The Lord Who Levels Up by Devouring - LLD Chapter 56: Whereabout (3) (Part 2)

That’s why it was necessary to keep them in check right now.
And right now—was still a time when the Dark Merchant Group could be stopped.

At this point, they had not yet fully seized control over the politics and economies of each kingdom.
They were only beginning to recruit political sponsors and noble allies.

If I were to intervene now, I could completely ruin the Dark Merchant Group’s plans.

That was one of the reasons I created the Predator Merchant Group.

The Predator Merchant Group wasn’t simply formed to search for Ian.
It was an organization meant to exert influence across the entire continent.

And to do that, capital was essential.
But with only 3,000 gold in hand, it was laughably insufficient.

However—right outside the restaurant, there was a long line of people stretched out like a snake.
People who jumped and shouted the moment they saw me.

“He’s here!! The head of the Predator Merchant Group is here!!”
“He is? Where— Oh, it’s really him!”
“Hey!! I’ll pay double! Just sell me some Rex meat! The Marquess said if I failed to get it again, he’d kill me!!”
“Hey, you! Can’t you see the line?!”
“You think I’m not fighting for my life too?!”

Ripping off nobles—no, earning money from them—wasn’t going to be a problem.

There are countless kingdoms scattered across the continent.

In general, a kingdom refers to a state ruled by a monarch with absolute power.
Most of the continent’s kingdoms are built upon this model.

But there is one exception.

A state governed by divine will, where church and crown are deeply intertwined.
A state that upholds religious doctrines as law and social norms, aiming to manifest the will of God on earth.

The Holy Kingdom of Cordelia.

Beneath the lofty ceiling of the vast Papal Palace, hundreds of candles flickered, casting a faint light.

Beneath that glow, a multitude of believers gathered.
As a solemn hymn echoed through the air—

“Beloved brothers and sisters,”

A clear, pure voice resonated gently across the hall.

“Today, we have gathered before the Lord. Beneath His grace, we cleanse our hearts, and seek mercy for those in pain.”

Her words bounced off the marble walls of the Papal Palace, like the voice of a celestial being.

At the central altar stood a dignified woman.

She wore a white sacred robe that glowed softly, and her radiant platinum hair shimmered gently in the candlelight.

Her lips were soft like roses and tinged pink like tulips.
Her fair, ivory skin shone with the purity of a lily in the morning sun.

Long lashes softened the curve of her eyes, but rather than enhancing her vitality, they only emphasized her ethereal beauty.

“Guide us, so that we may walk a new path free from sin.”

Everywhere her gaze fell, a sense of holiness seemed to blossom—filling the hearts of all present with reverence.
Her expression was serene and calm.
Her eyes, filled with compassion and mercy, seemed to embrace the sorrows of the entire world.

“Grant food to the hungry, comfort to the grieving, and healing to the sick. May they find peace in Your mercy.”

All the believers bowed their heads in unison.

As if not wanting to miss a single word of her voice, they listened intently.
Clasping their hands in prayer, they made her voice their wish.

It was a majestic sight, as if the many believers had become one soul.

“Hear today’s words. These are the teachings left to us by the Lord.”

The woman at the central altar stood like the world’s savior.
In that moment, she was not a mere human—but the messenger and proxy of God.

“He has told us: Do not see another’s success as your own failure.
Jealousy is not a shameful feeling.
Do not pull others down—turn that feeling into strength and pass through the narrow gate.”

Her transparent gaze, quiet yet full of conviction, revealed a strong faith and devotion.
When she lifted the Holy Grail to begin the blessing ritual, the choir began singing another hymn.

The believers joined in the hymn, watching reverently as the ritual came to a close.

At last, the woman descended slowly from the central altar.

Her name was Isolde Cordelia.
Princess of the Holy Kingdom of Cordelia, and the 213th Saintess.

After descending from the altar, Isolde quietly exited the Papal Palace.

As the faithful continued to sing praises within the inner sanctum, Isolde walked across the hallway of the palace.

Behind her, an attendant priest hurried to catch up.

“Your Highness, strange rumors have been spreading recently within the kingdom.”
“Strange rumors?”
“There’s talk going around among the people… that monster meat is gaining popularity.”

At that, Isolde’s footsteps came to an abrupt halt.

Translatin_Otaku

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