Five years from now, His Highness Arnold, who then became Emperor, will burn down all of the churches.
He set fire to churches around the world, dragging out the priests and killing them in front of the believers.
He also burned all scriptures, and the symbols of faith were so thoroughly destroyed that there must have been no trace of them. Iâve seen it with my own eyes at least once.
Before she started this life, she thought that Arnoldâs purpose in doing so was to destroy a very powerful organization.
However, after talking with him in this life, something kept bothering her.
The castle town of Garkhain can be seen from the detached palace. On the day I first came to the castle, I asked His Royal Highness Arnold what the spires to the east of the city were.
Arnold said that it was a church. It also served as a clock tower, ringing the bells in the morning and evening to announce the regular time.
However, compared to Theodoreâs answer, his answer was unnatural.
His Highness Arnoldâs explanation barely touched on the church itself, only mentioning its role as a clock tower.
This, combined with Arnoldâs actions in the future, was quite troubling to her.
Itâs odd that thatâs all he can tell me about the building was that itâs called âthe churchâ. His Highness Arnold would have explained the authority of the church and its political value to me, just like his brother did. I can only assume that he dared to avoid them.
Perhaps Arnold has some personal sentiments about the church.
If this sentiment was what led to the murderous violence five years later, Rishe has several reasons for wanting to stop it at all costs.
Besides, this is the only time in my life that Iâm likely to see âthat personâ. Nevertheless, if Iâm going to approach the Grand Shrine Temple to investigate, Iâll have to come up with a reason that doesnât seem odd.
If that was the case, breaking off the engagement with Dietrich would be just the thing.
It was the letter she received the other day that gave her the idea for this plan. Rishe took it out and showed it to Arnold.
[âMarie, Prince Dietrichâs current fiancee, has been working very hard to break the engagement. A betrothal ceremony is rarely annulled, but Marie has come forward, identifying herself as Dietrichâs unfaithful lover, and has proceeded to annul the betrothal because of Dietrich.â]
Arnold looked at the letter that Rishe presented with boredom.
[âIâve heard that His Highness Dietrichâs side has completed the formalities, and all I have to do is go to the Grand Shrine. Iâm sure the process will be quicker since I wonât have to meet with His Highness Dietrich.â]
[ââ¦â]
[âItâs a bit of a rush, can I visit the Grand Shrine of the Holy Kingdom of Domana soon? I hope to be back in a week or so at the earliest.]
[ââ¦â]
She asked in the form of a request, so Arnold had no choice but to nod.
At any rate, without going to the Grand Shrine, Rishe wouldnât be able to marry any man other than Dietrich.
She had no idea what Arnoltâs intentions were, but as long as he had to marry Rishe, heâd have to give permission no matter what.
Honestly, I wish His Highness Arnold to come with me.
Rishe thought while observing Arnold, whose brows knitted sullenly.
After all, this was an investigation to figure out what was bothering Arnoldâs mind. It would definitely be easier to move if the person involved were present.
Itâs a pity. With his official duties, that will be impossibleâ¦Even I had to rush through the preparations for the wedding in order to be away at this time of the year.
When she was about to give up on the ideaâ¦
[âThen, Iâll accompany you.â]
[âH-Huh?!â]
Rishe raised her voice in surprise, but Arnold, who was beside her, looked calmly at her.
[âWhat? Is it inconvenient?â]
[âNo. Itâs rather the opposite!â]
It was so convenient that she got astonished.
While she was mulling over Arnoldâs intentions, he rested his elbows on the back of the couch and explained.
[âIt just so happened that I accumulated a lot of official business concerning the church. Iâve been putting it off because itâs just too much trouble, but if I could just see them personally, it would be faster.â]
That sounds so fakeâ¦
[âMoreoverâ¦â]
[â?â]
She tilted her head, waiting for the rest of Arnoldâs words, but he fell silent for a moment before speaking.
[âNo, nothing.â]
That was quite questionable.
It wasnât every day that Arnold took back a word he was about to say.
She felt that his attitude was always different when it came to the religion.
Itâs just a hunch, but I could be wrong. But why on earth wouldâ¦
She tried to stare at him, but there was no way she could read Arnoldâs thoughts.
If so, it would be best to have him accompany her there.
A few days later, a carriage departed for the Holy Kingdom of Domana, and it took a few more days to reach today.