And just like that, we arrived at the meeting point in no time.

The designated location was vaguely described as being by a large pond, next to a tree on the right side of the forest's midpoint. However, with our ability to scout from above, there was no way we could miss it.

It seemed the people we were meant to meet had already arrived.

Considering they were here to receive Katya, they were likely individuals of significant standing from the other side.

Thinking it would be unwise to surprise them by descending abruptly from the sky, we noted their location and returned to land.

Then, with me leading the way, Katya and Shannon accompanied me to the destination.

“Excuse me, are you with the religious state of Célie?”

If Katya spoke first, it might lower her dignity, and if Shannon did, it could come off as intimidating. So, it was decided that I would handle the initial greeting.

“Yes.”

“Hoh hoh hoh, what a cute little fellow we have here.”

“...A turtle?”

“What a charming little turtle you’ve got there. Pets are great for soothing the soul, aren’t they?”

Standing there were three adults.

One was a silent-looking woman, another was a kindly-seeming old man, and behind them was a man in noble attire who exuded an aristocratic aura.

They seemed like an unusual group of people, though we weren’t exactly ones to talk.

“Ah, Ekaterina-sama, we’ve been awaiting your arrival. I am Bolograd Omigreo, your guide for this journey. Though I hold the title of baron, nobility carries little weight in this country. Please consider me as someone ranked above a commoner but below a priest.”

“Very well, Bolograd. Lead the way.”

“As you wish.”

With those words, Baron Bolograd promptly began walking briskly through the forest.

Although the number of monsters in the forest had decreased, they still occasionally appeared. Yet, Bolograd walked ahead of the two escorts as if unperturbed.

Perhaps this confidence stemmed from his own strength. Judging by the magic I could sense, he seemed capable enough to handle the forest’s monsters without much trouble.

“But what did he mean by nobility not being very important here, Ekaterina-sama?”

“Hmm… Oh, um, yes. I do not know every detail, but I can explain the basics. It would be dull to make a blunder from lack of knowledge, so I shall teach you the essentials for now.”

‘Why the sudden formal tone…? Oh, that’s right! This is a foreign land, and we never know who might be watching. I must act with proper decorum!’

With such thoughts likely running through her mind, Katya went through a range of expressions before straightening up and addressing me with newfound resolve.

“The religious state of Célie is a rather unique nation in its origins.”

“Unique origins? Our kingdom was founded in the usual way, wasn’t it? A king established it, right?”

“Indeed. According to legend, King Legion I, the founding monarch, was granted the divine right to rule by the gods and established the kingdom.”

So, that’s the standard narrative. If that’s the typical story, I wonder what makes Célie’s version so unique.

“While the basics are similar, the religious state of Célie has no king. Instead, it is governed by the Pope, who conveys the will of the gods, and the five Cardinals who support him. Together, they run the nation through the Papal Office.”

Hmm… I see.

At first glance, it doesn’t seem all that different from us. What makes it so special, then?

Perhaps noticing my unspoken question, Katya ran a hand through her hair and continued.

“To put it simply, the Pope’s words are considered the will of the gods here. Neither the Cardinals, the nobility, nor the common people can defy the Pope.”

“W-wow…”