Sword of May?

Isaac thought of one of the archangels belonging to the Codex of Light.

Was it referring to St. Arte, the first paladin?

There are six archangels in the Codex of Light, starting with Ruatdin, the first angel and lighthouse keeper. Kalsen was predicted to be the seventh but was disqualified due to his apostasy; the fifth angel was St. Arte.

St. Arte Bantz, who received the name Sword of May upon becoming an archangel, founded the first order of paladins, earning him the title of the first paladin.

It was said that all paladin swordsmanship originated from St. Arte.

There had been knights before who received miracles, but Arte was the first to systematically form a group and draw forth stronger miracles.

But why Sword of May?

The Sword of May, as the name suggests, is an angel that appears on the battlefield in response to summons, not typically visiting to give revelations or missions. Isaac wondered if the Sword of May was coming to judge him, but then they wouldnt have notified him like this.

He would have to meet to understand the true intention.

As Isaac remained silent for too long, a questioning voice came from a priest.

Isaac?

I will humbly accept and spread the Codex of light everywhere.

Isaac managed to respond, though his voice came out a bit strange, almost as if he was choked up by the fervor of receiving a divine command. Initially worried about how the first meeting would go, fortunately, the priests did not seem overly suspicious of him.

An angel

Meeting an angel was something Isaac had somewhat expected upon hearing about his appointment as a saint. Whether he could handle what was to come remained to be seen, but becoming a successful paladin required facing these challenges.

Historically, angels had almost always recognized Isaacs true nature, regardless of his faith.

Maybe if I can demonstrate my true intentions, they might accept me.

It would have seemed utterly impossible before.

However, after dealing with the Salt Council and the Red Chalice, Isaac began to think that maybe angels might have some flexibility. If he could gain an angels recognition, his standing within the Codex of Light would solidify further.

***

After a brief interrogation in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere, the priests continued discussing among themselves. Bishop Juan approached Isaac before he left.

Holy Grail Knight, no, Resurrected Saint.

Juan now addressed Isaac with reverence, not just because of his new title but because he had witnessed Isaacs true capabilities as a paladin in the North Sea. Since then, Juan had held deep respect for him.

But reporting him dead had put Juan in an awkward position. Though the circumstances had turned out favorably, Isaacs feelings were complex.

He smiled at Juan.

Please, speak freely, Bishop Juan. Am I not your disciple?

Juans face lit up at Isaacs words.

Ha, is that so? I appreciate even the gesture.

Told him to relax and he really did relax immediately.

Isaac thought internally but showed nothing. It was clear that Juan was on his side. Even before the appointment as a saint, Juan had been favorable towards him. Despite being somewhat greedy, a bishop willing to use his resources for Isaac was valuable.

And there are talks of him becoming a cardinal, he considered, An invaluable connection, indeed.

When I heard you had returned, I couldnt believe it. I saw the Drowned King swallow you and sink below the waves I looked but couldnt find you anywhere. I cant describe how I felt then.

Thank you for your concern.

Honestly, I doubted the news of your return. But at the same time, I thought, Of course! Thats why I insisted we check it out immediately, but those guys

Juan grumbled, glancing at the other priests discussing in the background. Isaac could tell they were at least of cathedral dean or bishop level.

From the way Juan muttered, it seemed he felt out of place among the other bishops.

Surely, Isaacs return had been politically damaging for Juan. He had reported a martyrdom and shown a miracle, and there was even talk of a cardinal position.

But I vehemently defended you when they wanted to doubt you. As soon as I saw you at the engagement ceremony in Rougeberg, I knew! Who else but me could verify that you had returned?

Despite the political risks, Juan had acknowledged Isaacs return. Isaac thought that perhaps the priests surprisingly lenient attitude was thanks to Juan.

I thought it wouldnt be easy to gain acceptance, especially because of the Dawn Army.

Eh? What do you mean?

Didnt my death provide justification for the Dawn Army? I was worried that my return might embarrass the church.

Ah, dont worry about that. Sure, the justification might have been diluted, but werent there assassination attempts on the emperor by the Immortal Order recently? Thats enough reason, and I hear the emperor is even considering actively participating in the Dawn Army.

That might explain the easy persuasion.

Isaac recalled the emperors suspicion that the Codex of Light sect was involved in the assassination attempt. It was too blatant a clue, but a clue nonetheless.

