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Chapter 290: Blasphemy (2)

Her purity and compassion were such that one might fear sullying her by mere touch. Her gentle smile dispelled all ill feelings harbored in the hearts of those who saw it. If Lily, the saint from Xenon’s Biography, appeared in the world, would she feel like this? Her presence was worthy of being called a saint.

Thus, Xenon was rendered speechless and could only stare blankly, even as the woman called to him. He hadn’t felt this level of beauty even when he saw the elf woman who called herself Sophia.

Thwack!

In the meantime, the elf woman, who had been held by him, urgently shook off his hand and fled from the spot. She was also bewildered by the sudden appearance of the cleric but prioritized distancing herself from the imposter.

However, Xenon couldn’t take his eyes off the cleric, even as the elf woman shook off his hand and fled.

He had met countless beauties and had interesting relationships, but none were as beautiful as the woman before his eyes. How beautiful, holy, and pure she was. An ordinary person would have been stunned and unable to collect their thoughts.

But not Xenon. When the lilac fragrance invaded his nose, he quickly regained his composure.

Xenon quickly turned his head to hide his flushing face and asked the question.

He was busy trying to suppress his pounding heart. Even though he had met many beauties, he had never felt like this. Was this really destiny?

‘Could that woman be…?’

Xenon cleared his throat and glanced at the woman in front of him. At the same time, he recalled the description of Lily’s appearance from Xenon’s Biography.

Lily was described as a woman with snow-white hair and golden eyes, fitting the meaning of her name, ‘Lily.’

Her physique perfectly matched the description. Her height was above average, and her beautiful figure couldn’t be hidden even by the pure white nun’s habit.

This is the woman. This woman is definitely Lily, the saint from Xenon’s Biography. The man concluded this firmly.

The dark feelings that had disappeared until just a moment ago began to stir again, and a smile that contrasted with the pure white woman spread across his face.

“Ah. I apologize. My name is Kate Louise Angelica. I am a follower of Luminous, the god of light and hope.”

In response to Xenon’s question, the woman, Kate, bowed her head politely and greeted him.

Perhaps because the nun’s habit clung to her body, her ample chest became more prominent as she bent over.

There was no exposure, but why did it feel so provocative? Xenon’s heart pounded even more at the subtle sensuality emanating from Kate.

But the lust lasted only a moment, as he was shocked upon hearing her name.

‘If she’s Kate, then surely…’

Kate Louise Angelica. This name was not as famous as Xenon’s, but it was renowned worldwide.

A few months ago, there was the scandal of the fallen cardinal that shocked not only Xavier but the entire world.

The person who resolved that incident and now holds the greatest fame and power in Xavier is this woman. She is currently dragging the faltering Xavier forward by the scruff of its neck, and according to rumors, she holds a position equal to the Pope.

Originally, the Luminous Church didn’t have a title like ‘Saint,’ but due to Kate’s significant contributions, there are moves to create one. She is a devout follower of Luminous, revered as the next Pope or Saint.

Unlike Lily, who had no combat abilities, Kate is a versatile figure who excels in both strength and faith. She is truly an all-around beauty with no shortcomings.

Xenon’s heart pounded furiously as the famous figure he had only known through newspapers and rumors appeared right in front of him.

“Cardinal Kate… I have heard much about you. You are the Grand Inquisitor who drove out the fallen cardinal and personally dealt with the devil worshippers. I’ve heard you are the most proactive cleric in purifying the world.”

“Thank you. But I am far from being comparable to Him.”

“Him?”

Xenon tilted his head in confusion, suspecting she meant Luminous. When he showed his puzzlement, Kate smiled even more warmly and spoke.

“I only clean up the trash that defiles the light. There is only one who bestows light upon the world. You know who I mean, don’t you?”

“Ah.”

Xenon nodded as if he had just realized, but soon a wave of displeasure washed over him, causing his expression to sour.

The person she referred to, even without asking, was the writer Xenon. Xenon prided himself on his intellect and quick thinking. This only made him angrier.

Why did she respect the writer Xenon and not him? After all, the person the writer used as a model was him. From his name, birth, and even his achievements.

The writer’s works were destined to reflect his own accomplishments, so why did she revere the writer instead of him?

The man who firmly believed himself to be Xenon expressed his dissatisfaction to Kate.

“You mentioned earlier that you came looking for someone named Xenon.”

“Yes, because of a bothersome rumor.”

Despite Xenon’s condescending tone, Kate’s smile did not waver. In fact, her tone became subtly rougher, but Xenon continued speaking without regard for it.

