The Villain Carries the Holy Sword – Chapter 80.1

Chapter 80.1: Proof of Spring (2)

척━.

Cain raised his hand to stop Oleciren, who was about to follow him.

She tilted her head in confusion and peeked out, then quickly hid herself after noticing the white hem of a robe.

Sensing her reaction, Cain straightened his back and faced the people from the Holy See.

‘They said she hasn’t awakened yet, but you never know.’

The Holy See’s heresy inquisitors.

If it were heathens, even ordinary priests should have come, but they were nowhere to be seen. And for it to be monsters, Airian Island was too safe.

Then the only possibility left was a witch.

If Oleciren realized her ‘origin’ and performed a ‘miracle,’ she would be exposed as a complete witch, but not yet.

‘……Though what she’s doing is no different from a witch.’

Briefly recalling the battle with Ballam, Cain decided it was even more imperative to prevent the clergymen before him from meeting Oleciren.

“State your business.”

Cain’s words were condescending.

Whooosh━!

In that instant, the mechanized paladins and heresy inquisitors all turned their spears toward Cain.

“Please forgive the rudeness of my men, who are yet young and inexperienced. I am Nocho Barbetta, the humble Archbishop of Airian.”

Thud━.

As the old man gently raised his hand, everyone returned to their original positions.

That alone was enough to sense the standing he held in Airian.

“…….”

Even Lubrick, the director of the Railway Bureau, who was known to wield considerable power in central politics, remained motionless before Archbishop Barbetta.

A smile automatically spread across Cain’s face at the subtle pressure directed at him.

It was similar to the feeling he had when he faced the Holy See’s Secret Task Force, who had chased criminals all the way to the Great Wall.

Although he had fought several times in Airian, it was the first time he had felt such an eerie feeling from a person since crossing over to this world line.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Cain Ethelred. Since you have come to judge me without a word, I shall ask you the same. What is my crime?”

Cain became even more at ease.

He had vaguely thought about what to do if Oleciren’s identity as a witch was exposed, but not now.

So, what should he do?

As Cain’s mind raced to formulate a new strategy, Archbishop Barbetta’s eyes remained fixed on him, unwavering.

“Witchcraft.”

“Witchcraft, you say. Then who is the accused?”

“It is you, Cain Ethelred.”

“……?”

Cain furrowed his brow.

He naturally assumed they had come chasing after Oleciren.

He had even considered the possibility that they had rushed in after obtaining even a small clue.

But he was puzzled by the sudden mention of himself.

‘Edmund is said to be associating with people from the Holy See. Is this related?’

According to the information provided by Oleciren’s Royal Intelligence Service, Edmund had taken on the appearance of a clergyman.

It was a serious crime to wear a robe without permission, so Edmund’s robe could not have fallen from the sky. It must have been given to him by the Holy See.

‘Something is moving that I don’t know about.’

Individually, each piece of information made sense, but for things to have progressed this far, there had to be something more at play.

Something that could even mobilize the Holy See.

“As far as I know, the inquisition involves torture until the accused provides the answers the Holy See desires.”

Cain’s words caused a stir.

“Archbishop!”

The paladin and heresy inquisitor flanking Archbishop Barbetta flared up.

However, Barbetta pretended not to hear and stroked his white beard as he stared into Cain’s violet eyes.

“It is not entirely inaccurate.”

“Archbishop?”

The enraged individuals flinched at his words and turned to look at him.

Cain, too, was caught off guard by the unexpected statement and stared at Barbetta.

The old man gave a gentle smile.

“It is true for witches. In particular, it is difficult to identify witches unlike pagans or demons, who can be identified at a glance. That is why such things are said.”

“Then are you saying you can arbitrarily apprehend anyone you please?”

Cain’s provocation continued.

However, the seasoned Barbetta did not bat an eye.

“That may be so. However, our Light watches over us constantly, how could we do such a thing?”

“Then is it by the will of your ‘Light’ that you obstruct the path to the royal capital with such urgency?”

Archbishop Barbetta’s expression hardened.

He could have ignored it up until now, but those words were a blasphemy against the ‘Light,’ the object of their faith.

Knowing that things could escalate seriously if it turned into a full-blown inquisition, Cain continued speaking even more boldly.

“Especially when the princess and a member of the Seven Great Noble Houses have been attacked by an unidentified assailant.”

Director Lubrick, who had been listening anxiously, turned pale.

As Cain’s tone grew bolder, he could see his own future self getting beheaded.

But he couldn’t intervene.

He didn’t dare to interrupt the conversation between Cain Ethelred, rumored to be a Sword Master, and Archbishop Barbetta.

“Director Lubrick.”

At that moment, Cain called out to him.

Snap━!

Lubrick stood at attention like a new recruit at the Railway Bureau and responded.

“Yes!”

“Have you found the terrorists?”

“Well, that is……”

Cain noticed the beads of sweat forming on Lubrick’s face. His hands were trembling, and his eyes were darting around.

‘As Oleciren said, this guy must have tolerated Sigma.’

Cain decided to deal with the expected enemy and the unexpected obstacle at the same time.

If he had defeated Sigma with his sword, now was the time for his tongue.

“The passenger list?”

“…….”

Lubrick hesitated in the face of Cain’s question, which seemed to have come out of nowhere. He wondered how to answer while Cain’s words stabbed at his sore spot.

He sensed that Cain wanted something from him but couldn’t quite grasp what it was, so he waited for him to continue.

“I am aware that you hold the second highest authority after His Highness Hybolt regarding the station and the railway.”

“Yes, that is correct!”

Of course, his position could be swayed by the influence of the Seven Great Noble Houses, but officially, it was true.

“Then are you going to stand by and watch while this archbishop, who has no ties to the kingdom, puts me on trial for being attacked by an unknown perpetrator?”

Cain’s eyes gleamed with amusement.

Simultaneously, Lubrick shuddered as if struck by lightning and glanced at Archbishop Barbetta.

The archbishop, as if observing what decision Lubrick would make, simply smiled benevolently.

On one side was the Sword Master, who was sure to become the next Count of Ethelred, and on the other was the Archbishop, who was at the pinnacle of all sacred authority in Airian.

This dilemma was far more daunting than being asked to choose between one’s father and mother.

“I shall abide by the director’s decision.”

Archbishop Barbetta took a step back and spoke.

Lubrick felt a sense of relief at his willingness to back down, but……

“If you believe there are matters more important than the Holy See’s inquisition, how could I dare to object?”

“……!”

Translator’s Blog

Blog

• Cursed Hands: When Anime Fandom Goes Too Far
• Should You Return To That Dropped Novel? The Light Novel Comeback Arc
• Sword Art Online: A Grown-Up’s Journey Through A Virtual World
• Your Crush is With Someone Else? Channel Your Inner Samurai, Not a Sad Puppy Dog.
• 30-Year-Old Me Watching Skibidi Toilet TikTok: A Descent into Madness