Chapter 501
The conversation we had in the Pope’s office was quite impressive.
“I want to acknowledge that while there is only one Lord of the Sect, there are many lords on the continent.”
That statement would leave even someone like me, who humbly boasts about my faith, in shock. With the revival of the World Tree, it’s only natural for the Dawn Sect to adopt a different stance now that the deity Konstantina, a being from another race, has returned. To cling to old beliefs in the face of a god who’s showing up again with gifts? It sounds more like a quicksand trap of contradictions rather than wisdom.
However, I expected that alternative viewpoint would be heavily focused on the teachings of Enen. The Dawn Sect had shed rivers of blood to win during the religious wars. For over hundreds of years, they have reigned as the dominant religion on the continent. So I thought they would at least treat Konstantina as a subordinate god, or perhaps a guardian spirit.
“When believers in gods have their own distinct cultures directly before our eyes, what right do we have to demean a legitimate god? Just as Enen respected Konstantina, so do we, as his followers.”
But it wasn’t the Pope who was denying her status; he recognized her as a deity in her own right, as part of a different religious community.
What an astonishing move! Sure, Konstantina, being an elf, barely qualifies as a minor deity compared to humans, so recognizing her independently wouldn’t rock the Dawn Sect’s boat. After all, too much time has passed for the Dawn Sect to be shaken by any unaffiliated gods now.
Still, in a monotheistic system like the Dawn Sect’s, acknowledging a god other than Enen is a groundbreaking declaration. While it may not make a difference now, this choice could one day shake the foundations of their authority.
“Are you sure about this? Right now, it’s just Konstantina, but what if other gods show up again in the future?”
“If we follow the right teachings and act with virtue, why would we fear an overflow of heretical thoughts? We already have the experience of being chosen by our people.”
The Pope’s soft yet firm words left Trixy speechless. If I, coming from a different world, found it hard to believe, what must Trixy have been feeling?
“However, regrettably, not all of our compatriots share my views. That’s why during this council, we’ll likely avoid mentioning the World Tree and bring up other topics first.”
If the World Tree is discussed at the council, it would force recognition of Konstantina. The rebirth of the World Tree and the descent of a god after centuries would give even the most firm conservatives pause for arguments. However, if they keep the debates focused on topics outside of classical norms, at least they can postpone making a decision.
As they delay the decision, the agenda fills with contentious topics, leaving the neutral Cardinals exhausted from spirited discussions; they’re likely to lean toward conservative options rather than supporting the bombshell that is “acknowledging another god,” as explained by the Pope.
In other words, it’s a battle of time. If they push for the World Tree from the start, the Pope wins; if that’s blocked, then it’s a victory for the conservatives.
‘So this is how it’s going to play out.’
As soon as the council was convened, the Witch’s Magic Field unfolded. For the conservatives, it was crucial to steer the narrative before “World Tree” even became a topic—all to avert the risk of Konstantina being recognized as an independent deity.
Coincidentally, the reform that the Pope aimed to pass during this council was well-known among conservatives. After all, he had passionately pushed for it since his appointment; it would have been strange for them not to know. Consequently, conservatives were already throwing colorful chaos by mentioning propositions the Pope and progressives had put forth.
Of course, I never expected it to escalate to this level of chaos. You’d think we were in a back alley, not a council.
“Since we are discussing something vital for the doctrine and the proper faith of the continent, I can’t help but attempt to discern its importance.”
With that, as soon as the Pope granted me a chance to speak, I jumped right in.
I favored the Pope’s intent, and along with the elves led by my grandmother, I didn’t want Konstantina to be demoted to just a guardian spirit or a lower deity. If I allowed her to be demeaned in front of my grandmother, how would I ever face her again?
“But regrettably, I am but a mere mortal living in the secular world. While I wish for our future discussions to shape the course of destiny, I carry the duty to serve the Empire and its subjects, so I must return quickly.”
Therefore, I voiced a request that would lend strength to the Pope. His expression brightened, and the head of the Faith Doctrine Department faintly closed his eyes.
“Thus, I humbly request that you discuss the World Tree matter first.”
A brief silence hung in the air after my straightforward demand. If the situation were more one-sided, such a bold request would be considered rude, but asking the host, who invited me, to hurry his discussion because I was pressed for time was hard to refuse. Rudeness aside, I had my agenda.
“You speak rightly.”
Breaking the silence, the head of the Faith Doctrine Department opened his mouth.
I couldn’t help but feel tense; the individual who could potentially halt the discussion had taken the lead. While he could speak truthfully, he actually wanted to delay any talks about the World Tree. What kind of words would he conjure to stop me—
“My apologies for keeping a busy person here. As the Blessed suggested, let’s start the discussion regarding the World Tree first. Nothing can be placed above the gods.”
?
‘What?’
