't told me."

"That's a shame..."

"What is certain is that... at this meeting, Hans-nim was confirmed as an apostate."

"...I see."

"It seems they noticed because of the traces of magic being stolen from the bodies."

Hans, who was listening to the story, clenched his fists, bowed his head, and apologized.

"I'm sorry... If I had been a little more careful..."

"No, it's alright."

It had been a long time since he had attended the regular archbishop meeting anyway, so his dual spy act was pretty much over.

What was more regrettable was that he couldn't leave a scar on the Apostle of Integrity.

I thought the surprise attack was successful and would have left a fatal wound, but my fists clenched at the words that it wasn't even noticeable.

If I had landed a valid hit on the Apostle of Integrity, I was thinking of being greedy enough to go for a subjugation.

I let out a hollow laugh and asked Elishia. I was sorry to keep asking questions, but her opportunities to attend meetings were now numbered.

They must have noticed something by now.

Whether the new apostle who took the place of Benevolence is a traitor, or whether Elishia, the Apostle of Gentleness who disappeared with Temperance, is a traitor, they must be weighing the scales.

I want to tell her not to attend meetings anymore, but.

-I don't think it's time yet.

Elishia's will was firm, so I couldn't fold.

At the meeting before the special class, she had replied that she would no longer participate in meetings, but.

-When it is judged to be dangerous. I will leave then.

She had not bent her will to use her position as an apostle to the fullest.

"Was there any talk about a new apostle?"

"...There has been no mention of it so far. It is my opinion that there will be no more, as it takes a lot of resources and finding someone with the right talent to nurture one apostle."

"...Elves are certainly special beings."

I nodded and said.

"You must always be careful."

"Haha... I have 'that' which the Saint-nim gave me."

"Still, you must be careful."

"Thank you for your concern. A statue...!"

"...It's alright."

-Clap!

"Well then, shall we end this conversation here?"

It seemed less tiring to talk about something else than this. If we kept talking about the heretics, both Elishia and I...

-Mooooooooo?

And Tang-tang-i would be tired.

I stretched, erasing the worries that had been on my mind, and began to ask Elishia about other things. There was one more thing I had entrusted to her.

"Elishia-nim."

"Yes?"

"How are the children of the 'Ka'ar' tribe doing?"

"They are recovering well. I'm worried that they have lost some of their memories due to the shock of being at the slave market, but now they are growing up healthy enough to clamor about wanting to kill Marquis Wolfgang."

A smile appeared on my face along with Elishia's motherly smile, which was full of life.

They were not young children, but children who would be around 19 in human years, whom I had entrusted to her.

"That's a relief."

If her baby were alive, he would be that age. I feel like Elishia might have found some comfort in raising the children, but that's probably just me being nosy...

"So I've been throwing them into the monster den."

"...Hmm?"

"Perhaps because they are from the famous Ka'ar tribe, their combat abilities are outstanding."

"Uh...?"

"It's so rewarding to teach them that I'm really..."

Elishia was smiling.

"Happy."

Whether she had found joy in teaching after the last special class. At Elishia's strangely frightening words, I gave an awkward smile and decided to let it go in one ear and out the other.

Whatever it is, what's good is good.

In the novel, the two siblings became the Crown Prince's sword and stood by his side, but I didn't want to make them take up a sword...

Well, it's their freedom to follow, so I should just let them do as they please.

As I calmly organized the recent events, I asked Elishia a question out of curiosity. I wanted to hear an objective opinion rather than judging by my own thoughts.

"In Elishia-nim's opinion, how strong do you think we are?"

"What are you asking about? Individual strength? Or the strength of the group?"

"I'd like to ask on the premise of an all-out war."

Elishia, after thinking for a while, gave a cold answer. No matter how strong an individual's military power is, there would be no chance if we were to wage an all-out war against the heretics.

"The Saint-nim's military power is strong enough to secure victory against the Apostle of Diligence, or two apostles. Considering Hans-nim, even if he's not an apostle, he has about 70% of the skill of an apostle."

"..."

"Me, Hans-nim, the Saint-nim, and Tang-tang-nim. With the four of us, we can gain some advantage against the apostles of the heretics, but since that's not the only weapon they have, I can honestly say that there is no chance."

"...That's right. The Pope has four knights."

I had expected this kind of answer, but hearing it from an apostle's mouth made me a little dejected.

It meant that if an all-out war wasn't an option, we had to beat them separately.

"If we form an alliance with the empire, there is a chance of winning."

"Oh... that will reduce my work."

"If we use the Knight Commander and the elite forces, we won't be able to annihilate them, but we will be able to buy a lot of time for them to regroup. However..."

