The Holy Man of Another Century Gospel

Chapter 266 Change of Direction
Five days after the death of the old King Arsha, the burial ceremony was held at the Royal Cathedral.

The king himself attended to bid a final farewell to the late king. Also present was the former second prince, and the two brothers knelt on one knee on either side of the coffin to pray for their deceased father.

Subsequently, the old king's body was placed in a coffin, carried by a team of palace guards, starting from the Royal Cathedral, circling the palace, and returning to the cathedral, where it was buried in the royal cemetery.

Eric and Natalia naturally participated in the entire funeral.

After the funeral, Prince Albert came alone to find Eric, who was still there.

"Your Highness the Saint."

"Your Highness Albert."

“I think we’ve met before,” Albert said, looking at his face. “Back at Xingyuan Academy.”

Eric nodded. "Your Highness is not mistaken. I never thought we would have the chance to meet again."

Albert looked at him for a moment, then lowered his head: "I want to thank Your Highness for informing the King of my whereabouts, which allowed me to rush back and see my father one last time."

Eric said nothing, only offering his condolences, Your Highness.

Albert seemed to be merely confirming that they had indeed met and expressing his gratitude before preparing to leave.

Eric stopped him and asked him about his plans for the future.

“Alaric… no, His Majesty the King asked me to stay and share some of the kingdom’s affairs,” Albert said, his expression quite complex, a mixture of relief at the status quo and bewilderment at not being able to ask any further questions.

Eric looked at him and said, “His Majesty the King recognizes Your Highness’s abilities. Your Highness should also be inspired to achieve tangible results so as not to disappoint the expectations of the two previous kings.”

Albert raised his eyes. "Your Highness means..."

"Your Highness, do you still remember our conversation at Xingyuan Academy last year? Now, the demons' southward advance has become a reality." The real decision was made by the king, and Eric stopped there, saying nothing more.

Albert looked at him for a while, seemingly lost in thought.

On the day of the old king's burial, martial law was lifted in the capital. The next morning, Eric and his party prepared to depart, and the king sent Albert to see them off.

The two didn't talk much yesterday, but on the way out of the city, Eric took the opportunity to ask about Castelfel's situation.

“It’s a real mess now,” Albert said. “Because of the war in the north, a lot of people have poured into Castelfel. All sorts of people are coming and going, and it’s chaotic. People are killing each other in the streets every day.”

Recalling what he had seen and heard in Castelfeld recently, a hint of lingering fear appeared on his face.

"That's why I've been staying in the academy... Although it's just as chaotic there, it's much better than outside. However, in the past month, most of the moon elves in the academy have mysteriously disappeared, and the chaos seems to be spreading into the academy... I still have to thank Your Highness for allowing me to leave there."

Since returning to his hometown, the second prince's mindset has undergone many changes.

Eric accepted his gratitude, glanced at the city gate that was already not far away, and finally asked, "Is there anything else worth paying attention to?"

Albert thought for a moment, then said somewhat uncertainly, "The demons... may have already appeared in Castelfel."

Eric was startled. "Is Your Highness sure?"

“I’m not sure,” Albert said. “I heard it from the mages at the academy. They said that some dark elves of unknown origin suddenly appeared near the academy… They all wear hoods and act mysteriously, so many people suspect that they are actually demons in disguise.”

Eric had a bad feeling. "Has anyone noticed what they're doing?"

"I don't know about that."

Albert shook his head. "Because it's too chaotic there. Even if someone suspects they are demons, no one dares to confirm it... But they might really just be a group of dark elves who don't want to reveal their identities. After all, I heard that in places a little further north, they've started targeting dark elves, saying they're close relatives of demons."

Eric pursed his lips, hoping it was just a misunderstanding.

The group quickly passed through the city gates and arrived outside the capital, where Albert's farewell ceremony ended.

After saying goodbye once more, Eric and his party continued south along the main road, heading towards the southern countries.

"Is Your Highness very worried about the situation at Castelfel?" Natalia rode alongside him, watching his expression.

"If those so-called dark elves are really demons, then we're in big trouble."

The appearance of a few scattered demons in the heart of the continent is nothing special; the problem lies in their purpose there.

Rusdy... Molly's teacher.

Those demons were likely ordered by Simagora to search for that master of soul research over there.

After listening to his explanation, Natalia thought for a moment and said, "Then perhaps we should head to Castelfel first."

Eric hesitated for a moment, then turned to look at her.

Natalia was taken aback. "Your Highness?"

"I should be the one going to Castelfell first, not us."

"..."

Eric continued, “In that chaotic land, not only is Your Highness worthless, but I, as a saint, am also worthless. Your Highness should have heard it just now; Castelfer is now even more chaotic, and I cannot allow Your Highness to take this risk with me.”

Natalia suddenly pulled back her horse, and Eric had no choice but to stop as well.

