I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 125: Events in the Holy Kingdom 2 [SIDE Orel]

“It would be best to go to the High Priest.”

With those words, Jeanne started walking with confident steps.

“Uh, um, what is…you’re inviting me to?”

“Yes, I’ve heard that in the deepest part of this main temple, there is a place not publicly known called the Chamber of Divine Oracles. I’ve never entered it myself. But I’ve heard that if a Saintess is present within the main temple, the goddess might summon her there to deliver an oracle.”

“Heard that… from whom?”

“From Jest’s father. He’s an Ancient Dragon, after all, so he’s lived for over a thousand years and knows many things. Apparently, he befriended a High Priest from several generations ago, who told him about it.”

“An Ancient Dragon…?”

I was stunned by the mention of a creature I had only ever heard of in fairy tales. Could Jest actually be one of those Ancient Dragons? Looking to the side, I saw that even Axel, the captain of the Holy Knights, was covering his mouth in shock. We followed Jeanne and soon arrived at a room where two Holy Knights were standing guard.

“Tell the High Priest that Eleanor—the Saintess—has likely been summoned to the Chamber of Divine Oracles.”

“The Chamber of Divine Oracles…!? How do you know about that!?”

The Holy Knights were surprised by Jeanne’s mention of the secret chamber. They quickly reached for the hilts of their swords.

“Why should I, of all people, have to explain myself to mere children like you? Hurry up and deliver the message, or Eleanor might be trembling with anxiety by now.”

Jeanne waved her hand dismissively, as if shooing away a dog. One of the Holy Knights was troubled by the thought of Eleanor trembling and reluctantly called out through the door and entered. Moments later, the High Priest appeared. He was led by one of the clerics .

“It was recorded in the ancient texts, but I never thought such a thing could actually happen… Lord Dragon, I will guide you at once.”

“Hmm.”

They guided us to a room usually reserved for priests to offer prayers, at the back of which stood a heavy stone pedestal behind the statue of the goddess. When the High Priest placed his hand on it, the pedestal began to move. It revealed a stairway leading into pitch-black darkness.

“This path leads to the Chamber of Divine Oracles. The long stairs are too harsh for this old body, so I will have this person guide you.”

“My name is Arthus, a priest. Pleased to meet you. I will now guide you down.”

The priest who introduced himself as Arthus began to descend the dark stairs.

“Uh, um, isn’t it dangerous with it being so dark?”

When I asked this, everyone gave me a puzzled look.

“Oh, that’s right, Orel. You don’t possess holy power. There are spirits here, and they appear as faint lights to those with holy power. I suppose I have no choice—I’ll grant you a small amount of holy power.”

Jeanne muttered something in a language I had never heard before. With that, several soft lights appeared, illuminating the stairs.

“Are these… spirits?”

“Yes, aren’t they quite beautiful?”

“Yes…”

When I looked up, I saw that all the temple officials were wide-eyed in astonishment.

“To think… that one could bestow holy power upon someone without the talent for it…”

“I’ve never read any documents saying that dragons have such abilities!”

“Of course not. Dragons have no reason to bestow holy power upon humans, do they? I figured using a light spell might disturb the spirits here, so this is a special exception. A special exception. Ho ho ho. Now, let’s hurry along.”

Leaving the High Priest and the Holy Knights behind, we descended the long staircase and arrived in a white stone chamber. At the far end was Lady Eleanor, kneeling and praying. She noticed our footsteps and turned around. Her figure appeared divine and beautiful with the light of the spirits.

“Vice CommanderOrel!”

As soon as Lady Eleanor saw us, she ran straight into my arms. I wasn’t sure why she chose to come to me. I had no choice but to embrace her seeing that her slender shoulders trembled. I held her close and gently patted her back.

“Jeanne said the goddess summoned you. You must have been surprised to be teleported here so suddenly, but it’s all right now.”

“Yes… I spoke with the goddess about many things… I need to write them down before I forget. I’m so glad I learned how to write.”

As I looked up into Lady Eleanor’s eyes, the strength in her gaze captivated me. However, I quickly reminded myself that developing romantic feelings for someone so much younger—almost like a parent and child—was unthinkable. Gently, I placed my hands on her shoulders and created some distance between us.

“Then let’s return to your room and get some paper and a pen ready.”

“Yes!”

We quickly returned to the room, where I noticed Lady Eleanor struggling to write down the contents of the divine oracle. In the end, I decided to assist her by taking dictation. The High Priest and others, who were present to witness the oracle’s transcription for the temple’s records, were visibly shaken as we wrote. They were unable to fully comprehend the unexpected revelations.

The next day, it was decided that we would depart immediately to report the oracle to the Kingdom of Rafios. Preparations were made hastily. That night, I was unable to sleep and stepped out onto the balcony. Just then, the window of the neighboring room opened. Lady Eleanor emerged.

“Good evening, Vice CommanderOrel.”

“Good evening, Lady Eleanor. Aren’t you cold?”

“No, but there is a way to feel even warmer.”

Without meeting my eyes, she shyly approached until we were close enough to touch.

“Shall I bring you a warm drink?”

“No, that’s not it! …Please, just call me Eleanor, without the honorific.”

“Eh?”

“I find your voice very soothing, Vice CommanderOrel… I want you to call me Eleanor. Is that too much to ask?”

A faintly glowing spirit slowly descended from the sky, casting a soft light on Lady Eleanor. Her moist eyes held my gaze, and the yearning in her voice tugged at my heart.

“No, of course… from now on, I’ll call you Eleanor.”

“Hehe, thank you. Tomorrow, we’ll be leaving the Holy Capital, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sure Jeanne is eager to see Jest again.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“I can’t wait to be reunited with everyone. It’s always more lively and fun when we’re all together, don’t you think?”

“Yes, I agree.”

“Please be my partner.”

“Yes…….. What!?”

Her sudden words made my voice catch in surprise.

“Hehe, you’ve agreed now, right? No take-backs! Goodnight, Vice Commander Orel.”

With that, Eleanor retreated to her room. Her words left me in stunned silence. Exposed to the cold night air, I felt a warmth in my heart that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.