第６６５堀：偽物で本物の聖剣 (Part1)
**Chapter 665: A Fake Yet Authentic Holy Sword**
**Side: Yuki**
"Well, it’s been a while for us too."
"I suppose so. Alright, I’ll go make the arrangements, so just wait here."
"Gotcha."
I watched as Agil headed out of the waiting room.
We had left the Zilba Empire and were currently visiting the Holy Kingdom of Enaria. On the surface, it was just like our trip to Zilba—a casual visit. Behind the scenes, however, it was about consultations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Oh, and also to discuss the "hands-off" policy regarding Zilba’s internal strife.
"Still, I was surprised," one of my companions remarked.
"Yeah, me too. The moment we stepped out of the Gate, a massive crowd from the Sia Church was there to greet us."
"They looked quite dejected once they realized Lady Rurua and the others weren't with us, though."
"…Hmm. I understand the sentiment, but it was still rude."
My escorts and diplomats were chatting away. It was true that I had notified them of our arrival through Agil. Given the situation in Zilba, we needed to get our message across as soon as possible. However, I hadn't asked for a grand welcome, so seeing so many people waiting at the Gate exit was a surprise. Most of them were from the Sia Church.
Well, the Royal Family and the Church were already at odds regarding the treatment of Holy Sword users like Sia. Honestly, it’s a bit much, considering the person herself is currently relaxing in Weed with other Holy Sword users, completely free of any grudges. Sending Sia over wouldn't solve anything, and it’s not my place to fix it anyway. Whatever happens, happens.
When the monster attack occurred in the Holy Capital of Enaria, my wives had gone around healing and helping the common folk, much like Sia did. Because of that, they were hailed as the second coming of the Holy Sword users and were welcomed warmly by the Church. The Church likely thought that if they could bring my wives—who were saving the Royal Family and the citizens—into their fold, they could gain a significant advantage.
It might sound like the Church is up to something nefarious, but in reality, the Archbishops are good people who are simply worried about being exploited by the Royal Family. So, this whole thing was actually done with our best interests at heart. The people from the Church who were there, however, were mostly interested in my wives' healing abilities, so they were disappointed that Rurua and the others weren't among us.
Once it became clear that we were affiliated with Weed, we couldn't exactly show our faces in the Enaria capital and start performing healing acts openly. We couldn't show favoritism to just one country, and besides, Rurua is a former Saintess of the Lite Holy Kingdom and holds significant authority in Weed. You can't just summon a person of such stature and order them to heal people. The same goes for Milly, Ratz, and Eris. Even if they were former slaves, they are my wives and key figures in Weed.
Well, I’ll have to go pay my respects to the Archbishop later. I need to gather some information from their side as well. As I was thinking about this, Jessica voiced a question.
"But Yuki, why did you permit Rurua and the others to visit Enaria in the first place? I don't imagine you couldn't have predicted this outcome."
"Now that you mention it, that's true. I was praised just for using healing magic there. Though, since my main job was acting as your escort, Yuki, I wasn't as popular as Rurua and the others."
"We weren't there during the attack on the Enaria Holy Capital, so we don't know the full details, but from what I've heard, it does feel a bit unnatural."
"Hmm. It feels a bit careless for you, Yuki."
"Hmm. Well, looking back, I suppose so. But it was necessary at the time."
"At the time?"
"Look, we were just a mercenary group back then. It was a charity project to establish our standing. We had the title of 'Guest General' of Zilba, but having extra titles never hurts, right? If we could get the Enaria Royal Family, the Sia Church, and the citizens of Enaria on our side, they’d help us if we ever ran into trouble."
" " "Ah." " "
The four of them were immediately convinced by my answer. Well, there was also the fact that Milly and Ratz wanted to overcome their past traumas, but that’s not something I need to go out of my way to mention.
As we were talking, Agil returned and guided us to the conference room.
"Welcome, Yuki-dono. It is good to see you again."
"It has been a while."
"Indeed."
We were greeted by the King of Enaria, a Prime Minister whose name I didn't know, the veteran General Hein, and the dual-wielding Magic Sword user, General Prism. We were ushered to a sofa, and just like in Zilba, maids brought us tea.
"First, let me express my gratitude and introduce myself properly. You were a great help during the monster attack. As the King of Enaria, and as an individual named Stace, I thank you. Please, call me Stace."
"I am also deeply grateful for your mediation with the other nations afterward. Forgive my late introduction. I serve as Prime Minister to His Majesty here in Enaria; my name is Dekil. I look forward to our continued good relations."
Ugh. Now I’ve been told their names. It would be rude not to use them now. …Should I suggest business cards soon? No, the leaders and high-ranking officials don't forget names easily, but I’m starting to lose track of everyone else. Wait, wait. I didn't come here to propose business cards. If I say something careless, I’ll just end up making myself busier. Let’s focus on the job at hand.
"That is very kind of you. Now, let’s start with a personal consultation. Stace, I hear there’s a dispute regarding the Holy Sword users?"
"Indeed. It is nothing major, but the Church is applying pressure."
"Ah, is this about the claim that the Church should possess the Holy Sword?"
"Precisely. Furthermore, because we went from a ceasefire with Zilba to an alliance, and eventually a coalition, those who were dragged into the war against Zilba are making a fuss, asking why we didn't negotiate peace sooner."
It’s war, after all. For those around them who lost loved ones or suffered damages, they can't help but speak out, even if they understand the circumstances.
"Well, the latter is fine. The problem is the Holy Sword. At the time, we used the Holy Sword to boost morale, and after retaking Betan, we intended to ride the momentum and attack Zilba. However, the Holy Sword and the Holy Sword user, Light Revive, were defeated by you and your group, Yuki-dono. The Church is condemning us for that."
"From what I hear, isn't that to be expected? It seems there was always a claim that the Holy Sword belonged to the Church, and isn't the Holy Sword already under the Church's management?"
They brought out the Holy Sword and lost; of course they’d be condemned.
"No, the problem isn't the ownership of the Holy Sword, but rather..."
"The truth is, there is talk that we were defeated because the Holy Sword user, Light Revive, was a fake," General Hein answered in place of the hesitant Stace.
"Light Revive is a fake?"
If anything, even that Holy Sword was just a replica—an imitation made by Noble. The real Holy Sword of Light is held by Difes, the leader of the Holy Sword users. As that thought crossed my mind, Prism began to explain in more detail.
"In other words, the Church is claiming that we prepared a fake Holy Sword user because we wanted to seize the Holy Sword for ourselves."
"Ah, I see. And because of that, the Church's influence is growing?"
"Yes. And there are those within His Majesty's own retainers who are aligned with the Church..."
"And you're worried this might hinder future intercontinental exchanges?"