Come to think of it, I took [Ninja Master] because I wanted [Shadow Lurking], but if I think about it more carefully, I already have [Space-Time Magic], so maybe I didn't really need it that badly.
Ah, my thoughts are drifting off track.
Before dealing with the Pope, there's something I should ask first.
"Are you done with your boring story? Then let me ask — oh, Ward, are you listening?"
Ward nodded silently, then turned to the Pope and addressed him in a terrifyingly cold voice.
"Why did you have Mist attack Nina Raging, the Duke's daughter? Answer."
They're the sworn enemy who had his beloved master's daughter attacked. No wonder he's furious. Terrifying.
"W-What are you!? You're not with the King's faction. I have no intention of answering!"
Yeah, that's about what I expected.
Seriously, the Pope's got some nerve.
To still say something like that after seeing Ward's demonic expression just now.
That said, I won't be going easy on him.
"Dark Magic — [Slave Choker]!"
"That's magic only those who've gazed into the abyss can use! What did you sacrifice!? God, grant me the power to resist — [Light Protection]!"
But his resistance was futile. My magic shattered the barrier of light, and a pitch-black, thick choker studded with spikes was fastened around the Pope's neck.
As expected of a Pope, he could use [Light Magic] to some degree.
Now then, let's have you talk.
"Grrggh — my mouth is moving on its own! I made a deal with King Salvant. The plan was to have the Duke's daughter defiled by unknown parties to diminish his influence, then frame it as the work of the Duke's own forces to cause infighting and weaken the faction. He said if it succeeded, he'd make the church exempt from taxes."
"For something like that, you did that to the young lady... You scum!"
Ward was, naturally, seething with rage.
Setting aside the fact that the Pope before him was a cowardly, depraved piece of work—
"Is that bound by a magic contract or something?"
"No, it isn't. But if he breaks his word, one word from me and every last follower will turn against King Salvant. He's a paranoid man, but surely not so foolish as to do that."
What happens if the King breaks his promise?
Besides, I've already whittled down his followers quite a bit.
Oh, not physically.
"Damn it! I answered your question! Now hurry up and remove this wretched subordination collar, you demon!"
Huh?
Weren't you just offering to make me a saint earlier?
More importantly, there's something I'd like to do.
I walk over to the Pope.
"What, you're going to remove it!? Make it quick! Do it now and I'll make you my assistant! Higher than a cardinal!"
Setting aside the fact that his palm can spin freely like a gyroscope, I silently steal [Sophistry] and [Alchemy].
[Sophistry] and [Alchemy] were reversed, becoming [Eloquence] and [Seeker of Truth].
"Lord Alan, are you quite finished? I can't wait any longer."
"Thank you for your patience. Please, go ahead."
"O-oy, are you not going to help me!!"
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Skills: [Reverse], [Divine Eye], [Sword God], [Gentleman Thief], [Dark Magic], [Rock-Iron Magic], [Holy Magic], [Spacetime Magic], [Scorching Magic], [Glacial Magic], [Magic Hand], [Temptation], [Pain Dampening], [Complete Status Abnormality Resistance], [Flame Spirit's Protection], [Phantom Demon], [Swift Thunder], [Shadow Spirit's Protection], [Supernatural Strength], [Thunder God Blade], [Fortune], [Clear Gale Magic], [Humility], [Heaven's Gate], [Ninja Master], [Eloquence], [Seeker of Truth]
Rank: Gold (Arisa: Gold)
Thank you for always reading!