Vol. 3 Chapter 80: The Lying Priestess (Patreon)

Local goddess here reporting for duty! A day had passed since I returned home to the palace. When I came back, every member of my family greeted me with wide smiles and bright, shining eyes. They were concerned at first about why I didn’t follow the schedule, but they didn’t panic thanks to the messenger we sent in advance to notify them.

They were pretty sweet on my arrival, asking me all sorts of questions during dining. Mother was the best. So sweet. I love her… Huh, I didn’t expect to blurt that out. Ahem, anyways, I told them the stories. I of course shared what I did in that greenery field. Although I might have lowered the details a little bit… Not that big of a deal anyway!

I asked the family for permission to learn Armament Magic, specifically my parents. Unlike the first time I asked to learn magic, they were less hesitant in this one. Mostly because they could not hold me back in something like this anymore. And they have no other decent choice. If they deny me this, I would get all pouty and won’t talk to them for a week.

However, the moment they agreed, they added the condition that I should get back to my normal education. Boooooooh, gonna learn etiquette lessons and maps, and music — okay that last one’s not too bad. But the reason for that was because my debut was getting closer. Now I have to practice, especially my dancing performance and the music performance. W-What the fuck, have pity on the pure princess.

Gonna be hell for me soon.

Anyways let’s forget that for the while, and my armament magic will need to be set aside for today. I have other meetings to get into. First agenda, report from Ayana!

She had them in writing, but would be nice to hear it from herself. And thus I had her speak while I skimmed through her written report.

“The operation is a success, no severe casualties on the palace’s side. However, as expected, there are a few losses on the adventurers.”

Well, as long as it was the adventurers. Mere mercenaries. Whether they have underlying loyalty for the nation, I was not sure. As long as none of my knights died, I’m fine with that. I am a bit wary of mercenaries I have to say, they work for the highest bidder. Normally they don't care which side wins as long as they financially benefit.

“Then there is the matter of the elf.”

I leaned back on my couch. “So an elf remains. And you failed to capture him.”

“... Yes, your highness.”

“And he’s the leader of the bandits. I wonder how long he’s been there…”

From the notes, these were bandits that cut off the ears of their victims. Reminded me of Oryn, they were connected. They really made Oryn’s backstory solid enough by forming a bandit group. I admire the determination. And they did it just for me, how fucking sweet. Makes me wanna choke the life out of them.

“What do you think of this elf?” I asked her.

“He seems different from those we faced. This one is not keen on killing himself. And he’s stronger.”

“Hm, do you think he’s of a higher rank than the ones we faced in the city?”

“Could be. It’s the feeling I got from him.”

“A more dangerous opposition, huh. And where could he have gone…” I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking. “Well, at least we got rid of his army. Continue tracking down the bandits, even the smaller groups. I want them erased from around the capital.”

We’re cleaning house, people!

“As for the elf, your highness?”

“For now focus on the bandits, we might find a trace of him. I’ll call for you when there are changes.”

“Understood…”

“Alright. Now, what is this priestess added in the report? Joined in our operation.” Ayana mentioned in the report that this priestess should not have been in the operation. “I want to ascertain, is she from our church?”

“... Yes, she participated in Operation Sweet Roses. Turned out she became an adventurer, joining a party, and her party was among the participants of our operation against the bandits.”

“Wait, was she an adventurer recently, or has she been for some time?”

“For some time now, your highness.”

Involuntarily, I placed a hand on my forehead. “We only learned about this now?!” Is that priestess an idiot?! What if she was captured by the enemy or something?! Forced her to blurt out some sensitive information? What if she leaked it to her party?

A fucking hole in our security?! You know how something that small could be our fucking undoing? Some people get fucked up by something smaller. Even I took advantage of those small holes! Shit.

“I have conveyed the matter to his Majesty.”

Father did mention something like a worrying situation back when we were eating. Wow, way to keep the suspense, father!

“So, what did my father do?”

“He summoned the High Bishop, but I am unaware of the details of their discussion.”

“Where is this priestess? And why did she even join the adventurers? I-Is that even allowed?”

“I am not particular about the church’s rules. But the priestess mentioned they don’t.”

I heaved a long sigh.

“Princess, I requested for the priestess’s presence here, she is waiting outside. If you wish to know more, you may speak to her.”

“Oh? Then bring her in.”

“Yes, please wait a moment.”

Ayana left the room, and when she returned, a familiar priestess followed behind her. I knew her well.

“Tina.”

One of the representatives that the High Bishop sent to me. Now I understood why she was able to get out of the church without much trouble and even join the adventurer’s guild.

The priestess looked nervous.

I glanced at Ayana. “Leave us for the moment.”

Once she left, I directed a stern gaze at the priestess. “So, Tina, I heard what you did. I have to say, I am quite disappointed in you.”

