203
The battle with the Demon King’s army came to a temporary end.
Glenn and his group entered Raygle’s capital under a more passionate welcome from the soldiers than ever before.
“Saint! Please look over here just once!”
“Aah… Saiiint!”
From the city entrance to the central road leading to Marquis Raygle’s mansion, it was no different.
As if a war had completely ended, the territory residents who had evacuated and returned waved their hands at Glenn.
Some children even approached and handed Glenn flower branches they had picked during evacuation.
Then, with short and clumsy voices, they bowed their heads and thanked him for protecting their homes.
“Do not feel too burdened.”
Beside Glenn, who was holding an armful of flower branches given by the children, Palador walked up quietly and spoke.
“Your Grace… ah, no. Saint, you are the one who saved Raygle, are you not?”
“Haha… The battle has not ended yet. We still have a long way to go.”
“Khahaha! When the Saint blessed by God has arrived, what is there to fear?”
His face, wrapped in a splendid white beard and laughing boldly, looked just like Javer, the captain of the Grey Wolf Knights.
But that was only his outer appearance. Glenn knew what was hidden behind Palador’s hearty face.
‘He must be anxious.’
He himself had suffered repeated defeats.
On the other hand, the Church’s officially recognized Third Saint appeared in a crisis and defeated a powerful enemy.
For now, it was good that his territory was saved from the Demon King’s army.
But Palador must be worrying about the future.
Even if the opponent was an existence beyond all standards, someone from outside protected his territory, not his own strength.
And that outsider was not only a Saint recognized by the Church, but also a descendant of Wordsworth, once Raygle’s rival.
Recently, Wordsworth’s reputation had been rising day by day, so he could not help but think about the standing of his own family.
‘His vessel is smaller than a cup.’
At a time when one should be ready to die in battle, he was thinking about his position after the war.
It was only pitiful.
“Still, I hope you do not push yourself too hard. If your body is harmed, that would be a great loss for the Church.”
“Ahaha. Thank you for your concern. Then today, I will rest comfortably.”
In Palador’s words was a hidden meaning asking Glenn to consider his position as well.
To put it bluntly, he was telling him not to stand out too much.
Some might call it overinterpretation, but Seongyohwan knew Palador Raygle very well.
He knew that despite his bold appearance, he often mixed such hidden meanings into each word.
And he also knew that he would repeat the same intention in different ways until the other person understood.
“Hahaha! Since you say only today, I can see how busy you have been. But at least here, please rest well.”
“Yes. The Holy War is in full swing, so I do not know how the situation will change, but I will not ignore Sir Palador’s kindness.”
Looking at Palador laughing with his chest puffed out, Glenn showed a public smile befitting a Saint.
Of course, he would not watch Palador’s disgrace for long.
‘Laugh as much as you want.’
In the future, Raygle would not be able to achieve even a part of the future Glenn had drawn.
Behind his public smile, Glenn quietly lifted the corner of his lips at Palador.
The Raygle family mansion located in the center of the city was like a palace, from its scale to its smallest decorations.
On the clean marble floors of every space, delicate sculptures were neatly arranged.
Wherever the eyes turned, splendid ornaments and patterns caught attention.
Honestly, at this level, could it not compete with the Grand Cathedral of Istirenne, called the White Palace of Minis?
No, compared to the cathedral built in purity and modesty, the decorations here were even more splendid.
“Certainly… It suits the most powerful noble family at present. Though it looks excessive for that man who is only big in size.”
Romina, who followed to the private room, openly gave her impression.
Because she had used too much demonic energy in a single spell during the battle with Rowen, she looked somewhat tired.
“This mansion being excessive for Palador… Well, it is not entirely so.”
Romina, who was sitting on Glenn’s bed and throwing off her clothes, tilted her head.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean exactly what I said. It does not mean he lacks the qualifications.”
Palador was selfish, but that did not mean he was incompetent.
Rather, he had exceptional ability in reading the flow and turning situations in his favor.
Though it looked luxurious, this mansion was built not from the blood of the residents, but from the wealth of Raygle territory itself.
In other words, it was physical proof that the man Palador Raygle was capable.
“Oh… I thought you disliked him since you only spoke ill of him?”
“I dislike him. But regardless of my preference, he is capable. Others may see him as selfish, but within Raygle territory, his reputation is good.”
What should be acknowledged must be acknowledged.
To the residents, Palador was a great lord who greatly prospered the territory.
Even if he did it for his own honor and power.
“So our young master, how do you wish to deal with the capable lord?”
“Deal with him… That is correct. Separate from his ability, Palador is someone who might cause trouble at any time.”
In the current situation, Palador was a bomb that could explode at any time for Glenn.
A capable ally is beneficial, but if he is selfish enough to push away allies to stand at the top, there is no bigger headache.
“But that does not mean there is no way to deal with him. We have already occupied the high ground.”
“Because of today’s battle?”
“Correct.”
Romina twisted her curly red hair around her finger as she spoke.
Usually she teased him with her amber eyes shining seductively, but at times like this, her sharp mind quickly caught Glenn’s intention.
“Today’s event will certainly be big.”
Originally, Glenn would have had to yield initiative to Palador, who had absolute support from the residents.
Because of that, it would have been difficult to prepare the stage for the fight against the First Legion.
But today, Palador retreated in defeat, and Glenn intervened to settle the situation.
By defeating an unprecedented strong enemy, a 9-Star Magic Swordsman.
“The rumored Third Saint who appeared like a comet and destroyed the Black Church showed his strength by defeating an enemy even the great lord could not handle right before their eyes. So forces supporting you and agreeing with your will will surely appear.”
“That is right. Of course, since this is Palador’s home ground, support will not rise extremely high, but…”
“It will be enough to carry out your plan.”
Romina crossed her legs on the bed, her amber eyes shining cunningly.
Glenn turned toward her with a smile and nodded.
“Now you can make the strategy.”
“If you entrust it to me, gladly.”
After a short conversation with Romina, Glenn soon joined Ridenhall in the next room.
A mansion servant approached and guided the group to the meeting room.
After walking for about ten minutes, they arrived.
Knock knock—
“I have brought Glenn Wordsworth, the Third Saint of the Church, and his companions.”
At Palador’s returning voice, the door opened and Glenn entered.
In the meeting room sat Palador and his vassals and commanders.
They showed different reactions upon seeing Glenn.
Some looked pleased to meet the Church-recognized Third Saint, while others showed wary eyes at the appearance of Wordsworth rather than a Saint.
“Hahaha! I was waiting! Since there is no time, shall we begin at once?”
Palador spread his arms and welcomed Glenn’s group.
After briefly introducing his vassals, he went straight to the point.
“Sir Jeren. First, report the result of the battle.”
An old vassal stood up and reported the results of today’s battle.
Perhaps because it was the first great victory since the war began, the faces of the commanders and vassals were all bright.
“Hmm. Certainly a positive situation.”
“Yes. However, the territories adjacent to Raygle are still being pushed back.”
The old vassal then reported the damage of the neighboring territories.
The territories in the central front, such as the Delphius Barony that Glenn passed through, were still suffering repeated defeats.
At least it was good news that the 3rd Division of the First Legion advancing from the north had been pushed back by Glenn.
“Today’s victory is good news, but if this continues, Raygle territory will be surrounded by the enemy.”
