Chapter 635: Idol

Roderick Boer, who introduced himself as both a Paladin and the treasurer of the Holy Emperor’s Palace, was quite an impressive man.

His face, like a rock, carried an air of authority mixed with slyness. Despite his age, his physique was exceptionally strong.

Furthermore, his vitality was so abundant that it practically overflowed. He had some extra flesh, but it was evident he took great care of his body.

Even though he joked about retiring as a Holy Knight and only doing desk work now, he was still fit enough to be believed as an active knight.

However, more impressive than his physique were his intellectual abilities, information gathering, and insight.

Even though he arrived suddenly, he not only saw through the technology and value of Eve’s Fake Body, but also instantly figured out what Oliver was aiming for by utilizing it.

‘Ah, I see, you’re conducting the noisy World Tree project in Randa and laying the foundation for the Dark Magic School. My apologies for the intrusion.’

He accurately grasped the situation in Randa and the Tower of Magic. Such a statement wouldn’t be possible without the ability to instantly process this information.

With that one remark, everyone, including Oliver, could easily deduce that he possessed extraordinary knowledge, information, and insight.

What troubled everyone the most was his emotional state.

‘Interesting… It’s similar to Armand but also different. The faith… it’s faint.’

As Oliver watched Roderick sip his coffee from the main seat, he thought.

‘Don’t misunderstand. I know about this place purely from reading reports from the temple and the Holy Knights branch in Randa. Randa is… a very large and wealthy city, isn’t it? So I hope there aren’t any misunderstandings.’

Roderick subtly explained that he hadn’t snooped into the Tower of Magic.

It was an obvious lie that didn’t even require the Warlock’s Eye to see through, but Burke Post, the administrator of the Tower of Magic, played along with him.

‘I’m not sure what misunderstanding you’re talking about, but don’t worry. We at the Tower of Magic wouldn’t dare think a Paladin is up to some conspiracy.’

A calm response fitting for his position, perfectly aligned with the kind of response expected from someone regularly handling external exchanges at the Tower of Magic.

‘Really? Then why does the professor over there have such a terrible expression?’

Roderick pointed at Kevin.

Kevin responded in his usual calm voice.

‘That’s a misunderstanding. I’ve had this expression since birth, so please understand. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable.’

‘Glad to hear that. I thought perhaps because of your skin color, you were being discriminated against here at the Tower of Magic and that’s why you looked so glum.’

Roderick, with an expression and tone incompatible with his massive body, insensitively poked at a sensitive area for Kevin.

Fortunately, Kevin didn’t take the bait.

Seeing this, Roderick quickly changed his stance.

‘Indeed, coming from a lab subject in the Archive to now being a disciple, you wouldn’t be upset over that. Let’s pretend I didn’t say anything.’

Whooosh…

Heavy tension began to spread in the air.

From his comment about the Fake Body to his words directed at Kevin now,

Roderick was astonishingly familiar with the internal affairs of the Tower of Magic, given he came from across the ocean from the Holy Emperor’s Palace.

Even considering his high rank in the Pater Church, this level of knowledge was excessive. Burke and Kevin’s suspicion intensified.

[Because he’s no ordinary Paladin.]

A soft voice came from inside his shirt collar.

It was Eve’s voice, using the magical communication device hidden inside his shirt collar, whispering directly to Oliver.

Oliver mimicked the magic instantly and started a conversation with Eve.

‘Did you see it?’

[Yes.]

‘Then, please tell me. I’m curious to know if he likes the gift.’

Oliver glanced at the Fake Body on the table.

Eve should have been able to sense it through the World Tree or the communication device.

Eve replied.

[I appreciate the body you made for me, but the way you brought it here… how to put it?]

‘The way?’

[Never mind.]

Eve seemed about to point out something, but seeing Oliver’s reaction, she immediately dropped it.

She realized once again that Oliver’s sense of normalcy was still different from most people’s.

It was a response as sharp as the World Tree’s intelligence.

Using that cleverness, she skipped the trivialities and got straight to the point.

[Roderick Boer isn’t an ordinary Paladin. Along with Armand, he is a uniquely influential leader among the Paladins.]

‘Are you saying he’s a chancellor like Armand then?’

[Not a chancellor, but he holds considerable influence over most kingdoms, excluding the United Kingdom and Gallos. In particular, he wields exceptional influence in Central Continent.]

Central Continent… Oliver felt a sense of déjà vu.

‘Anything else?’

[Like Armand, he’s a former Holy Knight and a realist. However, his fundamental nature differs. While Armand prioritizes balance and harmony between the Pater Church and reality, Roderick is a hardliner who prioritizes the Pater Church, which is why organizations like the Tower of Magic find him even more dangerous.]

‘Are you sure?’

