The Human Saint is Bored, so I was Summoned to Another World

A Changed Man (Part 2)

The Holy Congress called forth by Maddie was supposed to be the one for this hot season, that's why the rulers of the Chersean kingdoms were already on their way to the Holy Palatial Gardens even before the saint requested their presence. She decided to prioritize this over the seasonal mass since time was of the essence in saving the 'Saint's Peace'.

Compared to the last 'Holy Congress' I attended; this one was more somber. The flashy welcomes and pomp vanished. One could feel the tension hanging in the air, and all seemed to be in a hurry.

"Kuro!"

Once again representing the kingdom of Nerfes, Sir Simon and King 'Rambo' made their appearances. Sir Simon was the one who approached me first, followed by the king.

"I heard what happened to Amaranth!" he began, "Is Maddie okay?"

"She is." I reassured the 2nd Prince, "But we have to reach a decision on how to deal with the events in that kingdom."

"I agree." It was Rambo who said that "Those Imperial dogs couldn't be trusted. Everyone in these parts knew they were only looking for an opportunity to invade. They still treat us as provinces they lost long ago..."

"Indeed, brother!" Sir Simon concurred, before turning back to me, "Don't worry, Kuro! We'll support Maddie as usual. The armies of Nerfes will be at her disposal."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" I gave them my respects, "And Your Majesty as well!"

"Hey! I didn't do this for you!" Rambo reiterated, "It's for Maddie!"

"Yes, yes...I know, Your Majesty." As tsundere as ever, eh, Rambo?

"Hmm...by the way, the Emperor just sent another ambassador for his congress appearance." Sir Simon pointed at the Imperial delegation. True enough, it was a different person.

"Well, of course it's expected, though unprecedented. He skipped two Holy Congresses already." Rambo noted, "That old bastard wouldn't dare attend a meeting with everyone's swords pointed at his throat. The emperor's a sly fox, not a brave griffin, see?"

I could understand Rambo's rationale. Even I, if I knew I did something wrong, would never dare to show my face to a hostile crowd. In fact, I would never bother to send someone else to speak for me, since I'm about to break my promises.

But then again, sending someone here in his stead can mean one thing for the Emperor...anyway, I'd observe more before I jump to conclusions.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness..." a maid finally approached us and called the attention of the Nerfes royals, "Pardon for the interruption, but Her Holiness the Saint would like to begin the Congress as soon as possible. Please follow me."

Without further delay, Rambo and Sir Simon walked after the maidservant. As I intended to come to watch the Congress as well—I'm currently the captain of the Paladin Corps and one of my duties is to keep order inside the meeting hall, I also came along with them.

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The Congress for this season was straightforward, and it had a different 'format' compared to its earlier versions. While the first ones were usually tripartite talks between the two opposing parties and the Saint acting as the mediator, now Maddie had all the monarchs gathered in one place. Once they showed up at the venue, she immediately hopped to the topic.

There were no welcoming remarks, no mincing of words either.

By the way, much to my surprise, the one who represented the kingdom of Amaranth was no other than the princess, Jessica von Albert, who shed her servant clothes for the occasion.