Chapter 12: Chapter 201

"Yes, that's right."

"It's wonderful to hear that he found his biological family," said Clovis as he sighed awkwardly, offering nothing more on the subject.

The Vatican's terrible treatment of stigma bearers who were orphans before being chosen was a well-known fact, and Tesilid, as master of the holy sword, had it even worse than the others. He was envied by both his peers and the higher-ups, not to mention he was often caught up in conflict between the Holy Prosecution Ministry and the Ministry of Gospel.

Hence, it was going to be rather difficult for the Argente family, who officially registered Tesilid as their godson, to avoid the consequences of neglecting him for so many years. In fact, the Argente family could even be held responsible as the scapegoat for the wrongdoings of the Vatican. Unfortunately for the Argentes, my sympathies lay entirely with Tesilid.

«They should've treated him better when they had the chance.»

Agreeing with Agnes wholeheartedly, I said to Clovis, "I'm glad we ran into each other. There's something I've been wishing to discuss with you."

"And what is that, Your Eminence?"

"The only thing Tesilid ever received from the Argentes was a last name, so I am hopeful that members of your family will make no attempts to leverage any authority over him now that things have changed."

This was a warning, for the doctrine of the religious order leaned toward parents treating their children as if they were property. It was possible that the Argente family could leverage the doctrine to control their godson now that he was more valuable, which was not something I was willing to witness.

Thankfully, Clovis was an easy man to speak to. "Understood, Your Eminence. I shall reign in my father should he attempt to behave in such a way. You have nothing to worry about."

"Thank you."

I was about to walk away after a polite goodbye when Clovis stopped me.

"One moment, Your Eminence."

"Is there something else you'd like to say?"

"Do you have any idea what I'm about to report to the council of cardinals?"

This sounded like a loaded question, which instantly piqued my interest. The main duty of the Knights of the Temple was exploration and scouting, which led me to an obvious conclusion.

"Did you find a saintess?" I asked.

"We're not certain, but I'm about to submit my recommendation on keeping a close eye on a potential candidate."

"And what is her name?"

"It's Muriel Phylise."

They found her after all. This was the same name that was mentioned in the original story, but I didn't react to Clovis' words, as to do so would be a breach of confidentiality.

«By the saintess, is he referring to the one Tesilid was deeply in love with but who ended up backstabbing him three times in a row... Okay, okay, I'll stop. Relax, you're squinting like you swallowed a lemon.»

I tried to smooth my features out from the bitter expression they had folded into so that Clovis wouldn't pick up on my mood.

She's appearing too early.

⟬The Advocate of Confidentiality mutters that this is probably the result of how carelessly you've destroyed the original story.⟭

I knew that Lord Confidentiality was a purist, but what they said was rather upsetting. Carelessly? The intentional destruction of the original story is a result of my grand duty as a transmigrator.

⟬The Advocate of Confidentiality pounds their chest with frustration.⟭

⟬The Voice that Shapes the World claps and compliments your achievements to cheer you up.⟭

⟬The Executive of Creative Economy is excited about the quick succession of events.⟭

⟬The Scale that Judges Souls widens their eyes and reminds you that you must purchase the Genre-Change Voucher to prepare for the future.⟭

I quietly remarked, "I didn't think you'd tell me yourself."

"Your Eminence."

"Yes?"

"God favors one child," Clovis declared cryptically.

"Explain how that is relevant."

"There has never been two saintesses in one generation before. This situation is a bit concerning, so I thought it best to keep you informed." He was being considerate, even when I threatened him just a moment ago to not cross Tesilid. That was when Clovis seemed to realize how publicly we were discussing a sensitive matter, for he quickly bowed and bid me farewell. "See you again, Your Eminence."

"Yes, see you next time."

Once I finally wrapped things up at the Vatican, I collected my knight division members and headed back to the duchy. When I arrived in the living room, I found my grandfather, Tesilid, and Hilde waiting for me. There was another woman there as well, an intelligent noble lady with her black hair pulled back—it was my friend, Bianca Gilette.

She greeted the Silver Citadel Knight Division and remarked, "I'd like to officially introduce myself to you all. My name is Bianca Gilette of the House of Count Gilette. I shall be the knight division's administrative assistant moving forward."

"Wow, Lady Bianca! Our division commander's friend! I've heard a lot about you. It's very nice to meet you."

"I have a question. Will you be allocating our salary moving forward?"

"May I please call you 'Sis?'"

Ephael, Hestio, and Ash excitedly attempted to befriend her, but she simply raised her hand and turned toward Tesilid. As Bianca's penetrating gaze had a way of making anyone a little bit on edge, Tesilid also stared back with a look of seriousness until Bianca spoke again with a reverent tone.

