Me, the Weakest Member of the Hero’s Party? I’m the Villain Though? - Chapter 82
“I’ve been the bishop of this diocese for over forty years now, and you’re only the third priest I’ve seen who can wield divine power. And you’re the youngest by far.”
The more the bishop praised him, the more Elonen’s face lowered in embarrassment.
“So, with that said, I want to give you a choice. First, I can write you a letter of recommendation to the grand cathedral in the imperial capital. If you learn more there and hone your divine power, you could become an outstanding healing priest like Saintess Bellaroche.”
Entering the grand cathedral of the imperial capital was a tremendous honor for a priest. It was a place usually reserved for the children of nobles. If Elonen, a commoner by birth, were to enter, it would be a glory to his family.
“And if not?”
However, Elonen didn’t want to leave Saint Robella’s Sanctuary, to which he had grown attached. So he asked in a small voice.
“Then you could stay in this insignificant sanctuary and grow old making wine for the rest of your life.”
Which was practically the same as telling him to go to the grand cathedral in the imperial capital. In truth, Elonen knew that was what he should do.
“…I understand. Then I’ll leave for the imperial capital, as you write the recommendation.”
The bishop, having finally obtained Elonen’s reluctant answer, nodded with a satisfied expression.
“Before you leave, how would you like it if I told you one secret?”
“What would that be?”
Elonen didn’t like secrets. Secrets had a tendency to burst out wherever they were kept, which made them hard to hold onto.
Still, since the bishop was offering to tell him, he couldn’t very well say he didn’t want to hear it, so he answered obediently.
“You’ve already learned that there were five ancient kingdoms in the past, haven’t you?”
Even Elonen, who nodded off during lessons every day, remembered that much.
“Yes, I know.”
“In each of those ancient kingdoms, a sacred relic has been passed down. They aren’t as well known as the legendary weapons, but still.”
“Sacred relic?”
Hearing this for the first time, Elonen’s eyes widened. He’d heard plenty about legendary weapons, but this was his first time hearing about sacred relics.
“That’s right. Beneath this sanctuary lies one of those ancient relics, Marcella’s Chalice. This is a secret that truly no one knows.”
“Really?”
Elonen asked back in surprise, but in truth, he didn’t believe the bishop. The bishop often told such far-fetched stories to tease the younger priests.
Once, he’d even told them about an old man who gave gifts once a year to children who did good deeds.
Elonen was too old now to believe stories like that.
“Yes. So if you become a bishop someday, be sure to return to this place and protect that relic.”
“Yes, I promise.”
Elonen greeted the bishop and left his room.
“A sacred relic of an ancient kingdom?”
Thinking it was nonsense, Elonen stuck out his lips.
More than that, the thought of leaving the sanctuary made his heart feel heavy. He would have to leave the priests of the sanctuary, including Dane, who was like family to him.
What should he say when he said goodbye? Perhaps everyone had already known he would leave ever since he awakened his healing ability.
As Elonen walked while worrying over his farewell, he suddenly heard the sound of the ground trembling in the distance. At the vivid vibration traveling up through the soles of his feet, his eyes widened.
“An earthquake?”
Startled, Elonen hurried toward the dining hall where the priests were gathered. But he hadn’t even taken a few steps.
BOOOOM!
With a tremendous roar, Elonen was sent tumbling forward. The sound of something exploding was followed by screams.
“What is, what’s going on, cough!”
Elonen covered his mouth with his sleeve and pushed himself up. Thick dust and pitch-black smoke filled the area. He rushed to a window and looked outside.
A gigantic black dragon was floating in the night sky. At that moment, Elonen was struck with terror and couldn’t say a single word.
【 I’ve come to take the sacred relic. 】
At the dragon’s low, overwhelming voice, Elonen felt crushed, unable even to breathe.
To hear about a relic he’d thought didn’t exist just moments ago coming from the dragon’s mouth. He couldn’t tell where the dream ended and reality began.
【 If you don’t hand it over willingly, I’ll kill everyone first and then take it. 】
The dragon opened its mouth, and black flames began to pour out. Oh no. Elonen shut his eyes tightly and lay flat on the ground.
“Elonen, are you okay?”
Just then, like a miracle, a familiar voice reached him, and Elonen snapped his head up. Dane ran over and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
“Hurry, we have to run to somewhere safe!”
