{{ WARNING: MENTIONS OF RAPE}}
Chapter 25
Bennessa was one of the places the protagonist had to visit in the original work.
Even during normal times, it was presented as a bustling commercial city where one could purchase various items.
Through the Grand Auction event, players could acquire rare items that were otherwise impossible to obtain.
And among the items available here, the absolute best.
An item displayed as “Not for Sale” in the Grand Auction but obtainable—practically through theft—via a specific event.
A massive sword resembling a giant cross.
- All Stats +50
- 50% Resistance to Dark Magic
- 50% Increase in Divine Buff Effects
- Ability to use “Black Star,” a complete recovery spell, every hour
- “Song of Sorrow,” a wide-area buff that increases attack and defense by 30% for nearby allies
This weapon possessed such overwhelming effects that it was regarded as the pinnacle of swords within the game.
The Holy Sword of Evram.
Obtaining this item marked a turning point in the game, drastically altering its difficulty.
It allowed the player character to dominate enemies who had previously been insurmountable.
One of the reasons I brought my ship all the way here was to obtain this item.
Of course, as someone in the martial artist class who primarily uses their fists, I wouldn’t use it myself.
This was for one of my sword-wielding subordinates.
It was also to prevent the “enemy” from acquiring it.
But at this moment, I hesitated to carry out my original plan.
Auriel.
And… the priest named Juda.
When I encountered Juda’s suspicious reaction to Auriel’s presence and recognized his name and vaguely familiar face, I recalled a certain fact.
Archbishop Juda.
One of the bosses in the original work.
Initially, he appeared as a virtuous priest, only to betray the protagonist later in the story.
The moment I remembered this detail, a quest was triggered.
When I read the contents of the quest, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of disgust.
In her childhood, she was an orphan.
A girl who wandered the streets, clutching her empty stomach, with no parents or siblings to rely on.
It was he who extended a hand to her.
Father Juda.
Always wearing a gentle smile, he took her in and guided her toward the path of a nun.
He supported her, helping her blossom into her musical talent.
He spared no effort in offering advice and encouragement during her slumps.
He was both the father figure she could depend on and the teacher who introduced her to the existence of God.
They spent half a lifetime together.
To her, he was the person she trusted more than anyone else in the world.
Juda meant all that to Auriel.
And now…
Bishop Juda
That father…
He stood above her, smiling as he looked down.
Surrounded by soldiers, with a dagger embedded in her ankle, Auriel lay on the street, looking up at the man she had trusted.
His smile, however, was stained with greed and joy.
“This could have been a disaster. To think the one trying to escape was you.”
“J-Juda… Bishop…?”
Auriel stammered in a trembling voice.
Despite what she had overheard, she still couldn’t believe the situation she was in.
She clung to the faint hope that this was an illusion or a nightmare.
But the sharp pain in her leg reminded her otherwise.
“This is no dream. This is cruel, undeniable reality.”
“Why… Why are you doing this? I’ve always thought of you as a father…”
“…Sigh…”
Juda let out a heavy sigh.
Then, with a hint of bitterness on his face, he spoke.
“Yes… I thought of you as my daughter, too. That’s why I cherished you. You’re talented and obedient. But what can I do? This is the will of the Lord.”
“The Lord’s will…?”
“Yes. I can’t explain it in detail now, but think of it as something akin to Abraham and Isaac.”
“!”
“Just as the great prophet offered his son as a burnt offering for the Lord’s sacred will, I must offer you, even though it pains me. This is the command given to me by the Lord… and His Holiness the Pope.”
Auriel, hearing this, was filled with a grim realization.
“You didn’t… volunteer for this, did you?”
“…Hahaha…”
Auriel’s dark tone questioned him.
At her words, Juda wiped away the sadness on his face and chuckled.
It was the same laugh she had seen earlier.
A laugh tainted with greed and anticipation.
“Let’s move out. The distinguished guests must be eagerly waiting.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
The soldiers obeyed the bishop’s command to drag her away.
Auriel watched the approaching soldiers and…
“I was wrong…”
Auriel muttered in a small voice, her head bowed.
“And… you were right.”
___
A blue status window appeared before my eyes.
