Chapter 116 - Mission Impossible 3 (2/2)

“······normally, the ones that are confident alway makes the mistake..”

They weren’t reliable, but what could he do?He could only leave them to their own device.Artpe took off the boots he always had on.He handed them over to Silpennon.Silpennon tilted his head in puzzlement as he checked out the boots.

“What is this…..Boots?”

“It’s the Blink Boots.It’ll help you in a perilous situation.”

“Even if you give me such an item, I won’t seduce the holy priestess.”

“I’m not giving it to you!I’m lending it to you!”

After giving them future missions, Artpe let out a sigh as he returned to his room.

When the next day arrived, Artpe and Maetel was able to meet the pope for the first time at breakfast.

“My name is Fredrick Kuar Paladia.The two of you can call me by Fredrick.”

“······I’m Maetel.”

“I’m Artpe.”

Kuar was a middle name given to those that rose to the rank of high priest.The name was also given to their family.Vadinet and Aria possessed it, and of course, the pope possessed that middle name too.

“······pope-nim?”

“Hoo.”

Maetel tilted her head as she looked at the pope.Artpe smirked.It was as if the pope didn’t even acknowledge their reaction.He just let out a benevolent laughter.

“As expected, both of you possess extremely clear eyes.When I first heard that two heroes were born, I was surprised.However, I can accept it now that I see the two of you.The two of you truly possess the spirit of heroes.”

“I think so too.”

Even at Artpe’s insolent words, the pope just laughed in a good mood.

“I pray that you receive a massive amount of the god’s blessing during your stay here.I will also pray for the heroes..”

“It is much appreciated.”

“Your holiness, I’ll be disappointed if you left me out.”

“Ha ha.I’m sorry.However, your wish for the hero’s safety exceeds mine, right?”

“Hoo-hoo-hooht.”

The holy priestess and the pope exchanged bright laughters.When Artpe saw her, he remembered what Silpennon had said yesterday.

He shouldn't be rash in turning the holy priestess into an enemy.It would be much easier to use couple words to turn her into an ally.Silpennon made Artpe acknowledge this line of thinking.

While he was having such thoughts, Maetel kept looking back and forth between the holy priestess and the pope.A questioning light started appearing within her eyes

“Artpe, I think…...”

“Later.…...I have something I have to talk to you about.”

“A...all right.”

Maetel automatically nodded her head when she saw the serious light in Artpe’s eyes.The holy priestess was sitting across from them, and sparks flew when she caught sight of the exchange between the two heroes.Artpe decided to ignore her for now.

After the breakfast finished, it was free time.Artpe and Maetel were in their room, and they sat facing each other.Silpennon and Aria were probably residing in his room right now.The holy priestess was probably grinding her teeth, and the pope……No, he didn’t have to pay attention to that right now.

“Maetel, I have a request.”

“What is it?”

Maetel sat still as she listened intently to his words.Artpe took couple breaths before he spoke.

“You probably picked up on the fact that the priests here aren’t of their right mind.”

“Yes.I smelled something strange from the pope.”

“It isn’t just the pope.Most of the high rank priests are in the same state.I asked Silpennon to infiltrate this place, so he can investigate further into it…..”

“As expected, Artpe knew about it.”

Maetel’s expression immediately became brighter.In truth, she had felt the difference in energy between the holy priestess and the pope.She had been troubled as to whether she should ask Artpe about it or not.However, Artpe confirmed her suspicion on the spot!

“The weirdest smell came off from the guy called the pope.It was like the Demon called Teana, whom we met before.There is a bizarre yet annoying energy…..”

“You read him correctly.The pope is a Demon.”

Artpe made an explosive declaration that would have overturned the entirety of Paladia.However, Maetel just nodded her head as if it all made sense!However, Artpe wasn’t done talking yet.

“Currently, the pope is recruiting the high rank priests into the Demon King’s army.However, the holy priestess hasn’t gone over to them yet.Before it is too late, I want to bring the holy priestess to our side.”

“However, that woman seems to be suspicious in an entirely different way?”

As expected, Maetel’s sense was best in the world.Maetel realized that the holy priestess didn’t side with the Demon King’s army, but she was still rotten to the bone.However, Artpe feigned ignorance as he shook his head from side to side.

“That woman is focused only on the occupation of the Hero Class.She is obsessed with fulfilling her role.I….Yes, I think there is still time for her to be rehabilitated.That is why I want a little bit of your cooperation, Maetel.”

“I have a bad feeling about this.I already want to decline it…..”

“······what I’m about to say is a bit awful, but from this point on, I’ll have to….Yes, I’ll have to try to get along with her.”

When she heard those words, Maetel had a dead expression on her face.However, Artpe kept a stiff upper lip as he continued to speak.

“This is only an act.I just have to be a little bit more friendly towards her.”

“Artpe, you sound like a really bad man…..”

“You just have acknowledge this fact.The attitude that I will adopt towards that woman isn’t true.”

“Artpe is always like that.You always hide the truth, and you are focused on packaging the outside.”

“Maetel.”

There was a sincere light in Artpe’s eyes.Maetel wanted to pout.She was quite clear in expressing her displeasure, but in the end, she nodded her head.

“Instead, I want you to grant my wish.”

“All right.If it isn’t too over the line, I’ll grant you one wish.However, you cannot work against the holy priestess joining our party.All right?”

“Yes······.”

The contract was satisfactorily made.

Artpe started his work in earnest at lunch.