Another meeting huh?

What could that pontiff want now?

The doors closed.

Does that mean he’s talking to someone?

It’s probably another one of his noble retinues, hoping for some kind of support or aid from the church…

I’m not surprised to see that I was right.

The man is wearing a gaudy outfit just to show off his nobility.

The pontiffs not any better, wearing white and gold robes and that ridiculous hat to hide his enormous ego.

“Sword King and Holy Knight Julius. It’s a pleasure to see you not late this time. Please, take a seat there’s much to discuss.”

He didn’t have to bring up my attendance, did he? This isn’t going to be a normal meeting, is it?

I can already tell. This is a disciplinary meeting.

I might as well sit through it.

“Now Lord Brando, could you please explain what you were worrying about to Julius here?”

“Of course Pontiff, the Aranea attack on Vishap Village was an unprecedented disaster for my lands and my reputation. The local security was completely unable to oppose the rampaging guardian of the forest’s minions. It was an utter embarrassment to me and my hold over Wiksor.”

I read of the Aranea attack that happened in a newspaper a while ago. You can only feel bad for the poor villagers already struggling to live outside the protection of the walls. Now there are entire families homeless and wandering through the city. If I ever have the chance I should make the effort to help out to repair.

However, it doesn’t seem like the noble has the same worries as me...

“It was such an embarrassment, that I have already been hearing rumors of discontent within the lower noble ranks. Talk of me being incompetent and unable to protect my holdings. I can only fear a coup is emerging from my own family to depose me. Now I can’t have that happening can I? I can only guess that these people are being influenced by Caddels! Pontiff Rex and Sword King Julius, I’m sure with your powers there’s something you can do right?”

He was right in a sense. He was an embarrassment to his family, his people, and his nobility. I can’t let him know I think that unfortunately.

But Caddels? That’s a very serious accusation to your political rivals.

“We’re both very sorry this is happening to you. And since your such a dedicated supporter of the Sacerdos house and the Church, we can’t just turn a blind eye. What do you think of the possibility of Caddels being involved in pushing the guardian into attacking the village?”

“I think it’s not just a possibility! It’s definite! And now they’re using their attack as an excuse to dethrone me! I guarantee it’s a plot against not just against me, but against not only the church, but the gods themselves!”

If Caddel’s were involved in angering Aranea enough to send minions to Vishap. It has to be in some overarching plan. Though I doubt that just some small-time lord would be needed to be sacrificed for such machinations.

“The church has been getting reports that a new head going by “Five”. Hmmm, this is possibly the first move by them to intimidate the nobility. Regardless we must take this situation very seriously, as a proud member of the Sacerdos family and head of the church, it is my duty to the gods to deal swiftly and harshly to put down these remnants of rebellion.”

“Are you saying you’ll help me, Pontiff?!”

“Of course I can’t just let a pious patron such as yourself die. Now, do you have any idea of those who are causing such issues?”

“Yes sir, I have a list of names and addresses right here.”

He’s placing a piece of paper on the table.

What disgusting scum, killing his way out of retribution for his incompetence at best and taking advantage of a terrorist attack for his own gain at worst... The worst part is I already know what’s coming next.

“Thank you, Brando. You are dismissed for now. Visit me in an hour for tea. I want to discuss the future of the church in Wiksor.”

“See you then.”

Great, now it’s just me and him.

Maybe, just maybe there’s a way out of doing this.

“I’m not just going to kill these people without better proof than rumors.”

There we go. It’s hopeless to try. But it’s better than just being his dog.

“Well, that’s unfortunate… And here I thought you still wanted my help with what’s her name, Allois? But I see you’ve grown beyond our deal. Should I see to it that Aki remove your blessings while I’m at it?”

Damn it!

I’m tired of this game!

Damn the aristocracy!

All I have is a single wish!

And the one time I ask for help I’m trapped in this hell!

I knew I should’ve never taken his hand!

“Ugh, never mind. I didn’t mean it…”

“You’re very good for one of Iris’s subjects you know Julius? Your people are always so hard-headed and stubborn about their own vague morals, but you? You know what’s right. You have your goal and your willingness to do what it takes for however long it takes to get there. I can feel we’re going to be friends for a long long time.”

I want to rip off this stupid pontiff’s fucking head!

I’m the reason your even alive now!

You can’t keep holding that over me forever!

Iris has abandoned me!

I may not be your average beast person but I’m not one of your slaves Rex!

“You’ll be ready to leave by tomorrow. And by the way, when I say eliminate everyone at these addresses I mean everyone. Else let a Caddel spy get intel were onto them.”

Groan

I promise i'll kill you one day! Pontiff Rex!