SWNOVELXO Chapter 391
“Shione Shianella, and the Deputy Commander of the Special Mission Team. What are your thoughts on the Church that is widespread across the continent?”
Finally, the discussion regarding the Church took center stage.
But it seemed Ainel felt something was lacking and added more words.
“No. I’ll rephrase my question. Do both of you hold a sincere faith in the Church?”
Divine Power is indeed an extraordinary force, but if you’re asking me whether I possess any faith, I could only shake my head in response.
‘Honestly, I’m not even from this world. The Count’s House only sees the Church as a partner. No need to think of it as something to display faith toward.’
Not only is that my original belief, but the Count’s House certainly isn’t a family that blindly worships or praises the Church. Moreover, the Church isn’t a group that throws heavy hammers at people lacking faith.
Even if divine beings exist and spread their influence, I have not awakened the Church’s Divine Power, so there’s no need for me to be deeply infatuated with it.
I subtly conveyed my thoughts to Ainel.
“The Church’s Divine Power excels at dispelling demonic energy; highly skilled priests love it. But if you ask me whether I worship and revere the divine, I would like to say no.”
“Can you share your reasons?”
Reasons are pretty straightforward.
“The miracles that the Church claims are said to be within the realm of the Heavenly Gods, but I don’t think so.”
“Continue.”
“If miracles exist, I could say that my very existence embodies an illogical miracle. And wouldn’t you agree, Princess Shione, that you’ve created miracles without the need for Divine Power or divine care?”
“It seems you’re quite confident in your beliefs, Baron.”
“…If you do hold any faith in the Church, I apologize.”
“Don’t worry. In fact, I prefer your statements over those of priests who blindly rely on the divine for miracles.”
Just as I said, Ainel seemed to find it quite agreeable, lifting the corners of her mouth as she mulled over the words.
Then, she shifted her gaze to Shione and asked, “Shione, what do you think?”
“I feel the same, Mother. There was a time I prayed for divine help, but the salvation I sought never came to me.”
“…I see.”
At Shione’s words, Ainel’s expression immediately darkened.
“Oh, that’s not something to say to Mother! I meant, it’s just how it was…”
“No, that’s something to repent for, not just as a Head of the Family but as your mother. I hope to have time later to discuss this.”
After dropping another bombshell, the mood quickly shifted to something less tense.
“Well then, it seems we can start our discussion. Let’s both read this deciphered document together. Since I wasn’t able to prepare two copies yet, I hope you’ll overlook that.”
Finally, Shione and I could read the deciphered text together.
At first, I was cautious and awkward as I read, keeping an eye on Ainel, when Shione asked, “Ray, can we turn the page?”
“I’ve just finished my part. I’ll adjust to your pace, so read comfortably.”
“Thank you. Then I’ll flip the page.”
Ultimately captivated by the story, we leaned against each other and quickly rolled our eyes across the text.
‘…This is quite immersive.’
Was the author of this work particularly skilled at writing?
I found myself wrapped up in the smooth flow of the text, engrossed in two compelling tales from this deciphered document.
‘It’s clear the World Tree warned them for a reason.’
In this book, the angels of the Church were merely foreign entities influencing the people’s favor over the continent, governing in ways different from demons. Instead of the current image of benevolence, it was written that they did not tolerate injustices yet operated through trades and contracts to expand their reputation and influence, and even ruthlessly cast people aside at times.
‘If the Church sees this, they’d be foaming at the mouth!’
If this book were to be spread around, the Holy Kingdom would surely claim us as heretics.
It certainly wouldn’t be a stretch to think someone with a strong faith in the Church would have a fit right here.
And as for the second story—
‘The tale of the first Head of the Family and the Guide.’
Strangely, it echoed our own experiences.
The story of the first Head of the Family, a woman, and the mysterious guide who led her was undeniably compelling for us.
Especially for me.
‘What their actions mirror mine precisely.’
I couldn’t help but focus on the tale of the man called the Guide.
He’d walked a path almost identical to mine, even mentioned as someone blessed by another god in this ancient text.
‘The Grand Elder of the Great Forest had mentioned this too.’
Flote had once stated that his friend’s fate resembled mine to such a degree that he could refer to himself by my name.
‘Could this person be…?’
At this point, it’s reasonable to wonder.
Could it be someone who, like me, had once died and then came to this world?
And then, finally, Ainel, who had been quietly observing us, spoke up.
“Given your reactions, I take it you now understand why I called you both.”
“Mother, why is it that the story of this ancestor and the Guide…?”
“It’s only natural to be surprised. The tale of the Guide hasn’t reached our Count’s House, and there has never been any mention of the first Head of the Family receiving divine blessing. The things that haven’t been passed down are strikingly similar to you and the Baron.”
Ainel stood up once more and fetched another piece of paper.
“And this is an ancient document obtained by the Special Mission Team during this operation. It contains the deciphered portions from within. This book primarily focuses on prophecies.”
