Chapter: 802
As I headed to the Pope’s office, it was clear that the instruction to treat me with special care wasn’t just for show. I was met with a courteous reception from the Pope himself.
Moreover, the groom, Tannian, was also in the office. I was planning to greet the Pope and then head straight to Tannian, so thankfully, I wouldn’t have to wander around.
“Welcome, my brother. Your travel must have been taxing,” said the Pope.
“Taxing? The Empire and the Holy Kingdom are neighbors, close as can be. Besides, I arrived by teleportation, so it was a breeze.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Regardless, I subtly bowed to the Pope, who, alongside the Emperor, could be considered rulers of this continent. Even though I was enjoying VVIP treatment from the sect, it would be unseemly to act too casually. Depending on how you view it, we could say the Pope = Tailglehen Count = Emperor.
No, more importantly, the Pope is older and wise—not just a name on a piece of paper. Being treated equally with such a venerable elder feels a bit…off.
“Hmm. The person behind you must be Brother Erich. He resembles Brother Carl quite a bit.”
“Is that so? Since I see this face often, it’s hard to tell.”
“Then it seems the closer you are, the harder it is to notice. Even brothers who share blood are a little different, I suppose.”
With a small chuckle, the Pope then turned his gaze to Tannian. It seemed like he was telling me to chat with the main character now that we were done with the introductions.
“It’s been a while, my brother. I’m simply overjoyed to meet you again on such a momentous occasion.”
Gratefully lowering my head slightly to acknowledge his consideration, I then offered my congratulations to Tannian.
According to Erich, Tannian had achieved the remarkable feat of pre-marital pregnancy. I guess that explained why preparations for the wedding came about a bit sudden and rushed.
But honestly, what’s the problem with that? In a world where contraception magic and sexual spells exist, it’s ironic that the next saint failed at it. Still, it wasn’t like it was an unwanted love! It’s merely a little twist in the timeline.
So, I could genuinely congratulate him. Truthfully, my path to marriage wasn’t exactly smooth sailing either, apart from the pre-marital pregnancy.
“I am equally moved to reconnect with an old acquaintance under such happy circumstances. I believed the pilgrimage to the holy site that brought me to the Empire was an act of divine mercy, but I didn’t expect it would lead to a reunion this quickly.”
“Everything must be guided by the Lord.”
“Indeed, you are right. All of this is the Lord’s arrangement.”
Was it just me, or did it sound like he was implying, ‘Our encounters are due to my failure at contraception; my failure is the Lord’s arranging’?
Of course, that was probably just my imagination. Tannian might be an unusual and proactive priest, but his faith is undoubtedly genuine. There’s no way he’d blame his mistakes on a higher power.
“Thank you also to Brother Erich, Sister Zenobia, and Sister Sara for joining us today. Though I have many family members, I’ve always felt a lack of friends. It brings me joy to see friends brighten my wedding.”
“If I could spot a friend from afar, I wouldn’t ignore a friend nearby.”
Erich’s respectful tone made Tannian’s eyes widen for a moment, before bursting into laughter as if he suddenly understood the situation.
“Brother, feel free to speak informally. His Grace is well aware of the bond between us.”
This was an affirmation that it was okay to drop formalities in front of the Pope. Erich couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly at such a direct statement.
I totally understand. Even if the party in question says it’s fine, being casual in front of the Pope could still be intimidating. Even with the ‘next saint’ title, a saint is still a saint. To the Pope, they hold a holy status and should be treated as such.
“Shall we carry on then?” I asked.
“Of course.”
Erich somehow managed to step up in that awkward situation, so I gave a sigh.
Oh, brother, how have you grown into such a weirdo? He may have lacked the same level of love from our parents, but he still received nurturing care from his wet nurse.
“By the way, is this child my nephew?”
Both Tannian and the Pope seemed uninterested in Erich’s casual tone. They were more focused on Robert, blinking his little eyes while nestled in Zenobia’s arms.
Thank goodness. If Erich got excommunicated for disrespecting the saint, that would be quite the spectacle.
“That’s right. Our son Robert. Isn’t he cute?”
“He seems like a little angel descended from the heavens. A cliché expression, but there’s really no better way to phrase it.”
Honestly, Tannian looked quite dazed staring at Robert.
I mean, sure, people usually say ‘the ugly five-year-old’ phase is a stage, but who hates a newborn? Especially since Tannian would soon become a newlywed and then a dad. Robert must look even more precious to him.
“…Brother, may I touch him for a moment?”
“Be careful when you do. He’s generally calm, but he can be a bit shy around strangers.”
“Don’t worry. The Lord will warm him better than anyone.”
“Hmm?”
With a smile, Tannian carefully placed a hand on top of Robert’s head.
