The Return of the Iron-blood Sword Hound

Chapter 267: Seasonal Discount on Sin (4)

Dolores L Quovadis. She left the dormitory before the afternoon and visited a temple of the Old Testament Faction.

“…This should keep me from being noticed.”

She spoke while covering her face, including her whole body, with a black hood and cloak. It was a secret operation. The intention was to inspect the temple incognito, not as a saintess but as an ordinary person.

Dolores, with conspicuously suspicious movements, discreetly moved through the crowd and concealed herself in the most secluded corner of the temple.

“All right. Perfect.”

However, due to the entirely white floor, walls, and pillars, Dolores’ attire stood out rather than blending in. Only she remained oblivious to it.

Today, her visit to the temple of the Old Testament had a rather complex purpose. The current situation of the Quovadis Faction was in chaos, with turmoil spreading throughout the empire due to the intense conflict between the Old and New Testament Factions. This led to the proliferation of heresies and cults in various places.

Dolores had come to investigate and solve these issues on-site. Even her usually serious expression seemed more profound today.

“Come to think of it, a similar task was given in the second round of the University League, right?”

She recalled the quest of the Quovadis Clan she had witnessed in the University League a while ago.

Faith Sanctum / Difficulty [★★★☆]

The empire is suffering from the increasing harm of heresies and cults. From the perspective of the Quovadis Heresy Inquisition Bureau, suggest a way to eliminate heresies and elevate the status of the Rune Religion.

Details related to Quovadis’ ‘Heresy Inquisition Bureau.’

The quest prepared by the Inquisitor Mozgus was more challenging than expected, reaching higher-ups than just the Inquisition. SinSinclaire, a freshman, had provided the answer to this problem.

“Sinclaire’s response was read by the Pope himself.”

Dolores had later asked Sinclaire about it. What contents did she suggest in response to that problem, and how did she earn the Pope’s approval?

However, Sinclaire simply evaded the question with a smile.

“Oh, it was nothing special. In the end, my proposal was rejected for being too radical. Still, I managed to pass with the recognition of some creative aspects. Hehe.”

Dolores swallowed her frustration.

“To eliminate heresies, the Old and New Testament Factions must reconcile, join hands, or one of them must disappear. Alternatively, a thorough crackdown on heresies is needed. But the latter is impossible…”

So, Dolores came to investigate the fundamental cause of all these problems—the ‘Old Testament Faction.’

As a saintess belonging to the New Testament Faction, Dolores had no choice but to opt for undercover infiltration to conduct her investigation.

‘…There are so many people here.’

Dolores murmured while observing the long line of people, who queued for a considerable time to enter the temple.

Compared to the New Testament Faction’s temple, there were far more people in the Old Testament Faction’s temple. The amount of offerings also differed significantly.

“I heard that the major contributors to the offerings in the Old Testament Faction were mainly from the Indulgentia family… Well, it doesn’t seem entirely true.”

Despite the disappearance of the subordinate Indulgentia family, the financial resources of the Old Testament Faction were still intact.

How was the Old Testament Faction sustaining its wealth even after the death of Quilt, or rather, Dantalian? Were they merely selling indulgences, or was there more to it?

“While many people are lining up to buy indulgences, most of them are small-scale buyers. I don’t see those who have committed heinous crimes or those who can afford large sums. Well, that’s only natural.”

Those who needed to spend a significant amount on indulgences wouldn’t show up at the temple in broad daylight. Even if they did, it would be absurd to visit the temple in person; they would send representatives or conduct transactions in writing.

“So, where are the Old Testament Faction’s high priests obtaining VVIPs?”

Funding. That was precisely what Dolores was curious about.

…Right at that moment, a large and ornate carriage stood in a corner of the temple. The emblem of Quovadis, the ‘White Shield,’ adorned with gold, gleamed vibrantly.

Soon, a well-dressed middle-aged man of considerable height descended from the carriage, receiving cheers from the multitude and smiling.

“…!”

Dolores paused for a moment as she saw him. The person she dreaded most in this world had appeared.

‘Humbert L Quovadis.’

He held the substantial position of Cardinal, essentially the highest authority leading the Old Testament Faction, excluding the Pope. Simultaneously, he was Dolores’ father.

