Kate’s genuine admiration aside, I couldn’t quite grasp the idea. If anything, I was left puzzled.

I understood what Musk was suggesting: granting a private audience with me as a reward to the person who killed the most demonic worshippers.

At first glance, it seemed like a simple enough concept, but it wasn’t just any event—it involved risking lives.

There were plenty of other ways to arrange private meetings with me that didn’t require such stakes. Cautiously, I voiced my concern.

"Uh... Mr. Musk? Is a private audience with me really worth that much? I don’t think it’s worth risking one’s life over..."
"Then what kind of event would you suggest, Isaac?"
"Um..."

I paused, thinking carefully about what Musk had said. First, I needed to consider the position and authority I held.

In my previous life, people jokingly referred to the U.S. president as the “world president.”

While it was meant humorously, the phrase accurately reflected the influence and authority the United States wielded globally.

Historically, no empire had ever been as powerful as the U.S. Many nations, including the Soviet Union, had challenged its dominance, only to fail.

Comparatively, the authority I now held surpassed even that. I wasn’t merely an influential figure; I was a symbol of unchallenged might and respect.

Take Arwen, for instance. She might have had her own reasons, but she practically offered herself to me as a gift, treating herself as part of Alvenheim’s tribute.

And her people, the citizens of Alvenheim, had supported the gesture so fervently that they symbolically "presented" their queen to me.

‘For someone to have a private meeting with a person like me...’

The requirements would either involve saving their nation from a crisis or achieving a level of national significance that warranted a place in history.

And I, as the writer of a single book, had literally saved the world. Regardless of public perception, this was an undeniable fact.

I had preemptively prevented the contamination of the World Tree’s roots and exposed the presence of demonic worshippers operating in the shadows.

I had also fulfilled the demons’ ancient desires with relative ease and made significant contributions to cultural progress.

‘...Honestly, there’s no easy way to arrange a private meeting with me.’

If this world had sports I enjoyed, I might have been more approachable. At least then, I could have requested to meet someone directly.

But this world lacked even the simplest sports, let alone the Olympics. The most notable event was jousting, and while Animers might eventually introduce something similar to the Olympics, it didn’t pique my interest.

Given the era, opportunities for national representation were almost nonexistent unless someone slayed a dragon like my father had. Even meeting an emperor or king required extraordinary effort.

Unless you were born into nobility, you literally had to risk your life to meet someone of high status in this world.

"...I can’t think of anything," I admitted.
"Isaac, you should seriously reflect on your position. The accomplishments you’ve achieved are revered even by the elves."
"That’s a bit embarrassing to hear," I said, smiling awkwardly.
"I’m simply stating the truth," Musk replied with a warm smile.

I let out a wry chuckle at his response.

If it were up to me, I’d prefer a different kind of event. But deviating from this would undoubtedly diminish my perceived value, and people around me would surely criticize the decision.

As the saying goes, power is most effectively wielded by those who know how to use it. Yet, despite the authority I held, it felt like nothing had truly changed.

"So, is the plan to focus on hunting demonic worshippers?"
"I only make suggestions. The choice is entirely yours, Isaac."
"Then..."

I trailed off, suddenly aware of a piercing gaze from beside me.

Turning my head, I saw Kate fidgeting like a restless puppy, her anticipation practically radiating off her.

She was clearly urging me to make a decision—and preferably one that involved exterminating demonic worshippers.

Her vibrant blue eyes, even darker than Adelia’s, were a mix of hope and determination.

"...You must have a plan in mind to propose this," I said finally.
"Whew," Kate sighed in relief at my positive response.

For a moment, I wondered if she intended to participate in the event herself, but I pushed the thought aside. My conversation with Musk took priority.

Musk’s proposed event would undoubtedly be impactful, but it would also come with significant drawbacks.

"Of course, Isaac. While the number of demonic worshippers defeated is important, it’s not the only factor. After all, demonic worshippers aren’t all mere grunts, correct, Cardinal Kate?"
"Yes, that’s true," Kate replied, as usual likening demonic worshippers to insects. "Just as bugs grow into adult forms, demonic worshippers are divided into ranks."

