The evil jester's inescapable invitation continues.
What sort of game could his proposed amusement possibly entail?
As it instills both a deep revulsion and a sliver of curiosity in those present, the contents begin to be revealed.
"The rules of the game are simple. A contest of proselytization within this city. Let us settle which god is the greater."
The first emotion felt by everyone, Kree included, was confusion.
They had expected something far more sinister and vile to be proposed, yet the suggestion was surprisingly reasonable.
Of course, only the barest outline of the so-called game had been revealed so far. Given the other party's prior conduct, it was inconceivable that this was all there was to it.
If anything, it would not have been strange to assume that the true depth of this evil spirit's malice was yet to be unleashed.
Tension runs through the entire group. But then...
"I would love to say that rules are unnecessary, but I understand that you all would not be satisfied with that. Therefore, let us prohibit acts of violence, brainwashing, and any other deeds lacking in fairness. Causing harm to the people is not what we desire eithe~r."
Content with no hidden ulterior motives is relayed — or rather, content that works entirely in Kree's favor.
One could not definitively claim there were no loopholes, but on the surface at least, nothing appeared to be amiss.
In any case, the very notion of turning the sacred act of spreading one's faith in one's patron deity into a basis for some kind of game — no matter how much time passed, that was something they could never comprehend...
"Am I supposed to believe that?"
Kree asks quietly.
The moment this one saw that her demands would not be met, she would immediately resort to taking hostages — such was the kind of dishonorable scoundrel she was dealing with.
There was a strong sense of distrust that the prohibitions they now claimed to uphold would be overturned the instant their own situation grew dire.
Yet the other party, as always, evaded the inquiry with their characteristic evasiveness and insincerity.
"What I would like you to understand is that this is a concession on our part. You, of course, have every right to refuse. However, you must accept that the consequences of that refusal are of your own choosing. We are merely making a proposal. The decision and the outcome — that is your responsibility!"
Sophistry. Having issued an overt threat, having cut off all avenue of escape, they now dare to spout such rhetoric.
Since you decided this yourself, you must take responsibility for it.
It was a common stock phrase used by swindlers, and the number of people who had been made miserable by this method was beyond counting.
It was a statement that should, by rights, be rejected. An obvious honeyed tongue meant to entangle him.
And yet—
"Or perhaps. With nothing more than a survey party's worth of forces, can you save everyone present?"
The words that followed were something that no amount of strong will or holy heart could deny.
This much, at least, was exactly as Vittorio said. If he rashly acted here and cut down the man before him, could he truly save all the people?
If he lost this man who claimed to be the founder of the Ira religion, there was no need to even think about what stance Takuto Ira—the King of Ruin—would take.
To once again invite catastrophe upon this land of Amritate, which had only just begun to show signs of recovery, seemed far too cruel...
His inner conflict manifested as a silence that halted the progress of their dialogue.
Perhaps impatient with his indecisive attitude, or perhaps because even this response from Kree was already within the realm of his predictions, Vittorio twisted that sallow face of his into a grin so revolting it made one's stomach turn.
"Mmm, how troublesome! Very well, I shall be exceptionally generous! What my people desire is manpower and land! That is why I have conceded this far! If there is no conflict, everything becomes far easier, you see!"
He was at a loss for a decision.
That southern portion of the Idoragia continent where Mynoghra was located—the so-called Dark Continent—was, by general consensus, barren wasteland. This was a well-established fact. Their stronghold, the Great Cursed Realm, was especially prone to this.
There was a certain persuasiveness to the claim that they coveted the fertile, bountiful lands of the old Renea.
Furthermore, in terms of manpower, if they could genuinely brainwash the people into fervent believers of the Ira religion from the bottom of their hearts, it would be beneficial in numerous ways.
One need only look at the precedent of the El-Na Spirit Contract Union to see that evil beings always counted the expansion of their own power among their objectives.
If that was the case, then at the very least, the people's lives would be preserved.
That said, he could not say with a straight face that as long as one's life was spared, any situation would be acceptable...
After all, Kree and his companions had been kept entirely in the dark regarding how the holy faithful who fell into Mynoghra's hands were being treated.
Information was insufficient, and nothing could be done about it.
The hesitation continued, and before she realized it, Kree had found her gaze drawn to Yonayona, as if seeking help.
