When seeing Zenith and Claire, I don't think I let my trembling show.[1]
I wasn't sure I could win.
I wasn't confident everything would go well.
However, I believed that I can at least do something at this moment.
I finished simulating escaping with Zenith in an instant.
I can't use the teleport circle with this many people around.
However, I've already grasped the capabilities of the Temple Knights here.
I'm not sure how strong the Temple Knights behind the Pope are, but if I believe the miko's words, there is no way they surpass the members of [Anastasia Keep].
I am certain I can retrieve Zenith.
Now that the situation has become like this, I've essentially completed one of my goals.
I can rescue Zenith.
I can also protect Cliff.
I can even secure Aisha and Gisu.
I'll just escape like that.
I'm a little worried about Aisha and Gisu, but I can get information on them in this conversation.
Anyways, while thinking about it, I boldly take my seat.
I escorted the miko to the neighboring seat, and forced her into the seat while holding her arm.
Before seating myself, I spoke out in a very calm voice.
"You've really saved me a lot of trouble by gathering here."
It slid right off my tongue.
I haven't had that sort of feeling in a long time.
"Since there are many here who I am meeting for the first time, I would like to start with self-introductions. I am Rudeus Greyrat, representative of [Dragon God] Orsted-sama and have given up on forming a friendship with the Church of Milis."
At the mention of the Dragon God, the surrounding people were slightly bewildered for a moment.
Nobody here has met Orsted in person.
Naturally, none of them know Orsted's goals or what he is fighting against.
Possibly, there may be some who have never heard of the Seven Major World Powers.
However, there are none who are unfamiliar with the term [Dragon God].
That is a title that is just as well known as [Demon God].
"Presently, for certain reasons I have taken the miko-sama's life into my hands."
I pointed at the miko with the index finger of my right hand.
Tension filled the surroundings as I gathered mana and created a small flame like a lighter.
"It is extremely regretful that the situation has come to this. I didn't think that I would have to take a prisoner and sully the name of the overwhelming super-being Orsted. However this is for my own protection, and the safety of those under me, and a necessary measure for the following negotiations, so I hope you understand."
"Overwhelming, super...?"
"Ahem."
I made a slip of the tongue.
I didn't intend to joke around.
"Now then, as for why I had to aim for the miko's life and disgrace my master..."
I looked around my surroundings...
Suddenly, my gaze stopped on Claire.
She wrinkled up her eyebrows.
"I would be grateful if someone gave me a proper explanation. Otherwise, the [Dragon God] Orsted and his subordinates, including me, will truly become the enemies of the Church of Milis."
It's not a threat.
It's in the case that the top brass of the Church of Milis are being manipulated by Hitogami.
I need to take that case into consideration.
"..."
At my words, the conference became deadly silent.
Nobody returned my words.
None of them told me to bring it on.
I wonder if it was because of the battle earlier.
Or maybe I said something strange.
I'm sure I took on a pose that showed that I am angry.
"I can understand Rudeus-sama's fury."
The one who answered is the one who is sitting directly across from me.
The man who is sitting the furthest from the door.
With Cliff by his side, the most important man present.
The Pope, Harry Grimoire.
"However, as Rudeus-sama said earlier, there are many here who he has never met. I would like to go through introductions one by one, is that alright with you?"
"..."
"It won't take much time."
I think about his intentions.
Is he stalling for time?
Are they currently moving to secure Aisha?
No, there aren't that many people here.
It won't be bad to know the others in the room with me.
To make demands, the proper sequence must be followed.
In order to be heard, preparations must be taken.
Simply shouting whatever I want at them has no meaning if the other party isn't prepared to listen.
"I don't mind. I was getting too impatient."
"Thank you... Cliff, if you would."
"Yes. Everyone, I am Cliff Grimoire, grandson of Pope Harry Grimoire."
Cliff stood up and said that, then took a step backwards.
It seems he is in charge of progressing the discussions.
"Then, if Cardinal Leblanc would please start."
At Cliff's words, one person stood up.
A man wearing vestments that look just as expensive as the Pope's.
If I were to describe his face in one word, it would be 'fat'.
A perfectly circular face, like a certain hero with Anpan for a head.[2]
However, this man is in charge of the Demon Race Expulsion faction...
"I am Cardinal Leblanc McFarlane. I manage the Order of the Temple and assist his eminence the Pope."
So this man is Number Two[3] of the Church of Milis.
If I'm not mistaken, his job is to assist the Pope... so it's kind of like a King and his Prime Minister.
Of course, the Pope and Cardinal seem a little different from the religious organizations I'm familiar with, so it may be something else.
But this Pope and Cardinal are certainly fighting.
They're aiming to be the next Pope.
Although I don't know if they do anything like an election every few years or something...
While I was thinking that, the Cardinal immediately returned to his seat.
So by introductions, they're just giving their names and positions.
"...Sir Belmondo."
At Cliff's call, the man in white armor sitting next to Leblanc stood up.
A one-eyed man with scars on his face.
He looks around 40 years old.
Since he's wearing white armor, he's probably in the Order of the Church.
But his facial expression can only be described as grim.
If I remember correctly, the Order of the Church are the chief knights protecting the country.
He's probably angry at me for causing a disturbance in town.
"Lieutenant Commander of the [Arrow Group] of the Order of the Church, Belmondo Nash Venick."
The man said that and sat down.
I get the feeling I've heard that somewhere before.
He's glaring fixedly at me.
However, he's not saying anything else.
That's probably his natural look. Like Orsted or Ruijerd...