“Hey, don’t let him convince you like that!” Noel shouted. “But honestly, I was kinda convinced too.”
“At any rate, I believe witnessing things firsthand has helped you understand: We and the demons are in a symbiotic relationship. The Church is able to convert even demonkind. And, of course, this isn’t something we do in the name of power, but for the good of humanity.”
“For...the good of humanity?”
Why was it that Riese couldn’t sense a lie, but his words still sent shivers down her spine? Why was it that his smile seemed so genuine but left goose bumps across her skin?
“Humankind knows nothing of God’s will. We were graced with such a wonderful thing in Gifts, and yet humanity fails to ponder what they might mean. But ignorance is not a sin. Thus, it is up to us to help people realize exactly what God’s will is.”
“To ‘help’ them, eh?” Noel said. “Sounds pretty high-and-mighty to me.”
“I apologize. That truly isn’t our intent—if it came across that way, it must be due to my own failings. I might have risen to a fancy position as hierophant, but even after a century of life, I remain as ignorant as I ever have been.”
“A century?” Riese asked. “Are you truly so old? You hardly look it...”
“That, and all I am, are the result of the miracles God has afforded me. Rather, a hundred years is nothing to be proud of. I have precious few achievements for humanity’s sake to my name...”
“Achievements for humanity’s sake?” Noel eyed the hierophant suspiciously. “What exactly have you done?”
Riese was just as doubtful. She couldn’t quite imagine what he’d consider an achievement, but her gut told her it wasn’t going to be what she would’ve picked.
“Let me see... It won’t do to brag about events long past, so let me keep to things that are relatively recent. Hm...” Then, with a big, bright smile, he said, “Ah, yes, that’s right! I had a master smith dwarf dealt with.”
“What?”
Unlike before, Noel’s confusion was so deep this time that she didn’t even know what the man was saying. But the hierophant didn’t seem to heed her shock and instead merrily continued.
“There was an oddball dwarf who lived out in this remote town, and her skills with a hammer were simply too spectacular. That, and she was very spontaneous. No matter how many times we warned her to stop, she couldn’t help but forge one powerful weapon after another. Imagine what might happen if one of those got into the wrong hands. So I had her dealt with. A demon and its monster performed the task, all for the good of humanity.”
Reasoning aside, the story sounded all too familiar. Riese snuck a glance at Noel to find that emotion had disappeared from her face, replaced by a piercing glare directed straight at the hierophant.
In a measured, curt tone, Noel said, “Wow. What else?”
“As for other achievements... Come to think of it, I had the emperor removed. That man went much too far. There must be balance and moderation in all things. We couldn’t let him expand any further, after all. I happened to have a demon ideal for matters of assassination, so I— Oh! Speaking of assassination, there was a case much nearer to you both. Indeed, there was a general in your kingdom who was killed, and that too was on my orders.”
“You!” Riese sputtered. “You did that?”
“Indeed. Ah, and speaking of which, I might as well mention that he was one of our own. But if word got out that he was a member, there would be such a commotion. I recruited him in secret, much like the two of you.”
“Come to think of it,” Noel said, “you mentioned those people needing a change of the guard... Is this what you were talking about?”
“Precisely. The reason I want you two to join us is because they have passed on. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say I had them pass on.”
“Then, the archbishop too?” Riese asked.
“An astute observation. As for the general, he worked well during his tenure, but a little too well. His mere existence totally quelled strife around him. An excess of violence is forbidden, of course, but a moderate amount is a necessity. That sort of struggle leads men to hone themselves and become more in tune with God’s glory. And so, he became an impediment to humankind.”
Uninterrupted, the hierophant went on.
“The archbishop did well serving as my substitute, but for some unfathomable reason he attempted to rebel against me. I failed to understand his motives until the end, but I suspect his time spent in my shoes led him to misinterpret his position. To turn his blade on me, the spokesman of the heavens, is ludicrous, but he knew not his own worth. As unfortunate as it is to lose a Gift like his, I’m sure the gods will bestow me with another of his ilk if it is needed for their will.”
After saying all that, the hierophant still had that same smile. As kind as it seemed, Riese could feel nothing but horror. Was this person before her truly a person at all?
“Hmm, gotcha,” Noel said. “So basically, you kidnapped us because that way, it’d be easier to get us to help you with that kinda stuff.”
“Make no mistake—I wouldn’t have you carry out such orders with your own two hands. But yes, in the broader sense, you may be asked to help with such decrees. Most of all, though, I wanted you both to understand that we have the power to make such things happen.”
“Gotcha. Loud and clear.”
“Truly? I’ve yet to share the third reason, but...”
“No need. Right, Riese?”
“Yes... If this is what you’d ask of us, then our answer is already set.”
Faced with the pair’s dauntless expressions, the hierophant’s own morphed to something resembling concern. It didn’t seem fake, but his concern wasn’t going to change their minds. They could never join forces with someone so gleeful about such atrocities.
“How troubling. I feel as though I have an idea of what your answer will be.”
“Really?” Noel asked. “I bet you’re right on the money.”
“That’s right,” Riese added. “If that’s what you want from us, then we refuse!”
“I knew it,” the man said sulkily. “Strangely enough, when I deem someone due for disposal, they always make faces just like yours now. Why is that?”
“They’re giving you what you’re due.” A new voice suddenly cut in, accompanied by its speaker.
Riese whipped around to look, only for her eyes to go wide. Noel furrowed her brow in confusion at who the newcomer was, but how could she not? They might have spoken, but Noel had never seen her.
“It’s you!” Riese cried.
“Long time no see—not that it’s been all that long. I’m sure there’s a lot you want to say, but hold on to that for me, will you? I have some business to take care of with this gentleman over here.”
“You have business with me?”
“That’s right.” The familiar demon woman donned her sweetest smile. “Won’t you humor me, Your Eminence?”