Part Three, Section Four: “Vows of Love in a Foreign Land”
Chapter One Hundred and Three (Mia’s POV)
‘The true goal of Archbishop Henry may be to awaken the sleeping Hades using an awakening spell and resurrect Ms. Elizabeth. There’s also the possibility that, similar to how Asmodeus absorbed magic power, he intends to absorb divine magic power from me to use the awakening spell.’
Sister mentioned the possibility that the situation of using the Divine Spell “Spiritism“ to make the Pope tell the truth could be Archbishop Henry’s real intention.
In other words, it meant everything Sister and Prince Oswald have done so far had played right into Archbishop Henry’s hands.
Exploiting Sis’ talent like this is truly devious.
However, that might just be Philia’s overestimation. It was also possible that Archbishop Henry simply wanted to remove her from Parnacota out of harassment. But to be honest, when I heard that story, I immediately thought the motive was weak. Sister probably felt the same way.
Normally one wouldn’t bet on the probability of Philia mastering the hard-to-learn Divine Spell, but Archbishop Henry must have highly valued her excellence above anyone else.
It was infuriating. Not only did he take advantage of everything, but he also incorporated uncertainty into his plan in the form of trust.
‘Mia, I’m entrusting you with the task of protecting the Staff of Divine Shackling. We cannot allow Archbishop Henry to awaken Hades.”
While prefacing that it would be fine if it was just an overthinking, Sister asked me to protect the Staff of Divine Shackling.
She entrusted me with this important task, believing in me.
Beyond this back door was where the Staff was stored. Although it was safeguarded against a transfer spell to prevent devils from entering through magical means, there remained the possibility of the door being breached and intruders gaining access.
In other words, my role was to not let anyone through here.
‘I have to prove the Pope’s will is incorrect, so I have no choice but to use the Spiritism Magic. However, if I use it, I’ll probably deplete my stamina and become unable to move. Knowing that, the likelihood I won’t be able to avoid having my magic power absorbed is high.’
‘I won’t let that happen. I’ll protect you, Sis.’
‘No, they probably won’t let anyone near the altar area. Until my magic power is absorbed. I think you can come help after that.’
‘You’re not saying don’t come because it’s dangerous, huh?’
‘Because I know you’ll come help me even if it’s dangerous.’
Amidst such affectionate talk, what became clear was that Sister planned for her divine magic power to be absorbed as part of the assumed scenario.
The crucial part came afterward. In essence, we just need to prevent the awakening of Hades.
The Staff of Divine Shackling that could control a god—I just had to keep it from Archbishop Henry.
Anyway, I was happy. After all, I was "asked" by my respected sister, Philia.
"You sure look happy.”
"Huh? Was it showing on my face? Ahaha.”
Well, it was not just me whom Sister "asked," though.
Elsa Notis, an exorcist. She was sent as a guard to Sister from the Clamu Church’s headquarters when the mysterious disappearances occurred, and gained Philia’s trust from that.
I initially thought she was somewhat condescending, but Philia described her as a kind person. Philia’s criteria for kindness might be skewed, but Elsa didn’t seem to be a bad person. She was skilled. As a specialist in devil extermination, she focused on attacking unlike saints who emphasize protecting.
Anyway, she had high ability that Philia relied on.
"It’s my first time being tasked with something by Sis. Even though I’ve been acknowledged as a full-fledged saint before, today I finally feel recognized by Sister Philia, you know.”
"Is being recognized by the Great Saint really that delightful?”
"Obviously. She’s always been my inspiration, no matter where or when.”
I worked hard as a saint because I wanted to become like Sister.
I endured Master’s harsh training, waking up early every day to train alone.
This joy might not be understood by anyone else. Anyway, since I had been entrusted with this task, I would fulfill my role for sure.
"As I thought, you are wonderful, Mia. Cute and hardworking. How about we go into town for dinner after this―”
"I’ll have to politely decline.”
Devil Mammon was very flirtatious, but that was devil-like.
When he came to the estate before, he even hit on my foster mother. It seemed he had no limits when it came to women.
"Alright, ‘Fastest Saint’. Even the speed you rejected me with was fastest. It just made me fall for you more. No matter what, I will make you mine―”
"Mammon, that’s enough. I’ll cut off your head.”
““The Staff of Divine Shackling… beyond here…!””
““―!?””
When Elsa tried to point her red falchion at Mammon, low voices was heard as if echoing twice.
Philia said Archbishop Henry had two devils as familiars, but this magic power was greater than mine or Elsa’s. About the same as the high-level devil Mammon.
"Orias and Vapula, huh? Are you going to wag your tails at Henry’s orders today as well? It’s tough being turned into puppets that can’t do anything without orders from the master.”
““…””
When Mammon made the provocative remarks, the two devils revealed their faces hidden behind hoods.
They had manes. Like lions. Anyway, there were two of them. And three of us. In terms of numbers, we had the advantage.
That provocation was to draw their attention to us. If they attack, we could counterattack―
““The door… destroying it…””
Two magic circles expanded and pitch black discs fired from them, making a clattering noise as they shattered the door. And the devils, without even glancing at us, proceeded to advance beyond the door. In other words, it seemed that Mammon’s provocation was completely ignored.
Um, which was Orias and which was Vapula again?
"Well, whatever. Saint Bind!”
I extended two chains of light from both hands to restrain the two devils. As Mammon said, I was called the "Fastest Saint". It was because I could activate spells with such a short casting time.
And by amplifying my magic power with ancient sorcery, these chains couldn’t be easily torn.
““Bring the Staff of Divine Shackling to our master!!””
"What!? No way!?”
What ridiculous strength. Even though I improved my spells by amplifying my magic power compared to before.
Those two devils tore through the chains with sheer force.
I heard devils were more troublesome existences than demons, and I did face the outrageous Asmodeus before, but it was vexing to see them escape so easily.
"Not bad, little sister of the Great Saint!”
"You bought enough time!”
““―!?””
While I was clicking my tongue internally, Mammon and Elsa blew back the devils who was trying to advance beyond the door again. As expected of a devil extermination specialist. She effectively utilized the time I created to prepare to attack.
““Bring the Staff of Divine Shackling to our master…!””
Could these two devils only say the same line? Thinking they’ve been turned into puppets made me feel a little sorry for them.
Archbishop Henry seemed to have lost various aspects of his humanity in order to revive his sister.
"Sis entrusted me with protecting this place! I absolutely won’t let you through! Saint Bind!”
"Mia, the same spell again!?”
"No, different this time! Twenty chains…! Twenty chains of light!”
Not just speed and quality, by increasing the quantity too, I should be able to restrain these devils no matter how much they struggle.
The instant those two stood up, I restrained them with twenty chains of light.
““Ngguh, bring the Staff of Divine Shackling before our master…””
Despite their struggles, the devils were immobilized, and I succeeded in completely capturing them.
Sis! Did I meet your expectations? Praise me a lot later, okay…!
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