Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level? - [Vol. 5] Chapter 290

[Vol. 5] Chapter 290: A Hero’s Twilight

The smile on the old man’s face gradually faded. After a moment of silence, he spoke softly.

“Miss Dawn suggests that the prosperity of my Holy Empire is merely an illusion, concealing a danger that could topple it overnight. May I ask, where exactly is this flaw?”

“You’re asking a question you already know the answer to…”

With a sigh, the white fox girl raised her slender hand, pointing directly at the massive statue behind the Pope. This statue, though similar in design to every other statue of the Goddess of Light that Violet had seen, stood distinct and towering at a hundred meters tall.

She was blunt.

“It’s right here.”

Without waiting for August’s response, Violet continued.

“The Holy Empire is a nation whose foundation is religion, nearly everything here is intricately tied to the Goddess Church and to the Goddess of Light, Aurora.”

“Your wealth comes from your temples and followers across the world, receiving offerings from all directions. Your military strength is due to the exclusive use of [faith-based magic] by the Goddess Church, and the unity, order, and friendliness stem from the goddess’s will as conveyed in your teachings.”

“Of course, I don’t find any issue with this. In fact, I’d say it represents one of the finest models a religious nation can embody. If sustained, it could benefit both the Holy Empire and the world as a whole.”

Here, the white fox girl paused, her words carrying a subtle hint.

“But what if, one day… the Goddess Church and Her blessings were to vanish?”

August’s aged face remained expressionless.

“Miss Dawn, why speculate about such an unfounded future? What makes you believe the Goddess would disappear?”

However, Violet smiled.

“Old Pope, what makes you so sure the ‘Goddess’ won’t disappear?”

Once again, silence fell, and the Grand Church of Light was immersed in a long quiet.

It wasn’t until the old man sighed softly that he finally spoke again.

“It seems… Miss Dawn has more information than I expected. Was it the [Divine Fox] who told you? Is the turmoil in our country also her will?”

“[Divine Fox]?”

Oh… that’s right.

Unlike ordinary people, August Lambert, as the patriarch of one of the three divine families and the Pope of the Holy Empire, would have access to information channels. It wouldn’t be too difficult for him to uncover deeper details, like the legend of the [Fox Spirit Shrine Maiden] or how Dawn’s appearance is strikingly similar to hers.

Since the diviners and others in the Spirit Veil Merchant Guild firmly believe that “Miss Dawn is the [Fox Spirit Shrine Maiden],” it stands to reason that August might also arrive at the same conclusion.

And the most elusive and closely related being to the [Fox Spirit Shrine Maiden] would, of course, be the mysterious [Divine Fox].

But…

“Unfortunately, I haven’t received any divine will. No God has the right to give me orders. The reason I am doing these things is simply because I want to… It’s just that simple.”

The white fox girl tilted her head playfully.

“Does this answer disappoint His Highness the Pope?”

“Want to…?”

Muttering to himself, a sense of relief gradually appeared in August’s aging but clear eyes.

“Frankly, this is not the answer the old man wanted to hear, but perhaps it is the most fitting one.”

He then stepped aside, clearing the way behind him.

“Well then, the truth you wish to seek and explore lies below, but it is not without danger… Miss Dawn, I wish you luck.”

Following August’s gaze, Violet took a few steps forward, her eyes landing on the base of the Faceless Goddess statue.

At some point, a silver teleportation array, one that felt familiar yet more intricate and mysterious than any Violet had seen so far in this world, had appeared there.

She turned to look at the old pope, now standing beside her.

“Not safe, huh? Well, just so you know, I can’t guarantee what will happen next.”

With a look as though he had let go of something, August’s expression became more relaxed and casual. He shrugged and smiled irresponsibly.

“I only hope, Miss Dawn, that you are careful not to blow up my holy grounds.”

“Ha…”

With a helpless sigh, the white fox girl circled the podium and stepped into the teleportation array.

Silver light swirled around her, slowly enveloping her body.

Just before the teleportation activated, with her back to the silently standing pope, Violet suddenly spoke again.

“By the way, are you really going to let Yuna act freely like this? Isn’t she messing up your plans?”

“……”

The other party did not respond.

“You actually support her actions, don’t you? It must be a challenging position to be in, August Lambert. On the one hand, you desire to rectify past mistakes, while on the other, you are obligated to fulfill your duties as both the patriarch of your family and the Pope.”

“Swish.”

With a flash of silver light, the only figure left in the Holy Church was the elderly man standing with a cane.

Looking up at the faintly divine figure of the Supreme Goddess of Light Statue, the old pope finally, alone, revealed a bitter smile.

“…Such frightening sharpness.”

“Heh… After all, I’m not some ancient, immortal monster. As both a descendant of the god and a believer, it’s only natural to have some criticisms after learning the truth behind the decisions of our predecessors. Ah…”

The old pope tapped his waist and shook his head helplessly.

“I’m getting old. Looks like after all this ends, it might be time for me to retire.”

…………………………

Fulan Province.

The setting sun was like blood.

“Praise the Goddess!”

The golden-haired Holy Knight, swung her sword to decapitate the last demon. She looked around, raising her holy sword high as sacred light shot toward the sky, illuminating the twilight of the nearly dusk-filled evening.

“Whoo~~~ Whoo~~~”

After months of changing hands, the golden flag of the Holy Empire once again fluttered in the air above the gateway of this strategic military location in the Fulan Province, a crucial position for the entire nation.

The people, who had long suffered under the torment of demons, cheered and ran through the streets of the city, spreading the news and celebrating the victorious moment when the divine light once again shone upon their homeland.

Although the two major provinces in the east were still under the control of the demons, and the remnants of the enemy’s forces had retreated to regroup for another battle, there was no doubt that this victory, following nearly three months of brutal fighting, had injected a powerful boost of morale into the people and military of the Holy Empire, who had been in an unprecedented low.

“Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom……!”

The victory drums and bell chimes echoed through the blood-soaked city.

In this moment, nearly everyone sincerely believed that the great Holy Empire would, just as it had in history, achieve the final victory in the Fourth Demon War, repelling the foreign invaders.

Because the Goddess was protecting them.

However, there was one exception.

“Her Highness Yuna.”

In a secluded corner of the battlefield, the gray-clad swordsman who had just descended from the sky swiftly folded his metal wings and handed over two sealed boxes, clearly made from special magic crystals, to the blonde-haired young woman.

Yuna Summerfield, who had unknowingly arrived at this location, nodded, but without opening the boxes, she directly stored them in her inventory tool.

“Thank you for your hard work. You arrived faster than I expected. This is good. The Spirit Veil Merchant Guild’s efficiency remains impressive.”

Mr. Dead Soul, with neither arrogance nor humility, nodded in response. He then turned to observe his surroundings, listening to the cheers and the sounds of bells and drums in the distance.

“Her Highness Yuna fought on the front lines, while, by comparison, we were only out gathering a few things. Our actions are hardly worth mentioning. Besides, the quick acquisition of the [Bewitching Orb] was made possible with the help of Miss Dawn.”

After a brief pause, Mr. Dead Soul continued.

“Also, Miss Dawn has a message she would like me to pass on to you.”