Chapter: 801
Unlike my trip to Yuben, this time I decided to enter the Holy Kingdom alone.
When I asked Erich if he wanted to come with me, he shook his head vigorously. It seems there’s some sort of gentlemen’s agreement among the ladies to avoid visiting the same places. They prefer to keep their memories unique, which is a thoughtful gesture, really.
Honestly, I also find it more convenient to enter the Holy Kingdom on my own. Since this trip doubles as a honeymoon, I’d need to stay there for a few weeks. But being a living saint and the one who gifted them something monumental, if I stay too long, I might be overwhelmed by all the cheers and handshakes.
So, it’s best that I enter solo, chat briefly with Tannian, and leave as soon as my business is done. That’s the optimal plan.
“Are you going alone, hyung?”
“Yeah. That’s the plan.”
Well, it means I’m going solo without my wife, but it doesn’t mean I’m truly alone.
This time, I’ll be entering at the same time as Erich. When I went to Yuben, I arrived early for a leisurely trip, but this time, there’s no need for that.
“The sisters sure have it rough with their husbands. This guy has friends all over the border.”
“It’s okay! I’m actually proud.”
“Right? When else do you get to cross the border?”
And as I greeted Zenobia and Sara who were next to Erich, they both welcomed me with bright smiles.
I felt grateful yet a bit melancholic. It wasn’t just Erich with connections all over the continent; those two didn’t necessarily need to cross borders. They could enjoy a peaceful vacation in the capital, and if they wanted a little escape, visiting the Empire’s landmarks would be more than enough.
But what can you do? The guy they’re infatuated with is showcasing his connections across the continent. Plus, if some are celebrating as families while others do it solo, it might leave the one getting celebrated a bit disgruntled.
“Our nephew is busy studying abroad since he was born. But he must still attend the academy within the Empire, right?”
“Yup—”
Anyway, when I stretched my finger toward Robert, who was nestled in Zenobia’s arms, he grabbed my finger and made adorable noises.
It’s amazing how quickly my mind calmed down. His tiny hands are the warmest and coziest. Newborns possess some kind of magical power that’s hard to express in words.
‘This is why I enjoy being a father.’
Okay, I’m more like a big uncle right now, but who cares? Two out of three letters in the title fit, so that counts.
“By the way, hyung.”
“Hmm?”
“If you give a gift like that, what are we supposed to do? I’ll end up feeling awkward.”
His complaints were valid, and I couldn’t argue against them.
If both brothers showcase gifts side by side, of course, they’ll be compared. But then my brother, who delivered the shrine and temple as a gift? Whatever Erich prepared would inevitably feel inferior. Even if we didn’t care and Tannian was just grateful for our presence, others would definitely whisper.
“What’s there to be awkward about? Just think of it as replacing the gift your brother was going to give.”
I comforted Erich accordingly,
“If you really thought that, I would have scolded you for being lazy.”
Then came a rebuttal that I couldn’t refute, and I quietly turned my gaze away. I couldn’t face Robert, staring at me with those big eyes.
“…What did you prepare?”
Eventually, I couldn’t resist those sparkling eyes and spoke up. If Erich’s gift was smaller, I thought I’d throw in something extra.
“Silver mine. The Dawn Sect uses silver often, right? I figured as a gift, they’d know how to use it where needed.”
“Oh.”
However, the reply I got veered far from my expectations.
If my gift was a token of significance, then Erich’s gift was the epitome of practicality. Like Erich said, silver is a versatile material in religious contexts. From the perspective of the sect, more silver means more joy, so they would likely embrace it warmly.
Luckily, I didn’t have to add anything else. Since I decided to cheat with Enen’s footprint, Erich’s silver mine is more than adequate as a gift—the quality is excellent.
‘Sorry, brother.’
I silently sent a small apology to Erich, my desire to find a great gift got ahead of me.
Still, I never expected something like Enen’s footprint to show up. Who’d be looking for a gift while expecting that?
If anyone should be questioned, it ought to be newbie Enen, who wasn’t adept at managing his strength.
As soon as I entered the Holy Kingdom, I was treated like VVIP.
“Welcome, brother! On behalf of the Holy Kingdom, we welcome your visit.”
As I landed on the teleportation magic circle, a middle-aged priest greeted me like I’d just won the lottery.
With the cross around his neck and red robes, this wasn’t just any priest but a cardinal. And recalling the list of key figures in the Holy Kingdom I had glanced over before entering—
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Your Eminence. You must be busy with diplomatic duties, so thank you for coming to greet me personally.”
Cardinal Willem, one of the top brass in diplomatic affairs, came out to meet me.
“There’s no need for such formalities. Is there anything more important than welcoming you, brother?”
As soon as he recognized me, Cardinal Willem beamed even more and bowed his head deeply.
His hospitality was a bit embarrassing. Even Cardinal Lisciuko, the archbishop of the Ausen Archdiocese, ranks higher than me, and this guy is one of only thirteen cardinals! He really ought to bring along a duke or someone to be at his level.
