“――……Being born as the Maiden Priestess is nothing but a burden.”

Arnold could be heard muttering in a low voice.

Perhaps in response, Schneider spoke up.

“I have to confess that I advised Her Highness the other day that she should not marry Your Highness…I didn’t expect hyer to know the truth about Your Highness Prince Arnold’s bloodline.”

It was more like a realization rather than an informed one…

To be precise, she didn’t know anything at that time.

There was nothing wrong with Schneider coming into the conclusion that Rishe must have known it. Still she didn’t bother to correct it.

“A child with the blood of the Goddess should not be born recklessly. It will surely become a source of conflict. If a baby girl were to be born, the Order would be prepared to go to war to obtain a child that qualifies as a Maiden Priestess.”

“Hmm…”

“It would be terrible to be the mother of such a child without knowing anything about it. However, Your Highness, the future Queen of Garkhain, is a woman of stronger spirit than I imagined.”

“No. You’re flattering me too much…”

The unexpected compliment disconcerted Rishe.

“If it is possible, we hope that you and your wife can establish a new relationship between Garkhain and the Order. Despite being born with the blood of the Maiden Priestess, you don’t have to bear that unmerited fate…Not only for Miss Myria, but also for the children of the future.”

“Schneider-sama…”

Rishe looked at Arnold again.

However, there was still no change in his expression.

His Highness Arnold will eventually burn the Order in the future…I wonder how he is feeling at this moment.

Also, was it his because of his hatred for the Order?

She thought about it but had no answer. In the first place, she didn’t have a clear picture about what happened to Arnold and his mother.

Then, a knock sounded.

“Bishop Schneider, I’m sorry but you need to prepare for the ceremony.”“Wait…Your Highness.”

For Schneider, this was their last stronghold. Once Arnold returned to Garkhain, they would have no further option to carry out.

Arnold clicked his tongue, then looked down at Schneider.

“You’re so annoying. If you’re summoned, get going.”

“No, Your Highness, I…”

Schneider was about to argue, but Arnold interrupted.

“I will keep the existence of the Priestess a secret from Father Emperor.”

“!”

Schneider held his breath right after.

Rishe was also surprised and called out Arnold’s name.

“Your Highness Arnold…”

“That’s always been my intention. It would be troublesome if Father Emperor learns of the existence of the Priestess and decides to make absurd moves.”

Arnold disclosed in displeasure, but his announcement was still clear.

“In that case, it’s easier to team up with the Order leaders.”

“―― ……”

Schneider tried to say something, but the words seemed stuck in his throats.

The slightest hint of blood came back to his pale face. Rishe was also relieved and stroked her chest.

“A-Are you sure? As I’ve mentioned earlier, there are a few benefits for you…”

“We will not be left with few benefits. I don’t care if we don’t have the power of the Order, but we will exploit anything there is.”

“So…”

“I’m not going to get into the details here.”

Arnold repeated what he had said earlier with a scowl.

“Didn’t you hear me?…I said get going…”“Bishop Schneider, it’s time for you to get ready.”

A priest’s voice came from outside, and Schneider stood up.

He then thanked Arnold once more.

“I will never forget this favor. May the Goddess bless you and your wife.”

“Give it up. I don’t need any of that.”

Rishe chuckled at Arnold’s response and looked at Rishe.

“Then let’s transfer Your Highness’s share to Rishe-sama?”

“Thank you, Schneider-sama…”

Rishe received his blessings and smiled at him.

When Schneider left the room, Rishe and Arnold were left alone in the room. Rishe sat back on the couch and looked up at Arnold next to her.

“Aren’t you overdoing it?”

“…?”

Arnold gave a quizzical look at Rishe’s question.

“No, I’m not.”

“Well, I hope so.”

“Why do you ask that? In light of your interactions with the Priestess, I’m sure you’re more than happy to have a good relationship with the Order.”

“You’re right, but…”

Rishe’s mouth twitched.

“I don’t want Your Highness to do something that’s against your real hopes.”

“…”

Arnold took a shallow breath and leaned back against the couch.

“It’s not entirely unintentional.”

“You sure about that?”

“As I told the bishop, if they don’t have something, it’s fine. But if they do, we’ll use it to our advantage.”

I hope it’s not about the war…