My Family in the Novel?

Chapter 177: First Act 46: The Sun 3

Bishop Austin, a character shrouded in mystery with limited descriptions in the novels, was best defined by a few impactful lines.

One such instance involved him choking Tristan after discovering his relationship with Louise.

The Bishop's irritation with Tristan for being too close to Elena, coupled with his overall inability to tolerate Tristan's presence, painted a vivid picture of an overly protective and strict father figure.

Throughout the novel, Bishop Austin emerged as a significant obstacle hindering the blossoming romance between Elena and Tristan.

His fierce devotion to his beloved daughter drove him to take drastic measures, creating tension and conflict within their unfolding love story.

In the six volumes of the novel that I've read, Tristan's revelation as a hero candidate did little to ease the Bishop's animosity.

But still, it remained evident that Bishop Austin harbored a deep-seated disdain for Tristan, casting a shadow over their relatively short interactions together.

And now I was in his exact position fuck…..

I don't even need to look at his mental state with my authority to guess what's going through this guys head right now.

He's probably itching to kill me right now

Right now the two of us were running through the monstrous streets of the academy skimming through the monsters that came our way.

But can't he hold back for a bit….?

Right now, the two of us were running through the monstrous streets of the academy, skimming through the monsters that came our way.

But can't he hold back for a bit…?

Even I kinda feel bad for the monsters that turn into absolute sludges after being hit by his baton; some even had their entire skulls go inside their stomachs after being hit once.

It was a ridiculous feat of strength, skill, and power.

I guess this old man really did earn his title as a bishop, which required one to have at least 10 years of experience as a high-ranking priest and a paladin who has finished his pilgrimage.

Honestly, I kind of thought he only earned his rank because of his close relationship with the current pope.

Looking at his pissed-off face, I guess he's redirecting his frustrations towards the monsters.

After all, he can't exactly threaten me into breaking up with his daughter now that he owes me quite a bit.

"That old man sure is strong~" commented and whistled Aria right behind me.

Even though I told her to stay back at the square, she just ignored my words, telling me to either accept her coming with us or she will venture out alone into the city.

She truly is quite stubborn, though I guess she's only worried about me to begin with, so I've got no room for complaints there.

And when she heard that the bishop was looking for Elena, her conviction to come with me only skyrocketed.

After all, despite their frequent disputes, Aria had grown quite fond of Elena.

So, upon learning that Elena might be somewhere far away and possibly in danger, I had no choice but to accept her coming with us.

Even some paladins hurriedly joined us after seeing the bishop and hearing about Elena's situation. These individuals appeared so ready to die for their saintess that they downright seemed like crazed fanatics at this point.

"By the way, is he really Elena's father?" Aria asked.

I pondered my response for a bit. Since Elena herself hadn't shared much about the bishop personally, I had to be careful with my words.

I couldn't have Elena and the bishop be suspicious of my knowledge about them.

"I'm not sure, but Elena did mention something about a high-ranking priest being his father… I didn't expect it to be the bishop, though," I replied.

"Hmm~ They don't look exactly alike, though; in fact, they look so different from each other," commented Aria as she observed the bishop leading the vanguard with his paladins.

"Well, priests and paladins are celibate after all; he's probably Elena's adoptive father," I explained.

"I see, that makes sense," nodded Aria. Then, curiosity still lingering, she asked, "By the way, how does he know where to find Elena?"

"Who knows… the church is quite secretive with their divine arts. It wouldn't be weird if they had something that helps them find things or even lost people, especially when it comes to their most important individuals. Even the pope alone has hundreds of invisible templars surrounding him 24 hours a day"

"Kind of like father huh…."

???

Although I was curious by what Aria meant, it seems we have more problems at hand.

MOOARGH…!!

Suddenly, a large minotaur rushed in front of us. Aria wasted no time chanting a powerful wind spell to kill it, but by then, it was already too late.

The bishop threw his baton straight at the bulldozing minotaur, and the gigantic man-cow literally disintegrated. It turned into a pile of ashes.

"….."

The paladins, Aria, and even I couldn't find the exact words to say.

That was a creature over 3 meters tall, bulging with muscles. The amount of aura it had was also no joke, but it got turned to charcoal in one single hit?

Seriously, what the heck is that baton?

Is it also one of the many cheats this world has to offer?

As everybody was mesmerized by the scene, the baton slowly flew up and returned to the bishop's arms. It kind of reminded me of a certain godly hammer of a certain god I quite hated.

I knew there was something wrong when I sensed imminent danger coming from that thing.

It must be an item related to the goddess.

If so, I need to get rid of it.

I can't have another variable changing this play.

…..

"We're here…," commented the bishop.

Our eyes were focused on the destroyed gigantic castle in front of us—Lucian Hall.

The very halls designed to house the academy's top students and those of great importance, like those of high nobility, the prince and princesses of certain countries as well as those wealthy enough to afford it.