[According to the information we just confirmed from the Tower of Magic, yes.]

‘The Tower of Magic? Not the Pater Church?’

[Correct. The Pater Church doesn’t use the World Tree, so detailed records can’t be obtained from them. It’s more efficient to collect data from external organizations like the Tower of Magic.]

It’s more efficient to obtain information from external organizations than the Pater Church.

It wasn’t incomprehensible.

As a religious organization, it wasn’t strange that the Pater Church didn’t use the World Tree.

Considering their role in protecting the human world from demons, it was understandable that they would have high security.

But that wasn’t what mattered now. What was important was why such a Paladin like Roderick was visiting the Tower of Magic.

He certainly mentioned needing Oliver’s help.

Just as Oliver was about to ask about that, Roderick spoke up.

‘Mind if I take a closer look?’

Roderick gestured towards the Fake Body on the table.

‘Sorry?’

‘I’d like to examine this work in more detail… if you permit.’

‘Ah, of course, go ahead. Feel free to examine it.’

Oliver hesitated briefly but quickly composed himself and gave his permission.

As soon as permission was granted, Roderick got up and began examining Oliver’s Fake Body.

He didn’t just look at the surface; he examined the roots of the neural network between the joints and, with Oliver’s help, even opened up the body to inspect the artificial organs inside.

His behavior made it clear that he possessed knowledge on a professional level.

After thoroughly examining Eve’s Fake Body, he let out a small word of admiration.

‘Oh… this is impressive. While I noticed the Druidic knowledge embedded, I didn’t expect it to be crafted using Life School techniques rather than Golem technology. A refined version of [Reconstructing and Transplanting Body Organs using Blood Magic and Life Magic]?’

Roderick not only identified the technology used in the Fake Body but also referenced the thesis that Oliver had authored.

Both Burke and even Kevin flinched at his words.

Oliver was likewise surprised, but remained calm and politely replied.

‘Yes, that’s correct. Your Excellency… Have you read my thesis?’

‘Of course, I have. I came to ask for your help; it’s only proper to be familiar with it.’

Just as Oliver was about to inquire what kind of help Roderick sought, Roderick spoke first.

‘Although, even if I didn’t need your help, I probably would have still read it. After all, you’re a disciple of the Archive, supported by Armand, and even talked about as the New Finger… there’s just too much to overlook.’

‘The New Finger? That’s a misunderstanding.’

‘I know it’s a misunderstanding. People just love spreading stories, often not realizing they’re committing grievous wrongs. It’s a tragedy.’

Roderick furrowed his brow and shook his head. He meant what he said.

It was somewhat unexpected.

Given what Eve said about him being a hardliner focused on the Pater Church, Oliver had anticipated he might take it more seriously. Yet, as he said, it didn’t seem to bother him much.

‘But seeing this model of a body, it seems what people are saying isn’t all just empty rumors. It’s truly remarkable.’

There was a sharp edge to his words.

Oliver asked in return.

‘Rumors? What exactly do you mean?’

‘Didn’t you know? A few Dark Magic practitioners in Central Continent are worshipping the New Finger… you, in fact.’

The sudden bombshell made Kevin, Burke, and Marie freeze.

Roderick’s gaze settled on Marie over Oliver’s shoulder as he spoke.

Oliver nearly turned to Marie as well, but just managed to stop himself.

Seeing this, Roderick smiled subtly.

‘Shall we have a private conversation?’

***

Perhaps because of the Paladin’s title, or perhaps because of what Roderick had just revealed, Burke, the office’s owner, willingly allowed Oliver and Roderick to use the office.

‘Feel free to use the room.’

After Burke left with a complicated expression, Kevin asked Oliver.

‘Are you alright?’

Asking if he could handle the Paladin alone. Oliver nodded.

‘Yes, I’m fine.’

A brief reply. Reading something in that answer, Kevin put his worries aside and followed Burke out.

After Kevin left, it was Marie’s turn to approach Oliver.

‘Sir…’

Her voice was small and tinged with anxiety. This reflected her inner state of worry, concern, and guilt.

Oliver wasn’t unaware of why she felt this way.

It was likely because of the idol worship Roderick had mentioned.

After all, Marie was the first person to idolize Oliver.

Though she had found her balance through a few incidents.

It wasn’t unreasonable for her to be shaken, whether or not her involvement in the idol worship in Central Continent that Roderick spoke of was true.

Oliver placed a hand on Marie’s shoulder, which trembled with anxiety.

‘It’ll be alright. Don’t worry.’

A brief remark, much like what he had said to Kevin.

But it was enough to wash away Marie’s fears, allowing her to leave the office in a much more composed state.

Marie exited the office and closed the door, leaving only Oliver and Roderick in the large administrator’s office.

