Chapter 137: Pilgrimage Plan
Latera told Shiron that if he wanted to meet her, he needed to come to the holy place.
The holy place
Click-
Having left the office, Shiron immediately pondered how to meet Latera.
There was a method of meeting Latera by performing good deeds to restore ones reputation, but she specifically left a message to come to the holy place directly.
Did she provide a more intuitive method, knowing my thoughts?
Perhaps she knew that having a good reputation increases the chance of encountering an apostle.
Of course, with the ability to read minds, she might have suggested this based on inadvertently shared thoughts.
Thats even more concerning.
Latera is one thing, but what about the heros abode?
The heros abode. Aside from the name reminding one of a military depot, there was no such field or structure in Reincarnation of the Sword Saint.
The place called [Holy Place] was where Kyrie lost her life, and he remembered there was only a white tombstone standing alone.
Inside the grand temple.
Praying towards the last traces of the hero who saved the world, with holy water in their mouth.
Praying didnt actually grant anything.
No buffs or blessings. It was just a place one had to pass through as part of the story.
Should I dig under the tombstone?
Shiron seriously considered it.
Thinking it over, Latera only said to come to the holy place but did not mention how to get to the heros abode.
If there were intruders before my visit, there must be a way.
Latera, being a guardian angel, would step forward to immediately eliminate intruders threatening the heros house.
The activation word is one thing, but there were people who went to Latera without being qualified heroes.
Shiron.
Suddenly-
Shiron stopped in his tracks at the voice heard from behind. He was no longer inside a building but outside. Having thought for a long time and walked a lot, encountering someone on the path leading to the annex was not a big deal.
However, the person Shiron turned to see was someone who seemed out of place at the mansion.
Why are you here? Werent you busy with the princes enthronement ceremony?
It didnt take as long as I thought.
Victor laughed and shook his head.
After such a significant event, it was conducted quite briefly, probably just as father wished.
Well, all his sons have gone mad, so it wouldnt be surprising if he lost his mind too.
Me too?
Victor pointed at himself, widening his eyes in disbelief. It seemed he wanted to argue with Shirons comment, but to Shiron, Victor was no more normal than Austin and Henry.
For instance, unlike on previous occasions, Victor had no guards around him. For a crown prince, especially after an enthronement, there should be at least some capable guards present.
On the other hand, Victor felt a ticklish sensation in his throat due to a guilty conscience. Thinking about it, hiding ones gender from even ones father to become the emperor was not normal.
However, Victor took Shirons remark as a lucky guess. Given his more fierce nature than Siriel, he would not let the matter of dressing as a man slide.
Cough, its true that our familys lineage has utterly failed.
Victor decided not to dwell on Shirons comment.
Initially, my eldest and second brothers should have continued the succession fight, but unprepared, I suddenly became the crown prince.
I dont care about your familys failed lineage. So, why did you come here?
Shiron asked, his tone slightly sharper. His mind was full of thoughts about Latera and the holy place, eager to quickly end this pointless conversation.
I wanted to express my gratitude.
Victor narrowed his eyes with a grin. Hearing that, Shiron felt goosebumps all over.
What?
Didnt you hear? I said thank you.
Why are you making it creepy?
Shiron wrapped one hand around his face, stepping back.
Are you really gay? What kind of thank you is this?
Cant friends even say thank you? Its creepier not to say thank you after saving a life. Youre treating your friend like a useful connection.
Its not just words. I could even kiss your shoes.
Youre insane.
Insane? Cant I do at least that for a friend who saved my life and practically handed me the throne?
Please, enough.
Shiron shuddered and scratched his forearm. Even if they were rivals, didnt his brother die and lose his mind? Shiron was deeply troubled by Victors subtle change in attitude.
Youre cute.
Victor watched him and smiled contentedly. Now that the controlling brother is completely gone, his actions have become bolder, no longer needing to appear weak. Why continue the role of the youngest if theres no need for restraint?
If you want to show gratitude, do it with money, not words. Why would a man do that? What kind of man travels far just to say thank you?
