As we entered the party venue, it felt like stepping into another world.
The impossibly high ceilings, far out of reach even if I stretched, were adorned with sparkling chandeliers.
There were servants inexplicably carrying bundles of fabric as they walked, and maids immediately refilling glasses as soon as they were emptied.
The air was filled with tantalizing aromas from all directions, drawing me toward the food tables without even realizing it.
“Mi!”
Ivy’s sharp voice snapped me back to reality.
That was close—I’d almost forgotten my role as a bodyguard and been lured away by the food.
“This collar is tight…”
I tugged at the neckline of the sleek black suit I was wearing.
The top buttons were fastened all the way up, and it was constrictive and unfamiliar.
Oh, by the way, this is the one Shannon insisted on—the one with the red lining.
The lining isn’t visible at all, so I’m still unsure if it serves any purpose.
“Really? Well, I hate to admit it after what I said earlier, but it actually suits you.”
Shannon twirled the wine in her glass as she spoke.
Her outfit was a bright red dress that matched her hair and eyes perfectly. It looked so good on her, she could easily be mistaken for a noblewoman’s daughter.
“Oh, you’re sweet to say so.”
“Mi!”
Ivy leaned forward, clearly wanting her turn to be complimented.
“You look great too, Ivy.”
“Mi-i!”
Puffing out her chest with pride, Ivy strutted confidently.
She was wearing a custom-tailored outfit—a satin garment made to fit snugly under her shell.
It had been so small and simple to craft that it was ready just in time for the party.
Ivy seemed delighted with her outfit. Seeing her so happy warmed my heart.
Maybe I should get her another outfit as a present for her next outing.
“Ivy, which one do you want?”
“Mi!”
The food was laid out buffet-style, allowing everyone to help themselves whenever they liked.
Ivy seemed to want ham, so I headed over to the table to get some for her.
The ham was topped with something like an aurora sauce, giving it a vibrant, colorful look.
Feeling that just ham would leave the plate too sparse, I added some quiche and meat dishes as well.
“Mi!”
“Alright, alright, I get it.”
At Ivy’s insistence, I included some fresh vegetables too.
She’s surprisingly particular about maintaining a balanced diet.
“Here, Ivy, say ahh.”
“Mii!”
Ivy elegantly ate the food I offered her on a toothpick. Normally, she’d use her magic to eat by herself, but it would be too conspicuous in this setting.
So, for the first time in a while, I fed her manually. She ate everything daintily, without making a mess.
I also tried the food as I went along. The flavors were delicate, refined, and—well, just plain bland.
I guess you could call it sophisticated, but after being used to adventurers’ hearty, over-seasoned meals, it felt unsatisfying.
Once we’d finished eating, Shannon and I switched places. Now it was her turn to have her meal.
“This is such a pleasure, Lady Ekaterina, traveling all this way…”
“No, no, Lady Melze, the pleasure is mine…”
Katya warmly greeted everyone who approached her and even went out of her way to initiate conversations.
With her bright smile, she charmed everyone, regardless of age or gender.
“I just loved the blueberries I had earlier! They were so delicious. Those must have come from Lord Ream’s church lands, didn’t they?”
“Oh, how astute of you! Yes, and our lands also produce—”
Katya had clearly memorized some details in advance, allowing her to engage in deeper conversations with people she was meeting for the first time.
It was impressive how she could recall so much information.
I wish I could have that kind of memory, especially since I’m terrible with directions.
Watching her now, it was hard to believe she’d been so nervous in the carriage earlier.
She exuded a veteran of high society vibe, totally in her element.
With a protective barrier already in place, our job as her bodyguards was relaxed and low-key.
That’s when a man slowly approached us.
He looked to be in his fifties, dressed modestly without the tall ceremonial hat that distinguished higher-ranking officials.
No guards or attendants accompanied him, so he didn’t seem to be someone particularly important.
Without any prior information like Katya had, I just gave him a vague smile, hoping to dodge any complications.
But then…
“Well met, Sir Bruno and Lady Ivy. I am Radgrion VII, Pope of the religious state of Célie. Please, feel free to call me Raddy.”
“Wha—?!”
“Mi!”
Before I could cry out, Ivy’s magical hand clamped over my mouth.
Thank you, Ivy. You saved me from causing a scene.
“Ah, by the way, I’m here incognito, so there’s no need for formality.”
“N-no, no! I can’t possibly be casual with the Pope, of all people!”
“I’m here as a personal guest of Baron Bolograd, so it would actually be more convenient for me if you treated me informally.”
“In that case… um… Raddy it is, then.”
We whispered back and forth, careful not to attract attention.
Nobody else seemed to recognize the Pope.
Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen a king’s face either.
It’s not surprising people wouldn’t expect the Pope to attend without any entourage.
Still, why was the Pope here? And why had he come to speak to me?
“I’ll speak with Lady Ekaterina shortly. But first, I wanted to have a word with you, Bruno.”
“With… me?”
“Yes. I must apologize for the trouble caused by our Swarm. I was shocked to learn how close we came to war with your kingdom after receiving the reports.”
The Swarm—he must be referring to that cardinal manipulated by one of the Demon Lord’s Ten Fingers.
I’d heard their actions had left Célie in chaos.
Looking closely, the Pope seemed exhausted. His complexion was pale, and there were deep circles under his eyes.
He must have been working tirelessly to rebuild Célie.
“Mi!”
Ivy, noticing his condition, began casting a healing spell.
Oh no, wait! I tried to stop her, but she was too quick.
“Is this… Last Heal?”
The Pope immediately realized Ivy could cast the highest-level healing magic!
“Mi?”
Looking puzzled, as if asking, “Did I do something wrong?” Ivy tilted her head.
The Pope chuckled, his complexion already visibly improving thanks to the magic.
“Ah, I’d heard rumors, but seeing it in person is quite something.”
“Is that… so?”
“Yes, I now understand very well—Célie must avoid conflict with your kingdom at all costs.”
The Pope nodded solemnly, his demeanor more like a gentle grandfather than a ruler.
“Bruno, Ivy, I’ve come here with a request for you.”
“A request… for us?”
“Mi?”
He had left the capital and come all this way to this aristocratic town just to see us.
That could only mean one thing—whatever he wanted was bound to be a hassle.
My unease turned out to be entirely justified.
“Please… take Maria Volakia, the former Saintess, out of Célie.”