"However?"

"Looking at the current state of the empire, it seems impossible to gather their forces in one place..."

"...That's true."

Damn Crown Prince.

"Well then, for now."

I took a calm breath and said.

"We need to make a king first."

-Bang...!

"Damn bastards..."

The Crown Prince, slamming his fist on the desk as if to shatter it, was venting his anger. There was nothing he could do in this current situation where nothing seemed to be going right.

"How dare they... raise a hand against the Crown Prince of the Empire..."

The pack of wolves was beginning to show their teeth.

The wolves, who had wagged their tails when he possessed solid power, were now swarming him the moment a weakness appeared.

His own blood relatives were the biggest problem...

-Grip...

He had known for a long time that Shartia coveted the throne.

Though she outwardly pretended to have no interest in the throne, she did her utmost when it came to matters related to power.

Even a fool could tell.

That his younger sister was after his position.

Until now, he had thought he didn't need to keep her in check because her faction was less than an ant's.

Lowly birth.

Weak personality.

The younger sister who gave up power to protect what was hers was busy just protecting her own rice bowl.

But.

-We have captured the escapees from the Black Sanctuary.

The younger sister, who was expanding her influence, had at some point become the biggest obstacle, holding a knife to his throat, and he was on the verge of being cut by that knife.

Right, she had crossed the 'line'.

Originally, after he became king, he had planned to arrange a political marriage for her with a young noble, considering her competence, but her actions, which crossed the line, began to grate on his nerves.

Knowing full well that she would not be treated well if he became king.

So he had warned his younger sister.

-When I become emperor, I plan to exile all the royalty.

His insolent younger sister had ignored his proposal.

-Student Shartia of the Magic Department!! Defeating the Crown Prince of the Empire... no!! Student Leogard Tae-oh, advances to the semifinals!!

He had given her a chance.

A chance to stand on a line that would not collapse even if a fierce storm came.

-Grip...

But.

Things didn't go smoothly.

In his heart, he wanted to become emperor and bring down the hammer on those who coveted the throne, but his situation prevented him from even entertaining such a thought.

-Bang!!!

"I haven't even solved the situation in the west... and Shartia is expanding her power!!"

-Bang bang bang!!

"I also have to solve the problem with Ricardo and Yuria...!!"

-Bang!

Instead of progress, foolish things keep happening, making him more and more anxious.

The biggest worry was the 2nd Prince's participation in politics.

2nd Prince, Truller.

The scoundrel of a younger brother had failed to show any good points to their father, so he was pushed to the lowest priority in the line of succession.

But.

If he were to die in an unfortunate accident...

His father, who prioritized primogeniture, would surely pass the throne to the 2nd Prince Truller rather than to the somewhat intelligent Shartia.

-Bang...

"This one and that one... instead of consolidating power for their older brother... they're dispersing it..."

Tae-oh, who had slammed his fist on the desk, let out a deep sigh and suppressed his anger. Getting angry wouldn't change anything.

"When I become king, I'll pay you all back."

After all, he would be the one to become king.

First, he had to worry about Truller. What Truller might do...

"I need to strengthen the security."

He had no idea.

"Wolfgang."

Tae-oh, who was drinking in his private office, let out a long sigh and spoke to the bowing Wolfgang. He had given him his trust, but he had only received disappointment. He wondered what to do with this guy.

"What do you think about this current problem."

"..."

"From Shartia capturing all the escapees and gaining the favor of the nobles and our father."

"..."

"To the problem of the 2nd Prince participating in the succession war."

"..."

"Do you have any idea how to solve it?"

Wolfgang, who had clenched his fist at the Crown Prince's sharp words, muttered an excuse in a low voice.

"I apologize. I will do my best."

In the given situation, all he could say was that he would do his best.

"Best, you say... Do you have a plan in mind when you say that?"

"..."

"It's not a problem that can be spoken of so lightly..."

"..."

"Since you don't seem to know, shall I kindly tell you...?"

"N-no, sir."

"No... shut up and listen."

Tae-oh, who let out a deep breath, put a finger to his forehead and said.

"One. The absence of the ledger."

"..."

"I, who wrote names in the ledger trusting only your words, am now in a state of exposed weakness. I don't know who has the ledger, but what is certain is that we have lost a weapon that could threaten the position of the Crown Prince, no matter who has it."

"...It is currently under investigation. All witnesses related to the ledger have been dealt with..."

-Bang.

"So, the ledger."

As Tae-oh's cold gaze met Wolfgang's, Wolfgang, who had nothing to say, pressed his lips together firmly.

