The old priest handed a hard bread to Peter while the latter didn't refuse his kindness. The priest seemed to know about his purpose, dodging the main talk.
" When I was young, I used to believe all paladins and inquisitors brought blood to the people in the name of God. They were just and pure in my eyes but do you know that changed when I grew up?
All those words and beliefs were lies in the end. I didn't expect to see one today after that. Tell me, paladin. What do you need?"
Peter realized this old priest had something unusual inside his head. Perhaps he witnessed something that shattered his heart and decided to hide here but that didn't matter anymore.
" The empire attacked the saintess. We need the reinforcement from the main church. I need the sir to relay this to the headquarters because they are looking for me."
The priest looked at the message with a pale face, knowing what the empire had done. He knew the current emperor was an ambitious man but to attack one of the pillars of the church for a political reason, was beyond madness.
One wrong move could stir internal civil war among their people and surely Persians and other nations wouldn't watch idly.
" I don't like the paladins but I never will watch my country burn to the ground. Please, sire."
He took the item from Peter and heard his story with a grinning face. With each passing minute, his face got worse and worse because not only they were after the saintess, but they even dared to kill infamous paladins in the process which meant this provocation was too much for forgiveness.
" Oh, holy lord. Bless our people for we are sinned."
He prayed deeply inside his heart, looking at the departing Peter with a complicated face. The feeling of heaviness burdened his back while he kept looking for the answer that might change the situation.
Knock, knock*
A small head peeked through the doorframe as he saw a girl's gentle smiling face. Perhaps at this moment, he decided what to do.
Meanwhile somewhere near Aachen
Three figures walked among the people, looking for a man who was supposed to be there. They heard he was here and they were searching for him because he was the man who could help them.
" Sir Richard should be here according to the rumors. They heard he was moving toward the headquarters for a mission."
Lydia glanced at the inn where most of the mercenaries stayed. She knew Richard was a peculiar man despite being a paladin and he wouldn't waste church's money for his vanity.
Thus, many called him a frugal man yet they admired his power because he was called " The Lion ".
" Sister, we must be careful even if it is Lord Richard. He wouldn't betray us but the same couldn't be said to his men. Humans are complicated creatures."
Anna didn't hide her dilemma, thinking the emperor had eyes and ears everywhere. Obviously, the church knew their existence but they feigned ignorance when it came to them since they had the same goals.
However, this was changed thanks to the emperor and they had to suffer due to his ambitious attempt to control them.
" I feel tired after coming here. We need a place to rest, so let's live there for a while. Mercenaries aren't all that bad and we can stay safe near them despite their rough attitude. No one would dare to mess with God's workers and this is in the territory of Aachen."
Aachen was a heavily guarded city with strict control policies to ensure the safety of its people. This city was one of the best cities when it came to defense. This city was developed so many eyed for its wealth. Hence, they needed strict control which resulted in obvious safety.
" Then let's go."
Anna took a deep breath, walking toward the rudimentary building where people gathered to exchange information and spend a night.
" Welcome to Jupiter's moon. How can I help you?"
An old man with one eye welcomed them inside while others looked at them with curiosity because no nun would dare to come here.
" One night for 3 with 2 meals, please."
Lydia answered calmly, smiling with a gentle face.