New Life, New Task: I'll Be A Mom Then!!!

"We will head over there at night. For now, let everything be prepared." The Pope listened to the rest of the men's report and immediately dismissed them right after.

Across him was actually the 'Paladin' who was smiling excitedly upon hearing that they will be moving earlier than expected.

She had a satisfied look on her face when she thought about having to deal with a great hurdle to their plans.

"Do not smile like that. We will be dealing with the Real Paladin who was able to stop the internal war in Seirende in just a few moments. You will even have to work harder here than when we arrive in Seirende." The Pope caught a glimpse of her expression and immediately reprimanded her.

"I know, 'Your Holiness'. It's just that I could not help but be excited to finally have a thorn in my chest getting removed later on." The fake paladin replied there is a trace of sarcasm and cruelty in her voice, added by the gleam on her midnight obsidian eyes.

"You better do your part later, Rachana." The Pope warned one last time before exiting the room to rest and prepare.

Left in the room, Rachana, the fake paladin, let out an annoyed scoff upon hearing the Pope nagging. Ever since they left Croix town, he had been repeating the same thing over and over again.

To be ready to face the 'Real' Paladin and defeat her at all costs.

She knew that it was not an easy task to defeat the real one. After all, she knew that the real paladin is her ultimate archnemesis.

But she felt that there is no need for the Pope to repeatedly state the obvious. She knew it better than anyone!

If she has no ability to defeat the real paladin, then she could not freely go out and enjoy what is hers.

"Whoever you are… I will make sure that you no longer exist as soon as I see you…" Rachana's obsidian eyes, one feature that she bears like the Asani's, are darkened in determination and ruthlessness.

–

Back in the Empire, Leon who was currently roaming around the posts received a notification on the decoy team assigned to the Mellenberg Territory.

"The Pope arrived."

Leon's eyes flickered for a moment, the Pope arrived at the site earlier than expected! This is not good for them for it will trigger the same damage as it would if the Pope arrived on time in the Empire.

'How could they arrive so early?' He could not help but wonder.

Immediately, he summoned his men to give them his reminders before notifying the team he was with that he had to go to the Palace to report.

Shortly after that, the selected members of the Anti Curse Committee and all the men who knew about Eli's identity as a Paladin.

Eli and Randel also rushed from the victory party to hear the instructions.

"Most likely, the Pope will move immediately… the earliest would be nighttime." Mishael deduced.

"I guess so too… Especially when he has been willing to postpone getting into the Empire, that means that he has put catching our bait as his priority." Leon agreed.

The people in the room looked at each other. At this moment, they realized how ridiculous it was to hear of a Pope wanting to 'catch' the Real Paladin.

That was so, especially for Mishael and High Priest Enoch, who were from the Temple.

It has been hard for them to believe that the Pope chose to abandon the heavens and side with evil.

"What shall we do then?" Nathan raised the question.

"We have two choices, we use the teleportation trap we set up in the village and force the Pope's party to be moved further away from the Empire, or just allow them to find out the truth that they have been deceived."

"Anyways, both of these options would lead to the Pope linking the incident to our Empire's doing," Leon told everyone.

"Hmmm… then why not lure them further away if that is the case?" Nathan asked.

"That would be dangerous for us right now. There are still a lot of people here in the capital. If he contacted the men who have infiltrated here, then we might trigger an attack on this end." Kayden raised his concern.

"The second option is a gamble to us too. We do not know if they would immediately associate this incident with us or not. It is a great uncertainty." High Priest Enoch also joined the discussion.

"Then, what shall we do now?"

Faced with the question the room became silent. They are not ready for any confrontation at their end.

"I must admit, we underestimated the Pope's determination to eliminate the Paladin." Leon rubbed his forehead in distress. This time they miscalculated and did not think further.

"Don't blame yourself, we are all in this plan." Emperor Valentin cast a kind look at Leon.

Eli remained silent. She had many things to say, but all of which involved her stepping in the front.

But she promised Leon that she would inform him first before telling everyone her suggestions and so she looked at Leon meaningfully.

Leon understood what Eli meant, he froze for a second before announcing.

"We can take a break for a little while…"

He announced as he could also see the other members becoming more stressed out.

The man heaved a soft sigh before nodding to also agree.

As for Eli and Leon, they went into the room's balcony to talk.

"What do you have in mind?" Leon asked as he stood to her closely while watching the view of the Empire's city bustling with activity.

"You know that there is only one way to make the plan work." Eli looked at Leon, mustering all of her courage.

"I know… but I can't, it is too dangerous for you." Leon shook his head stubbornly.

Since he was already free to show his powers to everyone, transporting to the Mellenberg Territory will be an easy feat for him.

But he did not want Eli to face them so early, especially when they did not know who the Pope's companions were.

"It will be more dangerous for the Empire…  We cannot be sure if we could bear the consequences of him directing the blame to us…" Eli replied with great worry in her tone.

"Can we bear to jeopardize the well-being of our family? How about Little Han?"

Leon listened to Eli's words and thought deeply. He was extremely unwilling to put Eli on the front line but the consequences right now are too great for them to gamble.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Although he knew what would be the best answer, his mouth was still unwilling to pronounce something that would put Eli in danger.

"Leon, I am not afraid…" Seeing that Leon is struggling, Eli took his hand and said these words softly.

"I know you are with me in this… You will not leave me alone. So I will never be afraid."

Seeing the determination in Eli's eyes, Leon could only helplessly sigh.

"Alright… but just as you said, I will be with you along the way. We will face them together." Leon finally relented.

He will not allow Eli to face them alone and so Leon immediately planned how they will be confronting the Pope's party.

Soon they were back in the meeting room and Leon announced Eli's decision.

Although there was hesitation in their expression, all of the members in the meeting agreed in the end. They realized that this was the best course of action if they wanted to save as many people as they can.

"I will put on a disguise and assist Eli in confronting the Pope's party. However, I am sure that Eli and that 'fake' Paladin will confront each other. We need more people to be with us to deal with the Pope and others."  Leon looked at everyone and announced his game plan.

"Our goal is to reveal the true existence of the Paladin and injure either the fake paladin or the Pope to let them know that it will be hard to deal with the true paladin…."

"You mean to say, we will even use this opportunity to make the Pope become wary of the next steps?" Mishael asked.

"Indeed. The thought of having someone who could deal with you so easily like this will make them think twice about their ambitious plans in the Empire." Leon replied.

"But my dear, are you sure you can manage?" High Priest Enoch had no other concern about the plan except the fact that Eli will have to fight someone that is not an ordinary enemy.

"Teacher, I can! Or even if I cannot, I will be sure to immediately retreat." Eli answered with certainty in her voice.

"Alright then… What I could only do is to give you blessings and pray for you as you go to the battle." High Priest Enoch nodded and answered.