Pushover Extra Trains the Villainesses

Chapter 162: Big Deal IV

Chapter 162: Big Deal IV

Bahamut’s party and the Empress sat facing each other in a room, this time far from the battlefield. 

Although they were now meeting as equals, not in the hierarchical manner they had before, Bahamut still felt the weight of the Empress’s presence—like sitting before a monarch on a high throne.

‘As expected… Maybe it’s because she’s lived for over a hundred years, but her aura is different.’

Although Bahamut had met Emperor Carol before, back then, the difference between them had been one of status, not experience or demeanor. Carol had felt more like a passionate young man brimming with energy than a solemn ruler, making the encounter less overwhelming.

However, the case was different with Empress Roseveta, who now sat before him. Despite appearing to be the same age as Bertina, the vast difference in experience was apparent. Roseveta seemed ancient, someone whose life at the peak of power spanned decades. Her every action radiated an aura of authority.

‘Mina Roseveta Dragona… Isn’t she the strongest witch who married a dragon?’ Bahamut mused. Although she had once been human, it was said that her immense mana had transformed her into something beyond human.

In the original story, Roseveta was the most crucial ally to Isaac, the blackened protagonist. She played the role of a warm-hearted leader, facilitating the secret bond between Isaac and Elios. Although she had a gentle side filled with mercy, she was also terrifying when crossed. Those who tested her patience quickly learned the consequences, and in some cases, surrendering their lives seemed the wiser choice.

Her fury was sparked by three things:

1. Mortal harm to her family.

3. Engaging in the s1ave trade, which she despised.

Her fierce love for her family explained the first. The second reflected the obligations of a ruler to protect her people. However, her hatred for s1avery stemmed from personal experience—Roseveta had suffered due to the s1ave trade in her past.

The exact details of her trauma were unclear in the original narrative, and even Bahamut couldn’t know them. 

‘All I need to do is tread carefully around these matters. After all, her strength is unmatched. It’s said that Isaac feared her until the very end—and I can see why.’

While Bahamut was lost in thought, the Empress gently placed her teacup on the table and spoke calmly.

“Then, let us begin the discussion. As I mentioned, our goal is to throw the Holy Empire and the other nations of the continent into chaos.”

“Yes, I understand,” Bahamut replied. “The aim is to destabilize the already weakened Holy Church.”

Though the war had ended with a victory for the Holy Empire and the Church-led alliance, the Church’s deeper issues remained unresolved. Over 1,500 years of power had left the institution corrupted and secularized.

Across the continent, the Church committed numerous injustices, often under the guise of collecting funds for the Grand Sanctuary’s expansion. Lords and followers were extorted through various schemes, and indulgences—pieces of paper claiming to pardon sins—were sold openly.

Faith had become a tool of manipulation, and believers were threatened with damnation if they refused to pay. 

In a world without religious freedom, discontent had grown, bubbling just beneath the surface. The Church’s recent victory gave them an air of triumph, but the problems lingered like a time bomb waiting to explode.

Roseveta’s plan was to ignite that bomb.

“Indeed,” Bahamut agreed, “with the current situation, it wouldn’t take much to set things in motion.”

The Empress gave him a questioning glance, causing Bahamut to grow slightly uneasy. 

Then, Roseveta asked with quiet concern, “We harbor a deep grudge against the Church, so our motivation is clear. But what about you? If I recall correctly, the residents of the Schwyz region are deeply tied to Saint Rom’s teachings, and that includes you.”

“Umm…”

Bahamut knew that once the plan was set in motion, the Church would retaliate ferociously. Long-buried scandals would resurface, and attacking the Church—a central institution of faith—risked alienating believers. For many, such an act could be seen as renouncing their own faith.

He needed a convincing response, but admitting he was an atheist in a world where belief was as accepted as the idea of a round earth wouldn’t help. Instead, he had to frame his motivations as though he still held some religious belief.

‘What if I approach this realistically?’

Although Bahamut wasn’t deeply familiar with the Church in this world, his knowledge of similar institutions from his previous life gave him the basis for a response.

Taking a deep breath, he began. “I’ll admit, Your Majesty’s plan gave me pause when I first heard it. I never intended to oppose it—I owe you too much for that. But as someone who considers himself a believer in God, it would be a lie to say it didn’t trouble me.”

Bahamut sighed, his expression turning somber. “However, I’m not blind to reality. I know how deeply the Church has fallen into corruption, and I’ve witnessed the countless evils that have come from it. Would our god approve of this situation? I doubt it, even if the Pope himself claims otherwise.”

Roseveta nodded thoughtfully.

Bahamut continued, his voice filled with determination. “It pains me to oppose what is supposed to be God’s institution. But if striking the Church can wake it from its delusions and restore it to its original path, then I believe God will be pleased.”

“I see,” Roseveta replied. “I understand your perspective, Bahamut.”

Hearing her words of acceptance, Bahamut exhaled in relief. ‘Thank goodness. It seems I managed to handle that well enough.’

Bertina, observing from the side, looked pleasantly surprised. At the same time, she felt a sense of admiration for her husband.

‘I thought he was only doing this for profit… But it turns out he is far more thoughtful than I expected.’

Though not a devout believer herself, Bertina smiled softly, feeling proud as she gazed at her husband.

Sponsor Chapters at the Patreon Shop: Along with BuymeaCoffee where you can now make payments in your local currency.

The Shop section on Patreon can be used as a way to make a one-time-payment. I will be creating products in the Shop section with the title of the webnovels. It will only have an image as the product, but it will count as the payment for the Sponsored Chapters. 

For example: You will buy the product with the title “Flower Stealing Master” to sponsor a chapter for the novel. As far as I know, you can buy the same product multiple times, so you should be able to sponsor as many chapters you want. I hope it was easy to understand.

Introducing KN WN Bundle ($15) for those who prefer to read only KR webnovels. This bundle gives you access to all the advance chapters of the Korean Webnovels on Goblinslate immediately, and will stay ahead of the regular release for the month! Get it on Patreon!

That means, you get: 

PTTV – Four Advance Chapters! ($10)

IPUAW – Two Advance Chapters! ($5)

MSAS – Two Advance Chapters! ($5)

MWD – Two Advance Chapters! ($5)