Chapter 257. The saintess’ decision (2)
She kept staring at the reported documents without saying a word.
Contrary to the appearance of trying not to be shaken as much as possible, the inside is quite nervous.
‘…Is there really no way?’
In terms of military and ability, I can’t come up with any sharp numbers.
It is known that the saintess has various abilities, but she does not have the power to reverse this unfavorable war situation.
If it was the undead, spraying holy water would solve the problem, but it couldn’t be done against humans.
‘It seems that the assassination of Arell Ernesia has also failed…
The Ernesia Kingdom Army doesn’t say much.
A lot of time has passed since Lua was sent.
Seeing that there has been no news so far, it must be considered a failure.
‘Lua….shouldn’t have sent it.’
That fact made her sad.
A choice that had no choice but to waste a trusted subordinate in this way.
And regret for not being able to deal with Arell.
Both made her nervous.
“The morale of our allies is also falling due to consecutive defeats. There are also some deserters.”
“In addition, the news has already spread to the saints here, and the believers are anxious and gathering at the temple. First of all, we are punishing those who spread disturbing rumors, but I don’t know how long this will last.”
It is common sense that news of a possible war is not easily conveyed to the public unless it is a victory.
But, of course, Arel’s side is actively spreading the news.
It is common sense to unsettle the public opinion of an enemy country in a war, so there is nothing strange about it.
Of course, the Seongguk side tried to prevent this vicious cycle, but they could not hide the news of the defeat.
If it continues as it is, problems caused by external enemies are also threatening, but internal unrest may become a greater threat.
“Above all, the biggest problem is… the lack of troops.”
“…then how about this?”
“Hmm?”
High Priest Lesren was making some suggestions to the other priests as if he had thought of a plan.
“Now that this has happened, let’s issue a conscription order to the citizens of the castle.”
conscription order?
Nelvenia, who had been listening quietly, pursed her lips.
Another priest asked in her stead, as if not understanding.
“A conscription order? What does that mean?”
“Soldiers alone can’t fight it! Then you have to fight them. Otherwise, how will you protect this place?”
Resren, who proposed that opinion, insisted on the conscription order while standing up to the point of bloodshot eyes.
What is the ‘here’ he claims to mean?
Saint? Or your own safety?
Which meaning would it be closer to?
“Impossible. No, there is no meaning before that.”
Another priest, who had listened to the story calmly, raised a dissenting opinion.
“Even if we increase the number of soldiers by doing so, what about weapons? What about the army? Do you think that the people who were not trained before that will defeat that ferocious enemy?”
This is the absurd opinion of someone who doesn’t know about war.
It’s not that the number of heads isn’t important, but it’s not the best idea to just increase the number unconditionally.
In the first place, the plan to obtain a large number of enslaved soldiers from the empire was also a method with thorough training in mind after that.
Even if a conscription order is issued, the result does not change.
He calmly pointed out the reality.
Lesren, however, snorted.
“Because who doesn’t know that? Wouldn’t it be enough to serve as a shield?”
“Wait, what did you say?”
“It was called a shield.”
Receiving everyone’s puzzled stares, he smiled suspiciously.
“It is to bring people together. Then, no matter how much Ernesia’s army is, they won’t slaughter more than necessary. It will be a time buy.”
“Say something that makes sense!”
Some pointed out what a terrible opinion it was, but he didn’t care.
“Do you think the war will be won in such a ridiculous way?”
“Did you tell me? It’s all about buying time.”
“. What’s the point of buying time like that?”
“Don’t worry. After that, there will be enough time for us to get out.”
“You’re leaving…?”
hmm?
Something seemed to suggest that his story was different.
The priests who were puzzled and the priests who were silent, as if sympathizing with Lesren for some reason.
At some point, the atmosphere is divided into two branches.
Nelvenia was coldly glaring at those who insisted on conscription.
“…Resren 人} I did it after all.”
“yes! That’s right, Nelvenia. You are wise too.”
He nodded and got up.
At the same time, soldiers under his command stormed in and surrounded the conference hall.
“Stop it! What is this? It’s like…
“Are you saying it looks like a birthmark? no. This is not a birthmark.”
He shook his head several times.
“It’s just that I want to condemn the saints… no, the witches who caused this war.”
Only Nelvania listened to the words without a word.
“Aren’t you going to make excuses?”
“…does it need to be done? It seems that you have already answered?”
Nelvania answered very quietly.
“Are you going to capture me and give me to the Ernesia kingdom army?”
There was no attitude of accusation or reprimand, just asking about his ulterior motives.
“I would love to if that ended, but unfortunately, it would only end the war. We, too, will lose our present position.”
Now, when there is no prosperity, it is none other than the current high-ranking priests who supported the saintess, who was originally in a position where there should be no power.
