27. I’m going to be killed!
Due to the conclusive evidence, combined with the archbishop’s initial arrogance and subsequent events, his words and actions indeed contradicted each other. Ikusis’s words were basically not doubted and had already become a fact.
The archbishop himself was directly taken away for isolation and house arrest, and his followers were either captured or fled, showing no decent struggle for their master’s plight. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; this is a consistent trope in the script. After all, as the Holy Maiden, Ikusis was indeed being used, but perhaps it was precisely because she was exploited to the limit, amplifying her prophetic abilities, that the “faith” she received was undoubtedly real. A single word from Ikusis could indeed determine that archbishop’s future, even his life or death. Unfortunately, the shortsighted villain would never understand this.
The subsequent developments were quite simple: the queen did not choose to continue discussing whether to revoke the wanted order for Euclid during this sensitive time. Instead, adhering to the principle that “the BOSS should deliver the final blow, leaving no survivors if possible, ” she began to discuss how to deal with the archbishop with the others.
As for my matter, it was temporarily set aside, but this time I wasn’t worried. The opposing villain had already been taken care of, and as long as further discussions took place, clearing my name was a sure thing.
What I was concerned about was something else…
After that, the second round of the summit of nations had concluded. The archbishop and his lackeys’ defeat left Ikusis with nowhere to go, and she temporarily stayed at the residence arranged by the queen. A few days later, I was pushed by the queen to meet Ikusis for a “report.”
At this moment, inside the room.
“Your Highness the Holy Maiden, I am here to report on the handling of the archbishop.”
As I expected, Ikusis’s “cunning” was entirely used for self-preservation and enjoyment. After cleverly “eliminating” the archbishop that day, she returned to her lazy, foolish state, using the excuse of staying in the Great Yng Empire to ask the maids here for a plethora of food, drink, and entertainment.
After all, it was the Holy Maiden’s golden words; who would dare not listen? As a result, she really did enjoy it.
I struggled to navigate through the pile of snacks, watching Ikusis jump out of bed as if she had seen a ghost upon seeing me!
【Ikusis is very afraid of Euclid!】
“Gah…”
Letting out a strange cry, Ikusis hastily backed away, twisting her hips in panic. Anyone who didn’t know would think I was a pervert here to harass her.
Ignoring Ikusis’s exaggerated reaction, I at least needed to get the script out.
“The archbishop who took advantage of you is currently undergoing procedural investigation. Since it seems you don’t quite understand how the investigation works, all these processes will be handled by our Great Yng Empire, and we will inform you when the results are out .”
“After the results are announced, the Great Yng Empire will also release the news. In simple terms, with your popularity as the Holy Maiden, once you return to the church, it will truly belong to you.”
Of course, this is just an ideal situation. How could our dear Queen Louie IV possibly let such a good opportunity slip by? But that part isn’t something I need to worry about; I’m just a tool for the queen’s endorsement.
As for my endorsement, Ikusis… didn’t hear a word of it, because at this moment, she was nervously hugging her chest, staring at me with a wary expression. This tense attitude, combined with the script appearing before my eyes, made I understand why Ikusis was like this.
“W-why is it you!? Why are you… that, O-Ogierd!?”
【Ikusis has predicted Ogierd’s identity.】
I see, she realized I was that “heinous” charlatan. Given my previous actions towards her, this fool finally got scared.
“Looks like your ‘prophetic’ ability isn’t so useless after all. Is it really that surprising that I’m Ogierd?”
“Gah… then, why…”
I glanced at Ikusis: “If you’re asking why I ignored those slanders before but now want to clear my name, I can only say ‘no comment.'”
Ikusis’s face immediately turned sorrowful: “Wah, you really can ‘predict’ things too. I want to go home, I want to return to the church!”
“What are you afraid of, Your Holiness? While I’m not a good person, I’ve never done anything bad~ Are you finally realized that your previous attitude towards me was too harsh, and now you’re scared? Hahaha~ I’m not that vengeful, don’t worry. I completely didn’t take to heart the kick you gave me before you ran away that day, hahaha~”
Now Ikusis’s body started to tremble.
“Gah… I let you have fun once, can you let me go!?”
Forget it, it’s illegal to mess with a fool, and hurry up and shut up. If Kephiel hears this, I’ll be in for a rough night of punishment.
“The truth is, you can’t go back yet. The previous summit was used to resolve the archbishop’s matter; the real discussions haven’t even started. Even if you’re a lazybones, you’ll still have to represent the church at the third meeting. By then, I shouldn’t have to teach you how to address my wanted status, right?”
“Wah… how can there be a third time…”
At this point, I could see that while Ikusis was very afraid of me, what she feared even more… seemed to be attending the summit of various nations!? It wouldn’t be right to say she’s just a lazybones; after all, this fool does have some sense when it’s time to get moving. So what exactly…
【What is Ikusis afraid of.】
The script appeared, and I noticed something was off.
“Ikusis, what are you afraid of?”
“N-no, it’s nothing…”
As expected, the moment I spoke, this fool’s face contorted into a mess of expressions, finally settling on one that could barely be considered “fear,” lacking any trace of a saintly demeanor.
“I just really don’t want to go out. It would be best if I could just hurry and slip away, hey… hey hey, I let you have fun once, can you just take me back to the church?”
“Speak quickly! Or I’ll make you enjoy it every day!”
“Wah wah! I’ll say it!”
Ikusis shrank her shoulders and mentioned some names I was familiar with.
“Claudilus, the Land of No Return…”
“Master, the master is back… I’m going to be killed…”
Then, as if her mouth had been sealed, no matter how I threatened, she refused to say another word.
The girl Claudilus, who came representing the Land of No Return, looked somewhat gloomy and dangerous. I already had many suspicions about her, and now my internal alarm bells were ringing loudly.
Ikusis knows her? But how could a distinguished saintess of the church have any connections with someone who exudes “danger,” like a witch?
—
Moreover…
The title “Master” has always felt incredibly familiar to me.
——
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