Regarding Vittorio's... being swayed by the counsel of the wicked, that matter was temporarily shelved.
The Holy Knights understood the situation as well.
They understood what fate awaited her own kin were she to reject the proposal.
It was for that very reason they agreed to withhold judgment on the correctness of her actions, and focus on the safety of the people as their primary objective in carrying out their duties.
However, the fact remained that Kree had strayed from the sacred teachings. It was precisely because they fervently believed in the Holy Faith that they could not emotionally process their own powerlessness and Kree's unilateral decision, leaving a certain kind of resentment.
A slight crack had begun to form in the bond that should have existed between Kree and the Holy Knights.
"This is... not good."
Within her private quarters prepared inside the old Southern Province Knight Order Headquarters, Kree was calmly analyzing the situation surrounding her.
But no matter how she calculated, no matter how thoroughly she reviewed the information, the position she—and the Saint Ritrain—found themselves in was dire.
(Holy Knights are uncooperative. They distrust me, this minor official...)
The Holy Knights surely had their own arguments. Since that incident, their attitude had undergone a major shift.
Of course, none of them possessed the childish spirit to air such grievances openly. The proof was that no one had come forward, misconstruing their current duties, to criticize or denounce Kree.
Even so, the rift between the two parties was gradually widening.
(I thought I made a rational decision to help the people, but that action was likely seen as a concession to the wicked. Forcing things through by wielding my rank, as I did before, is no longer possible.)
Kree had previously been able to wield strong authority and leadership for one reason alone: she was the proxy of Saint Ritrain in that diary.
If one were to forcefully add another, it would be the fear stemming from her role as Heretic Inquisitor.
But at this point, even that authority was crumbling to the ground.
Her position existed because of Ritrain's trust and instructions from the Central Church. With the Holy Knights distrusting her, those mechanisms no longer functioned properly.
To that extent, the dealings with the wicked cast a dark shadow over her standing.
(No, let's stop trying to smooth things over. I did indeed concede to those demonic beings. If I had let matters proceed as they were, Lady Nerim might have come to harm. I... when that eerie man listed the names of those precious to everyone, I truly did picture Lady Nerim's face.)
The ability of the diary held by Saint Litraine is incomparably powerful.
If one did not balk at sacrificing memories, it could make any miracle possible.
But its wielder, Nerim, was nothing more than a pitiful girl.
Unlike herself, she was a complete novice when it came to combat.
With the Holy Knights and accompanying soldiers barely keeping things together, she was an utterly exposed and easy target.
Kree was both a cleric and a warrior. She was a being who acted on the divine will, protecting all people.
But she was also, simultaneously, Litraine's friend. Nerim might have already forgotten that fact, but even so, Kree would never forget it.
And Kree was not the kind of person who could sacrifice a dear friend.
Not even if... it meant sacrificing everything else.
Kree would never abandon Nerim.
(O God... what should this humble one do?)
The prayer was repeated tens of thousands of times.
The holy verses were now so ingrained in her mind that it would be strange to get them wrong, and the number of sacred rites she had performed was impossible to count.
But... their situation, her and Nerim's, would never improve.
"O God... why do you not save us?"
Along with words that should never have been spoken, a clatter echoed in the room.
Kree reacted sharply, turning around in surprise.
After a moment, the source of the sound... the door at the entrance slowly opened, and Nerim, still wearing her usual anxious expression, peeked her face in.
"Um, ... Inquisitor Imreis."
"Oh, Nerim. How are you feeling?"
She offers a smile in an attempt to appear composed. Could that awkward laugh have possibly reached her?
The anxiety that she might have overheard the earlier words tightened around her chest, making her heart pound wildly.
She was now grateful for the miracle that was Ritrain’s relentless fading of memories. Eventually, this secret, too... would vanish from her mind.
However, judging from her tilting her head in wonder, such worry seemed unnecessary.
"...? I'm fine."
"I see. You seemed to be pushing yourself lately, so I was a little worried."
"Oh, really?"
As Ritrain toddled into the room, Kree gestured to a chair, then knelt to meet her gaze.
Those round, glass-like eyes looked back at Kree, and she felt as if she might be drawn into their utterly clear depths.
Then, slowly, Kree confided his thoughts to her.
"Your ability... is a precious gift bestowed by the gods. Its power heals people, restores faith, and is a formidable force against evil. But in exchange, your memories are required."
Even if those memories might soon be lost...
"I do not wish for you to bear any more burdens..."
"But Father always said that good deeds are always rewarded."
Senior Knight Verdel.
The memory of her father perpetually ran through her mind.
Sacrificing every other memory, the recollection of her father remained, shaping who she was.
Every time Kree heard those words, he felt as if his heart might tear apart.
Because... her father was...
"Um... I promised my father we'd live together again. So I have to work really, really hard to make that happen soon. I need to do so many good deeds."
There was a truth I had turned a blind eye to.
While providing support for the people in the city of Amrita, Kree was conducting an investigation.
The facts uncovered within it... if she added a prefatory "perhaps," there might be some hope, but in reality, the tragedy sat before her as a result that was utterly despairing.
In other words...
"But you see. No matter how hard you try, it's already hopeless, isn't it?"
"Wha—"
A voice suddenly rose from the corner of the room.
Kree hastily embraced Nerim and used her inhuman leg strength to create distance.
He had been there the entire time. As always, he wore a dishonest, grinning smirk, and with his hand on his chin as if pondering something, he directed an unreserved gaze this way.
"Nerim, step behind me. Demon Vittorio, what is your intent? We recently agreed to non-interference. Do you intend to break that vow so soon?"
"No, no, this is merely within the realm of conversation! It won't affect the game we're currently engaged in!"
"What nonsense. You think I'd accept such wordplay? What does the Acting Pope say about this?"
"Well, I kept it from Yonayona. Because if I told her, she'd thump me..."
"That is excellent. I propose she is the one who should rightfully become the official Pope."
"Heh heh. Old me agrees."
It seemed the Acting Pope, the young girl Yonayona, was not present.
If his words were to be believed, he had come here on his own initiative. Given the young girl's honest nature, that was probably the truth.
That, in turn, meant there was no stopper before the man in front of her—proof that this villainous individual was free to act entirely as he pleased.
"So, you desire my mythical sword skills?"
With a flick, her gaze shifted slightly away.
In his private quarters, he had let his guard down, leaving his equipment right where it was. Drawing his sword had been a bold declaration, but as for whether he could actually outmaneuver the man standing before him and succeed—that was another matter entirely, leaving him at a loss for words.
But Kree had no choice. He had sworn that he would not hesitate to make any sacrifice to protect the trembling girl at his back.
Yet, could it be said it was happening again, or should one say, as expected?
"Oh, no, no! There is no need for that! I have come today to make a proposal, you see!"
The man before him was once again seeking negotiation through words. Specifically, a proposal. An evil temptation. Forbidden words meant to lure one towards ruin.
"A proposal? Again? What on earth are you—"
Before he could finish, the words were woven.
Both Kree and Ritrain, standing behind him, stared in shock at their content.
"Interrogator Imreis, why not take that poor young lady and defect to my camp?"
Utterly unforeseen, those words drew a gaze of intense fury from Kree towards Vittorio.