"I apologize."

Tae-oh continued to speak to the cornered Wolfgang.

"Two. The ruined authority in the west."

"..."

"Because the canal froze over, the influence of the west, which you boasted so much about, is now shared with Duke Velian."

"...I can rectify it. If you just give me a little more time..."

"Time?"

"Yes, if you give me time, I can solve this problem."

"Alright... how much do you need."

"If you just give me a month..."

"So it will be over by the time Shartia gains our father's trust and receives the title of Crown Princess?"

"...!!"

"Or are you planning to side with Truller after he assassinates me and gains the title of Crown Prince?"

"No, sir!! How could I possibly betray Your Highness...!!"

Tae-oh's breathing becomes ragged.

"Every minute, every second is precious... Right now, Shartia is desperately moving to find my weaknesses, and Truller is contemplating whether to choose assassination or intrigue..."

"...I will strengthen the security."

"...Wolfgang Louis."

Tae-oh grabbed Wolfgang's shoulder roughly and gave him a cold look.

"Do your best."

"..."

"We're already in the same boat."

"..."

"If I sink, you will sink too. No, I will make sure you sink."

Tae-oh was anxious.

Because cracks had begun to form in his once-solid position as Crown Prince.

His father, who had always only expected things of him, was now beginning to test him, and he had realized it when he was reprimanded in front of the nobles.

That at this rate, it would be dangerous.

Therefore, Tae-oh needed it.

Something to drive the final nail in.

"Think about it."

"..."

"The sight of you standing by my side after I become king."

"..."

"The future where the position of Desmunt becomes yours, and you can shed the title of Marquis and stand as a Duke."

"..."

"Imagine it in your head dozens, hundreds of times. And find a way to make it a reality."

The eyes of Wolfgang, who had lived only for power, began to burn.

Because the lifeline he could grasp was right in front of him.

"I will make you the best. For as much as you help me, I will repay you twofold."

"..."

"Don't just do your best, bet your life on it..."

As Tae-oh's sharp gaze was directed at Wolfgang, Wolfgang, who had bowed his head, took a breath and lowered his head.

"Understood."

Because for him, there were no other options left.

"A way..."

He just had to become a madman chasing power.

*

At the same time.

"Eek...?"

Olivia's eyes widened as she looked at the bundle of old paper.

"Daddy."

Darvav, with a pleased smile, stroked Olivia's head as he looked at her bewildered expression.

"Why do you call."

"What's this."

At Olivia's question, as she pointed to the paper with her finger, Darvav smiled contentedly and gave a hopeful answer. The paper before them was a notebook that could possibly be sold for the highest price in the Empire.

"Guess."

"Toilet paper."

"No."

"Trash."

"...It's a bomb."

"...A bomb?"

"That's right."

At the silly words, Olivia pouted and turned her head away from the notebook. A meteor was much stronger and more beautiful than a bomb.

"I like meteors better than bombs..."

"Where do you want to shoot it...?"

Olivia smiled as she pointed her finger at the tallest building in the Empire.

"There."

"...If it's there."

[Imperial Castle.]

"Oh..."

Darvav looked at Olivia with proud eyes. He didn't know who she took after to be so smart.

"I think it would be really cool if that went 'Bang!' and came crumbling down..."

"Indeed, this father also dreamed of dropping a meteor on the Imperial Castle when he was young.... Olivia takes after her father."

"Eeeeeek..."

"What's wrong."

Darvav approached with a frown at the sight of Olivia on the verge of tears.

"Eeeeeeeek..."

She must not cry.

He would rather pay double the taxes.

Olivia, on the verge of tears, said to Darvav.

"Does that mean Daddy has no dream...?"

"Huh..."

How could there be such a filial daughter who thought so much of her father?

"No."

Darvav looked at the Imperial Castle with a more serious expression than ever before.

"Daddy's dream is still the same."

"Eek...?!"

"One day."

"Oooooh...."

"I'm going to shoot it."

Darvav's dream was still in progress.

Darvav looked at the bomb that would fall on the Empire and said.

"Olivia."

"Ung."

"Look at the notebook and repeat after me."

"What?"

"Should I set it off, or not."

"Eek?"

"Should I set it off, or not."

"Should I set it off, or not...?"

The ledger that Wolfgang and the Crown Prince were desperately searching for was becoming Olivia's toy.

Without a care for the desperate hearts of those searching for it.

"Should I set it off, or not..."

Olivia was playing with her new toy.

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!! Set it off!!!"

Very amusingly.

"Eeeeeeeek... Should I not set it off..."

She was playing.