Episode 105: Overwork
A few days later.
Yohan was wearily flipping through documents in the Purification Bureau.
His haggard face and hollow eyes were steeped in exhaustion. His cheeks had sunken, and even his fingertips moved sluggishly as if drained of energy.
It was no wonder, given that he had spent the early hours of the morning with Francia.
‘It’s quiet…’
Yohan stretched and briefly looked out the window.
Since the building near the Bureau was newly constructed, the atmosphere remained unsettled. There were only a few soldiers handling basic tasks and assistants helping him.
Naturally, as a newly established institution, there were no officers yet. Since the Bureau was run with an elite few, Yohan had to personally recruit them.
“Hmm…”
Yohan stroked his chin as he scanned the documents again. The fact that the name of Duke Lahart was associated with the Bureau seemed to have attracted many applicants.
The applicants ranged from at least second-class officers to even some former top-class knights.
‘Even though it’s a dangerous job, they’re still applying.’
Dealing with demonic beasts was one of the most grueling and perilous tasks. Many lost their lives during reconnaissance missions into demonic lairs, let alone the reclamation efforts at their core.
‘It’s understandable that people would hesitate…’
He had expected few applicants. After all, most officers came from noble families.
While there were officers who started as squires or apprentices among commoners, the majority were nobles who either lost out in succession battles or became officers to avoid the power struggles of blue-blooded families.
Given that talent in wielding mana was heavily influenced by lineage, it was only natural that nobles dominated the ranks.
‘For now…’
Yohan sifted through the documents, setting aside the ones for knights or mages that seemed promising. It was essentially the first round of sorting.
‘…Huh?’
His eyes caught sight of a familiar name.
‘Eris Highlander?’
She wasn’t a Bureau official, nor was she someone in need of a position. Why would a special-class inspector apply here? Not that he was complaining—her skills were undeniable.
Although she had little experience dealing with demonic beasts, experience could be gained. Her abilities were solid.
However…
Eris was a special case. Her application to the Purification Bureau was likely because of him.
‘…Am I being overly self-conscious?’
It could simply be that she wanted to repay the favor for him saving her life. Or perhaps she genuinely wanted to help with the reclamation of the demonic lairs.
‘No point overthinking. Let’s just accept it. It’s good for us.’
Top-class personnel were invaluable. Although the Purification Bureau’s superior organization provided significant support, the Bureau itself had to be just as capable.
‘Eris is confirmed, then. Now for the other knights and mages…’
Yohan was deeply focused on sorting the documents when someone called him.
“Director?”
It was Elena, a first-class mage who served as his aide.
“Ah, Aide Elena. What brings you here?”
“Please feel free to speak casually.”
“…What is it?”
Yohan, looking a bit awkward, corrected his speech. Although some time had passed since he became a count—and now a duke—having an aide still felt unfamiliar to him.
“Are you feeling unwell today?”
“…Do I look odd?”
“Yes. You look exhausted.”
At Elena’s words, Yohan glanced at the mirror hanging in the office. He did indeed look unwell. His cheeks were hollow, and dark circles under his eyes made him look gaunt and worn out.
‘Well, I have been pushing myself nearly every day…’
Expecting to look fine after all that would be wishful thinking. It was like his energy was being drained away.
“Have you been eating properly?”
Elena asked with a concerned tone.
“I’ve been eating well enough.”
Yohan shrugged lightly. He had been taking the elixirs given to him by Duke Fervache and eating the nutritious meals prepared by Francia.
Of course, aside from the elixirs, all the food was meant to boost his stamina.
“You should take better care of yourself.”
Elena’s gaze carried a hint of pity.
Yohan blinked at her, silent for a moment, then cautiously asked,
“…Is it that serious?”
“Yes.”
Without the slightest hesitation, Elena responded firmly and decisively.
“First of all, the dark circles under your eyes suggest you’re not getting enough sleep. And you seem to have lost weight, which makes you look rather worn out,” Elena said, furrowing her brows as she carefully examined Yohan’s face.
“Of course, even such a tired appearance has its charm and could stir a woman’s heart, but it’s a sign your health is deteriorating. You might want to pay more attention to it. Should I look into some elixirs for you?”
She rattled off her words rapidly, ending with a question. Yohan blinked, looking dumbfounded.
‘Haven’t we only just met…?’
It was a bit overwhelming.
“…That won’t be necessary. It’s just that I’ve had a lot of work to do lately.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. So, let’s move on to the main topic. Have any updates arrived?”
Elena nodded and pulled out the documents she was carrying.
“We’ve received more applications.”
“More?”
Yohan’s eyebrows furrowed sharply. He already had plenty of applicants and was still in the middle of the initial sorting. And now there were even more?
Elena chuckled softly.
“Yes, indeed. The Purification Bureau is extremely popular among knights and mages right now. After all, the great Duke Lahart is here.”
The rumors about Duke Lahart went like this:
One of the greatest warriors on the continent, the rising star who killed the Grand Swordmaster, Duke Aegis.
A prodigy who reached transcendence within less than a year and could seal demonic lairs.
It was only natural for him to be popular. Even if the Bureau was heading into the heart of a demonic lair, people believed that as long as they were with the infamous Duke Lahart, they wouldn’t die.
Moreover, participating in such a mission alongside someone with the Empire’s highest honor was considered a rare and glorious opportunity.
“I’ll leave these here.”
“…Alright.”
As Yohan nodded, Elena placed the neatly organized documents on the desk. The applications stacked high, forming a small mountain.