When it came to demonic worshippers, Kate was practically an expert. Even before meeting me, she had been smashing their heads, and recently, she had even captured a fallen cardinal.

Kate glanced at me briefly before continuing in her characteristic soft yet resolute tone.

"Demonic worshippers bear specific marks. Low-ranking ones carry necklaces or rings, but higher-ranking ones have symbols inscribed on their bodies. However, these symbols are not visible under normal circumstances, making identification difficult."
"Hmm... Marks like that wouldn’t serve as solid evidence, though. Won’t that be an issue?"
"Ah, don’t worry about that. We can just carve the skin off and present it," she replied casually.
"...What?"

Kate’s nonchalant tone, as if skinning someone was the simplest solution, left both Musk and me dumbfounded.

While it might have been routine for someone like Kate, who had spent her life exterminating demonic worshippers, for people like Musk and me—who were far removed from such violence—it was horrifying.

"Uh, is there... any other way?" Musk stammered.
"If skinning is too difficult, you could always decapitate them or extract their hearts," she suggested before Musk, trembling, shook his head vigorously.

Even I found myself inching away, unsettled by her matter-of-fact demeanor.

For Kate, this was just another day at work, but for Musk and me, it was a nightmarish scenario.

That said, Kate wasn’t a psychopath or a sadistic murderer. She simply regarded demonic worshippers as insects, unworthy of empathy.

Her unyielding faith made her ruthless in this regard, but it didn’t change the fact that she was fundamentally a good person.

...Probably.

“······Anyway, I think it would work to assign scores based on grades. It’s better to handle this at the church level rather than at the national level, don’t you think?”
“Yes, of course. Our Luminous Church has already declared a holy war, so we can embrace this wholeheartedly. Ah! And we need to convey this to the Mora Church as well.”
“To whom would you be delivering the message? I understand the Luminous Church, but I’m not familiar with anyone in the Mora Church.”
“There’s Princess Cecily. She’s directly received Isaac’s light.”
“······”

Musk, hearing Kate’s reply, gave me a peculiar look. His expression said he had many thoughts but wasn’t going to voice them.

I had a pretty good idea of what was on his mind, so I merely shrugged in response. At this point, explaining myself would just sound like excuses.

“All right. Then I’ll leave it to the two churches to coordinate and decide on precise grading criteria. While you’re at it, make sure to share any tips and precautions as well.”
“We’ll take that to heart.”
“Now, the remaining issue is the potential side effects······ What should we do if, by any chance, innocent people are harmed?”

This is the part I’m most concerned about. While the intention is good, the process has a high chance of leading to unfortunate incidents.

Even in my past life, countless people exploited others' lives for profit, and this world is no less harsh—if anything, it might be worse.

Especially when it comes to something like a "witch hunt," where innocent people might be accused of being demonic worshippers.

Not to mention the possibility of torturing or burning people at the stake for even minor associations. The chances of this turning into a frenzy are significant.

So much so that in the past, Luminous himself had to step in and put a stop to such incidents. As they say, history repeats itself, and this well-intentioned plan could spark a similar disaster.

“We’ll do everything we can to prevent innocent casualties. But if such a thing happens······”
“We’ll immediately put a stop to it.”

Just as Kate faltered, unable to find a satisfactory solution, I stepped in.

All eyes turned to me. Facing their gazes, I spoke in a calm, measured tone.

“It’s far more tragic for an innocent person to be sacrificed than to let ten demonic worshippers escape. Whether it’s by accident or intention, if such an event occurs, we’ll cancel the plan immediately.”
“But letting demonic worshippers escape could lead to even greater harm······”
“If you’re fine with people cursing me to no end, then go ahead. Honestly, demonic worshippers live in the shadows and rarely come out into the open, do they? Even if they hide their identities, you’ve said that a small infusion of divine power makes them react, haven’t you? Without such measures, killing people outright would just make us murderers, wouldn’t it?”
“You’re right. That was thoughtless of me.”

