Chapter 498
The Ecumenical Council. A meeting attended by high-ranking priests of the Dawn Sect, such as Cardinals, and respected theologians to discuss the doctrines, norms, and future of the sect.
As the dominant religion of the continent and essentially the national church of various countries, just the mention of the Pope considering convening a council captures everyone’s attention. The heads of the sect gathering and engaging in fierce debate—that’s what a council is all about. If you’re not interested, now that’s the abnormal part! It’s said that even secular wars pause for the council.
The authority of the council is enormous. The most recent council took place during a historic upheaval when the Empire transitioned from Apels to Krasius, introducing not just imperial power but divine powers as well. Councils are called only during significant turns in both the continent’s history and the sect’s legacy.
Thus, when convening a council is confirmed, the political and diplomatic world of the continent falls silent. Any established conventions and common sense are upended because no matter how high a castle is built on rock, the council’s outcome can obliterate the rock itself.
“During my reign, the World Tree revives and a council is convened. Guess I’m racking up experiences others can’t even dream of.”
The Emperor muttered this, looking as though he had reached a state of enlightenment. After preparing for the revival of the World Tree since last year and gathering the ministers to discuss future actions, it all turned to waste thanks to the Pope’s announcement of the council.
‘This can’t be helped.’
Even if the Emperor and Pope are equals, when divine matters are involved, there’s no choice but to yield superiority to the Pope.
Let’s face it; the Emperor promoted the resurrection of the World Tree and the return of Constantina as a “symbol of Enen’s grace and divine mandate.” If the council concludes that “Constantina is an idol and the World Tree is just a big tree,” the Emperor would shift from being the favored lord of Enen to a delusional zealot. The mere thought sends shivers down my spine.
“Anyway, it’s settled. It doesn’t sit well with me to send a newlywed minister abroad, but given that it’s for a council, I can’t help it.”
“Time spent together as a couple can happen anytime, but a council like this only comes along once in centuries, right? Don’t worry about it.”
“I appreciate your understanding.”
The Emperor’s expression brightened slightly at my declaration to proceed without resistance.
“In exchange, it might be a bit embarrassing, but how about you go with Marcilio? He was also present at the World Tree’s revival, and isn’t he a descendant of the Elf Elder? The Pope would surely welcome him.”
“Your warm wisdom humbles me.”
I bowed in response to the Emperor’s suggestion. He meant for us to travel as references, but if we’re okay with it, we could fancy it as a honeymoon abroad together.
What a tremendous consideration from the Emperor. For him to send the Duke, a key figure in defending the territory and the head of the Magic Corps, even for a moment outside the Empire? That’s not a decision made lightly!
‘A honeymoon, huh.’
This was unexpected but not too shabby.
I decided it wasn’t bad at all. If it can’t be avoided, might as well enjoy it.
I clocked out less than 2 hours after preparing for this “honeymoon” business trip.
I gathered my stunned partners and explained the situation. I’m invited as a reference to the council, so I need to head to the Holy Kingdom soon.
“I didn’t even go to the beatification ceremony. I never expected it would turn out this way!”
“Right? I thought I’d never go!”
I nodded at Mar’s bewildered murmur. We hadn’t even set foot in the Holy Kingdom during the monumental event of Beatification, let alone expected attendance for something of this magnitude.
Besides, how many people would have thought a council could happen while they were still alive? It would be downright strange to think someone would be selected to the Holy See just to have a council called.
“Still, I’m not going as a theological discussant; I’m just there for on-site testimony, so it should be fine.”
To lighten the somewhat tense atmosphere, I mentioned positively that despite the unexpected nature of the council and my invitation, it’s not like I’d face some heinous variables.
I wouldn’t have to spearhead anything; all I needed to do was sit there and answer questions. Traveling abroad may be bothersome, but it doesn’t translate to hard or risky work.
“Plus, I’m somewhat of a Blessed, so they’ll treat me well there. Don’t worry too much.”
As an extra bonus, the next Saint is my student. If anyone starts hassling or pestering me, I’ve got the perfect way to deal with it.
Of course, any individual crazy enough to hound a guest summoned by the Pope probably wouldn’t even qualify as a priest.
“Well then, Oppa, how about wearing those clothes you received at the fair when attending the council?”
“The fair?”
At Lynn’s suggestion, I recalled the white robe probably sleeping inside my closet right now.
Definitely a good idea. I wear the same old magic department attire, so it’s easy to forget how wearing that nice gift from the Holy Kingdom would leave a great impression.
‘Sure, it’s a gift for me.’
But trying to wear it feels a bit embarrassing. When the Cardinals gifted it after the beatification ceremony, Lynn wasn’t around to witness it being handed out. I later found out she only heard about it from someone else.
“White may feel a bit strange; is that alright?”
