## Chapter 582 – Nice to Meet You, Friend

“Paladin. You’ve really suffered a lot. I didn’t expect things to unfold this way, but it’s finally coming to an end.”
“Heh heh heh, you can say that again.”

In fact, this whole thing started when Elise came to investigate the human trafficking case in the Misty Plains. What began as a simple investigation eventually concluded perfectly.

This was a great achievement for both Elise and me.

“The heretics were manufacturing Abominations. I will also report this matter to the Order. By searching through literature and records, we might find information about those who conducted human experiments in the past. If we find that, we might be able to uncover their identity and purpose.”

Whatever it was, the heretics were creating wicked artificial constructs.

It didn’t seem like this was the first time something like this had happened.

If it had happened before, the Church would likely have records of it. Comparing them might reveal their identity, as Elise said.

“Yeah, I hope so. I don’t really want to think about any more victims being created.”

The sky above Isvant was exceptionally clear. Although snow was piled on the roofs, this winter hadn’t seen extremely heavy snowfall.

But even under this clear sky, terrible things that I didn’t even want to imagine were always happening.

Even if there is a god in the world, people live the same everywhere.

“In fact, even at this very moment, the heretics are probably moving.”
“…That’s right.”

Elise replied with a troubled expression.

“People without power are simply exposed to evil violence and can only suffer endlessly. No matter how large the Church is or how strong the lords’ armies are, they can’t defend this vast world entirely.”

That was true.

How much of a loser was I when I didn’t have any power? When I was F-rank, I couldn’t do anything even when those bastards stole my daily wages. In other words, I was one of the people oppressed by the heretics.

“All we can do is try our best.”
“Elise.”

The Abomination incident was shocking enough to make Elise feel depressed. I grabbed Elise’s shoulder and said,

Because I didn’t want to see Elise looking depressed.

“That trying our best is the very meaning of our lives.”
“…The meaning of our lives, you say.”
“Yeah. That’s all that matters. I’m a Paladin now, so I know it well. You can’t do anything alone. But if people like us who are trying our best come together, meaningful results will eventually come out.”

Believing that, I would just walk the path of Fusion Confucianism.

“Grow stronger. Move forward like that.”
“…Heh heh. You’re right.”

Elise nodded.
Her face looked considerably lighter.

“Just keep moving forward. There’s nothing to doubt. It was a terrible thing. But it’s something that always happens, and we’ll always try to stop it. If we do that, we’ll eventually achieve our goals someday.”
“That’s right. We’re bound to win in the end. Take it easy.”

Justice always prevails. Those who stand on the side of justice must never doubt that.

“Above all, we are!!!”
“Divine Friends!!!”
“I will safeguard justice from the Brass Celestial Knights!”
“I will do the same!”

Well, if I go to the capital and start tackling the Saintess Kadia’s directives in earnest, I’ll be able to uncover various things. My strength will also increase.

If I meet Elise later, we can share those things and cooperate, making it easier to defeat those guys.

“It’s a shame that you’ve come under the protection of the Brass Celestial Knights, Paladin, but ultimately, nothing changes.”

Elise said with a smile.
Seeing that face reminds me of that scary face she made back then.

“Heh heh heh, I didn’t convert. I only believe in the national god Hwanung.”
“Heh heh, is that so.”

Anyway, now I have to send Elise off and return to the Church. Since Elise will be staying here until the official notice comes out, there’s no need to say goodbye in a hurry.

“Then go inside and rest. I think I need to talk to the Saintess for a bit. I’ll bring you the official notice when it comes out.”
“Thank you. Then I’ll be waiting.”
“Heh heh heh, do that. Ah, but I kind of want to go out and play too, but I think I’ll be busy starting tomorrow.”

For the time being, I probably won’t be able to leave the house. Even if I do, it’ll only be to see Liztina.

“Busy work, you say?”

Elise asked, looking puzzled.

“If something new has come up, I’ll join you.”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just that I’ve been away on a business trip, so I think I should stay home for a while. My wives have been complaining a lot about me going out too much lately.”
“Ah…”

Elise opened her mouth and blushed.

“Your wives… You need to spend time with Claudie and Winia…”
“Heh heh heh, yeah. I’m a married man, after all.”

In fact, I was scared to death of what Karin would say. Being later than expected was too critical. Risha must have been very disappointed too.

“…Aren’t you having a hard time with just the two of them?”

Suddenly, Elise asked that in a cautious tone.

I know it’s a bit unusual.

But it’s not particularly difficult, and five wouldn’t be a problem.

“It’s not hard. But it’s not two.”
“Yes?”
“Heh heh heh, actually, it’s five.”
“…?”

Elise looked puzzled.

My wives had already increased from two to five.

It’s hard for even me to believe. It’s only natural that Elise is surprised.

“Paladin?”

But there was nothing I couldn’t tell my Divine Friend.

“Um, why?”
“Five… What are you talking about?”
“I have five wives now. Somehow, three more have been added. Well, that’s the dignity of a Paladin.”

Instantly, Elise’s expression changed.

“…”

Suddenly, Elise, with wide eyes, contracted pupils, and began to stare at my face intently. For some reason, it felt like a dark shadow was cast on her face.

Wh-what?

“Elise…?”

This was the same expression Elise had when she misunderstood after seeing my Brass Celestial Knight battle priest armor last time. Seized by momentary fear, I could only stand there and stare at Elise.

“Paladin.”
“Uh, uh?”

Elise called my name coldly.

