Chapter 64

“Vivi Ferren as an Honorary Citizen…?”  

At Costance’s murmur, Rahie nodded.  

A heavy silence descended over the lounge. Both Costance and Rahie carefully chose their words as they read each other’s expressions.  

Only the clock hands moved relentlessly. Everything else felt frozen. In the cold, desolate space, as if swept by a winter wind, a fierce silence took hold.  

“Toramde plans to use Vivi Ferren to create destructive weapons. I am aware of this.”  

It was Rahie who broke the silence first. Costance listened to the priest’s words without agreeing or responding.  

“But destructive weapons are inventions that ruin humanity. Even within the Papal States, destructive weapons are viewed negatively.”  

“You’re just watching.”  

“Not at all, Costance.”  

Rahie denied Costance’s response. Still smiling, he continued speaking.  

“The Rando Kingdom is also internally debating the issue of destructive weapons. While there’s much talk, one thing is certain.”  

“…….”  

“If Toramde has no intention of creating destructive weapons, neither does the Rando Kingdom.”  

Costance frowned. Rahie was a good friend but an extraordinary individual.  

Brilliant and cunning. Costance had never been able to predict Rahie’s actions. He was an unpredictable thinker who could go in any direction.  

“So, what do you want from the agency?”  

Costance got straight to the point.  

“In order to eliminate destructive weapons, Toramde must make the first concession.”  

Rahie laid out his main point. His smile disappeared as he locked eyes with Costance.  

“But that won’t be easy. That’s why I’m asking for your help.”  

“…….”  

“If you find Vivi Ferren’s location, inform the Papal States first. We will bring Vivi Ferren to the Papal States.”  

Costance remained silent, contemplating carefully. Rahie’s proposal was tempting, but it was only feasible if Costance could cooperate.  

Under the table, Costance clenched his fists. The agency was currently tracking Vivi Ferren’s information, and soon, the relationship between Costance and Vivi would be exposed.  

It was impossible for Costance to continue leaking information while staying in the agency. Even if he managed to, it would mean betraying his homeland.  

“You are someone who is skeptical of war. I know this well as your friend.”  

Rahie straightened his back.  

“That’s why I’m making this difficult request. Once the Conclave is over and everything is resolved, you might even become an Honorary Citizen yourself.”  

“Your Holiness.” 

“Don’t forget that I’ve coveted your abilities since we were young. My opinion hasn’t changed. You’re more suited to being a priest.”  

This time, Rahie showed genuine sincerity. Costance, having heard this several times before, remained indifferent and calm.  

“Well, it seems we’ll have to end our conversation here.”  

Rahie adjusted his priestly robes as he concluded the discussion.  

“Your Holiness.”  

“Yes, Costance?”  

Just as Rahie was about to leave, Costance called out to him. Rahie suppressed a smile and pretended not to notice, turning to look at Costance.  

Once again, their gazes met in the air.  

After much deliberation, Costance made his decision.  

“Will you keep your word?”  

“Which word, exactly?”  

“The promise to protect Vivi Ferren.”  

Rahie couldn’t suppress his laughter this time.  

“Of course, Costance. I swear on our friendship.”  

“When will you be leaving, Your Holiness?”  

“By this evening.”  

“Then this evening, please meet me at the signpost in Zone 45 outside the agency.”  

Costance stood up as well.  

“I’ll give you a definitive answer then.”  

* * *  

Alres’ interrogation was not yet over. Exhausted, Alres slumped in his seat, staring blankly into the empty space ahead.  

The agent watching Alres through the glass was equally parched for words.  

“I need to use the restroom.”  

After sitting silently for an hour, Alres spoke up. He twisted his body and shook his legs, as if to emphasize the urgency of his need.  

“Take him to the restroom inside.”  

The agents exchanged glances before moving at the given permission. As Alres was escorted out of the interrogation room, he glanced at Costance.  

“I’ll take him.”  

Once again, Costance stopped the agents.  

“But if something like earlier happens again…”  

“It won’t happen. I just want to speak with him again.”  

In the end, the agents handed Alres over to Costance. This would likely be the last chance. Costance grabbed Alres by the arm and led him to the restroom inside.  

It was a small restroom with no windows and only one stall. All possible escape routes had been blocked. Alres entered the stall, while Costance leaned quietly against the wall.  

“I’m going to take Vivi to the Papal States.”  

Sitting on the toilet, Alres flinched at the voice coming from beyond the door.  

“I spoke with Cardinal Rahie. His Holiness promised to protect Vivi.”  

“…Can that be trusted?”  

Alres tried to suppress the tremor in his voice as he asked.  

“Although the Papal States are a neutral country… their goal is to expand their influence. That is also the goal of Cardinal Rahie.”  

“…….”  

“That’s why they want Vivi, who can instantly resolve the imbalance of power. Vivi can be used to keep the Rando Kingdom in check and negotiate with Toramde.”  

“Benny is not a tool. If Cardinal Rahie treats Benny that way, then the Papal States…”  

“I don’t like it either.”  

Costance abruptly cut off Alres’ words. The anger in his voice was palpable, and Alres fell silent.  

After a few seconds, Costance, realizing time was running out, quickly calmed himself.  

“They said they will appoint Vivi as an Honorary Citizen of the Papal States.”  

“What?”  

Alres was so shocked that he nearly opened the door and stepped out.  

“…R-Really?”  

“I also plan to go to the Papal States with Vivi and become a priest. I’ll stay by her side, Dr. Alres.”  

“…….”  

“I will protect her. With my life.”  

Unable to contain himself, Alres lightly pushed the door with his foot.  

As the door creaked open, Costance’s face came into Alres’ view, leaning against the wall. Alres grimaced at the sight of Costance’s now resolute expression.  

He didn’t like that face.  

“So please, tell me where Vivi is…”  

“Don’t ask me for favors.”  

Alres warned Costance first.  

Between the two, Alres held the upper hand. Costance, aware of his position, refrained from doing anything to provoke him.  

“I will save her.”  

Costance declared.  

“Tell me where Vivi is.”  

He pleaded. This time, it was a completely different tone of plea. He was angry, and his desire to save Vivi burned stronger than ever.  

‘The only way to save her is to join hands with the Papal States.’  

Though Costance didn’t fully trust Rahie, it was his only option.  

Even if Rahie betrayed him midway, Costance was determined to become a priest if that’s what it took to protect her.  

“The Conclave will decide everything. If the radical priests gain power…”  

“That won’t happen.”  

Costance recalled Rahie’s determined gaze. Rahie wasn’t the type to make empty promises. He was determined to seize greater power in the upcoming conclave.  

“And even if that happens, I will save Vivi.”  

“…How can I trust you?”  

Alres clutched his head.  

Should I trust Costance’s words or not?  

‘Can that bastard really save Vivi?’  

The son of Marquis Orsi. A captain in the Toramde Navy. A man currently holding interrogation rights within the agency.  

Could he really be trusted?  

Alres’ deliberation didn’t last long. Raising his head, Alres looked into Costance’s gray eyes.  

“Dr. Alres.”  

“Benny and I were planning to escape to the Papal States. But someone’s report ruined everything.”  

“…….”  

“Unfortunately, I don’t know where Benny is. All I can give you is the route we planned to take and my predictions.”  

A vague location. A broad escape route. Without any means of communication, it would be difficult for Costance to find Vivi.  

So Alres decided to leave it to fate.  

‘If you’re destined to save Benny, you’ll find her somehow.’  

“I’ll tell you that.”  

If you truly love her, you’ll reach her somehow, Costance.