"I am also a faithful subject of Vinchester Kingdom. I shall serve you loyally during our time together, Your Highness."

As expected, Tesilid quietly sighed. "There's no need for formalities," he replied somewhat uneasily. "Also..."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I'm not comfortable with that form of address. Please call me 'Sir Tesilid' instead."

For some, this might have led to a lengthy argument, however Bianca accepted without protest. "Understood, Sir Tesilid."

One of the reasons she had no issue with Tesilid's request was that she'd been exposed to my mother, who refused her title upon running away from home as a young lady. I told Tesilid, "Don't feel pressured. Bianca isn't the type to nag. I bet it was your sister who asked Bia to take good care of you."

"You mean... Princess Celesteed?"

"Yes. She had a strange affection toward you since you first met, and I think it was because you felt like a brother to her."

"I see... I almost took it the wrong way."

I knew that he'd already taken it the wrong way, but seeing how his ears had turned a bright red convinced me to be generous and ignore the white lie. Next, I turned toward my grandfather.

"Grandfather."

"Yes, my child."

"If the royal family sends someone to the duchy to guard or serve Tesilid... You know what to do, right?"

"Indeed! I shall not let any unwelcomed guests into the duchy, so you have nothing to worry about."

"Thank you. I appreciate it." I gave him a bow, then addressed everyone in the living room. "May I please leave with Bia first, as we have work to do?"

It was time for me to start handing over the administrative duties of the knight division now that Bia was here, and I also wanted to talk with her about the new business I planned to kickstart. When I eyed Bianca, she immediately understood what I meant and nodded, as would be expected of my closest friend.

⟬The Eye Overseeing All Chaos anticipates the cozy time the two of you will spend together tonight.⟭

It was true that we were going to stay up all night, but because we had to organize the ledgers and plans for the business. That was when Bianca casually added another task to the list.

"I also brought some work with me. It's regarding your wealth being held at the Gilette Castle."

"Sounds good. Let's get to work right away!"

Just as I was about to leave, my grandfather called me. "Hold on, my child."

"Yes?"

"Are you aware that your church has been completed?"

"Oh, the church! Of course!" I replied with a beaming smile and nodded. He wouldn't know how thrilled I had been when I saw the notification that the third Grand Priest quest had been fulfilled. The plan was to visit the church as soon as the handover was complete.

I can't wait to see my church! I can't wait! I can't wait! The system was only encouraging my excitement more.

⟬«Quest» [Third Calling of the Grand Priest of Voiceism] has been completed.⟭

⟬«System» You may collect your quest completion reward upon visiting the given location.⟭

I couldn't collect my reward here, which meant I had to go to the church to secure the goods.

⟬The Voice that Shapes the World proudly claims that they were generous with this reward.⟭

⟬The Critic for Balance takes a look at the reward and is flabbergasted by its quality.⟭

⟬The Advocate of Confidentiality asks if this is the reward they painstakingly crafted for the bug report last time.⟭

⟬The Voice that Shapes the World admits that they snuck it in this time as they no longer had a use for it.⟭

I was able to deduce three very important pieces of information based on the conversation among the gods. First, the reward was going to be exceptional based on Lord Balance's reaction. Second, I realized it had been determined that the bug I reported a long time ago was not a bug.

It was the one about how the Helkaion Dungeon closed too quickly when I shoved Reed into it.

And the last realization was the most important—it was that Lord Voice was a god who'd come up with any excuse they could to do what was best for their followers.

This is what you call a god's love! You're the best, Lord Voice!

⟬The Voice that Shapes the World gazes at you proudly.⟭

⟬The Scale that Judges Souls is grossed out.⟭

That was when a round of applause erupted around me.

"Wow, that was fast! Congratulations, Your Eminence!"

"I'm very happy for you, Sis!"

"Well done, Allie."

"Congratulations, Your Eminence."

Everyone in the living room from the Silver Citadel Knight Division members, Bianca, and Hilde all genuinely congratulated me for my achievement.

«Congratulations from me too, Ailette. You're a bishop now. That's amazing.»

Oh, and Agnes as well. I was thinking that perhaps I should host a small party to celebrate when my grandfather offered something better.

"We should organize an opening ceremony for your church!"

"Pardon? An opening ceremony?"

"That's right! A brand-new church deserved a celebration with the public!"

"Umm, well..."

Does he really think that's necessary?

⟬The Voice that Shapes the World's eyes glisten with excitement.⟭

After noting Lord Voice's reaction, I instantly embraced the idea.

"Yes! That sounds wonderful!"