“May I read it?”
“Of course. Take your time.”
The paper was densely filled with another set of concepts.
“The power bestowed by the gods is referred to as the Morning Star, and it is said that our Count’s House opposed demons through that power. If this is true, we might finally uncover the source of the immense power possessed by the Count’s House.”
The very first mention concerned Shione’s ascendance as a master and the Morning Star.
“Moreover, it was said that the deity will leave arrangements in the Demonic Realm to prevent the Morning Star from being too weakened in battle against demons in a far future. And when the time comes, the Guide will reappear to rescue us.”
Just like the World Tree informed us of fine weapons hidden within the Demonic Realm.
Once more the treasures of the Demonic Realm are mentioned, as well as the Guide.
“While the ancient document may hold falsehoods, making an effort to pursue its legacy ought to be right. With demons emerging from everywhere, we’re on the brink of war.”
“…That’s true. A powerful demon has also appeared in the Marquis House, so the Count’s House must be prepared too—”
With renewed vigor, Shione responded, but—
“However, the one to inherit mustn’t be me.”
“…Mother?”
Her voice quickly turned bewildered.
“Shione, it seems right for you to inherit this.”
“Me…?”
“Yes, only you have met the Guide. And you’ve been told by me that you witnessed the Morning Star, something I could never see during my ascension.”
Now Ainel was also gazing at me intently.
“Furthermore, it’s said that the inheritance of the Morning Star can only be guided by the Guide. The Guide alone can spread the miracles as an envoy of the gods. And I have no doubt that the Guide is none other than the Baron.”
Shione echoed Ainel’s sentiments.
Or rather, expressing the truth that she already understood everything her mother had stated.
‘So that’s the reason I was called here.’
I’m the only one fitting the concept of the Guide, and since Shione has a history of inheriting the powers of the first Head of the Family, there’s a reasonable chance the arrangements exist.
If Shione’s inheritance is essential to determining how the Special Mission Team will operate in the Demonic Realm, then someone as vital to her judgment as I must be privy to these discussions.
Of course, even if I remained silent, I would be leading Shione in due course, and Ainel most likely recognizes that to some extent. However, perhaps discussing such deep matters implies a level of trust towards me.
“So allow me to ask, Baron. If you truly are the Guide, could you please continue to lead Princess Shione and the Count’s House?”
My answer to Ainel’s question was already determined.
“The weight of leading the Count’s House is far beyond what an ordinary Baron like myself can bear.”
“……”
“But I can promise to uphold my role, just as I always have, keeping close to Princess Shione and advancing together.”
At my words, Ainel smiled gently.
Shione, who had hung her head at what I said, and Ainel, who quietly regarded her daughter, both reflected that emotion wonderfully.
With a slight shake of her head, Ainel murmured softly,
“The price of help is Shione, then? I didn’t think you’d ask my daughter so boldly in front of me, Baron.”
“…Huh?”
“After all, Shione’s marriage age has long since passed. Siabel teased her about it… Honestly, even I doubt Shione would ever consider marrying someone else aside from the Baron. You rescued her from peril, received direct lands, and you’re quite an impressive gentleman; where would one find someone as promising as you?”
“Mother, what are you talking about…! And what on earth does my sister have to do with—”
“Shione, I know I’ve done a mountain of wrongs to you, but I still can’t imagine letting you live like Diolia as a leftover. Moreover, the Baron has a history of risking his life to save you.”
“W-well, that’s not entirely incorrect…”
In the blink of an eye, Ainel shifted the atmosphere to a jovial one, facing the bewildered Shione, then cleared her throat.
“Ahem, anyway, Baron, I’d like you to at least consider this.”
Wiping the smile away, Ainel regained her serious demeanor.
“Thus, I plan to align all the Special Mission Team’s tasks with you, Baron.”
“…You mean me?”
“The intent of the Count’s House and the Royal Family is to uncover forgotten matters, while the prophecies emphasize the importance of the Guide becoming self-aware and wielding their full power—just like the Special Mission Team’s quest to explore forgotten temples. Isn’t there a connection?”
She quickly commanded the atmosphere in the library.
“Pardon my intrusion, Baron, but have you felt something during the previous expedition at the temple?”
As Ainel and I exchanged questions and responses, I set my judgment to gradually reveal more of myself aligned with the concept of the Guide.
Indeed, Ainel began to see me less as a Baron or Deputy Commander and increasingly as the Guide. In the end, she even promised me greater support and respect.
When the conversation approached its finale, Ainel said—
“…Baron, I suppose you’re without a matchmaker. Please remember that this option is open for you.”
It seemed she was resolved to be my mother-in-law.
“The Count’s House holds your abilities and trust in high regard.”
A rather enthusiastic statement.
Indeed, Shione’s face flushed bright red, and she could not look up for some time due to her embarrassment.