“Well, you’ve come to the right place. I am the Xenon you’re looking for. And just to add, I’m not that writer, but the real Xenon.”

“…Writer?”

At the word ‘writer,’ a term belittling the author, Kate’s smiling lips lowered slightly before curling back up. It was so brief that Xenon (fake) did not notice it.

At this moment, he only thought of recruiting Kate as an ally, for she was the true saint. As for the coupling with Jin? That could be addressed later. Besides, it was only a motif, there was no proof they were actual lovers.

By this logic, he fit the role and was the embodiment of consistency. However, his mind couldn’t dwell on that. Because he was the protagonist. The story in the book was all his story. Therefore, whatever he did would be forgiven. Who would dare refuse the words of the hero destined to save the world?

“You weren’t looking for that writer Xenon, were you? You came looking for me, right?”

“…Yes, that’s correct. After confirming it in person, it seems you are not impersonating him.”

“Why would I impersonate? I am the real Xenon. Comparing me to such fakes is an insult.”

Maintaining his characteristic arrogant attitude, Xenon slowly walked towards Kate. The closer he got, the stronger the lilac fragrance and the encompassing holiness became.

I want her. Like Lily from Xenon’s Biography, he wanted to recruit Kate as an ally and embark on an adventure with her. The elf woman he had just held had long disappeared from his mind.

This attraction—this is the first time he felt such a pull during his travels. This must be true destiny.

With a smile full of selfish intent, Xenon stood confidently before Kate. He had felt it from a distance, but up close, her looks and figure were truly exceptional. Even in her nun’s habit, her body was clearly visible. Could she have worn such an outfit for him, specifically to find him?

Caught in his own delusions, Xenon took a deep breath to calm the rising excitement and looked at Kate’s face. Her saintly smile, which warmed his heart, was directed solely at him.

Slowly, without even trying to control his sinister thoughts, Xenon reached out his hand. His hand aimed for Kate’s pale cheek, completely unblemished. From now on, he would stain it with his own color. He would make her entirely his own. After all, he was Xenon, the hero destined to save the world.

Without realizing the vile desire growing within him, just before his hand touched Kate’s cheek…

Thwack!

Kate, with the same smiling face, coldly slapped his hand away. Despite the firmness of her action, her smile remained unchanged. Naturally, Xenon was stunned. He had been certain she would allow his touch, so he never imagined she would reject him so outright.

In the meantime, Kate dusted off her hand as if it had been sullied by his touch, and then she spoke calmly.

“Don’t think of touching my body.”

“What?”

“My body belongs to Him. I have an obligation to remain pure until He embraces me.”

As soon as Xenon heard those words, his brows furrowed deeply.

A body meant for Him. In other words, not for the imposter but for the writer, Xenon.

Moreover, maintaining her purity until she was embraced implied that she considered him dirty.

Why? Surely being embraced by a hero destined to save the world was better than some mere writer.

At least in his mind, this situation was incomprehensible. What did he lack compared to that guy?

“…Kate.”

“Please address me as Cardinal.”

“Ha, really.”

Xenon was at a loss.

Now, she even refused to be called by her name. Xenon let out a chuckle, filled with disbelief, and then faced her squarely. Kate still wore her kind smile, which only served to infuriate him more.

“Are you kidding me right now? You reject even the slightest touch from me, the real Xenon?”

“I acknowledge that you are Xenon, but do not place yourself on the same level as Him.”

“This is ridiculous. If you think about it, all of that guy’s achievements are thanks to me.”

“…What?”

Kate’s usually calm demeanor cracked at that statement, her smile fading and her blue eyes filling with confusion. The onlookers, who had been watching from a distance, also shared her bewilderment.

“Think about it. The writer you revere took inspiration from me to create Xenon’s Biography. Understand?”

“… …”

“From the look on your face, it seems you don’t get it. Let me break it down for you. Using me as the model, Xenon’s Biography came into existence. So, everything that guy achieved is because of me.”

His point was this: the author created Xenon’s Biography based on him, therefore all the accomplishments attributed to the book’s Xenon were essentially his. Thus, he deserved the same, if not greater, recognition than the author.

To anyone listening, this sounded like nonsense or sophistry, but Xenon (the impostor) believed it fervently. His name, birth, and talents combined to form this grand delusion.

“In essence, that guy stole the credit for what I’m destined to achieve in the future. The feats in Xenon’s Biography are actually my future achievements.”

Swoosh—

Perhaps caught off guard by his blatant absurdity, Kate momentarily lost her composure, allowing physical contact. Xenon’s filthy hand brushed her cheek, not with a tender touch but with an unpleasant, sticky sensation.

