The priests who attacked Shan with divine power were injured as they fell down from an unknown force.
Their injuries were more serious than expected, some of the priests and bishops were elderly, and some even broke their bones just by rolling on the floor.
Ilwooz healed them with his divine power as they groaned in pain. The sight of Ilwooz emitting his divine power and comforting the priests was extremely sacred. It was natural to accept that he was the Pope who had received the power of Ines. After roughly cleaning up the room, Ilwooz looked back at Elze and Shan.
“...”
Their eyes met, but they didn't say a word. Elze took a step forward and blocked Shan's path. She was nervous that Ilwooz would do something again. However, what Ilwooz said was unexpected.
“Can I talk to you for a moment?”
At his request for conversation, Elze and Shan looked at each other. Ilwooz added one more word to the two.
“I just want to talk to you.”
Anyway, Elze couldn't get down from this strange hall without borrowing Ilwooz's power. And she didn't think Ilwooz, who was supposed to be the Pope, would lie and try to kill Shan.
"Great."
When Elze and Shan accepted, Ilwooz sighed in relief and muttered.
“That’s fortunate.”
Ilwooz looked at Shan and Elze once each and spoke slowly.
“This way... I will guide you to a quiet place.”
Ilwooz took Elze and Shan inside the hall. When Ilwooz put his hand on what he thought was a wall, a faint white light spread out, rippling. And where the light passed, a huge door, not a wall, was revealed.
Ilwooz pushed the door gently with his slender wrist. The door looked heavy at first glance, but it was pushed lightly as if it had no weight. And what was revealed was another hall.
"Ah..."
Elze let out a soft exclamation of admiration at the sight of the hall. The dim hall, with just enough light to distinguish objects, was the complete opposite of the open atmosphere outside. At the innermost part of the hall, there was a tall staircase, and on top of it was a large chair.
What made the hall most beautiful and mysterious was the stained glass that covered three sides behind the chairs. The beautiful stained glass that stretched from floor to ceiling sparkled with a faint light.
Ilwooz strode toward him. Elze expected him to climb the stairs and sit on a chair, but he sat down on the very bottom of the stairs. Ilwoox gestured to Elze, who was a little flustered.
“This is the place I choose when I want to talk most comfortably. Hyeon-Gwa also often sits here.”
It seemed to refer to Ryeo Hyeon, the Queen of Ryeo. What can you do if the Queen sits here?
Elze answered, but Ilwooz looked at Shan and said.
“Until the new millennium, the new millennium. I will continue to watch over you, Shan Cirxus.”
“...”
Shan frowned silently at Ilwooz's gaze. Ilwooz looked at Shan as if he was going to pierce through him and said.
“If there is even the slightest danger!”
He confirmed it with a resolute glint in his eyes.
“In the name of the cult, we will reveal Shan Cirxus’ true identity to the entire continent and declare war.”
If Elze could not suppress Shan, Ilwooz vowed to use any and all means and methods to kill Shan.
At first glance, it seemed creepy, but Elze could tell that this was the decision that Ilwooz had made with the utmost concession. As Elze slowly nodded and accepted his terms, Ilwooz sighed and slightly bent his stiff back as he spoke.
“I think the conversation is over at this point.”
He waved his hand lightly in the air. White light followed Ilwooz’s hand and soon transformed into a long piece of cloth. The cloth with intricate patterns fell down in a fluttering manner.
Ilwooz grabbed it lightly and covered his eyes.
As the rainbow-colored eyes that had been emitting light were obscured, the air suddenly felt lighter. Shan seemed to think the same as Elze, as he also looked much more relaxed.
Regardless of whether or not it suppressed energy, the rainbow-colored eyes themselves were actually burdensome. The eyes that shimmered with all sorts of light made her dizzy just looking at them for a little bit. When he covered them, she was definitely able to approach Ilwooz with a more relaxed mind. And when he covered his eyes, it wasn’t just the atmosphere that changed. Ilwooz whispered in a faint voice.
“In normal times, I cover my eyes like this... Because revealing my eyes is in itself using divine power...”
Ilwooz's voice, which had been clear until just a moment ago, became hazy again as if he were in a dream. Elze was amazed by the change, and Ilwooz spoke with a small smile.
“I think it is time to return you two to your rightful places... Would you mind sending me to Targayel Manor...?”
He began to gather white light into a ball by waving his hands here and there. Shan looked a little uneasy. Then, unable to bear it any longer, he asked a question.
“Are you moving with divine power?”
“Yes... You might be a little sore...”
Ilwooz, speaking with a smile, threw out a joke that wasn't a joke. Ilwooz continued slowly to Shan, who was frowning.
“His Highness the Crown Prince of the Baluar Empire...I will send an appropriate letter in the name of Ilwooz, so you do not need to worry...”
And by the time Ilwooz finished speaking, the surroundings were filled with light and bright. Only Ilwooz's face, sitting nearby, could be seen.
“Okay...Then...”
Ilwooz smiled brightly and then whispered something in Korean.
[...]
Elze was surprised to hear that and tried to ask him back. However, Ilwooz had already disappeared into the bright light, and immediately a large white light enveloped Elze and Shan.
And when the light disappeared, a familiar gray brick mansion appeared before her eyes. However, Elze tilted her head without any surprise. Shan, who was frowning as if moving with divine power was quite painful, turned to Elze and asked.
“Where does it hurt?”
“No, it’s exactly what Ilwooz said...”
Elze considered telling Shan but then shook her head.
“I think I just misheard.”
We'll meet again soon.
A bitter sneer spread across Ilwooz' lips.
“It was just a fleeting dream...”
