The Protagonists of Romance Fantasy Novels Have Escaped

35 – Baptism of the Earth Mother (3)

Never can one contain more than one sanctity.

Because sanctity that can be contained in one soul was only one.

Therefore, if a cult that worships a forgotten god attempts to accept the sanctity of the Earth Mother, the body will explode due to the overload called ‘Sacred Clash.’

The protection was the same.

Originally, the protection was the authority of sanctity bestowed by the god.

Even if one worships a god, forcibly accepting the protection of another god would inevitably lead to being unable to avoid the Sacred Clash. Those who used protection feared the desire for betrayal seeking new powers the most.

‘There should be only one soul containing sanctity, but why… I knew that there was resistance to the sanctity of the Earth Mother, but.’

Javelin, who had reached out her hand, remained frozen.

If the forgotten divine protection inscribed in Edanant’s soul were to activate, it discreetly aimed to harvest the sanctity of the Earth Mother. The reason Jevlinne had attempted to officiate the baptism so meticulously was to conceal Edanant’s identity from the bishops and inquisitors dispatched from the Holy Kingdom.

However,

The situation took an unexpected turn.

Astonishment gripped them in the face of the bizarre phenomenon.

The brilliantly shining azure irises, as if proving a point, trembled.

‘How can two souls exist in one body?’

The soul containing the sanctity of the forgotten god.

The soul containing the sanctity of the Earth Mother Gaël.

The two souls coexisted horizontally, in an extreme state narrowly avoiding a divine collision. Jevlinne, who pierced through it with the protection of the White Dragon, internally screamed.

“Holy maiden.”

“Yes? Oh, yes…”

Edanant, who had raised her head, spoke.

Only then did Jevlinne, now fully aware, cut off her thoughts and respond.

“Is it over now?”

“No, I still need to pour the holy water one last time.”

Confirming that countless onlookers watched as she turned her head, Jevlinne dripped the holy water from a small glass bottle onto Edanant’s head.

Contrary to the apprehension about the divine collision, the sanctity of the Earth Mother inflicted no harm whatsoever. Instead, it scattered a new radiant brilliance, blessing the user of the holy sword with a pure white glow.

It couldn’t be happening.

The sanctity of the Earth Mother fully embracing the mind of a socialite.

Certainly, it must be a miracle bestowed upon him alone.

The girl with flowing silver hair sighed deeply, gripping her rosary.

“With this, Edanant Gongja is officially a follower of the Earth Mother.”

“I don’t feel particularly enthusiastic, but…”

A response devoid of even a hint of religious fervor.

In reality, Edanant regarded the Earth Mother’s baptism as no different from a surgical procedure. Something that must be done. If not, one would be condemned by those around them. It’s not necessary to receive it, but due to pseudo-science, it can’t be avoided.

Having procrastinated the Earth Mother’s baptism for so long, Edanant, who finally underwent it, shrugged indifferently.

“Such an answer is quite disappointing. The holy maiden, boasting of perfect beauty, performed the baptism, you know.”

“Indeed, your words are quite fitting.”

Edanant nodded in agreement.

With a look of understanding, he courteously expressed his gratitude to Jeblin, who had officiated the baptism.

“It is truly an honor to receive baptism from the First Saint of the Holy Kingdom. As a new devotee of the Earth Mother, I will strive to repay the grace bestowed by you, Saint, little by little.”

“Y-you must be joking now!”

As Edanant lowered his head with exaggerated piety, the gazes of numerous nobles focused on him.

Jeblin blushed, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Truly impressive. You have a keen insight into intentions.

Edanant let out a sly laugh.

“To have two souls in one body… Does that mean Edanant Gongja has two identities? No, that’s highly unlikely. How on earth is it possible?”

While scrutinizing Edanant’s mischievous demeanor, Jeblin pondered the question. However, the mystery remained unsolved, and if anything, it only deepened.

Did I see it incorrectly?

Casually, Jeblin began to doubt the protection of the White Dragon.

Meanwhile, as the saint harbored heavy suspicions, the princesses who had been observing the scene approached. They couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the amiable conversation between Edanant and the saint.

In case Edanant is taken away from the Holy Kingdom, she sent a guarded glance towards the saint.

* * *

Jeblin was the only one who saw through Edanant’s otherworldly nature.

Despite bishops and inquisitors sent from the Holy Kingdom attending the baptism at the Sophia Cathedral, no one else perceived the anomaly.

The baptism concluded without any issues.

Edanant von Hohenberg had become a new devotee.

The bishops who had witnessed the ceremony reported back to the Holy Kingdom, so there should be no suspicion. Jeblin sighed with relief at the fact that the Holy Kingdom had safely passed this crucial moment.

“Now that the baptism is completed without any issues, the bishops should understand.”

“Yes, Edanant Gongja is now rightfully recognized as a devout follower of the Earth Mother!”

The bishops responded fervently to Jeblin’s words.

