Published: July 4, 2025
"Excuse me, Stefania."
"G-Graham-sama..."
This is the room of the inquisitor general.
The inquisition bureau is in a separate building from the Holy See.
Although connected by a corridor, it is rare for anyone to pass through there.
Thus, it is also uncommon for ordinary clergy to visit the inquisitor general's office.
Especially when that person is a cardinal...
"Is there something that brought a cardinal to such a place?"
The moment of fluster was brief.
Stefania, the archbishop, quickly regained her composure and asked calmly.
"No, it's merely a visit to my former workplace; there's no need to worry."
Cardinal Graham replied with a smile throughout.
The former inquisitor general, Cardinal Graham.
The current inquisitor general, Archbishop Stefania.
When Graham joined the Hero Party as the representative of the clergy, it was Stefania before her who was recommended as his successor as inquisitor general.
For six years since then, Stefania has been wielding her formidable ability as the inquisitor general.
However, that is merely the evaluation and impression of those outside, including Graham.
Stefania herself holds a different evaluation and impression about her abilities.
In other words, "I am inferior compared to my predecessor, Graham."
Of course, no one has said this to her face.
Nor has she overheard any gossip.
But she knows.
In many aspects, she cannot compare herself to Graham.
No one else but herself recognizes that.
When Graham was the inquisitor general, Stefania was his direct subordinate.
She has witnessed Graham's prowess firsthand.
The difference is clear.
It is the misfortune of having such an exceptionally talented predecessor.
This happens in any world, in any organization.
The standards of evaluation are not based on those who held the position in the past but instead focus on the immediate predecessor.
While it is an unavoidable reality, it is also exceedingly unreasonable.
In fact, Stefania possesses clearly above-average abilities compared to past inquisitor generals and has consistently delivered results.
In another two years, there is no doubt she will be regarded as one of the top-class among her predecessors.
However, even so... it remains out of reach.
What is it that remains out of reach?
The evaluation of her predecessor, Graham.
Before he became the inquisitor general, Graham already held a very prestigious title or nickname.
Vampire Hunter.
The conflict between the Western Church and vampires has a long and deep history.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the greatest enemy of the Western Church throughout its history has been vampires, not the Mafalda Republic.
Although encounters with vampires have decreased in the last hundred years, that is only true for the general public.
In reality, the battles between the clergy of the Western Church and vampires have continued secretly.
In that conflict, Graham holds the position of a hero.
Indeed, a hero seldom seen in recent years.
With overwhelming achievements and evaluations.
What would happen if such a person became the inquisitor general?
What would the new inquisitors under his command think?
They became fervent supporters.
Indeed, the inquisition bureau led by Graham achieved a multitude of accomplishments under perfect iron leadership.
An organization led by an excellent charismatic leader.
Perhaps that is why.
The church leaders at that time were concerned.
About the immense power and popularity that Graham had gained.
It is said that this was the reason why Graham was reassigned to the clergy of the Hero Party.
Of course, the clergy position assigned to the Hero Party is a dream position for every clergy member in the Western Church.
That is a fact.
However, was there really a necessity for it to be Graham...?
In the end, Graham fulfilled that role perfectly as well.
The Hero Party successfully subjugated the demon king.
Graham also returned to his position as an archbishop and, due to his accomplishments in the Hero Party, became the top-ranked archbishop.
Such is Graham.
Even now, within the inquisition bureau, his popularity surpasses that of the current inquisitor general, Stefania... this cannot be denied by anyone.