Hyeon couldn't say anything to Ilwooz. Hyeon and Ilwooz were close friends who had been together for a long time. Hyeon knew how much effort and dedication he had put in up until now.
That was why he couldn't speak carelessly. In fact, no words could comfort him. That's why Hyeon just held Ilwooz's hand. His thin, skinny hand was the complete opposite of Hyeon's thick hand.
Sometimes, some things are better than words. Hyeon and Ilwooslz held each other's hands without saying a word. The warmth they felt was a greater comfort than a hundred words. After a while, Ilwooz let out a long sigh.
Hyeon squeezed Ilwooz's hand tightly. She couldn't let him be depressed any longer. Hyeon asked a question carefully to divert his thoughts.
“Have you thought a little about what to do next?”
“I plan to send a priest to watch over Targayel Shan Cirxus... We need to control him...”
“A priest? Was there anyone with the power to restrain Shan Cirxus when trouble arose?”
Ilwooz smiled at Hyeon's question. Ilwooz leaned over and whispered to Hyeon, who tilted his head. Hyeon's eyes widened as she heard the whisper.
“What the heck?”
Ilwooz could only smile faintly in front of her who was so surprised.
Elze belatedly learned that she had been taken to the sacred city of Inesian.
Despite the considerable distance between the Inesians and the Baluar Empire, Ilwooz used his divine powers to instantly transport Elze and Shan to the Targayel Mansion.
Except for the commotion caused by the Count and Countess who suddenly appeared in the mansion, surprisingly, nothing much happened. Even Crown Prince Raymond, who he thought would contact him right away, was quiet. He didn't ask what happened with Ilwooz when Shan entered the palace. He just left him alone. It was to the point where it felt like he was avoiding Shan.
And Shan and Elze also did not mention what happened in Inesian. Instead, Elze quietly learned about the prophecy that was being passed down in the Ines Church. Soon after, Elze obtained a book called “Revelation” containing Ines’ prophecy. However, even though she held the book in her hands, she could not open the pages.
Several days passed, and in the meantime, there were some minor changes in Targayel. The date for leaving for the border was set, and preparations were made.
The weather also got colder. It rained for a while, and the chilly air of early winter suddenly froze over. The bitter cold wind made her body shiver.
One day, when Shan entered the palace and Elze was left home alone, she looked out the window while organizing documents in the study. The bare branches of the trees in the garden were swaying in the wind.
Elze suddenly thought that she should read the Book of Revelation right now. As soon as the thought occurred to her, she put it into action. She pulled up a chair by the sunny window and sat down with a thick shawl and a cup of warm tea.
And finally, she turned to the first page of the Book of Revelation. The prophecy about the future of the continent was quite specific. However, many sentences were written in metaphors and symbols, so it was difficult to understand the exact content unless you were a devout believer of Ines.
But even Elze, who knew nothing about Ines, could clearly sense that the demon was a very bad guy and a threat who would completely destroy the continent.
The Savior and the Devil...
Elze felt strange that the protagonists of the prophecy that had been passed down across the continent for a long time were her and Shan. In fact, she still couldn't quite believe it. Not only Elze, but anyone else would have been unable to believe it either.
Looking back, there was something a little strange about her relationship with Shan. From the first time she met Shan, Elze was inexplicably drawn to him, and their relationship kept getting entangled.
If this was fate, she couldn't figure out what God was thinking when He brought them together like this. They weren't enemies, but a couple. Elze closed the book she was reading. Then she ran her hand over the cover and sighed.
"Ha..."
The tea that had been placed next to her had cooled down just right. Elze took a sip of the warm tea and swallowed it. The hot heat flowing down her esophagus relaxed her body and mind.
Elze, who had emptied her teacup cleanly, sank into her chair, lost in thought. Ilwooz had released Shan, but not completely. He had said he would send a priest to Targayel to watch over Shan.
Elze had already told Marle that a new guest would be staying at the mansion, but she was worried about which priest would come. For now, Ines' priests could not help but be wary of Shan. However, they would have to stay together as they lived together from now on, and if the priest showed too much hostility, the atmosphere would become strange from then on.
It was already a mess going to the border, and it would have been difficult if a priest had caused trouble there. Elze was groaning in thought, sinking into her chair.
“Madam! The priest of Ines has come to see you.”
Elze, who had been buried in her chair, was startled by the maid's report. She had thought that Shan would come soon, as he had to watch over him. However, she had not expected him to barge in without warning like this.
Elze hurriedly cleaned up her place and checked her clothes. Then she went down to the first floor with a nervous heart. As she went down the stairs after passing through the hallway, all sorts of thoughts came to her mind. Elze, who was very nervous and went to greet the guest, froze as she went down the stairs.
The sight of the priest talking to Marle was very familiar.
The priest was wearing a long black hood with fluffy fur to block out the cold winter wind. His white hair, tied neatly in a single bundle, flowed down from the top of his hat. From the side view, she could see that his eyes were covered with a long cloth with intricate patterns.
Plus, it has a unique atmosphere that you can't forget once you see it...
He had a strangely entangled feeling of being hazy and dreamy and a feeling of being fragile and yet not being able to be treated lightly.
Marle, who was talking to the priest, seemed flustered. Even Marle, who had been through a lot while running the Machangs Merchant and working as a vassal of Targayel, was caught up in his strange yet majestic aura.
Marle, who was struggling, found Elze standing on the stairs and called out to her happily as if he had found a savior.
"Lady!"
But Elze was in no position to receive Marle's greeting. Elze was flustered and froze for a while before finally opening her mouth.
“No... What is this...?”
The priest slowly turned to Elze. He smiled faintly and nodded to Elze in a faint voice.
“It’s been a while...”
He was Ilwooz, smiling softly.