Roderick was the first to break the silence.

‘Heh… you’re more gracious than I thought. Or should I say, as gracious as I expected?’

There was an edge to his words like before.

Oliver gazed at the Paladin for a moment before speaking bluntly.

‘Is Boniface doing well?’

Roderick’s eyes widened before he burst into laughter.

‘…Puhahahahahaha!! Wahahahahaha!!’

He laughed so heartily that the air in the room seemed to tremble.

Oliver waited silently, watching him, until the laughter finally subsided.

When it stopped, Roderick spoke in a satisfied tone.

‘Ah… looks like the reports were true. So you do know how to enjoy a conversation. Hitting me right off the bat, impressive.’

‘I don’t consider myself knowledgeable. I just happen to like conversations. It’s enjoyable to hear what others think.’

‘Hmm, I feel the same. A joke suddenly comes to mind. May I?’

‘All of a sudden?’

‘I heard you like jokes.’

‘I do enjoy them.’

‘Then listen. Humor is a blessing from God. It’s a combination of intelligence and positivity.’

A blessing from God, a combination of intelligence and positivity… Oliver got the gist.

After all, humor could bring joy in any situation, and intellect was essential, so it was indeed a gift from God.

When Oliver nodded, Roderick began speaking.

‘A priest and a prostitute—what do they have in common, do you know?’

‘Both have trouble getting married?’

Oliver answered promptly. Roderick was impressed.

‘Oh ho! Close, but no. Both need to be good with their tongues. That’s why I prefer talking over listening, even though I enjoy both.’

Roderick opened his wide mouth and stuck out his tongue.

It was thick, moist, and pink.

Oliver didn’t want to create bias or prejudice about professions, but he couldn’t help thinking that it seemed a bit undignified for a priest.

‘So that’s why you wanted us to talk privately. Who would believe that a Paladin told such a vulgar joke? Especially to a Dark Mage. They’d probably think you’re mad.’

‘…Is that also a joke?’

‘It’s a joke, but there’s truth in it. If there’s a vulgar joke told in a closed room with only a priest and a Dark Mage, people usually assume the Dark Mage made it. That’s black comedy for you.’

‘Hm… I like it.’

‘I like it too.’

‘So…’

‘…?’

‘Is Boniface doing well?’

‘…Curious. Why do you ask?’

‘I took out some anger on him. I was so startled back then that I left in a hurry. Now that I think about it, I owe him an apology.’

Roderick didn’t answer. He just stared at Oliver.

Worried, Oliver explained.

‘I’m not snooping or anything; please don’t misunderstand. I just assumed someone of your rank might have guessed my identity. I even left the car there.’

Oliver thought back to the car that Philip Roar had first gifted him.

That vehicle was wrecked, drawing the attention of the Holy Knights when it crashed to the ground from the sky. On top of that, it was left at the scene.

The Holy Knights could likely trace Oliver by tracking the car.

‘But it’s strange that there’s been no response.’

‘At the time, I was overwhelmed and, after realizing it, there wasn’t much I could do. So I decided to wait and see.’

‘You’re confident, I’ll give you that. It does inspire trust. Your curiosity about Boniface’s well-being too. But every conversation follows an order. How about we start by talking about the most important thing? It’d be funny if we didn’t get to the main point due to distractions.’

The important thing being the Dark Mages in Central Continent worshiping Oliver as an idol.

Oliver agreed.

After all, the reason he brought up Boniface in the first place was more to minimize any potential threats from Roderick.

‘I’m okay with that. Your Excellency. Then can you explain exactly what you mean by worshiping the New Finger in Central Continent? I want to make it clear beforehand that I haven’t been involved in anything.’

‘I know that. Despite your astonishing influence, I’m aware you’re not the type to concern yourself with such things. The intention of a person is often found in the details, and you show none.’

He was being sincere.

Oliver felt relieved, but the relief was short-lived when Roderick spoke again.

‘However, there’s no denying that certain Dark Mages, specifically those worshipping Dave the Woodsman, have started to emerge. They see him as the savior of Dark Mages.’

Hearing that, Oliver’s brow furrowed, and he immediately thought of Walter Meyer.

The Dark Mage who had suddenly appeared, pleading for his life.

Had that been the reason Roderick had sought him out?

‘I have no idea why something like this has happened.’

‘There could be various reasons. It’s safe to say that Galos has given the impression of protecting Dark Mages.’

‘It was thanks to Armand’s support.’

‘And you stood your ground against Puppet and even defeated the Pied Piper.’

‘There are some inaccuracies in those stories.’

‘Perception matters more than facts. How people see things. Truth is often trivial in comparison.’

‘…’

‘But I’d say the biggest reason these rumors are spreading is due to the turmoil in the world… the end is coming, after all.’