Chapter 102.1: What the Young Hand Desires

All signs of human presence had vanished from most of the Grand Shrine.

The sound of Rishe’s shoes echoed in the silent hallway after she changed her dress.

She peeked into the cathedral, which was the closest to the guest rooms, but it was empty as well. Until yesterday, there were bishops praying to the Goddess and priests busily preparing for the festival.

No one. Not only Myria-sama and His Excellency Jonal, but also His Highness Arnold and Oliver.

Could it be that they headed for the cathedral?

Ordinary believers were prohibited from attending the festival ceremonies. No one, not even Arnold, should be allowed near the cathedral.

Why is my heart racing?

The future Emperor Arnold Hein will burn down churches and priests. Even so, the current His Highness Arnold would not do anything rash against the Order…So, what was the point of ordering the believers to stay away from me?

To begin with, there must be a reason for him to make an enemy of the Order in the future.

In the past, she only thought they were in his way.

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The Order was a powerful force and a stronghold for people all over the world. They were nothing but an eyesore to the rulers. and there was no reason to overlook their existence.

Though I’m sure that’s only one of the reasons.

In the distance, the bells rang out, signaling the start of the festival.

The next moment, Rishe grabbed the hem of her dress and hurried to the cathedral.

“Huh, Leo!!”

“…”

Rishe managed to stop when the boy jumped out in front of her.

Leo appeared and looked straight up at Rishe.

Really, I didn’t hear any footsteps at all. Not even a sign…

She squeaked in her throat.

Leo observed Rishe and spoke with a hint of caution.

“Are you going to the cathedral?”

“Yes. Isn’t the festival about to commence?”

Leo’s brow furrowed.

“I heard that Arnold Hein asked for an urgent meeting with the Archbishop.”

“His Highness Arnold? But to do that right before the ceremony…”

“I’m sure he’s just trying to take advantage of their deal. I’ve heard that the Order has a rule that if Garkhain asks for a meeting, they can’t refuse.”

This sudden information made Rishe’s eyes widen.

Are you saying that there is a contract between the Order and Garkhain?

Leo snorted when he saw Rishe’s reaction.

“I knew it. You know nothing about it.”

No matter how many contracts they have, they can’t possibly take precedence over the rituals of the festival. His Highness Arnold’s purpose is not really for a meeting…

Rishe frowned.

To drive the Order into committing a Breach of Contract?

It was a conclusion she was almost certain of.

I have no idea what will happen once they renege on their contract. But perhaps His Highness will use it as an excuse to participate in the ceremony…

An ominous premonition crept up her spine.

Aside from Emperor Arnold Hein, the 19-year-old Arnold, whom Rishe was more familiar with, was not going to inadvertently antagonize the Order.

But perhaps that assumption was wrong to begin with.

Garkhain and the Order have some kind of agreement.