Elze was so shocked that she couldn't think of anything. After staring blankly for a while, she finally came to her senses and grabbed Ilwooz's arm. Then she dragged him to a place where there were no people.
“Why did you come, Ilwooz!”
At Elze's frightened cry, Ilwooz looked at Elze as if he was wondering if there was a problem. Elze told him a very obvious, yet basic fact.
“You are the Pope.”
Only then did Ilwooz exclaim, “Ah...” and tell the whole story.
“Except for me, if there is trouble... there is no one with the power to control Shan Cirxus....”
That seemed true, so Elze had nothing to say. But no matter what, she never dreamed that Ilwooz would come.
It seemed like Ilwooz would be better than a priest who didn't know anything, but it didn't seem like it. The guest who had been waiting patiently was more of a problem after he came, which gave Elze a headache. In particular, it was a problem with how Shan would react. Ilwooz whispered in front of Elze, who was worried about what to do about this.
“I have already sent a letter to Crown Prince Raymond informing him that a priest from the Order will accompany Targayel... I ask that this be kept a secret, of course...”
Ilwooz continued speaking, looking at Elze quietly.
“I also know a little about how the situation in the Baluar Empire is going... It would be better for me to be there to protect the Savior...”
When he said that, she couldn't help but accept it. Elze finally nodded. Ilwooz's face brightened at Elze's agreement.
“You may speak to me more comfortably... While in Targayel, please treat me as just one of Ines’ priests...”
Ilwooz said that and looked around for a moment. The employees were far enough away that they couldn't hear the conversation, but they didn't hide their curious eyes. Ilwooz lowered his voice a little and said.
“In Targayel, it would be best to only reveal my identity to those who can be trusted...”
“Wouldn’t it be better to keep it a complete secret?”
“Words will eventually spread anyway... I just wish it would be delayed a little bit... And if the Savior trusts him, then I can trust him too...”
After agreeing with Ilwooz's words, Elze told him about something that had made her feel a little uncomfortable.
“Well, I think it would be best not to call me Savior within Targayel. Could you just call me Elze?”
Ilwooz apologized, saying that he hadn't thought of it. Of course, it wasn't something to apologize for, so Elze waved both hands at him. Then she asked him a question.
“Then, what should I call you, Ilwooz?”
Ilwooz didn't seem to understand Elze's question. To him who was puzzled, Elze added a brief explanation.
“I can’t call you Ilwooz.”
“Ah, name..."
Only then did Ilwooz understand and nodded. He muttered in a faint voice.
“How long has it been since I was called by a name other than Ilwooz...”
After searching his memory for a long time, he finally managed to retrieve the name that was hanging on the edge of his memory.
“Serhil...”
“Serhil?”
“Please call me Serhil... That’s my name when I was human before I became Ilwooz...”
The part about when he was human just popped into her ears. When Elze looked at him strangely, Ilwooz smiled faintly and said.
“Now, I’ve become a little different from a human being...”
Elze obediently agreed with Ilwooz's words. It was understandable. He possessed the memories of the previous Ilwooz that had continued for a thousand years and the powers bestowed by the gods. Without going too far, just looking at the rainbow-colored eyes hidden behind the cloth, it was clear that he did not feel human.
“Yes, Sir Serhil.”
Since it had come to this, Elze decided to think positively. Elze said, extending her hand to Ilwooz.
“I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Ilwooz smiled brightly and shook Elze's hand.
Their injuries were more serious than expected, some of the priests and bishops were elderly, and some even broke their bones just by rolling on the floor.
Ilwooz healed them with his divine power as they groaned in pain. The sight of Ilwooz emitting his divine power and comforting the priests was extremely sacred. It was natural to accept that he was the Pope who had received the power of Ines. After roughly cleaning up the room, Ilwooz looked back at Elze and Shan.
“...”
Their eyes met, but they didn't say a word. Elze took a step forward and blocked Shan's path. She was nervous that Ilwooz would do something again. However, what Ilwooz said was unexpected.
“Can I talk to you for a moment?”
At his request for conversation, Elze and Shan looked at each other. Ilwooz added one more word to the two.
“I just want to talk to you.”
Anyway, Elze couldn't get down from this strange hall without borrowing Ilwooz's power. And she didn't think Ilwooz, who was supposed to be the Pope, would lie and try to kill Shan.
"Great."
When Elze and Shan accepted, Ilwooz sighed in relief and muttered.
“That’s fortunate.”
Ilwooz looked at Shan and Elze once each and spoke slowly.
“This way... I will guide you to a quiet place.”
Ilwooz took Elze and Shan inside the hall. When Ilwooz put his hand on what he thought was a wall, a faint white light spread out, rippling. And where the light passed, a huge door, not a wall, was revealed.
Ilwooz pushed the door gently with his slender wrist. The door looked heavy at first glance, but it was pushed lightly as if it had no weight. And what was revealed was another hall.
"Ah..."
Elze let out a soft exclamation of admiration at the sight of the hall. The dim hall, with just enough light to distinguish objects, was the complete opposite of the open atmosphere outside. At the innermost part of the hall, there was a tall staircase, and on top of it was a large chair.
What made the hall most beautiful and mysterious was the stained glass that covered three sides behind the chairs. The beautiful stained glass that stretched from floor to ceiling sparkled with a faint light.
Ilwooz strode toward him. Elze expected him to climb the stairs and sit on a chair, but he sat down on the very bottom of the stairs. Ilwoox gestured to Elze, who was a little flustered.
“This is the place I choose when I want to talk most comfortably. Hyeon-Gwa also often sits here.”
It seemed to refer to Ryeo Hyeon, the Queen of Ryeo. What can you do if the Queen sits here?