Ironically, Dolores was afraid of her own father for a very long time, ever since she became his adopted daughter for supposedly being born with divine power. Especially before going to bed, when he greeted her, his gaze would make her feel as if snakes were coiling around her entire body.

“…Ugh!”

Sensing her chest tightening, Dolores pressed her back against a stone pillar.

Stay still. If she kept quiet and held her breath, Humbert might not notice her. However, her wish did not come true.

“Hmm?”

Humbert was a sharp individual. He instantly sensed a penetrating gaze directed towards the pillar and turned his eyes in that direction.

“Just a moment, adjutant. I have something on my mind, so take a brief look around before entering the temple.”

He raised his hand to signal the following adjutant and walked towards the stone pillar.

Thud, thud, thud, thud.

A path formed wherever Humbert stepped. The followers of the Rune Religion, each removing their hats and bowing respectfully, cleared the way for Humbert.

Dolores felt her heart pounding as if it would burst. With each step Humbert took, it felt like a large snake was tightly constricting her heart. A sense of unease reminiscent of the anxious moment when she almost encountered Quilt in the corridor in the past.

But this time, there was no one to help her. That had been nothing more than a temporary stroke of luck.

“….”

Dolores swallowed a dry gulp.

As she stood there, desperately thinking about any excuses she could use when facing Humbert, someone blocked his way.

“Oh! Who might this be?”

Two individuals stood in the path, obstructing Humbert.

Both of them were men with white hoods and robes covering their faces. Humbert’s expression subtly furrowed.

“…Who?”

“Oh, come on! Get a hold of yourself! Haha, covering your face like this.”

With a hearty laugh, the white hood was removed, revealing a face that showed signs of much suffering—an elderly face caught between being a middle-aged man and a grandfather. He was a man of warm demeanor, somewhat petite in stature, a common appearance you might encounter anywhere. But to Humbert, seeing him prompted the stiffening of his facial expression.

“…Long time no see, Cardinal Luther.”

One of the only two Cardinals in the Quovadis Clan. They were the two highest authorities assisting the Pope. One was Humbert, and the other was the man standing right in front of him.

‘Martin Luther L Quovadis.’

A clergyman who had come a long way from a humble and cramped mission temple in a distant borderland. He led the New Testament Faction and was Humbert’s greatest rival.

Behind him stood Mozgus, the Inquisitor of the New Testament Faction, also in his clerical robes, his posture rigid.

Humbert, with a polite smile on his lips, inquired, “Cardinal Luther, what brings you here?”

“Haha, just came for a little investigation.”

“…What?”

Humbert asked with a stern expression, and Luther chuckled.

“Your temples, where you tour, are always bustling with believers. It seems to be quite a task to endure such a crowd every time. Haha. So, without any shame, I’ve come to gather a bit of know-how from you.”

Despite Luther’s friendly tone, Humbert could only force a smile.

“Why are there so many believers on your side? It’s just because the places are populous and have good voices, right?”

“Haha, is that so? Well, I’m truly learning something new again. It must be because I’m lacking in virtue. Hahaha. So, I came to gain some knowledge shamelessly.”

Unlike Humbert, Martin Luther had a rather unique way of preaching. He seldom delivered doctrinal sermons or eloquent speeches. Instead, he would visit the elderly, the sick, the poor, and always say the same thing:

“Whenever you’re hungry and tired, come find me.”

“If you suddenly feel sick or have no energy, come find me.”

“If you need someone genuinely happy for you at your wedding, come find me.”

“If you need someone truly sorrowful for you at a funeral, come find me.”

“If you want to cry your heart out or share your grievances, come find me anytime, anywhere.”

“If your home is too cold or damp, preventing you from sleeping, come find me anytime.”

“If you need help lifting something heavy or doing strenuous work, come find me anytime.”

“And for anything else, seriously, come find me anytime.”

Martin Luther and his subordinates in the New Testament Faction always seemed somewhat shabby and lacking somewhere. Living conditions were just enough to eat and dress. Their appearance, speech, and manners were the opposite of the well-dressed and sophisticated Old Testament Faction priests.

The most significant difference, of course, was the amount of donations collected.