“Yes, your highness. I deeply apologize.” She bowed her head where she stood.

“Since when have you been an adventurer?”

“It’s more than a year now, I think.”

“You’ve made good friends, then?”

“Y-Yes, yes I did.” she lowered her head, sadness evident on her face.

I didn’t expect to see that kind of face with that question.

“So, why did you become an adventurer, Tina?”

“... I… I was curious, I wanted to experience something new. Meet new people outside of the church. And… adventuring sounded and looked like a nice thing to do.”

“Was it?”

“Yes,” she mildly smiled. “It was a wonderful experience.”

“Oh? Tell me more, I’m curious.”

“... I get to go to places unknown. Face creatures I have never seen before. And fun, have fun with friends. Together, we were having fun. Despite all the danger.”

“Was it the new that you were yearning for?”

“... I believe so, yes.”

“Was your family inside the church never enough for you?”

“I… It’s not like that.”

“Really? Admit it, priestess. You were never pleased with the company of your family. The old man that took care of you, or the person you acknowledged as your dear sister. You yearned for something more.”

“... No…”

“How do you think those dear people feel when those friends from the adventurer’s guild are more important than them, your own family?”

“No, I didn’t mean to…”

“But I guess we grow up, do we? In time, we grow to love someone more than our family. Am I wrong?”

The priestess had no answer.

“Of course, I have yet to reach that point. I have other problems to think about. Like, I don’t know, a priestess privy to the secrets of the kingdom frolicking around with some adventurers?!”

She flinched. “P-Princess, please I would never reveal anything—”

“You could never be sure. Even a multi-headed monster cries when suffering. What if you were captured? I assume that elf almost had you, hm? And what if your friends learned sensitive information, like Operation Sweet Roses?”

“They would never share that knowledge with anyone even if they did.”

“You believe in them?”

“Yes.”

“And is that enough reason for me to believe in them as well? Is that how it is supposed to be, priestess?”

She had no answer.

“Don’t even tell me to believe in them, Tina. With the right price, the right pain, the right grudges, can change the situation for the worse. No less to adventurers.” I took a deep breath. “But at least they discovered nothing, that is good. And you spilled nothing, yes?”

“Y-Yes, princess.”

“Tina, the situation is extremely volatile right now. I don’t wish for everything to crumble before we could even begin the foundations.”

“... Yes, princess. Thus, I wish to mention that we encountered the elf. My friends met him face to face.”

“Oh yes, the elf. Along with your party… What will we do with them…?”

“Princess, they are still grieving the loss of a dear friend.”

“Slain by the elf?”

“Yes. Please, give them a peaceful time for the burial.”

I could have them killed. That would make things simple. But that would be difficult. Such a deed would be unacceptable somewhat in the palace. Even Tina would hold hatred. The church I don’t know how would react exactly.

“Aren’t you grieving as well?”

“... I suppose I am.”

“Who died?”

“Derin was his name.”

“I see. Then you should be there with them. I will allow you to be there, make time with your friends to say goodbye.”

“... T-There’s no need.”

That took me by surprise. “Why is that?”

“After I revealed who I truly am, my true abilities, they don’t know how to treat me anymore. They’re not that angry, but it doesn’t feel right. Although, Anita dislikes me now.” She forced a smile.

“Anita?”

“Our mage, and Derin’s lover.”

“Ah, so you hid your true powers. And now they hate you?”

“I don’t think it is hate… It’s just, it’s hard to deal with someone that lied to you the entire time.”

“Is that why you don’t want to see them?”

“... I will leave being an adventurer behind. To fulfill my role in the Church.”

Oh okay, makes things easier then.

“Why?”

“I have no place there anymore. I deceived them. And ultimately, I am weak. That elf fought everyone without a sweat. I was mostly useless. I must become stronger.”

“Is that what you truly wish? If you don’t talk to your friends one last time, you may come to regret it.”

She was hesitant to reply.

“At least say your goodbye, even if they look at you differently now. Plus make sure they don’t blab around what they fought. The consequences might become dire if they do otherwise, do you have an idea?”

“... They will have to die.”

“Indeed. I don’t want that to happen to your friends, Tina. Such a terrible thing.”

Especially this Anita, disliking Tina because her lover died. A sign of emotional blindness and foolishness. Will be hard to predict what she’ll suddenly do next.

“If even one of them did something undesirable, Tina, I’m afraid we’ll have to make you take care of it.”

She paused for a moment, lowering her head, shaken by the thought of what she may do. “Y-Yes, princess.”

“Them I don’t trust. However, I can put my trust in you. Can I do that, Tina? Can I rely on you?”

“Yes you can… princess.”

“Excellent. You may go to your friends. Afterward, go back to the church. Remember, say your goodbye and go.”