In the end, Elze and Shan had no choice but to sit hesitantly. Ilwooz sat on the step one step above, and Elze and Shan sat side by side on the steps below.
It was a very strange feeling to sit on the stairs next to the opponent who had been fighting to the death just a moment ago. Elze, who was looking around in embarrassment, caught sight of Ilwooz's head. The long white hair that had been neatly tied together was a complete mess because Elze had ripped it out.
Elze, remembering how she had screamed at Ilwooz that she would wring his neck, coughed loudly and asked cautiously.
“I... are you okay?”
After speaking informally and beating him up, it was Elze who belatedly asked how he was doing, while being polite. Ilwooz smiled faintly and answered Elze.
“No. Rather, it is something I should say.”
Ilwooz hesitated for a moment and then said.
“I think I was too hasty.”
Elze was surprised at his meek admission of his mistake. Ilwooz exhaled quietly and began to tell a story he had not been able to tell until now.
“The Ilwooz inherit all the memories of the previous Ilwooz.”
It was the story of the Ilwooz that had continued for a thousand years. The history of the Ilwooz, who crossed dimensions with the power of the gods in search of a savior to prevent the destruction of the continent that would come in the millennium, was deep and wide.
“That was Ilwooz’ mission and destiny.”
Ilwooz, who whispered stories of a thousand years, seemed like someone who had lived through those times.
Elze looked at Ilwooz again. It was difficult to guess his age from his face. Looking at his smooth skin, he seemed young, but the atmosphere surrounding him was unusual, so it was not easy to see him as young.
“All of my predecessors, the Ilwooz, have dedicated their lives to finding the devil and the savior. It is no exaggeration to say that the reason for the existence of the Ilwooz is simply for that purpose.”
A bitterness thickened over Ilwooz’s face as he spoke. As Elze listened to Ilwooz’s words, she began to understand a little bit why he had such thoughts.
To Ilwooz, Shan was the evil that had been harassing him for a thousand years. And Elze was the good that would destroy it. Ilwooz had been longing for the day when good would triumph and evil would be defeated when the devil would be destroyed.
However, when he actually looked for a savior, she had already fallen in love with the devil. This was a situation that Ilwooz could not accept. That was probably why he tried to persuade Elze by alternately appealing and threatening her.
“Do you know what the very last verse of the prophecy is?”
Elze, who had never actually read or heard the prophecy, just blinked. Ilwooz smiled faintly at Elze's appearance and said.
“Do not add to or subtract from the prophetic words of Ines.”
“...”
“But I think that up until now, the Ilwooz may have been adding or subtracting from the prophecy and interpreting it as they pleased.”
It didn't seem like something to be said so easily. Ilwooz slowly explained his thoughts to Elze, who was unable to respond and could only listen.
“Once you are transformed into a demonic form, you cannot return to being human. Shan Cirxus has clearly been transformed into a demonic form, at least in part.”
Ilwooz paused for a moment and looked at Shan. He checked Shan's round pupils again, and then he spoke to Elze.
“But the Savior turned Shan Cirxus back to his original form. He was turned into a demon, but he became human again.”
“!!”
“This is impossible.”
Ilwooz, who had forcefully said that it was impossible, continued his explanation in a calm voice.
“So I guess the Savior might have the power to suppress Shan Cirxus. In fact, I find it a bit odd, since according to theory, Shan Cirxus should have already revealed his evil nature on the battlefield.”
He continued, neatly rolling up his sleeves.
“Perhaps the Savior has been holding him back from the battlefield.”
Elze didn't know that his pupils would slit open and then return to normal again. Ilwooz spoke to Elze, who was looking at Shan's face again for no reason, with a somewhat enlightened expression.
“The choices the Savior made may also be God’s will and destiny.”
God's will and destiny...
Elze still couldn't figure out what God was or what fate was. What was certain was that Elze was simply following her heart.
She loved Shan so much that she tried her best to protect him, and that's how all this happened. She didn't know what her own fate would be, but Elze was going to protect Shan no matter what happened. That much was certain.
“Then, can the prophecy be resolved by me being by Shan’s side?”
“It is possible.”
Ilwooz answered Elze's question positively.
“However, it is an unchangeable fact that Shan Cirxus is a dangerous factor. Since the fate of the continent is at stake, it cannot be left to the judgment of me and the Savior alone. I will keep the priest of Ines by his side and watch over him.”
“The priest of Ines...?”
It was a very strange feeling to sit on the stairs next to the opponent who had been fighting to the death just a moment ago. Elze, who was looking around in embarrassment, caught sight of Ilwooz's head. The long white hair that had been neatly tied together was a complete mess because Elze had ripped it out.
Elze, remembering how she had screamed at Ilwooz that she would wring his neck, coughed loudly and asked cautiously.
“I... are you okay?”
After speaking informally and beating him up, it was Elze who belatedly asked how he was doing, while being polite. Ilwooz smiled faintly and answered Elze.
“No. Rather, it is something I should say.”
Ilwooz hesitated for a moment and then said.
“I think I was too hasty.”
Elze was surprised at his meek admission of his mistake. Ilwooz exhaled quietly and began to tell a story he had not been able to tell until now.
“The Ilwooz inherit all the memories of the previous Ilwooz.”
It was the story of the Ilwooz that had continued for a thousand years. The history of the Ilwooz, who crossed dimensions with the power of the gods in search of a savior to prevent the destruction of the continent that would come in the millennium, was deep and wide.
“That was Ilwooz’ mission and destiny.”
Ilwooz, who whispered stories of a thousand years, seemed like someone who had lived through those times.
Elze looked at Ilwooz again. It was difficult to guess his age from his face. Looking at his smooth skin, he seemed young, but the atmosphere surrounding him was unusual, so it was not easy to see him as young.
