The rapid clatter of horse hooves echoed loudly as they raced westward.

The Inquisitors, dressed in dark red hoods bearing the emblem of a raven, slowed down as their leader, Soltnar, pulled the reins to stop. They weren’t near any crossroads or rest stops, which left the other inquisitors confused as they approached.

“…Let’s rest for a moment.”

Soltnar muttered, grimacing in pain.

“Are you feeling unwell, sir?”

One of the inquisitors asked with concern. They had done their best to heal him, but although the external wounds had been treated, the residual pain and internal injuries still lingered. Some injuries simply needed time to heal naturally.

And, more importantly, the wounds to his pride weren’t as easily mended.

“No, we’ve come far enough. The Golden Lion Paladins should be arriving soon. Let’s join them before heading back to Odryf.”

The inquisitors looked startled by Soltnar’s words.

“Shouldn’t we prioritize joining the Dawn Army and reporting directly to the Pope about Isaac Issacrea’s true nature?”

“I’ve already sent a raven detailing everything. His dark, deceitful nature has been fully exposed. Right now, the priority is to meet Dera Heman and punish Isaac.”

On the surface, it seemed like a reasonable plan, but the inquisitors who had worked with Soltnar for a long time sensed something off.

Sending information via raven often omitted key details due to concerns about security breaches. To fully report the findings from interrogating Isaac and any additional evidence gathered, they’d need to deliver it in person.

What’s more, Soltnar had come across urgent, significant information that absolutely required a direct audience with the Pope.

There was a high probability that Isaac, the Holy Grail Knight, was guilty of heresy.

Given the case of Kalsen Miller, who had been both a saint and a candidate for the next Archangel before he betrayed the faith, this was a matter of grave importance. Yet, instead of immediately reporting this to the Pope, Soltnar insisted on meeting with Dera Heman first.

“Sir, I think you should reconsider…”

“Dera Heman? That mute swordsman? Do you honestly think he can make any decisions on his own? All that lunatic knows how to do is slice people up when told!”

Soltnar snapped.

“Didn’t you see how Isaac used his sly tongue to manipulate the King of Elil, the World’s Forge, and even the commander of the paladins into following him? Heresy is always seductive, using clever words to deceive people. Do you think Dera Heman is immune to that?”

The inquisitors exchanged uneasy glances but couldn’t deny Soltnar’s point. In cases where a dangerous heretic was discovered, immediate elimination could sometimes take precedence over a formal report. What if, while they were delivering their report, Isaac managed to sway Dera Heman into heresy as well?

By then, it would be too late.

“Now is not the time for delays. We need to act quickly.”

The inquisitors couldn’t shake the feeling that Soltnar was letting his personal humiliation cloud his judgment. But they couldn’t risk questioning their superior’s pride, especially after what had happened.

After all, Soltnar’s disgrace was their disgrace too.

“Understood. In that case, it would be best to split up here.”

Soltnar nodded.

“Fine. I will proceed with Dera Heman. The three of you, go to the Pope and deliver a full report. Isaac is highly suspect of heresy. I don’t know what the Lighthouse Keeper plans to achieve with him, but I fear it could be another grave mistake, just like Kalsen.”

***

Half a day after splitting from the other inquisitors, the expected sound of hoofbeats came from the west.

In the distance, banners with a white background and a golden sun emblem fluttered in the wind. The Golden Lion Paladins had arrived.

The paladins swiftly approached and halted when they spotted Soltnar’s group. Soltnar quickly identified the knight at the front wearing the golden lion mask—Dera Heman—and called out.

“Dera Heman! Sir Dera Heman, is that you? I am Soltnar Culvain, Chief Inquisitor!”

Of course, Soltnar didn’t expect Dera Heman to respond directly. The man beside him, presumably an aide, rode up closer.

The paladin lifted his visor and looked down at Soltnar.

“Speak your piece.”

Soltnar felt a surge of irritation. For a mere paladin to speak to an inquisitor without even dismounting was a blatant disrespect. But he quickly reminded himself that he was the one who had stopped the paladins during an important mission.

“During my interrogation of Isaac Issacrea in Odryf, I was severely assaulted. He threw the Pope’s decree to the ground and attacked an official envoy. This is clear evidence that Isaac is trying to hide his heretical nature. I request the assistance of the Golden Lion Paladins to punish this vile traitor.”

As soon as Soltnar finished speaking, Dera Heman made a series of gestures. His aide promptly translated the sign language for Soltnar.

“If the charges are that severe, why haven’t you reported directly to the Pope? My only mission is to replace Isaac and take command of the Issacrea Dawn Army.”

“Time is of the essence! If we merely remove him from command, he may lash out in desperation, revealing his true monstrous nature. Worse, if he were to reach the Pope’s side, the situation could become even more dangerous!”

Soltnar’s voice was filled with urgency, but none of the paladins seemed inclined to agree. In fact, Soltnar noticed some of the knights in the back were laughing quietly.

Even for the Golden Lion Paladins, who directly guarded the Pope, it was hard to resist enjoying the idea of an Inquisitor getting beaten up.

Even Dera Heman was no exception.

“The commander says that the Holy Grail Knight is surprisingly spirited for someone with such a delicate appearance… Oh, wait, you didn’t want me to translate that part? Understood.”

Soltnar’s face turned red with anger.

He was about to respond when Dera Heman’s aide dismounted and spoke soothingly, clearly aware that provoking the inquisitor wouldn’t lead to anything beneficial.

“My apologies, Inquisitor. I understand your concern, but if you believe there is a strong case of heresy, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to proceed with formal charges and a religious trial? Once we reach Odryf, the commander can pass judgment.”

Soltnar gritted his teeth.

More often than not, he had dealt with heretics not through trials, but through poison or daggers.

Did they honestly think Isaac would willingly submit to a trial? His ragtag army of mixed faiths was already gathered, and there was no guarantee they would bow to the authority of the Codex of Light.

“Also, please forgive our earlier demeanor. The truth is, on the way here, we discovered something that made us wary. We were concerned that you might be bandits.”

“Discovered what?”