Even if you surrender and admit the suspicion, your position of supporting the current saintess won’t change.
At least, it would be difficult to enjoy the same power as now.
So Lesren chose a different path.
“We will run away after buying time by putting you and the people on the line.”
“Is there anywhere in the Holy Kingdom where you can escape?”
“Who said he would run away to the Holy Land?”
He clicked his tongue.
“Quack. Don’t worry, I’ve already finished the story.”
“…I wonder what kind of deal you did with who and where?”
“No big deal. There are just those who hope to see you.
It seems that he has a lot of interest in the saintess. Well, it would be better for the saintess not to know.”
Listening to the nuance of his words, at least it wasn’t the kingdom of Ernesia.
Only then did Nelvenia understand his intentions.
The reason he rebelled was not to dedicate his recruits to the Ernesia kingdom army.
It was an intention to exile by attracting a foreign country somewhere for his own sake.
After exile, without even thinking about the aftermath of the motherland.
They are prioritizing their own safety.
“How are the others? Will you remain in the castle town where Ernesia-kun will attack you? Or will you go with me to a safe place?
Now, I will give you the opportunity to choose.”
Lesren looked back at the priests who were puzzled by her opinion and forced them to make a choice.
“Wasn’t this war only started because of two years! Now, will you still follow her?”
Then the other priests also showed signs of hesitation.
They, too, must have been harboring insecurities for their own safety.
None of them were optimistic that the war could be reversed anyway.
However, someone who pointed out the reality appeared and even raised a rebellion.
It was natural to shake.
“Don’t worry. If you follow me, we can keep the same wealth as we have today. This is after receiving the confirmation that it is okay to bring your family. Our safety will be guaranteed.”
“…is that for real?”
Gradually, the atmosphere in the conference hall moved toward approving Lesren.
Watching the ugly sight, Nelvenia sighed.
Perhaps mistaking that appearance for desperation, Lesren spoke words of sympathy to Nelvania.
But his eyes are clearly mocking her with contempt.
“Don’t worry. They will never disrespect you… well, I can’t guarantee you.”
In the end, it means to sell Nelvania.
“I don’t understand either.”
Silent, she finally got up from her seat.
“Is your comfort that important?”
However, no one is embarrassed by following her gestures with their eyes.
No matter how famous a saint is, in the end she is nothing more than a girl.
This perception is strongly ingrained in them.
make holy water create a new weapon. And it has many convenient powers.
But what use is that?
The rebellious priest was already convinced that he had the initiative.
He had already replaced all the soldiers with those he liked.
In addition, the escorts who sided with Nelvenia were subdued.
When other priests persuaded them that they would guarantee their safety, they tended to come over.
In this situation, is there anyone who will take her side even at the cost of her own life?
There is no way.
“Let me give you a final warning. Even now, bite the soldier and take your seat. Then I’ll pretend I didn’t see the current ugliness.”
As if to offer her last mercy, she proposed.
However, the proposal did not seem to have reached him.
Lesren just snorted.
“Anyway, the young saintess doesn’t seem to see the reality… Serve her respectfully.”
The soldiers obeyed orders and reached out to secure new recruits from Nelvania.
Even as soldiers approached to secure her recruits, Nelvenia herself remained calm.
He just stared at something without saying anything.
‘Heung, did I give up?’
Lesren ignored Nelvania’s reaction.
In the end, I thought I would lose my mind.
Even if it wasn’t him, anyone would consider it that way.
The war that happened by mistake The enemy who came in the middle of the day is useless.
In the end, the betrayal of the aides.
Even if it wasn’t her, it wouldn’t be strange if anyone went crazy.
“Don’t feel bad about it.
I can’t tell you where I’m going. I’ll teach you this. They seem to have a lot of grudge against the saintess.”
he said sarcastically.
Anyway, Nelvenia’s charges are to blame for the plague.
Regardless of whether that was true or not, she no longer had the status and life she had now.
If so, wouldn’t it be better to abandon her?
‘joy. Well, if I’m dragged away by them, it’ll be worse than dying.’
It is impossible to reveal who they allied with, but they also hold a lot of grudge against the saintess.
I didn’t sympathize with her or sympathize with her.
Anyway, now I was in a hurry to live my own life.
In any case, I don’t want to let go of my current wealth.
He was full of only that desire.
Times have changed.
The times have changed to live godly with faith alone.
“…It hasn’t changed.”
“???? yes?”
Nelvenia muttered to herself, and he frowned as if he was puzzled.
“It’s no different from back then. Even back then, people like you supported me as you please and abandoned me as you please.”
“I don’t know what you mean…
Hurry up and bring the saintess!”
The one who listens to the story of a crazy person is at a loss.
Arrogantly presumptuous, he hastened to secure her recruits.
The incident happened before the soldier touched Nelvania’s body.