"Ah, yeah, that's exactly right. That's what we're aiming for. You might see us as nothing but monstrous creatures of pure malice, without blood or tears, but it's not like that at all. We laugh, we cry, just like anyone else. If things don't become a hassle, we're content with that—same as you. Well, this one's always bringing trouble our way, though."
If this girl said so, perhaps it was true?
At least she seemed more sincere than Vittorio did, and if anything, appeared to be someone who had known hardship.
He had gleaned the essence of their objective.
Since the King of Ruin himself hadn't appeared, one could assume there was still some leeway.
After all, the collapse of the Renea Sacred Kingdom had been caused by the assault of the King of Ruin, Takuto Ira.
And the fundamental cause lay with the two saintesses—the Saintess of Flora Funerals, Soarina, and the Saintess with a Hidden Face, Fenne—having defeated the King of Ruin.
If this tragedy was the result of having provoked the king who had withdrawn into the Great Cursed Realm, then their actions, which at first glance seemed pacifist, could not be entirely dismissed as a trap.
Realizing it, Kree found that she was arranging the information within her in the form most convenient to herself.
There was no one present to point that out.
Not that being pointed out would have changed anything, of course...
Eventually, Kree arrived at a single decision.
"Can you uphold our prior agreement and claim no awareness of each other's actions?"
It was an acceptance of Vittorio's proposal.
To have those who belonged to a holy nation conclude a pact with those who belonged to an evil one.
In other words, it violated the teachings forbidden by the Holy God Aros.
"Interrogator Imreis!"
The holy knights cried out in alarm.
The cries of criticism were all "What nonsense is this?", but they failed to realize that they themselves possessed no other means.
"I will take full responsibility. For now... let us simply buy time."
"B-but!!"
It was easy for those who wouldn't take responsibility. It was even easier for those who offered no alternatives and only criticized.
Kree understood this perfectly well, but she also understood the necessity for a sacrifice in this situation.
How could she ask them to reject such an evil proposal, knowing it meant watching their beloved kin and family die in agony?
It felt far better for her alone to bear all the sin and be executed than to commit such a cruel act.
The inhabitants of Holy Quolia were faithful to the teachings of God.
People cherished one another, loved their families, and showed respect to their comrades.
That very kindness... ensnared them and led them to misery.
"I know you're probably worried, so I'll keep an eye on that idiot over there to make sure they don't do anything unnecessary. I swear this as Yonayona, Acting Vicar of the Ira Faith, in the name of the great god Takuto Ira. So put your mind at ease on that point. This is the sincerity and concession of the Ira Faith. Of course, I won't let them lay a hand on your families either."
Yonayona's lifeline always came with exactly what was needed, exactly when it was needed.
While sending her silent thanks for that sincere demeanor, Kree eventually made a declaration that would become a major turning point in her life.
"Very well. A believer of God will never bow to the wicked. We accept your challenge."
"Guh... you have indeed made the correct choice just now—Inquisitor Imreis."
Was this truly the right thing to do?
Would this attempt to buy time only summon an even worse outcome?
An inextinguishable anxiety festered in Kree's heart like sludge, but even so, she could have taken no other path.
Suddenly... the face of that kind-hearted girl, clutching her diary and chasing after her father, floated to mind.
"Then it's settled!"
"Whoa!"
In that instant, a sudden gust of wind erupted, and simultaneously Vittorio rose to his feet with startling swiftness. The Holy Knights scrambled to draw their swords, but he had already tucked Yonayona under one arm and was planting a foot on the windowsill.
To say they were unprepared would be a lie, but it was true they had let their guard slip. That man could have fled at any time. From the very beginning, the entire farce had been an act—he had allowed himself to be captured solely to facilitate this exchange.
"Farewell for now! Until we meet again! Adieu~!!"
The jarring laughter of the clown receded from outside the window.
Kree felt a strange sense of relief that Vittorio had taken Yonayona with him after all, but her expression darkened as she imagined the hardships that would now descend upon them.
"Inquisitor Imreis."
The puzzled faces of the Holy Knights turned toward her.
She would need to convince them first. Otherwise, the precious time she had bought by sacrificing her own life would be wasted.
"You will provide a satisfactory explanation."
She nodded at the words. Kree's battle showed no sign of nearing its end.