The once beautiful castle-like mansion we called our dorms now lay in ruins before us.

Aria, right beside me, gripped my hand as she looked at Lucian Hall. I guess she didn't want to think of the worst, especially since she last saw Louise and Analise here.

"We will check the perimeters," said the paladins as they scattered around at a fast pace.

"Is Elena really here…?" I asked the bishop. Instead of answering, he just jumped so high all the way to the roof of the hall and looked down upon me, his glare intense before clicking his tongue. Do you really hate me that much? Seriously, this boomer…

"Follow me," he said in the end.

But isn't he still injured as well? Why is he suddenly so strong again? His body must still be aching in pain due to Sasha's attacks, and he should already be out of divine power by now.

Seriously, how could he still do all these crazy stunts?

He even had enough firepower to pulverize that minotaur with divine power earlier.

Aren't his specs way out of balance? Seriously, what's going on with that old man…

"Are you coming?" I asked Aria.

"…..No, I'll stay here and look around for a bit."

Looks like she's afraid of what she might see.

"Ok…."

As I reached the top, I saw a wide hole that concaved inside the halls. I guess this was the center of the blast that destroyed this castle.

There were a few skimpy ways to get inside the rubble, but most of those would lead us through either the baths or the kitchen.

Luckily, we saw an open path towards the second floor. Entering inside, I was met with a sense of small nostalgia. Although it was for a short time, I did once consider these hallways home.

I could see a bunch of dead bodies here and there, and it seemed this place was scorched in some places, with signs of burn marks on the surrounding walls and rubble. But why was it linear, though?

"What exactly is your relationship with my daughter?" the bishop suddenly asked in the dark yet somber stairs we were walking down.

And why is he asking now? Was he too afraid to cause controversies in public, or is he planning to take care of me now that we're alone together….

Why is he even asking in the first place when he already knows, to begin with?

"…. I'm her lover" The moment I said those words, the already quiet and tense atmosphere felt like it doubled.

Although I could just lie through my teeth right now, lying won't do me any good, especially knowing this guy's personality.

It's better to say it now than never.

I don't want to make things any more complicated than they are. Besides, knowing what's to come, he will surely accept me in no time.

Then suddenly, for some reason, the air around us got hot, and the white baton in his hands slowly started shimmering in gold.

What is this old man about to do now?

"Tell me, do you truly love her?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Do you think you deserve her?"

"I don't know. That is not for me to decide."

"Then—"

"It is neither yours, Bishop; you know that. In the end, it is Elena who will decide whether I'm worthy in her heart or not. Not you, not me, not the people around us—just her, and only her," I said with a resolute voice, expressing my thoughts on his attempt to persuade me to break up with Elena. I'm sorry, but I can't do that.

"You're sure resolute with your feelings, boy…"

At first, it was young man, then Adrian, and now boy. This old man really tries to find a way to not call me by my name or with honorifics.

"Are you sure you can handle the consequences that come with messing with the very daughter of light?" he asked in an angered tone.

I noticed blood coming out from his mouth, as the intensity of heat surrounding his baton was reaching a dangerous level.

But I guess this old man really is pushing himself this entire time, huh? I could even see third-degree burns on his palms right now.

Why is he so damn stubborn and pushing himself like this just to make a point?

"I don't know the future, Bishop, so who knows what will happen. And don't worry I know just how controversial our relationship is, and I'm actually quite grateful you haven't killed me by now for having a relationship with Elena. After all, I actually feel more scared of you, her father, than the actual church itself. All I can say right now is that I love Elena, and no amount of consequences can make me stop loving her" I said.

"… One way or another, you know you'll have to let go of her. It's better to prepare yourself, boy…." he said in a condescending tone.

"I'll keep that in mind…"

The runabout way of telling me to break up with Elena was getting annoying. Ignoring him for now, I looked at our surroundings.

Now that I think about it, why is Lucian Hall this destroyed? I thought I ordered the demons to only use non-lethal bombs and fight Louise on a considerable level. Did her spirits go on a rampage?

"Adrian….?"

"Your Excellency."

Suddenly, a beautiful voice called out to me, and the Bishop's baton glowed slowly. Her face was revealed just right in front of us.

Kneeling on the floor, I could see Elena, who was letting the unconscious Louise sleep on her lap. I'm glad they don't seem to be hurt, but why is Louise unconscious?

Her face was as beautiful as ever. Suddenly, Elena stood up, gently placing down Louise as a makeshift pillow.

"Elena…" said the bishop as he walked closer to her. Elena walked closer as well.

As he opened his arms for a hug, his arms met the empty air.

"Adrian…!!" His eyes slowly looked behind him as Elena exclaimed while hugging me tightly. "I'm glad you're safe."

"E-Elena….?" His voice cracked….

This feels like exact déjà vu with what happened back at the square, only this time it was the bishop who was giving me the death stare instead of Euphemia.