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"This building was a military barracks used by the Light Church during the war. After the war ended and the Church withdrew its personnel from this city, it was abandoned."

Lord Wilfried explained calmly. As he examined the building, Urien furrowed his brows in curiosity. "Why would such a fine place be abandoned?"

"I don’t know," the lord said, shaking his head. "We can never understand what the Church is thinking."

"This place is yours now," the lord continued. "Once it’s operational again, I’ll find new places for the Church of Creation as you wish."

"My word is my bond," the lord said firmly. Simon smiled gratefully. "Thank you, my lord. You’re really doing us a great favor."

"It’s nothing," the lord replied. "After all, you helped my daughter. As an honorable man, it’s my duty to help you."

Simon nodded and then turned to the Old Church. With some restoration, the Old Church could serve the Church of Creation.

Lord Wilfried had already covered the costs. As workers brought in materials, some villagers settled in areas near the Old Church.

While the lord departed and his deputy arrived, the Old Church quickly underwent renovations to make it look as good as new.

As the lord’s guards inspected the area, some of the more rundown spots were repaired. Time passed swiftly as the church was cleaned. Simon and Urien observed the process, attracting curious glances from some of the onlookers.

Especially Urien, with his bright blond hair. Even without saying a word, people could tell he was from the Holy Mary Kingdom.

Though this bothered Urien, he remained silent and focused on his task. His eyes gleamed as he examined the church, feeling a surge of excitement. Urien interpreted this excitement as the thrill of embarking on a new endeavor.

Like any young person eager for responsibility, Urien felt empowered and rested with Simon by his side.

"What are Emily and George up to?"

Hearing Urien’s question, Simon responded calmly, "They told me they were going to explore the city. At least, that’s what George said."

Urien sighed, feeling sorry for Emily. "She still hasn’t moved on?"

"No," Simon shook his head, looking down in a depressive manner. "She’s colder than ever, at least to me and the others."

"Do you think George can help her?"

"I don’t know." Simon shrugged, yawning tiredly. Then, as the gloomy atmosphere dissipated, he and Urien continued chatting.

******

Meanwhile, in the capital, as silence reigned, the Church’s armored knights stood opposite the Sun Knights. Alfred’s gaze was fixed on Solomon, who stood before him.

"Lord Alfred, it’s a pleasure to meet you," Solomon said politely. His new attire signified his promotion in rank.

Dressed in a cardinal’s uniform, Solomon appeared colder and more formidable than before.

In addition to his new look, he now wore armor—pure white and beautiful, reinforced with Holy Magic. As it shone impressively, the knights standing around Solomon stood tall and firm.

"This is a war zone. You’re not allowed to be here," Alfred stated calmly. Solomon ignored Alfred’s cold glare, maintaining a false smile on his face.

"We are aware, but His Holiness the Pope fears the city might suffer the devastation of war."

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At the mention of the Pope, Alfred wrinkled his nose in displeasure. Solomon continued, "That’s why the Pope—"

"I believe Pope Bartolomeo understands how this war is being conducted," Alfred interrupted. Alfred’s gaze was as sharp as steel. "The capital is in a strategic position. If we abandon it, I fear our enemies will seize it."

Although Solomon was irritated by Alfred’s interruption, he remained calm. "His Holiness the Pope has promised that the capital will remain a neutral zone throughout the civil war, Lord Alfred. Rest assured."

"After all, the Church is neutral."

Duke Alfred sneered at Solomon’s words, staring at him for a moment. Solomon met the duke’s gaze, creating a brief tension.

Neither was willing to back down, both ready to stand against each other for the capital. Especially Solomon.

"The capital holds great value in this civil war," Alfred said. "My men suffered casualties taking control of it."

"The loss of 5-10 men won’t harm mighty Thornvile, Lord Alfred," Solomon said coldly, with a hint of sarcasm.

Duke Alfred clenched his fists, his eyes flashing dangerously. "If I were you, I’d choose my words carefully when addressing me, boy."

Sensing the duke’s menacing tone, Solomon took a step back and apologized, "If I’ve offended you, I apologize, Lord Alfred."

Though Solomon apologized, the duke could easily sense that the cardinal’s feelings were not genuine. He wanted to teach him a lesson but held back.

"His Holiness the Pope is very sensitive regarding the capital. He doesn’t want its fate to resemble that of the original capital, Camelot."

Hearing the mention of the original capital, Duke Alfred furrowed his brows. Though the reason for its fall was unknown, the Church always claimed it was destroyed by external forces.

"The original capital didn’t fall because of war," Duke Alfred calmly presented his argument. "So why bring that up? Do you think the capital will fall because of me?"

"No, no, my lord, you misunderstood me," Solomon said with a slight smile. "Let us not forget that the fall of the original capital occurred when we were weak and on the day our great King died."