“You said five.”
“Uh… I just did. What, why…?”

Somehow, it felt like sweat was pouring out of my back.

Has Elise gotten a lot stronger lately? Her mere presence was enough to overwhelm me, a warrior who had been honed to an extremely sharp edge.

What on earth is this…!

“…”

Elise, who had closed her mouth again, stared at me with that ominous face.

Don’t look at me with those eyes!!!!

I couldn’t bear Elise’s gaze! I must have done something wrong, but could polygamy be against the teachings of the Light Cross Order!

“You are truly righteous and faithful, Paladin, but.”

What?

“You seem to be excessively fond of women.”
“D-does it come across like that?”

Certainly, if I had five wives, as Elise said, it could only be described as being fond of women.

There’s no room for excuses.

“Paladin.”
“E-Elise?”

Widened eyes. Contracted pupils. The light disappearing from her eyes, and shadows cast on her face.

ㅡThud.

Elise, who had taken a step towards me, still looking up at me with that terrifyingly changed gaze, said in an extremely cold tone.

“It is perfectly natural and normal for a person to desire the opposite sex. But if it is excessive.”
“Ex-excessive?”
“It seems natural that problems will arise as well.”
“Ah.”

A lecture…!

Elise is giving me a lecture because she’s worried about me!
There’s nothing more fatal than women problems!

“Of course, I don’t think you would cause such problems. If you are truly faithful like you, it is only natural that women are drawn to you.”

I maintained a standing-at-attention posture and listened to Elise’s words, who kept trying to bring her face closer to mine. Her attitude was scary, but I was grateful that she thought of me that way.

“Still.”
“Heok…!”

Finally, Elise, who was even standing on tiptoe, grabbed my neck, pulled me towards her, and said in an extremely cold tone.

“Wouldn’t it be better to restrain yourself a little?”

…Her breath was within reach, but I couldn’t feel any warmth at all.

“…”

Elise, who had been looking at me like that for a while, let go of my hand and released me.

Then, she straightened her clothes and turned around.

“Paladin. I will be going back now. Thank you so much for everything this time. If the official notice comes out, I will see you again then. I hope you get plenty of rest and recover your strength after all your hard work.”
“Uh…”
“Then I will be going back now.”

With those words, Elise began to walk towards the opposite side of the church.

I could only watch Elise’s receding figure.

“What on earth is this…!”

Elise is too scary…!

ㅡThump thump.

My heart was beating quite fast. I slowly took a deep breath and tried to calm my startled heart. Yes, Elise is a devout religious person. Strictly speaking, falling into lust is no different from corruption.

She must have been worried about that, so she spoke to me in such a scary manner.

After all, we were true Divine Friends.

“Leheeeng…”

Anyway, I calmed my mind and went back into the church.

I’ll give it to Elise when the official notice comes out next time.

As soon as I entered the chapel, Bakarel and our scouts were sharing documents and talking with Saintess Kadia.

“The Paladin has arrived. Captain Bakarel. Properly organize the details of this matter and convey them to the parishioners.”
“Understood! I will convey it accurately to everyone.”

Captain Bakarel, who answered energetically, led the scouts and approached me, standing at the door.

They smiled and waved at me.

“You’ve really worked hard, Paladin!”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Thank you for your efforts.”

I greeted them briefly.

“Heh heh heh, you all have really worked hard too.”

Soon, everyone went outside, and the chapel door closed.

Saintess Kadia, sitting in a chair, turned to me and beckoned with her finger.

“Paladin. Come over here.”
“Yes.”

The chapel, like any other church, had long wooden chairs lined up on the left and right, with a central aisle covered in red carpet as the starting point.

Saintess Kadia was sitting in the chair at the very back, leaning back.

Should I sit next to her? That would be a bit funny.

“Are you planning to stand?”
“Yes? No. I’m wondering where to sit.”
“You can sit next to me.”
“Next to you?”
“You’ve accomplished a great task, so I should give you that much of a reward.”
“Heh heh heh, you really like that kind of thing.”

If she tells me to sit next to her, I have to sit.

ㅡSlide.

Saintess Kadia moved her hips and shifted to the side to make room. I sat there. Sitting next to the Saintess, this could really be called a reward.

“…After all, it was inevitable that I, the Saintess, would come to Isvant.”

Saintess Kadia, sitting next to me, turned her head towards me and said.

“Perhaps because it’s far from the capital, heretics are actively operating here. Of course, it’s not that such things haven’t happened near the capital. But they were just small fry.”
“Small fry, you say?”
“Plague God, Nameless Demon, Anti-Manaists. Arkel School, New World Peace Federation.”

The Saintess listed various names in a calm tone. Judging from the context, they seemed to be the names of heretics, cults, or anti-government organizations.

“Are those guys heretics too?”
“They’re similar. Besides worshiping evil gods, demon lords, or demons, groups that teach and practice absurd, preposterous, and evil things have always been targets for extermination by the Order.”

Roughly speaking, those who confuse the world can be lumped together as heretics.

“Their power was not that great. The Church’s forces alone could investigate and annihilate them. It was easy to respond because it was near the capital. But judging from this incident, it doesn’t seem like it will end that easily.”

I think the same thing.
This place is the frontier.

“I think so too. The guys who maintained that crazy facility can’t be ordinary. They must be colluding with wealthy guys, whether nobles or merchants. That’s how much capital is needed.”
“You know it well.”

The Saintess nodded.

“As expected of my direct Paladin. Yes, I also suspect that.”