Me, the Weakest Member of the Hero’s Party? I’m the Villain Though? - Chapter 34
“What?”
They had been attacked by a monster, sure, but the problem was that the monster was me.
Things were starting to get troublesome. There was absolutely no way I was going to go to the forest with those guys and let them see what I had done.
As I was thinking I should quietly slip away when everyone’s attention was elsewhere, Brayden asked another question.
“But why are you still here? Weren’t you just going to meet the prisoners and leave?”
That was a question I had myself. I’d planned to just talk to Kyle and then leave the imperial castle, so I wasn’t sure how I’d ended up mixed in with this group of soldiers.
Then it occurred to me that this kid might be better at finding a way out than I was.
“Brayden. Do you happen to know where the archbishop is? His name is Fralla or something… Anyway, do you know where that person is?”
“I do.”
Brayden grinned at me as he answered. Now that I looked, he seemed to be enjoying the situation in his own way.
“Shall I guide you again this time?”
This is why I like clever kids.
Following the guard captain, we entered an area with houses. People were gathering and causing a commotion, frightened by the appearance of a monster.
Taking advantage of the chaos as the soldiers became busy dealing with the people, Brayden and I slipped away from the group. Fortunately, no one noticed and stopped us, so we made it back to the imperial castle.
“Archbishop Fremlyn should be in the chapel over there.”
I followed Brayden’s straightened finger and, sure enough, among the imperial buildings, a particularly noticeable one stood out.
A large bell hung at the top of the building, and below it, a round rose window was set in the wall.
“There are guards in front, but they’re all paladins. So from here on, you should take off your armor before going in.”
“Can anyone go inside?”
“Yes. That’s what temples are for, right?”
Brayden answered as if it was obvious. I felt a little sorry, thinking I owed him too much already.
“Thank you, Brayden.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I’m happy if I could help. And you’re doing this to save the hero’s party, right?”
Brayden took the helmet I removed and gave me a bright smile.
“No matter what anyone says, I believe in Sir Kyle. I dreamed of becoming a knight because of him. Even though I’m just a lowly soldier right now…”
I looked into Brayden’s round eyes. He was still a young boy, but in his gaze was a strong conviction. He was definitely someone with potential.
“You’ll become a great knight.”
I tapped Brayden’s helmet lightly with my fist as I spoke. Brayden’s face turned bright red, like a ripe apple.
“Well, I’ll be going.”
After saying my final goodbye to Brayden, I took off my armor and headed for the chapel. As Brayden had said, the paladins did not stop anyone from entering the chapel.
Inside, quite a few people were seated and praying. As I looked around the silent chapel, I searched for the archbishop—Fral… whatever his name was.
“Brother, you’re a new face. Is there someone you’re looking for?”
At that moment, a middle-aged woman approached with a kind smile and asked. From her clothing, I could tell she was a priestess.
“I’m looking for the archbishop. Can I see him now?”
“The archbishop is busy, so unless it’s something truly important, you can leave a message with me and I’ll deliver it…”
“If you tell him I was sent by His Highness Kyle, he’ll want to meet immediately.”
The priestess looked at me as if trying to see if I was telling the truth, then soon nodded quietly.
“Please follow me.”
She led me down a corridor on the right side of the chapel. After passing several rooms, she knocked on the door at the very end.
“You may enter.”
A voice came from inside, and the priest kindly opened the door for me.
The room was very plain and small for being an archbishop’s chamber. There was only a simple bed, a desk, and a bookshelf full of books.
“What brings you here?”
The archbishop was a much younger man than I’d expected. Even in his plain white robes, he had a striking appearance. He was smiling gently at me, a sudden and unexpected guest.
“I’ve come at Prince Kyle’s request.”
“I heard that His Highness returned to the imperial castle a few days ago. Please, have a seat.”
Still maintaining his gentle demeanor, the archbishop gestured to a seat. I sat down as he invited.
“But isn’t His Highness currently waiting for trial?”
“That’s true, but things aren’t looking good. His Highness the Crown Prince has said he intends to purge Prince Kyle and his companions.”