“Absolutely! While you’re at it, try on some other outfits! You wear black all the time.”
At Lynn’s scolding, I quietly averted my eyes.
I refrained from mentioning that black clothes don’t show stains, making them convenient. Bringing that up now would only earn me more teasing.
“Ah.”
In the middle of all this, Rizie suddenly gasped softly as though she thought of something.
“If you’re going to the Holy Kingdom, does that mean you’ll see Eri unnie and Pine unnie next time?”
That penetrating question made me flinch instinctively.
Ah, right. I had been so wrapped up in the dizzying prospect of an overseas business trip that I completely forgot about that.
‘They’re going to feel left out.’
As the founding of the Information Department looms closer, Eri and Pine’s workloads have tripled. That’s why, when Trixy got married, they sparsely managed to show their faces.
Yet here I am about to take off to the Holy Kingdom with Trixy while depriving them of even a precious time together.
“…I’m not heading out immediately, so before I go, I’ll visit them first.”
At those words, I tentatively glanced over at Trixy.
It turns out she maintained a calm demeanor when hearing only the two of us heading to the Holy Kingdom because she felt guilty toward Eri and Pine. Such a deep and beautiful thoughtfulness for someone older!
Sadly, though, her ears were flopping hard, as if they couldn’t care less about the touchy feelings.
*
“Your Majesty, I implore you to reconsider. It’s not too late. Right now, we could still manage a large-scale mass to celebrate the resurrection of the World Tree.”
I closed my eyes at the urgent request of the Chief Cardinal. Was he so anxious that he was speaking irrationally, unlike the usually cautious Chief Cardinal?
Not too late? How on earth could he say that? The announcement of the council had already rung out across the entire continent. Cardinals from various regions were gradually arriving, and the establishment of authorities in each country had collectively fallen silent.
At this point, canceling the council is out of the question. If that were to happen, the Pope’s declaration would become mere boast, and the grave and elevated name of the council would fall into disgrace.
Yet, the Chief Cardinal urging for a cancellation isn’t because he wants the Pope’s name or the council’s authority to crash down.
“The sect isn’t ready to advance. If we bleed to death from a rash procedure, it’s better to bear a bit of shame.”
He was attempting to prevent this council, believing it would yield more harm to authority than any shock it might introduce.
It was a pity. The Chief Cardinal once dreamed of reforming the sect; he once proclaimed boldly to one day change it, inspired by the previous Pope. All those years have passed, and with his higher position and broader viewpoint, time did enough to turn the passionate priest into a politician compromising with reality.
It doesn’t mean he’s entirely wrong. Pursuing only ideals without considering reality would ruin the sect, and being pragmatic means he still has dreams, leaving room for possibility.
That’s why I’m here. The Chief Cardinal is allowed to yield to reality. However, the servant of servants, the one who must reach the heavenly dwelling last, shouldn’t bow to reality.
Only the Pope must gaze toward the sun. Even if it blinds him, it’ll be for the sake of standing proud before our Lord someday.
“Chief Cardinal.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
As I opened my mouth, the Chief Cardinal lifted his bowed head.
Seeing the faint glimmer of hope on his face made me grimace. Breaking someone’s expectations is never something I can grow accustomed to, no matter how often it happens.
“All honor comes from our Lord’s arrangements, and any shortcomings belong to the servant.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Under heaven, all grievances and hatred toward the sect will be borne by this old man.”
That was enough. At that point, the Chief Cardinal could only lower his head in sorrowful resignation.
*
The Chief Cardinal departed. Since canceling the council is impossible, he seems to be gearing up to maximize the chances of a successful meeting.
I’m both thankful and regretful. It seems the Chief Cardinal still fuels a flicker of the passion he once held.
‘Even if I collapse, you’ll carry on.’
That moment, I couldn’t help but smile despite the circumstances.
Even if I fail, my dreams will not perish. Just as I nurtured my dreams through the examples of the seniors before me, I too will become someone’s dream.
Then, should I carry all the grievances and hatred, I can do so with a smile. The burden I carry will grant the sect the time to prepare for change. They can await the rise of new reformists.
‘Though succeeding now is the best option.’
I picked up the documents lying on my desk.
The ideals my predecessors dreamed of, the responsibilities I must pass on to my juniors, all penned as the Pope’s burdens.
[ …The masses in each country will be conducted by the respective priests, considering the local cultures, while the Holy Kingdom must supervise to ensure that the masses do not contradict doctrine but shall not intervene beyond that.
The Dawn Sect will objectively assess all actions taken during the religious war era and formally apologize to the descendants of those faith communities if actions were radical and extreme.
Let us not forget that our Lord is only Enen, but acknowledge and respect the positive functions of other religions.
Recognize that faith and goodness do not always align.
… ]
A mission that must be fulfilled.
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