Surviving As A Cannon Fodder

Part 3 Chapter 141

A few months before the foundation festivals began in the capital Volos, Saintess Oralia set forth on a pilgrimage across Orion for the first time in twenty years.

Departing from the Vatican, she met with the high priests of each territory she visited as per the schedule, escorted by the Holy Templar Knights.

After addressing the high priest of the western territories, she started on her journey to the capital to meet the Emperor.

However, Saintess Oralia never reached her destination.

It was after sunset when an emergency meeting was called to by the imperial palace.

In the underground conference hall beneath the southern palace, the officials present were imperialists and representatives from prominent houses of the empire, who played vital roles in the court.

Ever since the official announcement was made regarding the Saintess's arrival to Volos, there were numerous theories as to the reason behind it.

"The Saintess must've received the word of god. Why else would she bother to go on a pilgrimage this time of the year?"

"Is that what you think? I heard she's visiting every territory even the smallest ones"

"I bet the Vatican is trying to flaunt their influence"

One fact remained the same, both the nobility and the general public were excited about the Saintess, especially since the new pope was ordained only a few months before.

Seated at the further end of the elongated table, I could hear the half curious and half skeptical remarks of the gathered noblemen.

Yet, none of them were prepared for the news they were about to learn.

Once the Emperor entered the hall, the buzzing room quieted down in an instant.

The current reigning head of the Orion Empire, Emperor Schneider Heinrich Orion, might appear as a soft-natured and benevolent ruler at first glance.

In reality, he was a cunning man no different from any other scheming aristocrat when it comes to attaining his goals.

While the golden blonde hair and matching eyes were befitting the symbol of the royal family, his character was anything other than that.

Not that I was any different.

Standing behind the Emperor on either side was Marquis Alexander Herrmann, Commander of the Imperial Knights, and Count Darius Norton, Commander of the Silver Knights.

Their combined presence alone was enough to set the seriousness of the situation at hand.

With a wave of the Emporer's hand, Commander Norton stepped forward and addressed the curious crowd with a stern expression.

And as I had guessed, it was about the Saintess.

To summarize Commander Norton. 

Today at 1600 hours, Saintess Oralia and her entourage entered the gates of the palace escorted by the Holy Templer Knights. The palace officials responsible for her accommodations gathered to greet the Saintess and guide her to the quarters before the audience with the Emperor.

However, when the doors opened, the palace officials were greeted with the sight of an empty carriage. 

The Templer Knights guarding the carriage and the attendants were as equally clueless as the officials.