The scene of the baptism, filled with the purity of holiness, seemed to solidify their unwavering faith.

“I hope there’s nothing unusual with Edanant Gongja…”

Jeblin pondered, uncertain about what to say next.

Why do you have two souls?

Do they serve two portions of a main dish like in a restaurant?

Perhaps, because I had been thinking about Edanthe for days, a lighthearted joke popped into my mind instinctively.

Jevlinneu tightly shut both of her eyes in response.

She seemed embarrassed by the unintentional recollection of such a lighthearted joke.

“Why are you like this, Lady Saint?”

“Just a moment… There’s dust in my eyes.”

Despite successfully completing the ceremony with due solemnity, the worry did not dissipate. Instead, a heavier concern pressed down on the saint’s slender shoulders.

Edanthe is a mine.

A cultist who worships a forgotten deity.

However, even though Jevlinneu, as a saint, should detest mines and cultists more than anyone else, she overlooked Edanthe’s existence. She even went so far as to assist from behind, ensuring that the true identity remained hidden. If the truth were to be revealed in the prosperous kingdom, the saint would face severe consequences. Despite her status, she would be in dire straits for consorting with a mine.

“Still, if it’s to repay a favor… I’ll endure anything.”

She displayed a subtle smile, hinting at her internal struggle.

Though she expressed a hint of reluctance, there was also a nostalgic and happy reminiscence in her thoughts, however brief.

* * *

The Valteria royal family announced that rewards would be bestowed upon the knights who participated in the punitive expedition through a rigorous review.

Titles and territories would be granted.

Furthermore, honor would be bestowed for bravely subduing the cultists.

The knights would proclaim their loyalty to the royal family and the empire as an obvious duty. Yet, deep down, they quietly hoped for the merciful rewards from the royal family. People always remain faithful to their desires.

“To see through the mine’s identity is truly remarkable. Indeed, a fitting mascot for the Saint’s party.”

“Cough! I believe I’m remarkable too!”

From Noble mtl dot com

As noon approached, Rudmila visited the mansion.

Was she here to praise the knights for their achievements?

If that was the case, Rudmila’s prediction was correct. She praised Rue’s contributions greatly.

“I’ve prepared 500 candy canes.”

“Really?”

When Rudmila clapped her hands, knights waiting outside brought in bundles of candy canes. Inside the sturdy bundles were sweet candy canes, numbering a whopping 500.

It must have been quite a weight to carry all the way here.

Rue froze upon witnessing the overwhelming volume. It seemed as if his mind had momentarily come to a halt in the face of a reward that far exceeded expectations.

“Even if it’s a child… how can you reward with licorice candies?”

“Well, of course, a separate reward will be given. The candies are just a cover. You will manage the reward, dear.”

Rudmila, who was concerned about the extravagant rewards creating a wasteful barrier for the fairy of a thousand changes, postponed the payment of the reward. She discreetly hinted that she wanted Rue to manage the reward on behalf of the guardian.

Indeed, she is wise.

It’s not a task to entrust a fortune to a little one.

“The Count of Hohenberg’s decree is likely to clash with the decree of Count Hildar. The Hildar decree will probably be merged with the Hohenberg decree. And they are trying to incorporate some of the territories managed by the Imperial decree into the Hohenberg decree.”

“If it’s the Hildar decree… isn’t it the territory that has become a wasteland?”

The Hildar noble family led numerous reinforcements and participated in the racial war, but unfortunately, both the family and the spirits perished, leading to its downfall. Moreover, there was no heir to continue the family, so the Hildar decree turned into a miserable ruin.

However, calling it a useless wasteland just because it’s a barren land is not accurate.

There were long-existing gold mines.

Moreover, along with numerous specialty products, it gained a reputation as a prosperous grain-producing region.

How many nobles eyed the juicy Hildar decree? In the end, it was predicted that the Valtaria Empire would swallow it, but who would have thought it would go to the Hohenberg family…

“The Hohenberg decree will greatly expand. It’s like the old Hohenberg family that had a reputation as an imperial founding family.”

“And your father will probably rise to the marquisate.”

Just like Rue, who received licorice candies and became stiff when Ludmila boasted, she became stiff again.

Oh my.

Is it true that your bald father is ascending to the position of a high-ranking aristocrat who governs vast territory?

Hohenberg Marquisate.

It’s a name that makes one’s whole body itch to the point of convulsions.

Apart from the imperial family and the dukedoms representing the Valtarian Empire, it is the highest ranking, but I wonder if your frail father can withstand the weight of the marquisate.

“Next time, work hard for the imperial family and the citizens. Perhaps next time, the undying dukedom might be bestowed upon the Hohenberg family.”

“Oh, yes… I’ll do my best.”

“Good attitude. To become a family befitting the Valtaria Imperial Family, you naturally have to ascend to the marquisate.”

“….”

I wonder what she’s scheming.

Her ominous intentions are evident.

As Rue responded with displeasure, Ludmila showed a satisfied reaction.