“All of my predecessors, the Ilwooz, have dedicated their lives to finding the devil and the savior. It is no exaggeration to say that the reason for the existence of the Ilwooz is simply for that purpose.”
A bitterness thickened over Ilwooz’s face as he spoke. As Elze listened to Ilwooz’s words, she began to understand a little bit why he had such thoughts.
To Ilwooz, Shan was the evil that had been harassing him for a thousand years. And Elze was the good that would destroy it. Ilwooz had been longing for the day when good would triumph and evil would be defeated when the devil would be destroyed.
However, when he actually looked for a savior, she had already fallen in love with the devil. This was a situation that Ilwooz could not accept. That was probably why he tried to persuade Elze by alternately appealing and threatening her.
“Do you know what the very last verse of the prophecy is?”
Elze, who had never actually read or heard the prophecy, just blinked. Ilwooz smiled faintly at Elze's appearance and said.
“Do not add to or subtract from the prophetic words of Ines.”
“...”
“But I think that up until now, the Ilwooz may have been adding or subtracting from the prophecy and interpreting it as they pleased.”
It didn't seem like something to be said so easily. Ilwooz slowly explained his thoughts to Elze, who was unable to respond and could only listen.
“Once you are transformed into a demonic form, you cannot return to being human. Shan Cirxus has clearly been transformed into a demonic form, at least in part.”
Ilwooz paused for a moment and looked at Shan. He checked Shan's round pupils again, and then he spoke to Elze.
“But the Savior turned Shan Cirxus back to his original form. He was turned into a demon, but he became human again.”
“!!”
“This is impossible.”
Ilwooz, who had forcefully said that it was impossible, continued his explanation in a calm voice.
“So I guess the Savior might have the power to suppress Shan Cirxus. In fact, I find it a bit odd, since according to theory, Shan Cirxus should have already revealed his evil nature on the battlefield.”
He continued, neatly rolling up his sleeves.
“Perhaps the Savior has been holding him back from the battlefield.”
Elze didn't know that his pupils would slit open and then return to normal again. Ilwooz spoke to Elze, who was looking at Shan's face again for no reason, with a somewhat enlightened expression.
“The choices the Savior made may also be God’s will and destiny.”
God's will and destiny...
Elze still couldn't figure out what God was or what fate was. What was certain was that Elze was simply following her heart.
She loved Shan so much that she tried her best to protect him, and that's how all this happened. She didn't know what her own fate would be, but Elze was going to protect Shan no matter what happened. That much was certain.
“Then, can the prophecy be resolved by me being by Shan’s side?”
“It is possible.”
Ilwooz answered Elze's question positively.
“However, it is an unchangeable fact that Shan Cirxus is a dangerous factor. Since the fate of the continent is at stake, it cannot be left to the judgment of me and the Savior alone. I will keep the priest of Ines by his side and watch over him.”
“The priest of Ines...?”
Elze answered, but Ilwooz looked at Shan and said.
“Until the new millennium, the new millennium. I will continue to watch over you, Shan Cirxus.”
“...”
Shan frowned silently at Ilwooz's gaze. Ilwooz looked at Shan as if he was going to pierce through him and said.
“If there is even the slightest danger!”
He confirmed it with a resolute glint in his eyes.
“In the name of the cult, we will reveal Shan Cirxus’ true identity to the entire continent and declare war.”
If Elze could not suppress Shan, Ilwooz vowed to use any and all means and methods to kill Shan.
At first glance, it seemed creepy, but Elze could tell that this was the decision that Ilwooz had made with the utmost concession. As Elze slowly nodded and accepted his terms, Ilwooz sighed and slightly bent his stiff back as he spoke.
“I think the conversation is over at this point.”
He waved his hand lightly in the air. White light followed Ilwooz’s hand and soon transformed into a long piece of cloth. The cloth with intricate patterns fell down in a fluttering manner.
Ilwooz grabbed it lightly and covered his eyes.
As the rainbow-colored eyes that had been emitting light were obscured, the air suddenly felt lighter. Shan seemed to think the same as Elze, as he also looked much more relaxed.
Regardless of whether or not it suppressed energy, the rainbow-colored eyes themselves were actually burdensome. The eyes that shimmered with all sorts of light made her dizzy just looking at them for a little bit. When he covered them, she was definitely able to approach Ilwooz with a more relaxed mind. And when he covered his eyes, it wasn’t just the atmosphere that changed. Ilwooz whispered in a faint voice.
“In normal times, I cover my eyes like this... Because revealing my eyes is in itself using divine power...”
Ilwooz's voice, which had been clear until just a moment ago, became hazy again as if he were in a dream. Elze was amazed by the change, and Ilwooz spoke with a small smile.
“I think it is time to return you two to your rightful places... Would you mind sending me to Targayel Manor...?”
He began to gather white light into a ball by waving his hands here and there. Shan looked a little uneasy. Then, unable to bear it any longer, he asked a question.
“Are you moving with divine power?”
“Yes... You might be a little sore...”
Ilwooz, speaking with a smile, threw out a joke that wasn't a joke. Ilwooz continued slowly to Shan, who was frowning.
“His Highness the Crown Prince of the Baluar Empire...I will send an appropriate letter in the name of Ilwooz, so you do not need to worry...”
And by the time Ilwooz finished speaking, the surroundings were filled with light and bright. Only Ilwooz's face, sitting nearby, could be seen.
“Okay...Then...”
Ilwooz smiled brightly and then whispered something in Korean.
[...]
Elze was surprised to hear that and tried to ask him back. However, Ilwooz had already disappeared into the bright light, and immediately a large white light enveloped Elze and Shan.