As I read through its contents once more, my expression darkened.
<Hidden Quest Triggered – Song of the Stars>
[You have perceived fragments of the hidden truth.
The hands of fate reveal everything to you.
- The Holy Sword of Evram.
This powerful weapon can regain its full strength by corrupting a pure, powerful being and feeding on their blood.
Auriel Stardust, a woman with the qualities of a saint.
Bishop Juda intends to corrupt her for his own rise in status, offering her as a sacrifice to complete the Holy Sword.
In the process, he has prepared for the high-ranking nobles of Bennessa to violate her for monetary gain.
Fate grants you the right to choose.
Objective: Your decision will shape the outcome.
Reward: The completed Holy Sword of Evram, or something else entirely.]
The despicable backstory of a weapon I once wielded thoughtlessly in the original story.
In hindsight, skill names like “Black Star” and “Song of Sorrow” had all been hints at this grim lore.
Reviewing this wretched scenario once more, I let out a deep sigh filled with regret.
“What a shame… truly…”
***
A grand mansion located on the outskirts of Bennessa.
Inside, a secret garden hosted a gathering of Bennessa’s elite: Marquis Zavanni, Marquis Reit, Count Mista, and other high-ranking nobles and merchants whose names carried significant weight.
These individuals, all boasting immense wealth, indulged in the banquet-like atmosphere, savoring their drinks and food.
Yet, none of the splendid dishes before them compared to what they were truly anticipating—the ultimate delicacy.
“Haha… To think we’ll soon get to enjoy Auriel’s body.”
“As I said, her virginity is mine. Don’t get any funny ideas.”
“Tch… How unfortunate. If only I had spent a bit more money.”
“Well, this event is hosted by Marquis Zavanni, after all. Considering we’ll all be thoroughly entertained throughout the night, there’s no need to be disappointed.”
“True enough…”
“Apologies for the delay. By the way… Auriel. I bet her cries will be exquisite, don’t you think?”
“Who knows? Perhaps her heavenly voice will even inspire us to repent.”
“Haha, they say some have already been moved by her singing to the point of conversion. But what does it matter? The god she cries out to is the very one demanding her death.”
“Well… It’s His Holiness the Pope’s special decree, so I suppose it could be seen that way.”
“In any case, let’s not worry about anything else and focus on enjoying ourselves. Whether it’s relics or anything else, it’s not really our concern.”
With that, Marquis Reit glanced at the sword resting behind them.
A massive, cross-shaped greatsword.
Guarded by Bishop Juda’s personal subordinates, it appeared to be a simple weapon at first glance.
Soon, however, it was set to become the ultimate sacred blade, symbolizing the church’s power and Bennessa’s influence.
Not that most of those present cared much about such matters.
“Still, it’s not entirely unrelated to us. After all, this relic will be completed with our contribution. In a way, it’s like our child, isn’t it?”
“Haha! Now that you mention it, that’s true. Shall we toast to our child, the Relic?”
“To the Relic!”
As the atmosphere grew increasingly raucous, the gathering enjoyed their debauchery and exchanged laughter.
At that moment…
“Oh!”
“It’s finally here!”
A carriage came to a halt at the rear of the garden.
Seeing the carriage, personally driven by a priest, the nobles set down their glasses and plates and approached it eagerly.
“Welcome. How is the prepared dish?”
“It is inside the carriage.”
The priest spoke in a subdued voice.
Feeling a surge of excitement, the nobles moved toward the carriage.
Leading them was Marquis Zavanni, who, holding the reins of this situation, carefully approached the carriage.
Instead of opening the door, he first slid open a small window.
He preferred to savor the anticipation, much like slowly unwrapping layers of clothing rather than immediately seeing someone fully undressed.
As the window slid open, a figure cloaked in a black veil came into view.
The veil, resembling a bridal veil as requested, made the marquis gulp in anticipation.
“Well then… Let’s see the face of our noble nun.”
Wearing an excited smile, the marquis slowly reached for the soft black veil.
Like a groom lifting a bride’s veil on their wedding night, he gently pulled back the fabric.
What greeted his eyes was…
Golden hair gleaming in the light… and a golden beard?
“…Huh?”
“Hello.”
—
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