As the meeting ended and the representatives of each nation began leaving the conference room, the younger brother of the king—an ambassador of one country—lingered with a glint of disgust in his eyes.
(To think the summoning of the Saintess would succeed. If she continues purging the miasma pools across the land, soon she’ll be revered worldwide. Such a situation is absolutely unacceptable.)
The man’s feelings of resentment toward the Saintess almost rose to the surface as he bit his lips tightly and cast his gaze downward. While no one could see his expression as he glared at the floor, had anyone caught sight of it, they might have screamed at the sheer coldness it exuded.
(This world was created by Lord Line, and it follows the path dictated by His will. If humanity is to be destroyed by the miasma pools, that too is His will. To oppose it is utterly unthinkable… Truly, this world is filled with fools. None of them understand the sanctity of Lord Line.)
Clenching his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms and drew blood, the man ground his teeth and resolved internally.
(I must find a way to eliminate the Saintess. I’ll also consider destroying that summoning magic circle and removing the girl named Martina. But first, the Saintess must go. I’ll contact my comrades, and if even our power proves insufficient, we’ll rely on Lord Line to restore this world to its proper order…)
Suppressing the overwhelming emotion visible on his face, the man raised his gaze. His eyes still gleamed with sharp intensity.
“Jamilt-sama.”
Hearing his aide call out, the younger brother of the king—Jamilt—immediately put on a gentle smile.
“…What is it?”
“Shall we send an envoy to the Kingdom of Nardine? I thought we could at least report that the summoning of the Saintess was successful.”
“Hmm… Yes, let’s send one quickly. My elder brother must be growing impatient.”
(My brother will likely rejoice purely over the Saintess’s summoning. Despite being the ruler of a nation where Line’s teachings are the state religion… How lamentable. I must act for Lord Line’s sake… And one day, Line’s teachings will govern the entire world.)
“Understood.”
“I’m counting on you.”
With that, Jamilt and his aides withdrew to the guest quarters assigned to them.
Shortly after the conference with representatives from various nations concluded, as the others left the hall, Martina and Sophian remained. Just as they were about to leave, three individuals—Roland, Nadia, and Sylvan—hurriedly approached them.
“Sophian-sama, Martina, do you have a moment?”
At Roland’s inquiry, the two nodded immediately.
“We’re free. Did something happen?”
“Saintess Haruka has summoned us. She said she wants to speak with the five of us together.”
“…What could it be about?”
Hearing this, Sophian’s expression clouded slightly, and Martina also felt a wave of unease rise within her, causing her brows to furrow. Judging by their interactions with the Saintess the previous day, she doubted it would be a pleasant discussion.
“Did she say why?”
This time, Nadia answered Martina’s question.
“No, we weren’t told the reason. The Saintess’s maid only relayed that she wanted the five of us to come to her quarters.”
“I see… Well, let’s go. Sophian-sama, are you ready to head there now?”
“Of course, I don’t mind.”
With that, Martina and the others made their way out of the conference room toward Haruka’s quarters. Feeling anxious, Martina unconsciously placed a hand over her chest. As they walked, Nadia, staring straight ahead down the corridor, spoke.
“If she has grievances or anger, we’ll all take them on together and earnestly offer her our cooperation. Martina, we won’t leave you to face this alone.”
“Nadia… Thank you.”
When the five arrived at Haruka’s quarters, they exchanged glances before turning to face the door. Martina stepped forward and knocked on behalf of the group.
“Haruka-san, it’s Martina.”
As soon as she spoke, the sound of movement came from inside, and the door opened. Haruka appeared, her expression noticeably brighter than it had been the previous day.
Opening the door herself, Haruka pushed it open further with some effort and invited the five inside.
“Thank you all for coming. Please, come in.”
“Thank you. I’ll hold the door for you.”
Feeling apologetic about making the Saintess open the door, Martina offered to take over, but Haruka shook her head.
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. The maids told me the same thing, but I feel more comfortable moving around myself…”
Hearing this, with Haruka lowering her brows in a self-deprecating smile, Martina couldn’t insist further. The five quickly stepped into the room.