And when the light disappeared, a familiar gray brick mansion appeared before her eyes. However, Elze tilted her head without any surprise. Shan, who was frowning as if moving with divine power was quite painful, turned to Elze and asked.
“Where does it hurt?”
“No, it’s exactly what Ilwooz said...”
Elze considered telling Shan but then shook her head.
“I think I just misheard.”
We'll meet again soon.
What kind of nonsense is this?
No matter how much she thought about it, she was sure she had misheard.
Hyeon bit the end of her pipe and took a deep drag. The long puff of smoke dispersed into the air.
"So."
She looked at the man sitting in front of her and smiled.
“So you ended up sending her away, Ilwooz?”
Ilwooz smiled slowly at Hyeon's question. The two of them were sitting at the bottom of the stairs as they always did. Ilwooz nodded slightly and answered.
“That’s what happened...”
Hyeon leaned sideways, resting her arms on the steps. She sighed lazily and muttered to herself.
“I also thought it was a little strange. If Shan Cirxus had killed that much in the Hundred Years’ War, then it would make sense that he would manifest evil.”
Ilwooz stared blankly at the scene and spoke in a faint voice.
“He has manifested malignancy...”
"What?"
Hyeon suddenly sat up, her body leaning forward. She put down her pipe and shouted.
“What are you talking about!”
Ilwooz answered in a soft voice to Hyeon, who was urging him with her eyes wide open.
“It was only partially revealed due to the divine power... He clearly showed the form of a demon...”
“But you just let him go? Do you think that a thousand years of effort and sacrifice will be in vain? Why on earth!”
Ilwooz didn't react at all to Hyeon's scream. He stared blankly at Hyeon, then laughed with a deflating sound.
"Haha..."
He never laughed out loud. Ilwooz was always just smiling languidly, so Hyeon forgot that she was angry and looked at him in surprise.
Ilwooz's laughter grew louder and louder. He burst out laughing as if he was pouring out something he had buried deep inside, and he fell down on the stairs. His neatly ironed and wrinkle-free priest's robes were all rumpled. But Ilwooz didn't care. He laughed for a long time, his chest heaving.
“Ha, haha, ha...”
Ilwooz's laughter gradually died down. After he stopped laughing, he asked Hyeon a question with a slightly embarrassed face.
“You know what..?”
Hyeon, who was nervous and thought that Ilwooz might have gone crazy, asked with a stern face.
"What?"
“The truth that I have believed in my whole life... can be overturned in a single moment...”
Ilwooz looked up at the ceiling while lying down. He slowly stretched out his hand. A ray of white light slowly shot up toward the ceiling, following Ilwooz’s hand.
The long light rising into the air gradually dispelled the darkness. In the brightened sky, a huge stained glass window shone brilliantly. Ilwooz stared blankly at the stained glass.
The colorful pieces of glass depict the history of the Ilwooz which has continued for a thousand years. Their noble sacrifices, in which they devoted their lives to the mission, were sacred, but it was all in vain.
“What have I been living for...”
The sight of Ilwooz blankly staring at the stained glass seemed as if he would fade away and disappear at any moment. Hyeon cautiously called his name.
“Ilwooz...”
Hyeon lay down next to Ilwooz. Ilwooz turned his head slightly to face Hyeon. He spoke slowly.
“Shan Cirxus appeared in the form of a demon... but then turned back into human form...”
Hyeon blinked. It was because she couldn’t believe what Ilwooz was saying. Looking at her bewildered, Ilwooz smiled faintly. Hyeon understood what he was thinking. Ilwooz wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t seen it himself.
“The Savior has the power to suppress evil... This is the conclusion for now...”
“!!”
Hyeon opened her mouth slightly. She opened her eyes briefly and then asked a sharp question.
“If the Savior is by Shan Cirxus’ side, Cirxus won’t turn into a demon even after the millennium?”
“It’s still just a hypothesis... Since the Savior refused to kill the demon, it’s also an inevitable choice...”
Ilwooz looked at the stained glass again. He muttered gloomily as he saw the shards of glass sparkling dazzlingly under the light.
“Why, for a thousand years, did we... never think that there might be another way...?”
***
Hyeon bit the end of her pipe and took a deep drag. The long puff of smoke dispersed into the air.
"So."
She looked at the man sitting in front of her and smiled.
“So you ended up sending her away, Ilwooz?”
Ilwooz smiled slowly at Hyeon's question. The two of them were sitting at the bottom of the stairs as they always did. Ilwooz nodded slightly and answered.
“That’s what happened...”
Hyeon leaned sideways, resting her arms on the steps. She sighed lazily and muttered to herself.
“I also thought it was a little strange. If Shan Cirxus had killed that much in the Hundred Years’ War, then it would make sense that he would manifest evil.”
Ilwooz stared blankly at the scene and spoke in a faint voice.
“He has manifested malignancy...”
"What?"
Hyeon suddenly sat up, her body leaning forward. She put down her pipe and shouted.
“What are you talking about!”
Ilwooz answered in a soft voice to Hyeon, who was urging him with her eyes wide open.
“It was only partially revealed due to the divine power... He clearly showed the form of a demon...”
“But you just let him go? Do you think that a thousand years of effort and sacrifice will be in vain? Why on earth!”
Ilwooz didn't react at all to Hyeon's scream. He stared blankly at Hyeon, then laughed with a deflating sound.
"Haha..."
He never laughed out loud. Ilwooz was always just smiling languidly, so Hyeon forgot that she was angry and looked at him in surprise.
Ilwooz's laughter grew louder and louder. He burst out laughing as if he was pouring out something he had buried deep inside, and he fell down on the stairs. His neatly ironed and wrinkle-free priest's robes were all rumpled. But Ilwooz didn't care. He laughed for a long time, his chest heaving.
