Chapter 296

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Chapter 296: I Will Protect You With My Life!

In response to the Holy Maiden’s question, Janine Irene appeared very calm.

"Your Holiness, I believe… this is a good opportunity to strike back and reclaim the Light Artifact – Rod of Eden, and to save or free our corrupted elders!"

"Since the enemy’s leader has fallen, according to earlier intelligence, the only legendary figure we have to deal with in Hillenbrand Town is Isabella…"

Janine Irene began to analyze.

"So, how do we get into Hillenbrand Town? I used my highest divine spell before, and those demon races didn’t take the bait, Irene."

The Lady of Light looked at Janine Irene and said with a slight smile.

"Now, since this has happened, we can only fight the four Demon Legions of Vera Plain," Janine Irene immediately replied, "For the glory of our Lord… They have a duty to do this, even if there is now a gap between us. I believe to regain the ‘Light Artifact’… they will have to cooperate with us!"

"That’s a great idea, Irene."

Her Holiness said this as she lowered her eyes.

"But don’t underestimate the Abyssal Demon… These beings, filled with original sin, walk upon the main plane, yet our Lord has not purified them… Do you know why?"

"It is of course because our Lord is merciful and kind!"

Janine Irene said without hesitation.

"Being devout is a good thing, but ‘High Priest Felix Buniel’ once said something; do you remember it?"

Facing the Holy Maiden’s gentle guidance again, Janine Irene lowered her head.

"’If devotion makes you ignore the truth, then it is no longer a virtue’… Is this what you wish to tell me?"

"Yes, Irene," the Holy Maiden nodded and then continued softly, "Yesterday, His Holiness the Pope summoned me… The Land of Light has faced an attack after a long time, and based on the magic energy from the opponent… it should be the Abyssal Demon."

Janine Irene was slightly shocked upon hearing this.

"Are you saying that the demon race has escalated this to the level of divine war… with the Abyssal Demon, a being of god-like power?"

"Of course, Irene, so do not think of the Abyssal Demon as an opponent we can easily defeat with all our strength… Even if The Church of Light is united as one and ready for war with the Abyssal Demon, it would not be a wise decision, considering there are too many who covet the church’s position on the continent."

As the Lady of Light said this, Janine Irene slightly nodded.

"I understand, Your Holiness… but are we really going to give up this great opportunity?"

She said with a touch of unwillingness.

"Not at all, Irene," the Holy Maiden shook her head and sighed gently, "Do you think there are no other options besides a full attack and war… Think about how the Seychelles and South Sotua people acted."

"Do you mean to sneak past the defenses of the demon race?" Janine Irene said in surprise, then, after thinking, asked with more confusion, "But, Your Holiness, both the Seychelles and South Sotua failed… even the Patricia Great Sage…"

"That was under the condition that the demon race controlled Hillenbrand Town was ‘functioning normally.’ You just said that now… the leader of the demon race there is in a coma and is very likely harmed by Sword Saint Seychelles."

The Lady of Light said softly.

"But Isabella, who has already betrayed us, is at the legend level, and there are also four demon legion’s leader soldiers who can support at any time… I currently do not have any high-level strength to call upon, making it difficult to form a team with a hundred percent certainty…"

Janine Irene said with considerable shame.

"I understand that the cardinals and the Privy Council bishops wouldn’t want to take risks either, and as for the other Paladins and High Priests… it’s impossible for them to leave here at this moment to ‘sneak into the demon race territory’ to retrieve the Divine Artifact."

The Lady of Light said this with a sigh.

"So, this time it will be just you and me… only the two of us."

As soon as she finished speaking, Janine Irene’s eyes widened.

The commander of the Oracle Knight Order, who usually listened to her words, couldn’t help but speak up.

"No—Your Holiness! It was already risky enough for you to go to the front lines! With your position, how could you take such a risk!"

She had previously felt safe letting the Holy Maiden follow her because most of the Oracles Knight Order was guarding them, and they were only going to the front lines.

It was Patricia and Dorothy who infiltrated Hillenbrand Town.

"Irene, this is the best way; I believe this is also our Lord’s will."

The Lady of Light said with great certainty.

"But, Your Holiness, you just used the Supreme Divine Spell…"

As Janine Irene said this, the Lady of Light’s usually gentle tone became surprisingly firm.

"Irene, this is not just about my personal safety; don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment," she stood up, and a hint of gold gleamed in her eyes hidden under the shadow of her robe. "This concerns our Lord’s Divine Artifact and a potentially fallen Pope and Holy Maiden… Do you know what could happen if they remain in the hands of the Abyssal Demon?"

"And, have more confidence in both me and yourself."

The Lady of Light gently reached out her hand, softly sliding it down Janine Irene’s cheek, with the tip of her finger finally resting on the chin of the young Paladin.

"When we are together, no one can defeat us… The Lord has chosen both of us, Irene."

"I believe that with you by my side, nothing can hurt me… Please believe in me too, and believe in yourself, as I believe in you… Okay?"

Her voice was soft but strong, and Janine Irene looked at the radiant girl before her, her thoughts drifting back to over a decade ago.

Back then, she and Her Holiness were just two little girls.

As an orphan adopted by the church, when she first saw the little girl in a white robe, radiating a holy aura, Janine Irene knew she had found someone she would protect for life.

"I understand, Her Holiness…"

As she said this, she gently held the Holy Maiden’s wrist, feeling the delicate, fragile touch in her hands, and her voice grew more determined.

Though she still worried about the Holy Maiden’s safety, she now knew what she needed to do.

Since going to Hillenbrand Town is Her Holiness’s decision, no matter how dangerous it may be, as her knight, my duty is not to stop her but to… risk my own life to turn these dangers into nothing!

"I will protect you, guarding the glory of the Lord, until my life fades away!"

As Janine Irene said this, the Holy Maiden smiled gently.

"Then I leave it to you, Jan."