The caravan soon arrived at Jellock's capital.
Unlike the Imperial Capital, Jellock's architectural style leaned toward Gothic design.
Towering spires, pointed arches, flying buttresses, and slender columns stretched toward the heavens, giving the city a light, soaring aesthetic.
Both Souta and Kurumi were fascinated by the architecture.
After all, in their modern world, such buildings were merely tourist attractions—rarely places filled with life and history.
Now, the three of them stood in front of a grand cathedral.
The cathedral stood at the city center, surrounded by a half-circle of palace buildings that exuded an air of majesty.
Large stained-glass windows displayed religious imagery, shimmering under the sunlight.
Chelsea, who had gathered intel from the Revolutionary Army's informants, began explaining:
"[The Lord] of Path of Peace spends some time in the cathedral every day. Then, accompanied by his guards and senior clergy, he travels around Jellock—preaching, inspecting the city, and attending to the people's needs."
Although Chelsea had already defected, the Revolutionary Army didn't know it yet.
They assumed she was delayed due to mission complications.
Since she still had proof of her identity, the Jellock informants remained unaware of her betrayal.
Thus, she had smoothly transitioned into being a double agent.
"By evening, [The Lord] returns to the palace behind the cathedral to rest."
Chelsea pointed toward one of the opulent palaces.
"According to our intel, that building over there is his residence."
Souta glanced at the ornate palace, nodded, and said:
"We'll wait until nightfall. During the day, he's always surrounded by people—making it difficult to arrange a private conversation."
Then, as if something suddenly struck him, he turned to Chelsea.
"Wait! Since you've read the manga, you should know that Path of Peace has a spy planted by the Imperial Minister, right?"
Chelsea's expression darkened.
"You mean... Bolic, the [The Lord]'s most trusted assistant?"
Even Kurumi's face showed undisguised disgust.
There was no helping it.
This Bolic guy was absolutely vile.
Sent by Minister Honest, he abused his position to kidnap countless women from the faith, treating them as playthings for his perverse pleasure.
He also brutally crushed most of the armed uprisings organized by Path of Peace.
On top of that, he funneled most of the religion's money straight into Minister Honest's pockets.
In the manga, he even tried to assault Leone, but was eventually executed by Akame.
For Kurumi—someone who had dealt with plenty of scum in the Date A Live world—Bolic was precisely the type of filth she loathed most.
"Yeah, that disgusting pig."
Souta nodded at Chelsea.
"Has Bolic been sent here yet?"
Souta didn't want his soon-to-be-acquired religion to be tainted by this perverted pig.
He planned to take over Path of Peace.
Chelsea's face twisted in disgust.
"But... in the manga, didn't the [The Lord] have mind-reading and future-seeing abilities? Why would he trust someone like Bolic?"
"Most likely because he feared Minister Honest."
Souta thought for a moment and explained:
"Path of Peace may have a large following, but they're only a minor concern to the Empire—not a real threat yet.
If [The Lord] eliminated Bolic, the Minister would immediately crush Path of Peace before it grew too strong.
And don't forget—Bolic has the Four Rakshasa Demons protecting him.
[The Lord] probably doesn't dare to make a move."
Chelsea's disdain deepened.
"So, he knows exactly what Bolic is doing?!"
Realizing this, her respect for [The Lord] plummeted.
"Tch. Puts on a righteous act, preaches about caring for his followers—but turns a blind eye while his female believers get defiled?!
She didn't care about [The Lord]'s excuses.
The fact that he let his followers suffer under Bolic was unforgivable.
There were plenty of ways he could have limited Bolic's actions without outright killing him.
Yet, he chose to do nothing.
"Some [blessed] he turned out to be."
"No surprise there. If he were a perfectly righteous person, he never would've climbed to power in the first place."
Then, he suddenly smirked.
"Just like how all pink-haired characters are secretly dark inside."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing. I just mean that this [The Lord] is a politician, not a pure-hearted saint."
Souta rested his chin on one hand, murmuring:
"If he's not truly righteous...
Then he probably won't be too resistant to deceiving his followers."
Looking at the massive cathedral, Souta's eyes glowed with anticipation.
"Alright, let's explore the city for now. We'll return tonight."
Nightfall at the Palace
The luxurious palace complex behind the cathedral shimmered with torchlight.
Night had not dulled Jellock's lively atmosphere.
A tall, long-haired man, dressed in pristine white priest robes, entered the palace with his guards.
He was none other than the [The Lord] of Path of Peace.
Several stunning women approached, gracefully removing his robes to prepare his bath and clothing.
These women were carefully chosen from among the most beautiful female followers.
Only women of extraordinary beauty were worthy of serving a man who could hear the voice of God.
After all, the [The Lord] was the most revered figure in Jellock.
His followers worshipped him like a divine being.
His food, clothing, and lifestyle were as extravagant as an emperor's.
Even the ground he walked on was kissed by his fanatical followers.
Within the dimly lit corridors, deep in the shadows of the pillars, a pitch-black pool silently unfolded across the floor.
Kurumi's Shadow Space.
Inside it, Souta, Kurumi, and Chelsea waited patiently.
"What a cushy life." Chelsea muttered in disgust.
"I wonder how his followers would feel if they knew he let Bolic run wild among them."
"They'd probably just think—Why isn't it me?"
Soon, [The Lord] entered his bedroom, his guards standing watch at the door while the maidservants left.
Souta cracked his knuckles.
"Finally—a chance to test my negotiation skills!"
Kurumi cast him a knowing look but remained silent.
She didn't want to ruin his confidence.
If he couldn't convince the [The Lord]...
She could always beat the agreement out of him.