“Ha, haha, ha...”
Ilwooz's laughter gradually died down. After he stopped laughing, he asked Hyeon a question with a slightly embarrassed face.
“You know what..?”
Hyeon, who was nervous and thought that Ilwooz might have gone crazy, asked with a stern face.
"What?"
“The truth that I have believed in my whole life... can be overturned in a single moment...”
Ilwooz looked up at the ceiling while lying down. He slowly stretched out his hand. A ray of white light slowly shot up toward the ceiling, following Ilwooz’s hand.
The long light rising into the air gradually dispelled the darkness. In the brightened sky, a huge stained glass window shone brilliantly. Ilwooz stared blankly at the stained glass.
The colorful pieces of glass depict the history of the Ilwooz which has continued for a thousand years. Their noble sacrifices, in which they devoted their lives to the mission, were sacred, but it was all in vain.
“What have I been living for...”
The sight of Ilwooz blankly staring at the stained glass seemed as if he would fade away and disappear at any moment. Hyeon cautiously called his name.
“Ilwooz...”
Hyeon lay down next to Ilwooz. Ilwooz turned his head slightly to face Hyeon. He spoke slowly.
“Shan Cirxus appeared in the form of a demon... but then turned back into human form...”
Hyeon blinked. It was because she couldn’t believe what Ilwooz was saying. Looking at her bewildered, Ilwooz smiled faintly. Hyeon understood what he was thinking. Ilwooz wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t seen it himself.
“The Savior has the power to suppress evil... This is the conclusion for now...”
“!!”
Hyeon opened her mouth slightly. She opened her eyes briefly and then asked a sharp question.
“If the Savior is by Shan Cirxus’ side, Cirxus won’t turn into a demon even after the millennium?”
“It’s still just a hypothesis... Since the Savior refused to kill the demon, it’s also an inevitable choice...”
Ilwooz looked at the stained glass again. He muttered gloomily as he saw the shards of glass sparkling dazzlingly under the light.
“Why, for a thousand years, did we... never think that there might be another way...?”
A bitter sneer spread across Ilwooz' lips.
“It was just a fleeting dream...”
Hyeon couldn't say anything to Ilwooz. Hyeon and Ilwooz were close friends who had been together for a long time. Hyeon knew how much effort and dedication he had put in up until now.
That was why he couldn't speak carelessly. In fact, no words could comfort him. That's why Hyeon just held Ilwooz's hand. His thin, skinny hand was the complete opposite of Hyeon's thick hand.
Sometimes, some things are better than words. Hyeon and Ilwooslz held each other's hands without saying a word. The warmth they felt was a greater comfort than a hundred words. After a while, Ilwooz let out a long sigh.
Hyeon squeezed Ilwooz's hand tightly. She couldn't let him be depressed any longer. Hyeon asked a question carefully to divert his thoughts.
“Have you thought a little about what to do next?”
“I plan to send a priest to watch over Targayel Shan Cirxus... We need to control him...”
“A priest? Was there anyone with the power to restrain Shan Cirxus when trouble arose?”
Ilwooz smiled at Hyeon's question. Ilwooz leaned over and whispered to Hyeon, who tilted his head. Hyeon's eyes widened as she heard the whisper.
“What the heck?”
Ilwooz could only smile faintly in front of her who was so surprised.
***
Elze belatedly learned that she had been taken to the sacred city of Inesian.
Despite the considerable distance between the Inesians and the Baluar Empire, Ilwooz used his divine powers to instantly transport Elze and Shan to the Targayel Mansion.
Except for the commotion caused by the Count and Countess who suddenly appeared in the mansion, surprisingly, nothing much happened. Even Crown Prince Raymond, who he thought would contact him right away, was quiet. He didn't ask what happened with Ilwooz when Shan entered the palace. He just left him alone. It was to the point where it felt like he was avoiding Shan.
And Shan and Elze also did not mention what happened in Inesian. Instead, Elze quietly learned about the prophecy that was being passed down in the Ines Church. Soon after, Elze obtained a book called “Revelation” containing Ines’ prophecy. However, even though she held the book in her hands, she could not open the pages.
Several days passed, and in the meantime, there were some minor changes in Targayel. The date for leaving for the border was set, and preparations were made.
The weather also got colder. It rained for a while, and the chilly air of early winter suddenly froze over. The bitter cold wind made her body shiver.
One day, when Shan entered the palace and Elze was left home alone, she looked out the window while organizing documents in the study. The bare branches of the trees in the garden were swaying in the wind.
Elze suddenly thought that she should read the Book of Revelation right now. As soon as the thought occurred to her, she put it into action. She pulled up a chair by the sunny window and sat down with a thick shawl and a cup of warm tea.
And finally, she turned to the first page of the Book of Revelation. The prophecy about the future of the continent was quite specific. However, many sentences were written in metaphors and symbols, so it was difficult to understand the exact content unless you were a devout believer of Ines.
But even Elze, who knew nothing about Ines, could clearly sense that the demon was a very bad guy and a threat who would completely destroy the continent.
The Savior and the Devil...
Elze felt strange that the protagonists of the prophecy that had been passed down across the continent for a long time were her and Shan. In fact, she still couldn't quite believe it. Not only Elze, but anyone else would have been unable to believe it either.
Looking back, there was something a little strange about her relationship with Shan. From the first time she met Shan, Elze was inexplicably drawn to him, and their relationship kept getting entangled.
If this was fate, she couldn't figure out what God was thinking when He brought them together like this. They weren't enemies, but a couple. Elze closed the book she was reading. Then she ran her hand over the cover and sighed.