When I firmly took a hard stance, Kate looked visibly flustered but quickly acknowledged my point. Musk, too, seemed surprised, his expression showing as much.

There’s nothing more painful than the thought of someone innocent shedding blood just to meet me. If such an incident were to occur, I’d take full responsibility.

With this decided, the remaining discussions were left to the churches to resolve.

The key point to emphasize was to ensure that no one was condemned simply for minor associations with demonic worshippers. The influence of demonic worshippers was widespread and difficult to trace.

It wasn’t uncommon to hear of neighbors turning out to be demonic worshippers or even mercenaries or adventurers harboring such affiliations.

“One of the mercenaries I hired turned out to be a demonic worshipper. It left a lasting impression.”
“Wasn’t that incredibly dangerous?”
“If I hadn’t had a potion on hand, I wouldn’t be alive today.”

Musk, in fact, was a victim of such an incident. The mercenary he hired for personal protection turned out to be a demonic worshipper.

Fortunately, thanks to the potion, he barely survived, but it was a close call.

“Now that the church will handle the rest, let’s focus on the most critical aspect—rewards.”
“Isn’t having an audience with me enough?”

Honestly, risking one’s life for this event feels like too much to justify just a private meeting as a reward.

Of course, I could offer signed copies or small gestures like handshakes as additional perks, but even that might not suffice······

“No, it’s more than enough. For many, meeting you in person would be a once-in-a-lifetime honor. Please understand the position you hold, Isaac.”
“······I see. So, what exactly are the rewards?”
“First place is a private audience, and for others who achieve significant results, additional rewards will be provided. Signed copies are an obvious example.”
“······I’ll think it over.”

Even the idea of private meetings left me uneasy, and the thought of signed copies being a reward was both understandable and overwhelming.

Musk didn’t seem overly concerned about the rewards. His primary focus was securing my approval.

Additionally, beyond these rewards, there were plans to offer substantial monetary incentives. However, since this required contracts with the church, it wasn’t something I needed to involve myself in.

As things fell into place and Musk’s proposal was largely accepted, Kate suddenly spoke up.

“Isaac, may I make a request?”
“A request?”

Kate rarely asked for anything, which made her sudden request all the more curious.

And her next words left me utterly speechless.

“I’d like to temporarily step down from my position as your guard to help deal with the demonic worshippers.”
“······You want to join the effort?”
“Yes. How could I pass up the opportunity to earn an audience with you?”
“No, wait. This is······ sigh.”

I’d suspected it might happen, but I never thought it actually would. Running a hand down my face, I felt a mix of disbelief and exasperation.

Kate was the type to be stubbornly single-minded in certain areas. Even if I told her it wasn’t necessary, she’d insist it was unfair and shake her head.

But even so, I couldn’t let her step down as my guard. Adelia might be competent, but there was no one as reliable as Kate when it came to safety.

Sure, Helium’s Reapers could take over, but none of them had Kate’s level of divine power.

“I’m rejecting your request. No matter the reason, I won’t allow it.”
“Why? As a loyal servant of Luminous, I must seize the chance to meet you.”
“You’re already qualified to meet me. Does that change anything?”
“It would be unfair to others.”

I knew she’d say that. Letting out a dry laugh, I responded in a calm voice.

“It’s fine.”
“But······”
“I can’t go without you, Kate.”
“······Excuse me?”

Kate blinked, visibly taken aback. Seizing the moment, I pressed on.

“I said I can’t do without you. So, I’ll give you as many private meetings as you want—just don’t quit being my guard. Understand?”
“······”
“Kate?”
“Sigh······”

What’s with her eyes suddenly going hazy? And that heated sigh?

As I stood there flustered, Kate covered her face with both hands, her cheeks turning crimson.

Moments later, with her face flushed and voice laced with inexplicable emotion, she murmured quietly.

“Understood······”
“······”
“I’ll protect you, Isaac, for the rest of my life.”

I didn’t say anything about forever, though.

“Well then, I’ll be off now! Goodbye!”

Why is she running away now?