Yet, before fully registering the repulsive touch, Kate gazed blankly at the man in front of her.

Standing at nearly the same height, their eyes met directly. Unlike someone with passionately shining red hair and someone with sparkling golden eyes, this man had neither.

All he had was a hideous appearance, a blasphemer who soiled the name of Xenon. With a blank expression, Kate grabbed the hand that was touching her cheek.

Xenon’s sly smile grew wider, but it was short-lived.

Crunch!

“Huh?”

“Wha…?”

Kate grasped his hand tightly, muttering softly before shouting with righteous anger.

“You blasphemer!”

Crack!

With a cry filled with rage, she completely crushed his hand. Her grip was powerful enough to crush a rock into sand, and squeezing that sand would produce water droplets. A human hand, especially one belonging to a physically weak man, was no match.

Crunch, crunch!

“Aaaargh!”

The pain of his hand being utterly shattered and mangled into something unrecognizable made Xenon scream in agony. The hand Kate held was now so disfigured that it was hard to tell it had ever been a hand, blood flowing out like juice from a fruit.

Kate paid no mind to the blood staining her hand. Her priority was to punish the blasphemer before her. The man, unable to bear the pain, knelt and screamed in torment.

“How dare a wretch like you blaspheme Him! How dare you reach out your filthy hand to the light He spreads!”

Xenon couldn’t hear Kate’s scolding. If she had simply cut off his hand, the pain might have been less, but having his hand completely crushed was excruciating beyond words.

“Y-you… You won’t get away with this…!”

Xenon managed to choke out between screams.

Kate looked down at him with a mixture of pity and contempt.

“Your arrogance has led you to this. Know your place, blasphemer.”

With that, she let go of his destroyed hand, letting him collapse fully onto the ground, writhing in pain. She stepped back, her expression returning to one of serene calm, though her eyes still burned with righteous fury.

His bones were ground to powder, and the flesh and muscles protecting them were torn to shreds. Xenon, unable to endure the excruciating pain, fell to his knees.

Riiiip!

Like tearing paper, Kate removed the now meaningless hand from his wrist. The flesh and bone up to his wrist had turned to dust, so it took little effort to detach it. Yet, this act required considerable strength, showcasing just how powerful she was.

“Aaaargh! Aaargh!”

Now, clutching his wrist, the imposter screamed pitifully. Blood flowed freely from his wrist, like an open faucet. Left untreated, he would surely die from blood loss.

Kate looked down at him with disdain, then silently extended her hand.

Shhh—

Golden light, almost divine, emanated from her hand and flowed into the imposter. This was the sacred power of the clergy, a manifestation of divine will, known as holy power.

Although the holy power of the Luminous Church was typically white, Kate’s was so potent it shone with a brilliant golden hue, comparable to the Pope or Isaac.

The effect was nothing short of miraculous.

“Ugh… Wh-what…?”

The imposter, shaking and clutching his wrist, watched in stunned disbelief as the ‘miracle’ unfolded before him. The golden light slowly permeated his wrist, astonishingly causing it to ‘regenerate.’

To reiterate, it was ‘regeneration,’ not just ‘healing.’ Healing would merely stop the bleeding, but regeneration transcended that, restoring what was lost.

“Wh-what is this…?”

He muttered, bewildered, as his hand began to reform, bones knitting together and flesh reappearing where it had been obliterated.

Kate’s face remained serene, but her eyes bore into him with a mix of righteousness and judgment.

“You will remember this pain and the mercy granted to you, blasphemer. This is the power comparable to the true Xenon, whom you dared to insult.”

The imposter’s screams turned to whimpers as his hand was restored, leaving him weak and trembling on the ground, faced with the reality of his folly and the might of true divine power.

The part above his wrist that should not exist, the hand that had been brutally torn and crushed, was regenerating.

Like a seed sprouting and growing into a stem, eventually blossoming into a flower, his hand was slowly but surely reforming at the wrist.

Once the hand was fully regenerated, the imposter stared in bewilderment at the miraculous sight, when Kate spoke in a stern voice.

“In the name of Luminous, I declare to you: Your name may be Xenon, but that is only a name. The achievements of that name do not belong to you.”

“… …”

“If you dare to insult him again with your mouth…”

Kate flicked her blood-stained hand a few times, her voice firm as she declared.

“I will personally change your name to something else. Under the name of Luminous, I will help you be reborn.”

“I-I am Xenon. I am the real Xenon! What do you know!!”

Apparently, her warning had been insufficient. As the imposter yelled in defiance, Kate’s gaze grew even colder as she looked down at him.