Solomon continued calmly, "We are willing to prevent external forces from taking advantage of our weakness and doing something so audacious again."

As Solomon finished his statement, Duke Alfred pondered. He was indecisive about what to do.

He could either allow the Church to take over the capital and declare it a neutral zone, or the passive conflict with the Church could escalate into an active one.

Conflicted, Duke Alfred sighed and then turned to Solomon. Though angry, his outward demeanor remained cold and emotionless.

"Fine, the capital can be neutral." In a rare move, Duke Alfred was the first to back down. Solomon gave a slight nod and ordered the priests behind him to tend to the wounded.

"But—" Alfred gave Solomon one last look, his eyes filled with menace. He openly threatened Solomon. "At the slightest sign of partiality, we’ll retake the capital."

Seeing the seriousness in the duke’s words, Solomon narrowed his eyes and calmly replied, "The Pope’s word is the word of the Goddess. Trust us, Lord Alfred."

"Good, I hope you keep your word," the duke said before mounting his horse. "Otherwise, there will be consequences."

Duke Alfred turned to Miguel, who stood beside him. He gave an order, "We’re leaving."

"Yes, my lord."

Then, nearly 3,000 Sun Knights marched out of the capital in coordinated fashion, and the people watched their departure with great relief.

"My lord, was this really a good idea?" Miguel asked calmly as he rode his horse. Alfred looked down thoughtfully and then turned to Miguel, saying, "We don’t have the strength to deal with another enemy."

"The Church’s passive assistance is better for us." The duke’s voice carried a trace of bitterness. For Duke Alfred, who had long been undefeated, even this minor setback was a blow to his pride.

They were the honorable descendants of Gawain. Retreat was not in their blood.

"For now, we’ll allow it. But later..." The duke’s eyes grew cold, and a murderous intent emanated from him. "For every vile act they commit, I’ll kill a hundred priests."

Miguel, bowing to his lord, asked no further questions and continued riding.

Solomon watched as Duke Alfred and his army departed, his body gradually relaxing. He unclenched his fists, which had been tightly gripped in anger, and his eyes calmed.

Recalling Duke Alfred’s words and threats, Solomon couldn’t control the humiliation and rage swelling within him. Clutching his chest, Solomon could only tremble in place with fury.

Ever since he became a cardinal, he was not supposed to bow or show respect to anyone except the Pope. But now?

Even now, a mere duke could still look down on him. As Solomon’s eyes trembled with painful frustration, a hand on his shoulder caught his attention.

"Your Eminence? Are you alright?"

Solomon’s eyes turned toward the woman who had touched him. She was a mature, red-haired nun with a beautiful figure. According to Solomon’s memories, she was a praised woman known for her healing abilities.

"Who are you?" Solomon asked coldly. The red-haired woman, Jennifer, flinched for a moment but quickly regained her composure, adjusting her hair.

"Your Eminence, you looked quite unwell. If you’re feeling sick or unwell, you can tell me," Jennifer said with a sweet and seductive expression. "I can help you with anything if you’d like."

As the red-haired woman openly revealed her intentions, Solomon’s eyes widened in anger, though the woman lacked the awareness to understand.

"Me? I look sick and unwell? Weak, bad, like a slave, is that it?" A thoughtful yet disgusted smile appeared on Solomon’s face.

"That’s not what I meant! I—" Jennifer quickly tried to correct herself, but Solomon looked at her coldly. "Don’t worry. I’m not offended. In fact, I think it’s amusing."

Hearing the words that contrasted with Solomon’s expression, Jennifer relaxed. She then forced a laugh. "Yes, yes! I was just joking!"

"I think that’s enough fun, don’t you?" Solomon gestured toward the other medical clerics. "It looks like they need you. How about you go to them?"

"But—" Jennifer wanted to keep talking with Solomon, but she was startled when he lightly touched her shoulder. Solomon looked at her, a fake kind smile on his face. "Don’t worry. You can joke all you want at my house tomorrow."

"Really!" Jennifer was surprised, while Solomon smiled. "Really."

"Then I’ll come tomorrow evening."

Jennifer quickly set a date, and Solomon nodded in agreement as she left excitedly.

Once the headache of a woman was gone, Solomon’s expression returned to its previous state, and his eyes gleamed with deadly intent.

He cleansed his shoulder and hand, where Jennifer had touched, with holy power. Then, a thin yet lethal smile appeared on his lips. "That is, if you manage to survive until tomorrow evening…"

Solomon stood calmly as he added another person to his kill list.

As Jennifer’s words echoed temporarily in his mind, Solomon squinted his eyes, recalling his past. Then, with a cold expression on his face, he left to assess the damage in the royal palace.