“Oh, and the Imperial Family has sent a letter.”
“A letter?”
“Yes. Here, take a look.”
Elena handed him a letter bound with a golden ribbon. Yohan accepted it and unfolded it.
“Hmm…”
His eyes scanned the letter’s contents.
“…The Holy Nation is offering their help?”
His brows furrowed slightly.
‘Doesn’t the Holy Nation dislike the Empire?’
While the Empire did have its own religion, they worshipped different gods from the Holy Nation, and political conflicts had made their relationship rather strained. And yet, they were now offering assistance?
“The Pope himself sent the message. They’re proposing to dispatch the Saintess, along with a team of Holy Knights and priests.”
They were even sending the Saintess, the centerpiece of the Holy Nation?
“What was the Imperial Family’s response?”
“They haven’t sent one yet.”
“They’re waiting to hear my opinion first, I see.”
“That’s correct.”
Yohan nodded slowly.
‘This is highly suspicious, but…’
It was likely that the Holy Nation simply wanted to assist in reclaiming the demonic zones, given their emphasis on “divinity.”
They probably had no ulterior motives.
They just wanted to leverage the Empire.
“Inform them that we accept.”
Of course, there was no reason to refuse.
The Holy Knights were one thing, but the chance to gain assistance from the Holy Nation’s priests and the Saintess, who could use healing magic, was too rare to pass up.
Since the mission involved entering the heart of a magic lair, the more help they had, the better.
“Understood. I’ll send the letter immediately.”
With a soft click, Elena left the office.
Yohan tapped his fingers on the table, gazing out the window.
‘There probably won’t be any major issues… but it’s still worrisome.’
In truth, Yohan had been trying to avoid getting too involved with the Holy Nation. It was, after all, the place where the archbishop obsessed with Francia resided.
Although his presence had already altered many things, Francia’s innate nature hadn’t changed. The archbishop or the Tower Master might still become a problem.
‘Well, it probably won’t matter.’
Since they said the Saintess would be leading the mission, it was unlikely the archbishop would come along. That thought reassured him. Besides, it wasn’t like he was going there himself.
Of course, this might be a complacent judgment. No one could predict how things would turn out. However, Yohan now had the ability to handle whatever came his way.
His power had reached a point where even the Rozino Imperial Family, once boasting absolute authority, couldn’t easily touch him. Even the Tower Master wouldn’t be a match for him.
‘Enough of this. I need to focus on sorting these documents today.’
Shaking off his needless concerns, Yohan immersed himself in his work.
***
The Holy Nation Pantheon
The Saintess, Arbella Saints, stood at the center of a large expedition team, filling the temple.
Perhaps because their departure was imminent, the Holy Knights and priests bore resolute expressions, their tension palpable.
From the upper levels of the temple, Cain Luhar spoke.
“Are you looking forward to the expedition that much?”
Before him, Saintess Arbella was offering a prayer with a faint smile on her lips.
When she slowly opened her eyes, her deep gaze met Cain’s. She smiled brightly, as if bestowing a blessing.
“Of course! To meet the Saint in person… what an honor that would be!”
Arbella’s cheeks flushed red. She touched her face lightly with her fingertips, her eyes shining with excitement and anticipation. Her expression revealed her inner feelings without reservation.
Cain gave a satisfied smile.
“Haha, indeed. After all, you’re going to meet the match Freya herself has chosen for you.”
“Exactly…! Ah! Just thinking about the Saint makes my heart race!”
Her face flushed again, Arbella clasped her burning cheeks with her delicate hands and lowered her head. Though she was hailed as the Saintess, her demeanor was unmistakably that of a young girl.
Clearing her throat to compose herself, Arbella changed the subject.
“By the way, I’m so glad you’re coming with us, Archbishop Cain.”
“Haha. How could I not accompany the Saintess on her journey to the heart of a demonic lair?”
Cain smiled warmly.
He was the most powerful of all the archbishops, possessing unparalleled divine power. Naturally, his blessings and personal combat prowess were exceptional as well.
Even among the Holy Knights and the Pope, there was no one who could surpass him. It was no exaggeration to call him the greatest archbishop in history.
“And I couldn’t just sit back while my brothers and sisters crossed into the Empire.”
Cain Luhar’s dark eyes sank deeply.
The relationship between the Empire and the Holy Nation was strained. In truth, the Holy Nation had long harbored unilateral animosity toward the Empire, and over time, even the reasons for their conflict had lost significance.
For Cain Luhar, however, his hatred for the Empire was deeply personal. He had lost his parents during the wars waged by the Empire, becoming a refugee as a result.
By a stroke of fortune, he had ended up in the Holy Nation, where his talents blossomed, allowing him to rise to the position of archbishop. Yet, his hatred for the Empire remained unchanged.
“You’re worried about Freya’s children, aren’t you? As expected, Archbishop Cain, you have such a broad and kind heart!”
“Haha, you flatter me.”
Arbella’s eyes sparkled, and Cain laughed awkwardly.
While his professed reason for joining the expedition was his distrust of the Empire, Cain had a hidden agenda.
‘…The Obsidian Saintess.’
A healer of unparalleled skill, possessing purification abilities so rare that even the Holy Nation could scarcely produce her equal. A woman revered as a saintess even in the Empire, where religion held little sway.
If such a person truly existed…
‘You can save me, Obsidian Saintess. You must be a being sent by God.’
Cain Luhar’s dark eyes deepened.
It was time to put an end to this hellish curse.