VDF7B – Chapter 108.2

“Leo was supposed to protect her just before she gets in danger…But the moment he took his eyes off of her, Miss Myria headed into the forest and put herself at risk.”

Schneider looked at Rishe calmly.

“――In the unlikely event, I would have punished Leo with my own hands and apologized to the Goddess with my own life.”

“…”

Rishe raised an eyebrow.

In the future, as Rishe knew it, Leo was severely punished and wandered between life and death, losing one of his eyes.

There was no man named Schneider among the leaders of the Krushade Order, and the position of Archbishop was occupied by someone else. That must have been the result of the “unlikely event” that Schneider mentioned.

“Enough of this nonsense.”

Arnold told Schneider in a low voice.

“The only question you need to answer is what your intentions were in creating this situation, including whether you intend to let the Maiden Priestess live, and how you will treat Father Emperor.”

“Are you willing to listen to my thoughts?”

“How audacious. You’ll probably be the next Archbishop anyway, aren’t you?”

“That’s up to Your Highness, Arnold.”

Arnold frowned at his response.

“As I mentioned earlier, there are several factions in the Order, either to hide the Maiden Priestess from Garkhain and nurture her, or eliminate her before Garkhain knows about her…I was, of course, the former, but now I am not.”

“What are your plans, Schneider-sama?”

“I’d like to establish an alliance with you.”

When Rishe’s eyes widened, Schneider exhaled and smiled bitterly.

“Not with the Garkhain Kingdom or His Majesty, but with Crown Prince Arnold Hein…And with your soon-to-be Crown Princess, Rishe-sama.”

“That’s…”

“I would like to ask you to keep Miss Myria’s existence hidden from His Majesty. And when I become Archbishop, I will return the favor to Your Highness Arnold as best I can.”

It was an offer Rishe hadn’t expected.

In the first place, the reason Rishe visited the Grand Shrine at this time was to establish a connection with Myria.

If she could establish a relationship with Myria, the Maiden Priestess of the Krushad Order and a world-renowned authority, it might help in avoiding war.

She hoped that she could prevent a future like the one that would eventually come, where Arnold would burn down churches and try to kill Myria.

In all my lives so far, His Highness and the Order have always been enemies. If this cooperation is realized, the future will surely change. However…

Rishe glanced up at Arnold next to her.

“What kind of alliance?”

Just as she had expected, Arnold looked at Schneider with deep displeasure.

“You seemed to have misjudged your position, Schneider. No matter what you wish, I am already aware of the existence of the Priestess.”

“You’re right.”

“The power of the Order is of no concern to me. For you, on the other hand, this is a top-secret matter with lives on the line. ――If you have time to make such a long-winded offer, you’d better bow more deeply.”

“Your Highness Arnold.”

Rishe cast her eyes down, but Arnold did not even glance at her.

Schneider turned pale and looked up at Arnold.

“I told Your Highness that my fate depends on your will.”

Schneider bowed to Arnold as if he were offering him his head.

“If you can accept my bow, I don’t care if you leave my body and crush me to the ground. I beg you to help us.”

“You’re shivering. Your Goddess whatsoever isn’t going to help you like that.”

“For me, faith is not about seeking salvation from the Goddess, but about devoting my life to her. If my life can save the Goddess’s child, then so be it.”

“―― ……”

Arnold was about to say something, looking down at Schneider, when a voice interrupted.