Humbert nodded slightly toward Luther.

“Well then, I have a meeting, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Oh dear, I’ve taken too much of your precious time. Haha, excuse me for that.”

With a smile on his face, Luther bowed slightly and made the sign of the cross on his forehead.

As Humbert was about to turn away with a polite gesture, Luther suddenly recited a verse from the Bible:

“In this land, demons boil to devour us.”

Humbert, upon hearing these words, stopped in his tracks. Luther continued speaking, facing Humbert’s back:

“Do not be afraid; stand firm. We shall overcome with the truth.”

A multitude had gathered to witness the encounter, all assembled to purchase indulgences. Luther, addressing the crowd, continued:

“Even if relatives, wealth, honor, and life are taken from us.”

Humbert remained silent, not turning around. Luther concluded with a gentle yet resolute demeanor:

“The truth, alive, will eternally immortalize the Empire. Amen.”

The crowd gathered for indulgences observed the two figures. Luther’s words lingered in the air, a proclamation of unwavering conviction.

* * *

The encounter of the two top authorities of the Quovadis in one place on the same day was undoubtedly an unprecedented event. A massive crowd gathered to witness the commotion, and taking advantage of the chaos, Dolores managed to slip away unnoticed into the corners of the temple. With a sigh of relief, she tilted her head.

“I wonder why Cardinal Luther came here.”

Martin Luther had become increasingly rare in public appearances recently. Dolores, concerned about Pope’s worsening dementia as he aged, found his reduced external activities contrasting sharply with Humbert’s increased activities.

“I must increase my activities, even if alone.”

That was Dolores’ determination to imprint the existence of the New testament faction on the public. However, the reality was harsh, and as a mere student and a saintess with limited practical power, she felt the grim thought that she might not be able to accomplish anything alone.

“I wish he was by my side.”

Suddenly, she thought of a face – a reassuring presence, someone she wanted to lean on. For the first time in her life, she wanted to rely on someone, and he was the first person she wished would lean on her first.

Night hound.

With him, she felt confident that even the most challenging and difficult tasks could be overcome. Even the fearsome Demon had been defeated when they joined forces.

“If he were by my side, nothing would be difficult.”

Facing the challenges of the Old testament faction, the heretics, the false religions, and even Humbert wouldn’t be frightening.

“I miss him.”

Dolores admitted her true feelings. It was perhaps the first time. However, finding a way to meet him was not an easy task.

Perhaps he had already forgotten about me.

That one night at the orphanage, just once.

We might never meet again.

“…Sigh.”

Dolores found herself sighing without realizing it. And right at that moment,

“Is this the one?”

A strange voice came from behind a pillar.

Startled, Dolores turned her head behind the pillar, and there he was—Humbert’s subordinate.

Persistent, Humbert had sent his subordinate to pursue the gaze of Dolores, he felt earlier before entering the temple.

‘What should I do!’

Dolores panicked, glancing around, but there was no escape in sight. Eventually, she had no choice but to risk being caught by the subordinate.

Soon enough, Hubert’s subordinate walked briskly toward the inner side of the pillar, peering behind it.

…And then,

“Looks like no one’s here. They say he’s been quite sensitive lately.”

The subordinate, with a shake of his head, promptly turned away.

And above the subordinate’s head,

“…! …! …!”

Several meters above the ground, Dolores was floundering, hand and foot.

“Uh-uh-uh?”

Dolores, in a state of shock, turned her gaze.

A man was holding Dolores’ waist with one hand and firmly covering her mouth with the other. He wore a black puppy mask commonly sold on the streets, suitable for children’s play. The man stood glued to the pillar, barely visible.

Almost invisible wires supported the weight of both individuals.

Dolores, in the rough grip, recalled a distant memory.

‘Wasn’t it like this before…?’

There had been a similar feeling when she encountered Quilt in the hallway in the past. Pulled into the locker room by a strong grip, Dolores couldn’t shake the sense of déjà vu.

“Is this… Vikir?”

Without thinking, Dolores blurted out a question. But the response that came back was entirely different.

“…Shh.”

A low growl, a voice scarred and raspy.

Despite the changed mask, the momentum and atmosphere remained the same.

Night Hound.

He had come for Dolores.