Hearing Patriot's words, Jeanne's first instinct was to deny his implicit question. However, on second thought, she realized this might be a matter best discussed with the old general first. He was someone who understood her circumstances well, while also knowing Kazdel and that Demon King thoroughly. This old gentleman could naturally offer plenty of insights to serve as a valuable reference.
Without further hesitation, Jeanne recounted exactly what Kal'tsit had told her. She merely refrained from disclosing the Doctor's unique status, framing it instead as a matter of finding someone of the exact same race as her, suggesting that perhaps only the two of them remained.
Upon listening to her explanation, Patriot naturally understood the situation perfectly. Yet he also knew full well that traveling to Kazdel at this juncture was by no means a wise path; rather, it was an exceptionally perilous choice.
"What are your own thoughts then? Do you wish to go there and see for yourself, or do you intend to leave the matter alone? This is a choice you must make for yourself."
After listening to her narrative, Patriot felt he could not make this decision on her behalf. Nonetheless, he could discern that while Jeanne harbored a desire to meet the Doctor, she was also burdened by distinct apprehensions. Her hesitation likely stemmed from her lack of familiarity with that land, or perhaps from a lack of confidence in the organization known as Babel led by the Royal Princess. She might even be worried that her presence in Kazdel could trigger unfortunate events.
Ultimately, these were matters Jeanne had to resolve on her own. Patriot could only provide counsel, or at least give her a better understanding of the individuals she might encounter. Patriot was intimately familiar with the current high-ranking figures of Babel. After all, the core strength of Babel still consisted of the very same old comrades he had left behind before his departure.
As for that Doctor... Patriot did not possess the slightest shred of understanding. This individual had only appeared in Kazdel years after his departure, leaving him entirely in the dark about her. However, since the Doctor had secured the recognition of Her Highness, it stood to reason that she wouldn't be the type of person to evoke a deep-seated revulsion from Jeanne. At the very least, nothing severe should occur during their interactions.
"I think so too. Some matters require my own resolution. It's just that there are aspects I need to weigh carefully before I can arrive at a final choice."
Jeanne gave Patriot a grateful nod. She knew she was simply harboring a few lingering concerns, which was why she hadn't given an immediate confirmation. There were always things she needed to discuss with others before charting her path. After all, even if she wished to pursue a specific course, she couldn't allow her actions to bring negative repercussions upon everyone else, could she?
In this regard, Laterano was a primary concern. Jeanne didn't even dare to imagine what extreme measures those Sankta might deploy if word got out that she had ventured into Kazdel. She would have to discuss this with that old gentleman, the Pope, ahead of time, precisely to prevent him from initiating the same drastic mobilizations out of anxiety for her safety.
"Indeed. I can only describe the nature of the individuals I once knew, but such information can only serve as a dated reference for you. After all, it has been a long time since I last returned, and my intelligence is bound to be lagging behind..."
Following those words, Patriot began to detail the exact identities of the figures supporting the Royal Princess, granting Jeanne a conceptual grasp of the characters she might face in the future.
In truth, Patriot was certain that Jeanne would eventually choose to go to Kazdel. Though her eyes reflected a momentary uncertainty, they were entirely filled with a profound desire to see that place. She was merely held back by the attachments that caused her to waver.
After conversing with Patriot for a while longer, Jeanne waved her farewell. The old general offered no further words; he simply stood in place, watching her figure recede before turning to depart himself.
"Is that so? In that case, you may simply make the decision for yourself. Rest assured, we will not initiate those measures this time around, provided your safety is guaranteed..."
Upon returning to her quarters, Jeanne initiated contact with the Pope to exchange thoughts regarding her prospective journey to Kazdel.
On the other end of the line, the old gentleman raised no objections. Recognizing Jeanne's underlying desire to go and see that place for herself, he simply told her to set her mind at ease, promising that his side would not orchestrate a mass mobilization like the previous incident.
As for whether that promise held entirely true, only the old gentleman himself knew. After all, it was highly improbable that he would remain completely indifferent while Jeanne wandered through hostile territory unmonitored. Furthermore, it was the absolute stronghold of the Sarkaz. If those Sarkaz were to discover her true identity... the Pope estimated that they would bring a devastation upon themselves far more terrifying than the sum of their entire history.
Given Jeanne's capabilities, the Pope felt that if she managed to refrain from initiating a holy crusade to entirely incinerate her surroundings during her stay in Kazdel, Theresis ought to enshrine her as an absolute VIP.
"Moreover, the place you intend to visit is Babel... I have heard of that organization as well. It is a structure established by that Demon King. That Demon King is quite an interesting figure; her organization differs immensely from conventional Sarkaz factions."
The Pope recalled the organization founded by that legendary Demon King. Theresa was indeed a remarkably pure presence within the Sarkaz race, possessing a grandeur of spirit that stood apart from previous generations of Demon Kings! Her organization even permitted Sankta to serve within its ranks. This was a phenomenon completely unprecedented throughout the entirety of Sarkaz history.
This required more than just immense resolve from the Demon King herself; it demanded that the internal Sarkaz and Sankta cast aside the ancient hatred flowing through their very lifelines to sit down and communicate with one another. Based on this point alone, the Pope held a great deal of admiration for the Demon King. Had circumstances permitted, he genuinely wished to engage in a dialogue with her, though the past few years had yielded absolutely no opportunity to do so.
"If conditions allow, I truly hope you might grant me a chance to communicate with that Demon King. Perhaps certain matters might experience a faint glimmer of a turning point while my old bones can still stir," the Pope spoke with genuine anticipation. It was evident that he truly desired an exchange with the Demon King, and Jeanne readily agreed to the request.
She was well aware that this old gentleman's stance toward the Sarkaz deviated significantly from that of previous Popes; his attitude was remarkably tolerant and largely devoid of blind hostility. Yet, even with her prior understanding, hearing him express a direct desire to converse with the Demon King left Jeanne quite surprised, making her wonder how much criticism the old man would have to endure for such a move.
"When the time comes, I will find an opportunity to mention it to her. As for whether that Demon King agrees or not, I truly cannot guarantee anything from my end."
Even now, Jeanne's impression of the Demon King remained incredibly vague. After all, she had never laid eyes on the individual herself and had only heard tales of her deeds, knowing her to be a hero of the Sarkaz.
Hearing Jeanne's response, the Pope merely offered a gentle laugh. He was quite certain that the Demon King would accept such an exchange, for she was not an existence who would remain shackled by racial divisions.
"Well then, I shall wish you a smooth journey from my end. If you encounter any peril, simply establish contact with us; we will devise a means to resolve those troubles for you."
The Pope spoke with great warmth, but just as Jeanne suspected, what sort of preparations this old gentleman was secretly engineering remained entirely beyond her guesses. She could only hope it wouldn't compromise Laterano's defense as drastically as the previous occasion.
"By the way, you haven't been in touch with Lemuen and the others over the past few days, have you? You ought to find some time to contact them; you will likely receive a rather pleasant piece of news."
Right before terminating the call, the Pope dropped this cryptic remark with an air of mystery, offering no further explanation before hanging up, leaving a thoroughly perplexed Jeanne standing there by herself.
Had Lemuen and the others initiated some new operation? Jeanne had assumed that after resolving their personal affairs, the three of them had already returned to the vanguard guard units they once served, continuing their efforts within the ranks. From the sound of it, they hadn't returned to the guard units at all. What on earth were they up to? And for what reason would the Pope make a special point to remind her?
Filled with curiosity, Jeanne subsequently dialed Lemuen's number, intent on uncovering what they had been up to recently that would prompt even the Pope to issue a specific reminder.