The Game Difficulty
Is Crazy
Chapter 28
Clatter, clatter—
A luxurious carriage slid smoothly along the road.
The Istirenne Grand Cathedral alone was as large as a small town, so when moving between distant facilities, people often used carriages like this.
Considering that the distance from the plaza at the cathedral entrance to the Confession Hall was about ten kilometers, there was no need for further explanation.
Of course, it was also to protect high-ranking priests like Cardinal Grazia from the danger of assassination.
Honestly, with this woman’s level, it would be hard for her to get assassinated anyway.
“Regardless of my own ability, when you consider the worries of those around me, I still have to do such bothersome things.”
As if annoyed by her position, Grazia tugged at her collar.
“There’s something I want to ask you. How did you single out the Black Order priest this time?”
She did not mention a name, but she was clearly talking about Amelia Cluny.
“…Is this an interrogation by any chance?”
“Think of it as a procedure that can’t be avoided. Inquisitors are quite tired people too.”
She said that, but it seemed Cardinal Grazia herself was simply curious.
Since he could not tell the truth, Glen only gave a suitably vague answer.
“Well… she’s someone I’ve been chasing for a long time.”
He made up a cheat-like story, saying Amelia was a prophet of the Black Order who had once been active in the Wordsworth territory and that he had seen her face before.
Although she looked uncomfortable with many parts of the explanation, Cardinal Grazia soon nodded in acceptance.
“I see. Understood.”
I see.
It seemed she had given up pressing further.
With the words that she would report the incident to the Holy Spear Knight Order and the Grand Cathedral with an appropriate explanation, Grazia concluded the matter.
“So what are you planning to do now? Are you going to find another Black Order priest inside the Grand Cathedral?”
“Hm. That wouldn’t be bad, but I think it’s time to throw a decisive move.”
Grazia’s eyebrow twitched.
“A decisive move?”
“Yes. You know as well, Cardinal, that killing a few priests won’t deal a real blow to the Black Order.”
A silent agreement.
The Inquisition had not been idle in matters concerning the Black Order. Over several decades, they had discovered and dealt with nearly ten Black Order dioceses.
But no matter how much they were crushed, the group kept growing at a frightening speed.
“If that’s the case, then the decisive move you mentioned must be… the Black Order’s main base you told me about yesterday.”
The sea-colored eyes of Cardinal Grazia shone sharply.
Just yesterday, Glen Wordsworth had visited the headquarters of the Inquisition.
At that time, Glen had requested support, saying he had identified the location of the Black Order’s headquarters and the whereabouts of its leader.
“That’s right. Considering how crafty the Black Order is, the faster we act, the better our chances. If we hesitate, they’ll escape again, just like always.”
“As I said this morning, I and the Inquisition will spare no support. But do you have enough forces?”
“Yes. There’s no need to worry. The forces are gathering well.”
Grazia frowned slightly.
“…From the look of it, I’m not the first one you contacted.”
“It’s a big matter. We need even one more ally if possible.”
“So then. How many have you gathered?”
With clear interest, Grazia leaned forward and asked.
Glen fell silent for a moment, finished a quick calculation, and then told the truth.
They’ll find out soon anyway.
The number of factions that had joined the plan to annihilate the Black Order was already approaching double digits.
Saint Luceria and her direct combat force, the White Veil Knights.
Roderick, the Saint’s aide, along with several high-ranking priests who had connections with him.
Various knight orders belonging to the attendees of the secret meeting, led by Randolph Hayward.
And now, Cardinal Grazia Delleda and the Inquisition, who had promised support this very morning.
“By tomorrow, the Saint will likely bring the Red Cross Knight Order into the plan as well. And by tomorrow, I plan to draw in the Holy Spear Knight Order too.”
“……”
Grazia Delleda stared at Glen without reacting.
However, judging by her slightly parted lips, she seemed shocked.
“This is truly unexpected.”
He’s really going all out.
That was the look Cardinal Grazia gave Glen.
“To think even the Saint and the Red Cross Knight Order… Hah. The more I see, the more suspicious your identity becomes.”
“Haha. Please interrogate me after the Black Order is wiped out.”
When Glen smiled shamelessly, the Cardinal also smiled playfully.
“Very well. I’ll be sure to do that. I doubt there’s another human alive who could stir my curiosity this much.”
“You flatter me.”
“That’s empty humility. But setting that aside— you said you plan to bring in the Holy Spear Knight Order by tomorrow?”
For some reason, Cardinal Grazia was unusually talkative today.
“Are you interested?”
“I’m simply curious what method you’ll use to move the Holy Spear Knight Order.”
The Holy Spear Knight Order was a group tasked with the very limited duty of protecting the Pope of the Istirenne Grand Cathedral.
Because of that, Grazia seemed curious how Glen planned to move such a stationary organization.
“Given their nature, we won’t be able to bring all of them. But we’ll be able to draw in enough of the forces we want.”
“The forces you want?”
Glen smiled.
“Yes. However, I’ll desperately need the help of Your Eminence and the Saint.”
“Speak.”
With a faint smile on her lips, Cardinal Grazia looked straight at Glen.
That evening.
Luceria returned to her modest office and let out a deep sigh.
Soon after, her aide, Bishop Roderick, placed a tea set on the table.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Ah, I’ll do it.”
“No. You’ve overworked yourself today. Please allow me to help at least this much.”
“…Then I’ll leave it to you.”
After a soft clattering sound, Bishop Roderick poured tea into Luceria’s cup.
“This scent… is it Tirsil mint?”
“I heard it’s good for relieving fatigue.”
“Thank you for always taking such good care of me.”
“I’m only doing what’s natural.”
Luceria gently lifted the teacup to her lips.
“Ha… it’s nice. Maybe because things went smoothly today, it feels even better.”
Today, Luceria had visited the Red Cross Knight Order, which was responsible for security across Istirenne.
It was to bring them into the force that would annihilate the Black Order, and the meeting had gone so smoothly that it almost felt unreal.
“I’m truly glad our intentions aligned.”
Holding the teacup with both hands, Luceria slowly felt its warmth.
“It’s all thanks to Brother Glen. If it weren’t for his advice, I wouldn’t have been able to meet someone as good as Brother Erhiman.”
Originally, Luceria had planned to meet Sir Philip, the commander of the Red Cross Knight Order.
However, around noon, Glen had briefly met her and recommended the vice-commander, Erhiman von Berger.
When it came to matters involving the enemies of the faith, Glen’s guidance was close to divine will.
So Luceria met Erhiman instead of Philip, and as a result, she was able to secure the Red Cross Knight Order’s support smoothly.
“If it were you, Saint, you would have received support even if you met Sir Philip.”
“Hehe. Thank you for saying that. But it wouldn’t have gone as smoothly as it did with Sir Erhiman.”
“…I can’t deny that.”
Considering what Sir Philip usually said about the Saint, meeting Erhiman had indeed been the best choice.
“If I may ask something improper… what do you plan to do once this matter ends successfully?”
“This matter… you mean?”
“Yes. Once it’s revealed that the Black Order’s leader was captured, you’ll gain tremendous support through this opportunity. But…”