She looked at him. "Is it more dangerous there than on the battlefield?"

Eric paused for a moment, then said, "It's hard to say."

“I survived the battlefield,” Natalia continued, “and escaped back to Lutia alone from the Black Ice Wall. I will not be a burden to Your Highness.”

Eric pursed his lips. "What I mean is, Your Highness, there's no need for you to come with me."

Natalia looked at him. "In the original itinerary, Your Highness was planning to take me there to recruit mages and alchemists, wasn't he? This is just bringing that plan forward."

"What about the itinerary in the southern countries? I plan to have Your Highness go to the southern countries, while I will go to Castelfel. We will split up."

"Go to Castelfell first, then to the southern countries."

Natalia gave her answer, then paused, "I've always felt that it would be difficult for me to get any support in the South on my own... I need Your Highness, and Your Highness needs me too."

Eric looked at her for a moment, then looked away.

"Okay, you convinced me."

Natalia smiled.

"In that case, we need to change direction."

They were originally heading southeast to enter the Kingdom of Shalan among the southern kingdoms, while Castelfer, or more precisely, the Star Origin Academy, was in the northeast.

Eric took a breath and looked at the group of church knights following behind him.

"To enter that chaotic land, we need to be better prepared. Our next stop is Sulu City, where we will replenish our necessary supplies."

"it is good."

At the next intersection on the main road, they changed direction and headed towards Castelfell.

The following afternoon, Eric and his party arrived in Sulu.

Sulu City is the northern center of the Kingdom of Arsha, closer to the border with the Imperial Province of Dorne, and is the second most prosperous city in Arsha.

This side is also closer to Castelfeld.

The group was fully armed, with weapons and armor either bought or repaired. Even Natalia changed into a lighter leather suit, ensuring they were in optimal combat condition at least materially, before setting off again.

"Is Your Highness too nervous?"

Natalia adjusted her leather armor. "Castel is a bit chaotic, but it shouldn't be dangerous enough for anyone to dare to attack an entire squad of church knights."

“Once we get into Casterfel, it will be too late to prepare,” Eric said. “Besides, defense is secondary. Whether others dare to attack us is another matter. I might need these knights to attack others.”

Natalia looked at him.

"Don't worry, I didn't include His Highness in the combat force," Eric said.

"……I know."

“You too.” Eric then looked at Kasha on the other side. “If a battle really breaks out, you just need to protect His Highness.”

Kasha then looked at Natalia and said, "You have to listen to me."

"..."

Natalia pursed her lips. "I'll try."

A knight came to report, "Your Highness, the caravan has finished resting and we can set off now."

“Alright.” Eric pulled on the reins. “Follow us.” Although Castelfel had become more chaotic, there were still quite a few caravans traveling between Sulu City and Xingyuan Academy. When leaving the city, they would follow one of the caravans and act as their guards for free. The other caravan was also quite large, so they could look after each other.

The Hero's Avenue within Arsha only extends to the city of Sulu, and they also need these merchants familiar with the road to guide them.

Before leaving the border, the two-day journey was smooth, without any accidents or robberies, so the caravan members were quite relaxed.

Once they left Arsha and entered Castelfel, the entire caravan, men and horses alike, visibly became much more tense.

But Eric could completely understand their tension.

After entering the country, he lost count of how many corpses he saw abandoned in the wild by the roadside, and this was only their first day in Castelfeldian.

The robbers or bandits who killed these people openly loitered by the roadside, brandishing their scimitars, continuing to search for the next easy target.

Eric recalled what he had experienced a year ago when he, Elise, and Molly left this place, and the situation now was even worse.

Natalia had become much quieter after entering Castelfel, but she couldn't help but speak up: "It's more chaotic here than I imagined."

"This place has been unmanaged for many years. There is no emperor, no king, not even a lord. The only rule is chaos."

Eric glanced at the bandits lurking along the roadside ahead and said, "When the ripples of the Northern War spread here, the chaos will only intensify."

Natalia remained silent for a long time.

Just when Eric thought the topic was over, she spoke in a deep voice: "War is also an opportunity. Once the demons are driven out and the empire is stabilized, this chaos must also come to an end."

Eric looked at her for a moment, then gazed ahead. “Yes. A chaotic and wicked neighbor only brings chaos to our land.”

Despite their wariness and apprehension, this large caravan, composed of merchants and church knights, encountered no real danger on their first day in Castelfel and successfully arrived at their destination.

Just like when Eric came last time, they arrived a little late, and the hotel was fully booked, so they had to stay in the hotel courtyard.

The caravan leader made room for Eric and his two companions in a carriage so they could spend the night there.

After eating something, they returned to the inn's courtyard. Natalia got into the carriage first, and when she didn't see Eric come up for a while, she assumed he was going to give the carriage to her and Kasha. But when she peeked out, she saw him talking to the knights who could only sleep on the ground and the caravan guards.

