The Bewilderment of the Sacrificial Second Princess

Chapter 71: Study of honeymoon destinations

Going on a honeymoon is good, but we need to gather more information in the next three days.

Unfortunately, the Kingdom of Baratonia lacks books, and even though they are slowly becoming available, the lack of knowledge cannot be avoided.

“I suppose you’re calling me for that.”

“The Shadows of Nejia has infiltrated all nations, remember? They seem to know basic manners because of trading, but I am more interested in something else.

I called Gauche after work by opening my room window, and we conversed privately.

While the afternoon sun is still shining brilliantly, the branches in the shade are blocking its rays, and I too am benefiting from it. The tree’s shade is just the right amount of darkness, blocking the sunlight from becoming too intense.

Gauche’s status in Nejia is somewhat known in the castle. Although there are rumors of alliances with the Nejia throughout the kingdom, Gauche refuses to be treated as a superior.

Due to this, he still works under the castle. Gauche doesn’t flaunt his title and has been able to rebuild his relationship with his colleagues at work as if nothing had changed, whether it’s because of his excellent communication skills or his genuine deserving of the title Shadows of Nejia.

Now, I can make the call without arousing suspicion. I’m not sure how to navigate this situation. It’s perplexing, but now isn’t the time to dwell on it.

“So, what do you want to know?”

“Our honeymoon destination is the Poleinia Kingdom and the Wegrain Kingdom in the north of Baratonia. ——Regarding the religious beliefs of the two countries…”

Gauche covers his face with one hand, either because he has deduced something or because he had already suspected it but didn’t want to be questioned.

“…That’s why we’re traveling incognito with the bodyguards.”

“I knew there was something fishy going on.”

The intense gaze-off between me, with a serious expression, and Gauche, who was trying to dodge the topic, ended with my triumph.

“Sigh…The Baratonia Kingdom has no religion. The Lina Religion of the Faithnum Empire…It states that everything was created by the single goddess Lina and that she has retreated to the sea, still supporting the world. This is the core of the Lina Religion, am I right?”

“Yes, that’s accurate. Although the holy scriptures have undergone numerous modifications, the essence remains unchanged.”

“The Poleinia Kingdom is fine, it closely resembles the Dragnate Kingdom, a religion that venerates the sun god.

The concern lies with the Wegrain Kingdom and its official Lina Religion.”

I was puzzled and thought, ‘What’s the matter with that?’

“The presence of the Baratonia Kingdom has hindered the revision of the scriptures in the Wegrain Kingdom since the arrival of the Lina Religion from the Faithnum Empire. As Baratonia was a vassal state several generations ago, the updated scriptures from the main temple in the Faithnum Empire never reached the Wegrain Kingdom. As a result, the Lina Religion has split into the Lina Religion Faithnum faction and the Lina Religion Wegrain faction.”

Despite this explanation, I was still confused. I frowned with suspicion, and Gauche shook his head with dissatisfaction, making a displeased expression.

“Of course, religious freedom exists. In the early days of the Lina Religion… there was a ritualistic sacrifice ceremony. And, as you know, religion and royalty are closely intertwined. When the Lina Religion was transferred from the Faithnum Empire to the Wegrain Kingdom, it was accompanied by a delegation from the Faithnum Empire. It’s a distant memory now, but you should have read about it in the historical records?”

“Y-Yes… indeed, there was a time when a princess was married from the Faithnum Empire to the Wegrain Kingdom.”

“The Lina Religion is a monotheistic religion, worshiping only the goddess. Those who possess the goddess’s blood… well, I don’t really want to say it, but…”

“Speak clearly. What is it?”

Frustrated, I slammed my hand on the windowsill and Gauche rose from the branch where he had been lounging, facing me directly.

“‘We have faith in our goddess and as evidence, we sacrifice the goddess’s blood’ — this repugnant rite, which has been discredited, is still being practiced in the Wegrain Kingdom.”