The tension instantly transformed into surprise. Not only did he openly accept my opinion, but he also hinted at recognizing Konstantina as an independent deity by mentioning the word “god” himself.
What’s going on? Isn’t this the conservative leader? Not long ago, he was causing chaos to prevent recognizing Konstantina as a god!
Glancing subtly toward the Pope, I found his expression remarkably serene. Almost as if he had anticipated this outcome.
…
‘Well, if it’s good for everyone…’
As soon as I saw that calm expression, I felt at ease. Perhaps there were some hidden dynamics I wasn’t aware of.
*
Following Count Tailglehen’s plea, the pushy rhetoric was dropped. If resisting was in vain, it was better to go with the flow rather than splinter our power by stubbornly battling it out.
“We’ll take a short recess. Let’s meet back in two hours.”
During this time, the Secretary of the Sect’s Records declared the recess, thus rescuing me from an overflowing smirk. Ideally, we should have been leading the council with our own aggressive statements right now.
‘So much for that.’
All plans had misfired. Now, my only role was to apply the brakes for the least radical outcome possible.
Yes, for a ‘less’ radical result. It’s undeniable that the sect will move in a new direction separate from everything we’ve known up to now.
Recognizing a being other than our Lord as a god, and rewriting the glorious victory we drew with our blood.
‘This too must be the Lord’s arrangement.’
I let out a small sigh. If the Blessed, who received the Lord’s grace, supported the Pope’s desire, it must also be the Lord’s will. As such, I must follow.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Hmm?”
As I stepped out of the meeting room with a heavy heart, the conservative Cardinals who had been waiting for me approached.
Their faces hinted at discontent, suggesting they shared similar sentiments to mine.
“Surely you’re tired, why wait for this old man? Are you showing off how youthful you are, rubbing it in my face?”
I tossed a joke toward the Cardinals.
“Are you going to wrap this up like this?”
However, even my earnest attempts at humor did not yield a warm response.
What a bleak outcome. These youngsters lack any semblance of fun or joy.
“So what do you expect? Who would have thought that His Grace would win over even the Blessed? Talk about a clever strategist.”
“Yes, my lord!”
“Did you forget how to hear?”
At my blunt reply, the Cardinals’ expressions dropped further.
“…So we are to dismantle the glory built by our predecessors, and share the fragments with heretics?”
“Now, now.”
“Are we to deny our one true Lord with our own mouths and place another Lord above Him?”
Their bitter words filled with indignation made me involuntarily smirk again.
Don’t think I don’t share your feelings. I too opposed the Lord’s assertion with the same mindset. To recognize another deity alongside Enen, the sole Lord of this continent, while we tread over the glorious history earned through bloodshed would sound ludicrous.
“That must be the Lord’s arrangement.”
Still, I must follow. The Blessed, favored by the Lord, is supporting the Pope’s direction. Perhaps it was a sign of the Lord’s will when the World Tree resurrected under the watchful eyes of the Blessed. What else could it be?
“And haven’t you seen? Even the neutral Cardinals are beginning to support the Pope’s wishes. We are now outmatched in reasons and numbers.”
“That’s…”
“Let’s not dismiss the majority. They too possess respect toward the Lord and have hearts committed to the faithful. If we couldn’t persuade them, we must yield to their opinions.”
As the Cardinals began to loosen their discontented expressions in light of my remarks.
It’s only natural. If we disregard the majority vote, how can we even have a discussion? Should we start over just because we’re unhappy with the outcome?
‘That would be nonsense.’
We oppose the Pope’s reform to protect our Lord’s glorious name. But would it not tarnish His name to divide the sect over opposition?
If someone were to threaten the integrity of the sect with thoughts of division, I’d be first in line to recommend their exile to His Grace. The Cardinals exist for the sect, not the other way around.
“Now, everyone, go back and rest. We’re nearing the end of only one agenda concerning the World Tree. There are still plenty more to go.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Watching the Cardinals shuffle off, I turned away. During this two-hour break, there would be many thoughts to ponder.
‘Looks like I have to give up on the idea of being a future Pope.’
Although my name was thrown around as a potential successor to the papacy, with things looking like they’re wrapping up according to the Pope’s desires, it would be wise to abandon those aspirations.
Once the council passes, reforms will be pushed in the direction of the progressives. If a conservative like me were to become Pope then the reform would surely be messy. I don’t want to go down in history as the incapable and obstinate Pope who derailed crucial changes for the sect.
‘In the end, you’re the one winning, aren’t you?’
I couldn’t help but chuckle. The Pope was merely a figure chosen by disillusioned Cardinals looking to take a break after the reforms of his predecessor. How ironic that such a Pope would be leading this council.
‘How in the world did the Blessed convince him?’
With the factors leading to this crucial defeat in mind, I continued on my path.
Is the Lord truly keeping a watchful eye over the Pope?
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