She looked around for a while, then got off the carriage.

"...Really? So there are such convenient divine arts. It's a pity I can't learn them."

"His Highness has chosen a unique career path..."

"Alright, now that you can keep warm using divine magic, I'm much relieved. You should get some rest."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

"Keep your voice down, those people don't know yet."

"Yes... Your Highness."

Eric turned around and saw Natalia walking towards him.

"What is Your Highness saying?"

“They can only spend the night outside. I was planning to have the innkeepers light a campfire in the courtyard to keep them warm,” Eric explained. “However, my knights can maintain their body temperature through some kind of divine magic, so it’s not necessary.”

“Those caravan guards must also have fire crystals for warmth,” Natalia said.

Eric raised an eyebrow. "Do you think the caravan leader is willing to spend that money?"

Natalia looked at the guards huddled together beside the caravan's wagons, then at the clear night sky above. The moonlight was bright, and there were hardly any clouds; such nights were often colder than usual.

“It’s already past November… Even in the south, the nights are getting colder and colder. Can they stand it?”

“I don’t know,” Eric shook his head. “So I’m going to ask the hotel if we can have a campfire in the yard.”

“I’ll go with Your Highness,” Natalia said.

The result, naturally, is no.

“You underestimate those guards. This is their job. A little cold is nothing to them… Besides, it’s dry now. If a fire breaks out, it will be a huge problem. I can’t afford to lose those goods.”

But Eric used the gold modifier to change the innkeeper's mind.

"I'll have someone prepare firewood right away... Don't worry, it'll be enough to burn all night."

As the bright campfire burned in the hotel courtyard, many people who were spending the night gathered around it to keep warm.

Eric and Natalia stayed by the campfire until they got sleepy before getting into the carriage.

"Let's just make do tonight."

“It’s better than sleeping outside.” Natalia didn’t mind, climbed into the carriage, and glanced at Kasha, who was already lying there.

"Are you asleep?"

"Not yet." Kasha turned her head and yawned.

Natalia lay on the other side, while Eric slept on the floor in the middle, with a mat underneath him.

The carriage curtain was lowered, and the carriage was pitch black. He closed his eyes. "It must be almost midnight."

"It's almost midnight," came Natalia's voice from beside her, very close.

“The bandits may be coming.” Eric turned to her. “Your Highness, please prepare yourself.”

There was a sound in the darkness, and she seemed to sit up.

The curtain in the car window was pulled open slightly, and Natalia looked outside.

“Their target is people who spend the night on either side of the road,” Eric said.

Natalia glanced back at him, but couldn't see him clearly. She turned back and looked at him for a while, then lay down again.

She didn't know how much time had passed when she suddenly heard a commotion outside.

Shouts of killing, screams, pleas for mercy... continued until all the noise subsided.

Natalia kept her eyes open in the darkness until she could hear nothing more, then closed them again.

A soft sigh came from the side.

"...Your Highness, are you still awake?"

"I'm asleep." Eric closed his eyes.

The next morning, Eric was woken up by Natalia stepping on him.

She was startled herself. "I'm sorry, Your Highness... I forgot you slept here."

“…It’s nothing.” Eric sat up and found that Kasha was no longer in the carriage. He went outside and saw her standing in the hotel courtyard.

After a night of chaos, several corpses were found on the road outside.

After Eric and Natalia got up, the caravan quickly set off, leaving the chaotic island behind.

After passing through this small town, Eric was already quite familiar with the roads. They were not far from Xingyuan Academy and should arrive by evening.

The caravan they were following was not headed to the college, but to a nearby place. Eric did not intend to go directly to the college, but to stay at the local church first.

Although the church's influence here is quite limited, it has at least built churches and monasteries. Despite the chaos, most people with a modicum of sense will not provoke the church.

As evening approached the college, Eric and his party parted ways with the caravan. The caravan leader sincerely thanked them for their escort along the way and pointed out the direction of the church to them.

"Over there? It seems I haven't misremembered."

Following the direction pointed out by the caravan leader, Eric and his party soon arrived at the church.

The bishop and monks stationed there were naturally bewildered and shocked by the saint's sudden arrival, as they had not been given any prior notice.

"Don't worry, I'm only staying here for a few days. I'm not here to test you or to freeload."

The accompanying monastery was pitifully small, but at least it could accommodate them all, and Eric still had a private room.

After establishing himself, Eric immediately inquired with the local bishop about the latest developments around the college.

“You’re right. Things have indeed become more chaotic here since the war started… Demons disguised as dark elves? Have they infiltrated here?… I’m sorry, Your Highness, we know nothing about this. There are hardly any of our followers here, only ignorant and faithless madmen. Our vision only extends to the area around the monastery.”

"Ok."

As Eric emerged from the church and looked at the darkening sky, he sighed and turned to Natalia: "Looks like I'll have to find out for myself."

(End of this chapter)