"Ha..."
The tea that had been placed next to her had cooled down just right. Elze took a sip of the warm tea and swallowed it. The hot heat flowing down her esophagus relaxed her body and mind.
Elze, who had emptied her teacup cleanly, sank into her chair, lost in thought. Ilwooz had released Shan, but not completely. He had said he would send a priest to Targayel to watch over Shan.
Elze had already told Marle that a new guest would be staying at the mansion, but she was worried about which priest would come. For now, Ines' priests could not help but be wary of Shan. However, they would have to stay together as they lived together from now on, and if the priest showed too much hostility, the atmosphere would become strange from then on.
It was already a mess going to the border, and it would have been difficult if a priest had caused trouble there. Elze was groaning in thought, sinking into her chair.
“Madam! The priest of Ines has come to see you.”
Elze, who had been buried in her chair, was startled by the maid's report. She had thought that Shan would come soon, as he had to watch over him. However, she had not expected him to barge in without warning like this.
Elze hurriedly cleaned up her place and checked her clothes. Then she went down to the first floor with a nervous heart. As she went down the stairs after passing through the hallway, all sorts of thoughts came to her mind. Elze, who was very nervous and went to greet the guest, froze as she went down the stairs.
The sight of the priest talking to Marle was very familiar.
The priest was wearing a long black hood with fluffy fur to block out the cold winter wind. His white hair, tied neatly in a single bundle, flowed down from the top of his hat. From the side view, she could see that his eyes were covered with a long cloth with intricate patterns.
Plus, it has a unique atmosphere that you can't forget once you see it...
He had a strangely entangled feeling of being hazy and dreamy and a feeling of being fragile and yet not being able to be treated lightly.
Marle, who was talking to the priest, seemed flustered. Even Marle, who had been through a lot while running the Machangs Merchant and working as a vassal of Targayel, was caught up in his strange yet majestic aura.
Marle, who was struggling, found Elze standing on the stairs and called out to her happily as if he had found a savior.
"Lady!"
But Elze was in no position to receive Marle's greeting. Elze was flustered and froze for a while before finally opening her mouth.
“No... What is this...?”
The priest slowly turned to Elze. He smiled faintly and nodded to Elze in a faint voice.
“It’s been a while...”
He was Ilwooz, smiling softly.
Elze was so shocked that she couldn't think of anything. After staring blankly for a while, she finally came to her senses and grabbed Ilwooz's arm. Then she dragged him to a place where there were no people.
“Why did you come, Ilwooz!”
At Elze's frightened cry, Ilwooz looked at Elze as if he was wondering if there was a problem. Elze told him a very obvious, yet basic fact.
“You are the Pope.”
Only then did Ilwooz exclaim, “Ah...” and tell the whole story.
“Except for me, if there is trouble... there is no one with the power to control Shan Cirxus....”
That seemed true, so Elze had nothing to say. But no matter what, she never dreamed that Ilwooz would come.
It seemed like Ilwooz would be better than a priest who didn't know anything, but it didn't seem like it. The guest who had been waiting patiently was more of a problem after he came, which gave Elze a headache. In particular, it was a problem with how Shan would react. Ilwooz whispered in front of Elze, who was worried about what to do about this.
“I have already sent a letter to Crown Prince Raymond informing him that a priest from the Order will accompany Targayel... I ask that this be kept a secret, of course...”
Ilwooz continued speaking, looking at Elze quietly.
“I also know a little about how the situation in the Baluar Empire is going... It would be better for me to be there to protect the Savior...”
When he said that, she couldn't help but accept it. Elze finally nodded. Ilwooz's face brightened at Elze's agreement.
“You may speak to me more comfortably... While in Targayel, please treat me as just one of Ines’ priests...”
Ilwooz said that and looked around for a moment. The employees were far enough away that they couldn't hear the conversation, but they didn't hide their curious eyes. Ilwooz lowered his voice a little and said.
“In Targayel, it would be best to only reveal my identity to those who can be trusted...”
“Wouldn’t it be better to keep it a complete secret?”
“Words will eventually spread anyway... I just wish it would be delayed a little bit... And if the Savior trusts him, then I can trust him too...”
After agreeing with Ilwooz's words, Elze told him about something that had made her feel a little uncomfortable.
“Well, I think it would be best not to call me Savior within Targayel. Could you just call me Elze?”
Ilwooz apologized, saying that he hadn't thought of it. Of course, it wasn't something to apologize for, so Elze waved both hands at him. Then she asked him a question.
“Then, what should I call you, Ilwooz?”
Ilwooz didn't seem to understand Elze's question. To him who was puzzled, Elze added a brief explanation.
“I can’t call you Ilwooz.”
“Ah, name..."
Only then did Ilwooz understand and nodded. He muttered in a faint voice.
“How long has it been since I was called by a name other than Ilwooz...”
After searching his memory for a long time, he finally managed to retrieve the name that was hanging on the edge of his memory.
“Serhil...”
“Serhil?”
“Please call me Serhil... That’s my name when I was human before I became Ilwooz...”
The part about when he was human just popped into her ears. When Elze looked at him strangely, Ilwooz smiled faintly and said.
“Now, I’ve become a little different from a human being...”
Elze obediently agreed with Ilwooz's words. It was understandable. He possessed the memories of the previous Ilwooz that had continued for a thousand years and the powers bestowed by the gods. Without going too far, just looking at the rainbow-colored eyes hidden behind the cloth, it was clear that he did not feel human.
“Yes, Sir Serhil.”
Since it had come to this, Elze decided to think positively. Elze said, extending her hand to Ilwooz.
“I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Ilwooz smiled brightly and shook Elze's hand.
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