“O heavenly Lord, your servant requests. Please look after this delicate and pure life and illuminate this child’s future. May trials strengthen him and keep darkness from approaching.”
‘Oh.’
Then, he offered a heartfelt blessing as the next saint.
“Waaa!”
Robert seemed to understand he just got a massive gift, flashing a big grin at Tannian.
Good job, my nephew. You’ve got to serve up at least that much for the one bestowing a blessing.
“Brother, if it’s alright with you, may I take some time to speak with this old man?”
“Oh, of course.”
Seeing Erich with a wide grin and Zenobia constantly thanking him, I nodded at the Pope’s invitation.
With Robert around, Erich and Tannian would be so engrossed in their conversation that stepping away for a bit shouldn’t cause any issue.
‘He’s probably got plenty to say.’
On top of that, the Pope likely had many things on his mind too. He had stepped back just for Tannian, but now with Tannian’s fascination focused on Robert. If there’s a time to talk, now would be the chance.
I moved to another area at the Pope’s request.
Next to the Pope’s office was a small meeting room.
“As you know, as the ranks increase, meetings also keep multiplying. That’s why we built this crude room next door.”
“Crude? How could there be anything crude in this sacred space?”
“If you hear the history of this room, you’d think the same as me. The brawls and loud arguments that have occurred here are many, and there’s no point in counting them. So how could it not be crude?”
“Goodness.”
I let out an unintentional sigh.
The meeting room right next to the Pope’s office must have a pretty high entry requirement. At the very least, it would have to be a cardinal holding a position, if not a non-positioned cardinal.
Yet, they claim these figures have wrestled during meetings? It’s enough to make me shake my head in disbelief.
“Of course, those disputes served as a testament to the reverence and faith towards the Lord. No lingering grudges arose between popes and cardinals due to these debates. Whatever has happened here ended within these walls. That was a rule, a final line.”
“That’s quite an impressive tradition.”
“However, it seems that a new history will soon be written atop that tradition.”
Just from the way the Pope broke into laughter, my intuition kicked into high gear, filling me with dread.
After explaining the bizarre tradition of this room, mentioning history in the same breath? Surely he wasn’t suggesting I engage in a boxing match with him here?
“Brother, you are blessed by the Lord and have wrought miracles. Thus, it is confirmed that you shall be canonized during your lifetime, and when you pass, you will be declared a saint.”
“I’m truly honored.”
“Admittedly, I must say something unbecoming: I propose we disregard the canonization after your death.”
That was unexpected, leaving me momentarily speechless.
Already enjoying the status of a blessed during my life, the posthumous canonization holds little significance. Thus, it wouldn’t trouble me much if it was canceled. I was merely baffled by the very fact of its cancellation.
“Is the Dark Sage doing well?”
‘Oh.’
At that moment, I jolted slightly.
Right, it seems the Pope was aware that Risianne has been left unpunished. It’s a widely unknown fact, even amongst the continent’s elite, but the Church’s darkest saga rests in my hands, potentially unsettling the Pope—
“Oh, don’t misunderstand! I believe the presence of the Dark Sage by your side is by divine intention. You have been guided by the Lord, and that’s evidenced by the holy site you uncovered.”
The Pope said that, his gentle smile locking onto my gaze.
Warmth and gratitude. In his eyes, I saw no sign of negativity, just those two emotions shining through.
“That’s why I want to cancel your posthumous canonization and instead proceed with your existing canonization.”
“…Excuse me?”
“There has indeed been divine revelation. The one blessed by the sun, sky, and nature is undoubtedly splendid, deserving to carry the heaviest honor among humans—this is what was said.”
“Divine revelation, you say?”
“Yes. It truly was an honorable occasion. I never imagined this lowly being would hear the Lord’s voice again.”
Suddenly, the Pope’s eyes became a bit misty, reminiscing that moment when he received a revelation from Enen.
“Because of that, this old man has turned into a rather rambunctious Pope. I’m leading a Council, ringing the bell five times, and pushing through this extraordinary lifetime canonization. All of this brings me enough justification to retire from the papacy.”
This shocking statement made me suddenly shut my eyes tightly. The Pope’s voluntary resignation? Don’t just throw that bombshell out nonchalantly!
Why are you even telling me this? If the Emperor hasn’t mentioned anything while making his way to the Holy Kingdom, the Empire’s spy network must not be aware of the Pope’s resignation decision either, right?
“Brother.”
“Yes…please, go on.”
“With divine revelation, I wish my final act to be to attach ‘Saint’ to your name. Will you grant permission?”
“If I were to refuse…”
“My knees would bend more lightly than you think.”
That was what he meant, suggesting he’d plead for my consideration while kneeling.
It was a harsh and cruel threat—one that almost made me tear up.
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