Another two years pass. During that time, many good developments happened. The most delightful news was the recovery of the current saintess. Although still weak, the current saintess began to be active again. She began appearing in public more frequently three months ago. And the saintess faction began to regain its former strength. For the past decade, the clergy faction was dominated by the radical group led by a group of cardinals and the moderate group led by Duke Ellon and his brother. As for the Pope, he was reduced to a mere figurehead. The saintess faction began to lose ground with the decline of the current saintess’ health. It had reached the point where it was practically dissolved. Many members were forced to leave the main church and were exiled to remote areas. Now, many personnel were recalled to the main church. Yet, the current saintess still kept that girl by her side, along with many more people from Duke Ellon. That was my primary concern regarding this current development.

  Another great news was that the first prince woke up from his coma. Two months ago, this news was delivered by the emperor. Besides the emperor's closest aide, I am the only person who knows about this. As per his request, we will have to keep it a secret from now on. Although he woke up, his situation was still unstable. He had to stay in the sanctuary at all times. However, we could expect him to make a full recovery in three years at the earliest or five years at the latest. I could not hope for more.

  A disturbing rumor reached me last month, one that had been circulating around the capital. It was during the annual ball. After his dance with the daughter of Duke Ellon, the emperor said he wanted her to become his daughter. It was speculated that she would be welcomed to the imperial family should the first prince make a full recovery. I was not sure whether it was true or not. I wish I could have been present there during that time. I was too preoccupied with the matter in the southern domain. Many disturbing movements in our area required my presence. If I were to meet the emperor, I would verify it with him. It was essential to clarify our standing. I was unsure whether the emperor's actions were a political maneuver to shift the arrow from the first prince or an attempt to appease the clergy faction. It was also possible that they came to a secret agreement. Had the emperor bowed down to the clergy faction? Or was it the scheme of the Duke Ellon? He was known as the leader of the moderate faction. However, from the political maneuvering in the clergy faction over the past years, it became increasingly clear that he was the mastermind behind the radical groups. He seemed to control both groups behind the scenes. His grand ambition became clear to me.

  Yet, my primary concern was Lilia. Around last year, her power began to evolve. At first, it was only subtle. However, it became increasingly complex to cancel it. Everyone around her could not help but notice. Her divine power increased exponentially. Currently, it has become more difficult for her to manage it. It was on the verge of running amok many times when she lost focus. She was in need of a teacher. I was unable to contact any personnel from the church, including those within the domain. However, as if noticing my concern, a key figure visited me this morning. He was someone I knew very well. It could be said that, besides the current saintess and Archbishop Henry, he was the most respectable person among those from the main church. He was the high priest, now a bishop, who was exiled to the northernmost part of this empire. I was saved by him twice during my youthful era. I could not help but recall my meeting with him this morning.

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  “I pray to the goddess for your glory. It has been a long time, Duke Willow.” He gave me his greeting as he made the priest salute.

  Although he looked significantly older, his physique and demeanor remained unchanged. It has truly been a long time since we met. The last time we met, he was sharing a drink with Rowan, who was standing behind me. I tried to inquire about the purpose of his visit. What he said was gravely disturbing, and it was the very reason that set my mood right now.

  “I am following the guidance of her holiness to instruct Lady Lilia in the divine art, as she may be struggling to control her power even with Iris’s help.” That was what he said.

  How could the saintess who held little power know about the existence of Lilia? If even the current saintess knew about Lilia’s circumstance, what about Duke Ellon? Yet, as if reading my mind, the high priest, no, bishop Leon, reassured me.

  “Regarding Lady Lilia, only her holiness and a select few know about her. No one from the other factions know it. You can rest assured.”

  However, I could not trust him completely. I asked him for the proof of the saintess' command and whether he had met her directly.

  “I had not met her holiness directly. However, her agents delivered this latter and ring to me. You can confirm the authentication of this proof.” He handed me the letter written in the saintess’ handwriting and her ring. After confirming the authentication with Rowan and Iris several times, we were half convinced by his word.

  After that, high priest Leon continued, “My presence here is a secret. Outside, I was known to have perished during the monster invasion. The church I resided in was burned down, and only the charcoal of my corpse remains.”

  “This is not the full story, right? Was it the work of Duke Ellon?”

  “Originally, it was the order for my assassination disguised as the monster invasion. However, her holiness hijacked the plan and took me out of the picture.”

  “Indeed, it was the smart move.” I could not help but admire her plan.

  Bishop Leon tried to reconfirm his mission to me. “Thus, I was tasked to help polish Lady Lilia in her holiness’ place.”

  I could only acknowledge his help. I could no longer handle it on my own. Thus, accepting his help was my only option. “I got it. I will humbly ask for your assistance.”

  After that, we discussed several additional matters that required immediate attention.

  At the end, I could not help but ponder this matter. Duke Ellon was not a fool. A clumsy disguise would not fool his eyes. Will he believe it? if it were me, I would confirm High Priest Leon’s death with nothing but his head on top of my desk. He may believe it if it were something from someone he fully trusts. Yet, I knew he never trusted anyone. Only those who were closely related to him could pull it off. And the saintess managed to buy that person? It was truly intriguing. High priest Leon seemed to have no intention of discussing it with me further. And I had no intention of forcing him for now. For now, let's confirm the rumor from the royal capital after first ensuring a safe environment for Lilia.