“His Majesty has instructed me to treat you with special care. Our Holy Church has benefited greatly from your efforts.”
But I’m not just a typical noble of the Empire, I’m a living saint and the one who discovered the holy site. If I show discomfort, they’ll be at a loss too.
So what can I do? For everyone’s happiness, I might as well consider this treatment as my due.
“I truly appreciate your words. However, I’m not here alone…”
As I casually mentioned this and glanced back, Cardinal Willem chuckled and nodded.
“Haha, don’t worry. Of course, the family members who came with you will be treated just like you. We have that much flexibility.”
“I know well that the members of your sect are flexible and merciful, thanks to Brother Tannian.”
“Oh dear, if you measure by him, that spells trouble. Brother Tannian is exceptionally outstanding among us.”
That made both me and Erich laugh instinctively.
Right? If Tannian represents the average among all priests, that would be truly troubling. The sect would have to stretch the line of normality beyond innovative and into the twisted depths of the abyss.
*
I got the chance to have a private audience with His Majesty.
Normally, His Majesty would have a teacher by his side, but for now, it was just the two of us alone in his office.
“In just a few days, you’ll have a genuine family as well, not just faith-based family. Congratulations.”
“How can there be divisions among family? All your brothers and sisters, along with Sister Alexandria, whom I’m to marry, are all precious to me.”
“Such a gracious statement, but don’t say it outside. The new bride will surely be quite unsettled.”
“Oh, that’s true. I’ll keep that in mind.”
At my response, His Majesty smiled softly.
His smile radiated warmth, drawing a smile from me as well. He’s a priest deserving of respect, and despite holding the papacy, he’s quite down to earth. He became like a grandfather figure to me after my own family was lost, so it was only natural to respond this way.
Upon reflection, it’s indeed a blessed connection. A teacher who cared for me like a father and a sovereign who approaches like a grandfather. Without these two, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
“Brother.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“I daresay I think of you as a grandson. It feels rather proud for an old man like me.”
“Your Majesty, how can you say such things? If I’m the son of the Lord, you are His agent, the very heir of the foremost disciple.”
After affirming that our relationship was not merely one-sided, I quickly shook my head.
“Hoho, that wasn’t said for confession purposes. I simply see you, dear brother, about to wed, and there’s bound to be a great-grandchild soon. Thanks to the Lord’s grace, I feel I can leave this world with much to cherish.”
Saying this, His Majesty gently grasped my hand.
“I think it’s nearly time for me to step back.”
“Excuse me?”
His shocking declaration made my entire body freeze.
Step back? What does that mean? Who is stepping back?
“Y-your Majesty, what kind of joke is that?”
It seems His Majesty was joking to soothe my nerves ahead of my marriage. He clearly intended to lighten the mood for this grandson character.
If that jest truly was meant to ease my unease, it indeed worked. The tension that had been subtly squeezing my heart dissipated in an instant.
Though the resolution was triggered not by my own efforts but by an outside shock.
“Brother. I’ve held an excessive position, and I’ve managed to do many things. Staying any longer would be greedy.”
Yet contrary to my wishes, His Majesty kept stating sobering words.
“I held a Council, witnessed the revival of the World Tree, and defeated the resurrected Demon Kings. The emperor who was younger than me has already stepped aside.”
“T-that’s…”
“My time here should not stretch longer. If I remain in place, people will see me not as the Lord’s servant but as the usurper of the papal throne.”
At that moment, I clearly understood His Majesty’s feelings.
He seeks to avoid being showered with excessive admiration and reverence. Although willing to face the backlash of the faithful through the Council, thanks to the Lord’s blessing, His initiative garnered widespread acclaim. Consequently, His authority and renown have soared.
So, whatever His Majesty declares, everyone is bound to believe and follow. With a mere gesture from him, all devotees will take action.
Just like how we serve the Lord.
‘In a situation where the servant is viewed as the master.’
Given that His Majesty lived his life for the Lord, he likely wishes to avoid such a future.
“At the very least, I want my child to know that their great-grandfather is a pope.”
“I will remain in this position until that time.”
Instead of pressing His Majesty to stay, I decided to support his wishes, and in return, His Majesty smiled gratefully.
‘…Wait a second.’
Is it possible that—
“Um, Your Majesty? Who else knows about your intention to step back besides me?”
His smile grew deeper.
‘Oh no.’
Apparently, no one else knows yet.
‘Guess it’s going to get loud for a bit.’
A wry smile crept onto my face. Now I find myself facing off against my siblings and fellow priests who might be against His Majesty’s voluntary retirement.
I’ll be stuck in a position where I have to support His Majesty’s wishes while enduring attacks from all cardinals, priests, and the fervent cries of the faithful.
Just imagining that future is enough to make my head spin.
“Your Majesty, Brother Carl and his family have just arrived.”
Just then, I heard Willem’s voice through a gentle knock on the door, pulling me out of that dizzying future.
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