The Emperor's Church was not difficult to find, mainly because it was about the same height as the Eiffel Tower. However, it couldn't be more different than that.

To start with, the front was a set of stairs going up. At the ends of each side were statues of men and women carrying various tools such as books, scales, compasses, hammers, saws, etc. As for what was at the top of the stairs, in short, it was a cathedral.

Its spires seemed to touch the clouds, and their dark tint gave off a malicious aura. But contrary to its appearance, at the foot of the stairs, thousands of humans and demihumans were gathered on their knees, resting their heads on the ground and appearing to pray in the direction of the cathedral.

「So here I am...」

I sighed and made my way into the crowd, being careful not to step on anyone or interrupt their apparent prayers.

「I don't see any guards, so I don't anticipate any problems going in... Besides, even if what I'm doing is heresy or a sin, I highly doubt they'll resort to violence in front of everyone.」

It was a public place, and although it was no longer on the main street, it was still a densely populated area due to overcrowding.

With the belief that I wouldn't be punished or threatened, I finally entered the cathedral.

The entrance was an ornamental gate ten times my height, but I didn't have time to marvel at such a gate. The moment my eyes settled inside the cathedral, I was stunned.

No matter how many structures you might have seen in your life, the architecture in front of me would reduce anyone to ashes. Every surface was intricately detailed with marble, the floor shone brilliantly, and the pillars that rose towards an undulating ceiling formed a work of art depicting a woman stabbing a monster with wings and horns.

When I lowered my gaze from the ceiling, I noticed some people around me. They wore white robes with their faces hidden and held torches from which strands of smoke emanated.

"I find it difficult to contain what I'm feeling..."

Suddenly, a voice brought me back to reality. I looked towards the center of this majestic room and saw a man seated on one of the crimson red sofas. But it was his reddish hair that drew all the attention.

"Umm... Excuse me?" I said, stumbling over my words.

The man looked at me with his bright blue eyes, exuding security and confidence.

「Why the hell do I feel so inferior to this guy? Damn!」

I wanted to bite my nails out of anxiety and hide underground because the sense of humiliation was overwhelming me.

"That expression you had just now, while looking at the place. It reminded me of my first time here, and the memories made me laugh at you."

「What is he talking about?!」

The man, emitting an intimidating aura, stood up and leaned slightly towards me.

"I am Reinhard van Astrea, a member of the Royal Guard. I apologize for laughing at you."

"What? Ah, never mind! If anything, it's my fault for showing such a cheeky expression in a holy place. There's no need to apologize."

I raised my hands apologetically to my chest and took a few steps back.

「Royal Guard? So there are knights in this world... Well, at least I know that one of my goals is attainable. On the other hand, what could a royal guard do in a Church? Does the politics of this kingdom have ties to religion? But there are also other religions... With the demihumans and now this, it would be safe to say that this realm is quite progressive and open. I don't know to what extent that benefits me...」

"Ahem," Royal Guard Reinhard faked a cough, and I snapped back to reality. "May I know who I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

I smiled internally. I knew that someone would ask me for my name or identity, so I had taken precautions and already had an answer.

Heh.

"M-Mr. van Astrea... Um, I would like to know the same thing," Reinhard cocked his head in confusion. "I come from distant lands, so far away that their names have never reached here. But I have not come alone; I bring with me a self-imposed mission. Who am I? Where do I come from? Where will I go? I have read and listened, seeking knowledge to unravel the answers to those questions, and I had no better idea than to wander the world. I discarded my name many nights ago, to the point where not even the moon remembers it. Although it may lack respect and honor not to give and take, please excuse me. Because, I simply haven't figured out who I am yet."

Finishing my speech, I felt like an anime protagonist. Even the hooded men around me stopped in their tracks. I could even hear one of them tripping.

The room fell into silence, and the confident expression on Reinhard's face wavered for a few seconds.

"I-I see... Yes, I understand. However, Mr. Traveler, may I suggest a temporary nickname? Otherwise, your stay in these lands might be very uncomfortable."

"As a matter of fact, it is precisely for this reason that I am here, Mr. van Astrea. I am seeking guidance under the protection of the Divine Emperor."

Suddenly, a third voice was heard from somewhere.

"A host? A guest? Or a future believer?"

Turning around, I realized the voice came from an old man. His hair was as white as snow, but his eyes had a greenish glow. Unlike the neatly dressed and elegant robed individuals around, this old man wore a dirty, tattered outfit made of cheap, common cotton.

"Archbishop Ealhstan!" Reinhard exclaimed, showing his second sign of surprise.

"Young Reinhard, the novices informed me of your presence. It's good to see you in good health. How is Heinkel, your father? He hasn't joined me in prayer for a long time."

"Father... He is busy with internal political matters of the nobility, Archbishop. I understand that you will hear from him soon through a letter."

"I see... There's nothing else that can be done, except waiting, right?" asked the old man, staring at me.

I couldn't let my shameless personality show. I had to maintain my act of an old wise man and avoid arousing too much suspicion. I needed to keep myself alive for as long as possible. My third death would have to wait.