And the bishops sent a chest of gold coins each, asking what to call your sainthood! So I suggested the name Resurrected Saint! Ha ha!

Isaac felt dizzy realizing the grand title was actually worth a few chests of gold, and that Juan had coined it. Yet, knowing Juans penchant for hoarding money like blood, the fact that he had spent so much for him was almost noble, in a way. He decided to view it as a sacrificial act.

Oh, and about the Issacrea estate, dont worry. Although there were rumors about your death and subsequent discussions about inheritance, no one has laid claim to it.

Thats unexpected.

Isaac had assumed that his steward, Kyle, or his neighbor, Lord Reinhart, would handle things, but it was surprising that there had been no greedy claimants.

Juan nodded, explaining, Thats right. There were widespread rumors that the Holy Grail Knight was cursed by an angel and had died. No one wanted to touch a cursed estate.

And for now, the church holds partial ownership rights. Ive made it clear that no one should dare touch a monasterys estate, haha.

Isaac wondered if Juan had planned to take over the estate himself when he thought Isaac was dead, but decided not to dwell on it since it hadnt happened. He was relieved to hear that the Issacrea estate was safe.

But Bishop Juan, do you know why the Sword of May is visiting me?

Hmm, well, Im not sure myself. As you know, I mainly work in the eastern diocese and handle administrative duties. I hold four positions concurrently, but its usually the other bishops who communicate directly with the angels.

Youre not interested in those matters?

If Juan had direct communications with angels and could share insider information, it would be incredibly beneficial. Unfortunately, Juan shook his head.

Meeting angels directly is scary.

A bishop admitting fear might have seemed odd, but Juans expression was genuinely apprehensive.

No joke. Angels tend to leave earthly matters to us and rarely intervene, so someone like me can hold a bishopric. But facing an angel directly is a terrifying thing.

Juan shuddered as he spoke.

If an angel like the Sword of May or the Lighthouse Keeper decides they dont like what Im doing and says Get rid of that guy, who could possibly say no?

Even those with deep faith and significant power were as mortal as anyone in the presence of an angel.

For a person as ambitious and greedy as Juan, such encounters were even more frightening.

Isaac wondered if it was just Juan who felt this way. Perhaps other bishops felt similarly afraid of angels?

So there are specific people who usually meet with angels?

Thats right, Juan said, glancing at a group of priests discussing in front of the altar.

Them?

The Guardians Council, Juan revealed.

The Guardians Council

Isaac hadnt heard of this group before. However, he knew that even in real religious organizations, small groups could sometimes extend their influence and control the core of the institution. It was clear that several bishops were included in this council.

It started as a study group open to all ranks to discuss doctrine equally, but its gained significant influence over time. Even the Pope often seeks their counsel now.

This warrants further investigation.

A small group that communicates with angels could very well be the power brokers within the church.

***

Isaac knew the Sword of May would be coming for him, but he hadnt been told when, how, or in what form. Since angels arent confined by location, Isaac just boarded a ship heading to the Kingdom of Elil.

The cold wind tousled his hair. The North Seas waves were rough, but the sailors from the Salt Council skillfully navigated them.

Its an honor to serve you, Holy Grail Knight. Or should I call you Resurrected Saint now?

Just call me Holy Grail Knight, Eidan.

Eiden had developed a captains presence in a short time. Though he still appeared somewhere between a scholar and a merchant, he seemed quite at ease commanding the sailors and enjoying the sea breeze.

It looks like youve gotten used to it.

Um, may I say something? You might not remember, but the experiences in the afterlife have changed me deeply.

Changed?

Its like even though I dont consciously know it, Im comfortable with the sea and the smell of salt, as if Ive been a sailor for decades. Recently, I got seasick as soon as I stepped on land. Its as if someone elses life from the afterlife has seeped into mine.

Isaac recalled what Amundalas had said in the afterlife.

Conformity pressure. The closer he got to the powers of the afterlife, the more he would feel pressured to assimilate into their will and objectives. Perhaps Eiden had been exposed to such pressure. Noticing Isaacs contemplation, Eiden smiled and said,

I know what youre thinking, but its not a bad feeling. Ive always been devoted to serving the caller and venerating the Salt Council, loving the sea and salt. I dont feel like Ive lost myself.

Thats good to hear.

Whether Eidens changes were positive or negative was uncertain, but it was clear that he had become both a powerful priest and a capable captain.

This was undoubtedly beneficial for Isaac.