Do you need money?
Victor tilted his head and asked. Shiron felt a significant disgust at the young mans behavior in front of him. Shirons face scrunched up as he clenched his jaw.
Ive heard your thanks. Im leaving.
Yeah, see you next time.
Shiron glared at Victor, who was smiling and waving his hand, then sharply turned and walked towards the annex.
Stride by stride,
Victor watched the retreating back of his friend, grumbling and striding away, and suppressed the laughter that threatened to escape.
Siriel had sternly drawn a line, and Victor had implicitly agreed not to cross it, but somehow, he wanted to cross that line again and again.
Shiron burst into the annexs entrance, frantically looking for a companion.
He had planned to leave for the holy place after some more time, but the plan had to be moved up. Victor seemed too dangerous no matter how he looked at it. Shiron wanted to distance himself from Victor immediately.
After looking around a few times, Shiron quickly found a reliable companion.
He saw a redhead lying atop a thick magic book. Shiron shook Lucia, who was using the book as a pillow, to wake her up.
Huh?
Lucia rubbed her mouth with her sleeve and lifted her head, only to see Shiron breathing heavily.
What, whats up?!
Startled, she quickly rubbed her mouth with her sleeve again. Feeling the sleeve become slightly damp, her face grew hotter.
Lucia. Lets pack.
Pack? Why?
Were going somewhere far.
He didnt say anything unnecessary.
Are we going on a trip?
Its not a leisure trip.
Shiron promptly pulled Lucia, who was sitting dazed, to her feet. Normally, he might have taken Lucia on a trip under the guise of traveling, but just two days ago, he had received a promise of active cooperation from Lucia herself.
So, Shiron spoke honestly to Lucia.
You said yourself I could openly ask for help.
I didnt know that would be today
Frustrated by Lucias continued dazed state, Shiron grabbed her hand and pulled her upstairs to the front of Lucias room.
Theres not much to prepare. Just pack some clothes and toiletries. Ive taken care of everything else.
Just a minute!
Lucia flailed her arms, unsure of what to do. She had said those words in a fit of anger inside the carriage, but had the day come so quickly? It hadnt even been two days, had it?
Dont want to go? If not you, Siriel or Seira is there, so its okay if you dont want to.
Its just so sudden. Of course, I dont mind going but
But what?
That
Lucia fidgeted with her fingers, looking up at Shiron.
Many thoughts raced through her mind. The academy was reopening tomorrow. She had been reviewing the magic she learned in preparation, but now Shirons sudden travel proposal left her indecisive.
A scale formed within Lucia.
Traveling with Shiron.
Although Shiron said it wasnt for leisure, Lucia was fine with any reason to travel with Shiron.
Lucia considered herself an expert traveler. Having marched through demon realms for years in her previous life, she approached any dangerous place as if it were a walk in the neighborhood.
However, the academy posed a different challenge. Despite the troublemakers who constantly tested her, she was determined to pursue her studies earnestly.
She had mastered swordsmanship, but subjects like magic, history, and mathematics opened new realms of understanding each time she delved into them, so she couldnt afford to take them lightly.
Even while eating or in the classroom, challenges were relentless The professors didnt meet her expectations, and she felt isolated, with no one on her side
?
Amid her tangled thoughts, Lucia suddenly felt her mind clear.
Am I attending the academy to be treated like this?
She regretted not studying in her previous life, attending the academy because she envied the nobles who enjoyed their peaceful school days away from the front lines
She already knew how to read and write and was somewhat skilled in combat magic. Hadnt she managed to pass the liberal arts subjects, including history, with at least passing grades?
Lucia felt a surge of suppressed frustration.
The scale in her heart decisively tipped towards Traveling alone with Shiron.
-Ill be ready soon.
Lucia called out from beyond the closed door.
Despite her clear statement that it wasnt for leisure, her energetic voice leaking out made Shiron worry unnecessarily.
Siriel observed their exchange with a faint gaze.