What kind of Xenon is this? If he had even a fraction of the character of the Xenon in the book, she might have considered supporting him to some extent.

But here stood someone unworthy in both character and skill, a parasite sullying the name of Xenon.

If devil worshippers were filth that harmed the world, then this imposter was a vermin tainting the name of light.

They might appear similar, but while devil worshippers required immediate execution, this imposter couldn’t be left unchecked.

Kate sighed, brought her hands together, and prayed softly.

“Luminous, please grant me the strength to make this foolish one repent.”

“You bitch…!”

However, he had chosen the wrong opponent. No matter how exceptional his skills were, could he possibly compare to the ‘Grand Inquisitor’?

Kate easily evaded his charge with a slight twist of her body and tripped him, causing him to lose balance.

Thud!

“Argh!”

The impostor pretending to be Xenon fell disgracefully once again. He immediately tried to get up but failed in his attempt.

Clench!!

“Ahhh!!”

Kate grabbed his hair roughly, causing excruciating pain as if his hair would be ripped out, and the fake Xenon struggled fiercely in response.

But resisting was all in vain. The more he struggled, the more intense the pain became due to her overwhelming strength.

Although he responded fiercely, insisting that he was Xenon and that he couldn’t be defeated like this…

“One hand wasn’t enough, was it?”

“… …”

Kate’s deadly smile quickly silenced him.

The incident in Alvenheim Square concluded in this manner, and no one dared to call themselves Xenon anymore.

Where that person went, only he and Kate knew.

With this, all the impostors claiming to be Kair also disappeared, and the diplomatic dispute between Alvenheim and Xavier was neatly resolved.

Isaac, who only learned about the situation through the newspapers, responded with…

“It’s become mysterious.”

He recalled a certain country from his previous life.

*****

After reforming the man who had tarnished Xenon’s name, Kate headed to the shower room to clean herself.

Interrogation had always been her specialty, so reforming a lunatic who insisted he was Xenon wasn’t difficult for her.

Could she possibly wrongfully accuse an innocent person? There was no need to worry. If there had been any sin, Luminous himself would have scolded her directly.

But this time, he hadn’t. This implied tacit approval from Luminous as well as the other gods.

If Xenon’s name were tarnished, it would be problematic for the gods who supported him. Therefore, such impostors had to be eliminated promptly.

Shhhh—

“··· ···”

While cleaning herself thoroughly in the shower, Kate looked at her reflection in the mirror.

Although her face was splattered with blood and it had hardened due to the ‘interrogation’ just now, she wasn’t concerned about the blood.

What she cared about was the cheek that the vermin who defiled Xenon’s name had touched.

Her cheek was completely clean, with no blood on it. However, she gently rubbed her cheek with her hand.

“···Dirty.”

Scratch—

Kate stopped rubbing her cheek and started scratching it with her fingernail. Her once delicate expression was now completely distorted, and her merciful smile had vanished without a trace.

“Dirty. Dirty. Dirty. Dirty. Dirty.”

Scratch— Scratch— Scratch— Scratch—

Muttering in a voice filled with madness, Kate began to scratch her cheek vigorously.

Scratches appeared on her white skin from her fingernails, and soon beads of blood started to form.

It was a bizarre behavior that could by no means be considered normal. The light in her once bright and intelligent eyes was slowly fading.

‘It won’t get clean.’

Because of her frantic scratching, her skin was torn and blood started to flow. But she wasn’t concerned about the blood or the wounds.

The body that was kept clean for him had been defiled because of that vermin.

Of course, he would say it didn’t matter if she was defiled. But that would be a disrespect and an insult to him.

He is the saint who spreads light across this world, the light itself that will save the world. How could anyone insult him?

Kate, with her eyes void of light, scratched her cheek madly for a long time, then a man’s face flashed in her mind.

‘…I want to see him.’

She wanted to purify her defiled body through his touch.

She wanted to repay the grace she received from him.

She wanted to receive his seed and spread the light widely in this world.

‘Please…’

Purify me.

Kate stopped scratching her cheek. With her divine power, she could easily heal the wounds on her cheek, but she didn’t.

It was a symbol that she had been defiled. Only he could remove it.

Until then, she would leave the wound. She would personally go to him, confess her sins, and beg for forgiveness.

‘And quickly receive the seed…’

Kate gently smiled and placed her hand on her lower abdomen. A small room where new light would someday be born.

Although her turn had not yet come, just imagining it brought a peculiar thrill.

She had already decided on the name. Lily, the same name as his sister and the saintess in Xenon’s Biography.

“Haa…”

Receiving the water pouring from the showerhead, Kate let out an excited moan.

Translators note: