"Nothing of the sort! The ones lying there are known within the Church as the 'Corruption Faction'—those who have lost the initial desire to save the people. We cannot abide that. We want to use that assassin as a clue to expose the Corruption Faction and guide the Church back to the proper path."
That was the Saintess's excuse after trying to steal my prey with that statement.
I couldn't care less about the Church's factional struggles.
Demanding I hand over the guy who tried to kill me for nothing in return was just too cheeky.
Whether she sensed my thoughts or not, Saintess Therese continued.
"It wouldn't be right to push our feelings on you unilaterally. In return, let me give you my pendulum. With this, you'll receive official proof that your actions are carried out with the Saintess's approval."
"I'll have to decline. There's precedent."
Right.
Duke Gheese's pendant had been useless, and besides, I'd already been implanted with tracking magic.
Honestly, she looked ready to drag me straight into the faction war.
Give me a break.
"Then what exactly should we do... Perhaps I should offer myself instead..."
"Are you looking down on me as someone who can be swayed by lust? Cut the arrogance already."
"No, that's not what I meant..."
Ugh, she was really getting on my nerves.
I felt like intimidating her just to vent.
My tone grew harsh.
She was genuinely worried about the Church.
I got that.
As expected of the Saint.
But you see, if I don't want anything, it'd inevitably lead to self-sacrifice where I end up offering up myself — and that kind of noble self-sacrifice, coming from someone who died miserably in his previous life after spending the whole time being a nice guy, makes me sick.
So—
"...Fine. If you agree to the conditions I'm about to lay out, I'll hand this person over."
"Yes. Anything within my power."
That line itself showed she was already completely off the mark.
"Don't ever get involved with me again."
"But you've been marked by the Corruption faction. Unfortunately, the current Pope may also make a move. Won't you cooperate with us? I believe we could be of at least some help. Rather than being targeted all alone—"
"You're persistent. Mind your own business. And honestly, if the Corruption faction turns its eyes toward me, that just makes it easier for your side to operate, doesn't it? Leave me alone. I'll handle things on my own."
"...I understand. Then, one more piece of unwanted advice: the Shadow Mist appears to be making its move. Please be careful. May the blessings of our God be with you."
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Thérèse
Skills: [Saint] [Holy Magic] [Water Magic] [Purity] [Light Spirit's Protection] [Luck]
Thank you for always reading!