Chapter 233
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Gilbert shrugs his shoulders and says, 「Well, well.」
「I saw you earlier, being hung out to dry in front of all those people, being called a liar. It was quite pitiful, really. I think it was terribly cruel. I could never do something like that myself. That was truly the epitome of inhumane behavior.
But I want you to rest easy. My thinking is a bit different from theirs. You see, I believe that lies can be forgiven if there’s a good reason for them.」
「Rea…son?」
Ryūgūin repeats the word questioningly.
「That’s right. A reason. You know the saying in your world, ‘the end justifies the means’? We have a similar way of thinking here. I believe that lies can sometimes be necessary. But when you’re working as a clergy member, you’re surrounded by inflexible people, starting with His Holiness… In that regard, you seem to think more flexibly.」
「You appear to understand the subtleties of things.」
Gilbert nods 「mm-hmm」 at Ryūgūin’s pompous manner of speaking.
「Let’s be honest here—in any world, in any field, you can’t rise to the top just by playing nice. This applies even to my organization—the Crater Church, which claims to revere God.
Look over there. Some people are turning pale because what I said hit close to home—though I suppose I think similarly to them, so I’m not really in a position to criticize.」
Gilbert flashes a mischievous, likable smile.
「So you see, I think it’s perfectly natural if you’ve used some forceful methods, like telling lies, to rise to the top.」
Ryūgūin shows a serious expression, appearing somewhat moved.
「So it’s only natural that I’d want to borrow your power.」
「What… would I need to do…?」
Though eager, Ryūgūin asks somewhat reservedly.
「Oh, it’s simple really. Just lend us your wisdom in various fields, like you’ve been doing until now. Ah, don’t misunderstand. I’m not asking for anything difficult. As long as you provide ideas and wisdom, I’ll take responsibility for providing the funds and top-tier personnel to implement them.」
Ryūgūin licks his lips.
「Are you telling me to work under you?」
Though the answer is already obvious, Ryūgūin doesn’t nod right away, perhaps trying to negotiate better terms.
「Ah, no no, sorry about that. I’m not forcing you to become my subordinate or join the Crater organization or anything like that. I suppose I wasn’t clear enough. Essentially, I want you to stay on as an external advisor, like a consultant.」
「Consultant… external advisor…」
Ryūgūin mutters something in response to Cardinal Gilbert’s words, but I can’t make it out.
「Rather than judging and punishing you, I’m convinced that putting your rich knowledge and extraordinary ideas to use will contribute more to this world’s development.」
Ryūgūin, having made up his mind, asks:
「If… if I were to agree to your proposal…」
「Yes, yes?」
「Would I… have to live the same kind of life as you all?」
Struggling to find the right words, Ryūgūin vaguely refers to 「you all」 in his question to Gilbert.
「While I can pretty much imagine what you mean by ‘the same kind of life as us,’ the Crater Church isn’t actually that strict with its precepts—」
I notice Gilbert glancing at several church officials. The people he looks at shudder.
「To begin with, we’re not without our share of worldly priests. Well, I don’t think it’ll be a problem. Besides, you’ll officially be external to the Crater Church anyway.」
Ryūgūin puts his hand to his chin and pretends to ponder for a moment.
It’s clearly an act to make himself appear more important.
After nearly two minutes of this, however—
「I think I’ll accept your offer. If my knowledge can serve as a foundation for your lives, I’d be happy to help.」
Gilbert’s face brightens at Ryūgūin’s words.
「Ohhh!! This is truly a wonderful day!! Both our Holy Knight and our Hero are perfect fits. Two heroes have been born on this single day. If this isn’t wonderful, what is!!
From now on, everyone will surely call this day the ‘Day of Heroes’!
Everyone, let’s give him a big round of applause—for him, for Arcana, for this world!!」
While no one else claps, Gilbert alone applauds with a broad smile, going 「clap, clap!!」 Ryūgūin doesn’t seem to mind at all.
「Changing the subject, Hero, all the women you brought with you were quite beautiful.」
Ryūgūin nods with an 「mm, yeah」 at this sudden change in topic.
「They’re women I’ve carefully selected over a long time.」
「I see. So does that mean you have other ‘women’ besides them?」
「Well, yes. I’d say there are probably twenty or thirty of them? They’re all my obedient and cute women.」
「Hah! Amazing! But they say ‘heroes are popular with women,’ so I suppose this is natural for someone like you?」
Ryūgūin grins at Gilbert’s words.
「In my opinion, being energetic is essential for success. Perhaps that overwhelming energy is why we seek many women.」
「Haha! I see!! Well said, Hero!!
This works out perfectly then. You’ll be working close to me from now on, and you know, the sisters of Crater are honestly quite beautiful! I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.」
And Ryūgūin too shows a slight smile, perhaps imagining his golden future ahead.
Why doesn’t he notice?
I feel a shiver run down my spine at the presence emanating from the frivolously chattering Gilbert.
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