Chapter: 803
Today, the sun is exceptionally bright.
No, it’s not just bright; it feels downright scorching. Even in the dead of winter, the sunlight beats down on me as if it’s trying to set me ablaze.
Is this the wrath of the gods? The sun, reigning supreme during the era of the religious wars, looking down upon me as if sealing the fate of countless competitors.
‘We had an amicable agreement through our prayers.’
I tried to look up at the sun—a futile effort—so instead, I bowed my head toward where it was shining.
It felt miserable and resentful. To spare Enen’s pride and dignity, I left the footprints fossilized in the Northern Region. Instead of sending the footprints to the church, I built a shrine over them, visible only to the priests.
Surely, our agreement was supposed to end there. While Enen may shy away from public display, showing it to the clergy was permissible.
‘Such a filthy betrayal.’
And yet, behind the scenes, it had delivered terrifying revelations to the Pope. It was downright madness to proclaim that a living blessed one like me should be canonized while still breathing—not posthumously, but living and thriving in the flesh.
This tactic of playing both sides is indeed an art form. Acting like we’re in agreement while casually stabbing me from behind. Is this how one triumphs in such a hellish religious conflict?
“You have more than enough qualifications, my brother. Your accumulated miracles and achievements are splendid, but this is the Lord’s will. Even if it consumes the last flame of this old man, I will surely canonize you.”
The Pope’s words echoed in my mind, prompting a quiet sigh. The decision for his resignation from the papacy was now linked to my living canonization.
After reigning at the peak of the church for eons and guiding the council to success, this miracle-working Pope decided to use his final political leverage and passion to make me a saint.
No one can stop this. To obstruct the actions of such a political titan, even the current Emperor wouldn’t suffice. It would require more than just the current emergency situation to put him in check.
‘Life…’
With trembling hands, I pulled out the communication device tucked inside my robe.
The Pope’s decision to resign and my impending canonization—how on earth should I report such insane news? What expression would the Emperor wear upon hearing this report?
Well, I know he’d probably laugh at the latter part. He’d laugh heartily.
*
Something feels off. Despite it being winter, I sense warmth rather than cold. Instead of the sharp, icy wind, a soft, warm air envelops me, feeling like a parental embrace.
Of course, the weather isn’t defying nature. It’s undeniably winter, continuing to be cold today. The wind retains its chill, untouched by warmth.
Yet, I will remember today as warmer and cozier than any other day. A joy that warms my heart has approached, even overcoming the winter wind.
“How do you find it?”
“It’s beautiful.”
Alexandriana, dressed not in the red priest’s robe symbolizing the cardinal but in a pure white gown.
Having transitioned from sister to wife, she tries her hardest to speak as gently and comfortably as possible.
With a shyness like none other, she smiles and gingerly pats her belly.
‘My family.’
How could I possibly let the cold penetrate me with such a precious and lovable person before me? How could I shake in surrender to such trivial coldness?
I am a saint, lavishly called the Son of God. I am a child of the sun that watches over us. Thus, I cannot lose something so precious due to a mere chill.
“The red was charming, but the white conveys a pure and pristine allure.”
After admiring my sister’s gown, I chose sincere awe over flashy compliments.
After all, I’m not particularly skilled at praising or conveying affection. Better to be genuine than to fumble clumsily. Doing what I do best means acting sincerely and taking responsibility for that sincerity.
“Surely our treasure thinks so too.”
“Do you really think so?”
“Absolutely.”
At my confident response, she smiled more beautifully than anyone.
Our child—our treasure—arrived for us like a precious gem. Thus, we named our child “Treasure,” something no one else could possess.
Surely, Treasure will look at her mother and cheerfully declare her beauty. She’ll rejoice that her mom is the most beautiful in the world.
“If you’re not planning to have a private wedding, you should slowly start to head out.”
Just as I reached for my treasure, the brother Aldino, known for his holy growth, opened his mouth.
Thanks to that, I felt slightly embarrassed. I had only intended to check my appearance in the waiting room, but I became utterly distracted.
“Sorry—”
“Today belongs to us, can’t you hold back a little?”
However, my wife’s retort came faster than my apology.
“Isn’t that what I’m doing now? Normally, I’d push you out the door immediately.”
Bitterly, my rebuttal was swiftly countered.
“I have many things to say, but I’ll hold off for today. So, step out and pledge your eternal love where the Lord and guests can see.”
“Thank you for your invaluable advice, brother.”
“How fortunate that Brother Tannian listens to me!”
Aldino sighed softly as he glanced at my wife, making her flinch slightly.
In truth, when our pre-marital pregnancy was discovered, she received a long lecture from Aldino just as I did from my mentor. Nowadays, my wife often flinches at Aldino’s gaze.
But what can we do? Our pre-marital rush was undeniably hasty, and Aldino’s advice was poignantly on point. It’s something we must silently endure.
“Treasure, you’re going to struggle under a childish mom. Please rely on your uncles and aunts to grow bright and strong.”
“There are times people may move a bit faster…”
“Speaking like that is what makes you childish.”
Even though my wife chose an active rebuttal over silence, this is just their usual quarreling.
This must be love. If not, I’d be in trouble.
*
Fortunately, His Majesty took it upon himself to officiate the wedding.
Initially, my mentor, the chief cardinal, was supposed to be the one, but the insistence of His Majesty that he sit with my family allowed this glorious situation to unfold.
“Happiness can be seized by oneself, yet it often approaches unknowingly. The groom and bride standing here have earned their happiness together.”
The third protagonist is the happiness that approached the groom and bride without their realization.
As His Majesty added that, laughter erupted from the guest seating.
It’s a joyful occasion. At first, the guests who marveled at my wife’s belly welcomed the existence of our treasure, congratulating us. Even if they joked about our haste, no one voiced anger at such conduct from a priest.
Truly a fortunate occurrence. We could hold our wedding not amidst shouting but in blessings.
“Brother Tannian and Sister Alexandriana are the pillars of both the church and country. Though they are younger than most, they possess qualities that are unmatched, and I have no doubt they will lead the future of the church together.”
Receiving such excessive praise makes my face heat up.
I knew His Majesty held a high opinion of me, but I didn’t expect him to declare us the future pillars of the church in such a public arena.
This must be His Majesty’s way of expressing both affection and trust.
Too much trust, especially considering the astonishing news of his planned resignation. Maybe that’s something he could have kept to himself.
“Furthermore, the new future born between these two will surely walk down a brilliant path blessed by the Almighty.”
Blessings directed at our treasure, who hasn’t even been born yet.
With that generous blessing, His Majesty smiled brightly—no longer as the officiant, but as my grandfather and the great-grandfather of our treasure.
*
If a person has a destined fate, I wonder how many fates intertwine to form that of the Judicial Minister.
How could one person’s fate bear such weight? It seems like at least ten lives are merged into one. Otherwise, how could he be at the center of every disturbance crossing borders?
“Done.”
However, what matters now is not that the Judicial Minister stands at the center of the commotion.
What’s vital is that the Judicial Minister returns with a face like he just bit into a bug.
“Perfect.”
Thanks to that, I muttered to myself in the empty office. My heart fluttered more than ever before.
At the heart of the Imperial Palace lies the Sun Palace. Within the Sun Palace, the most crucial place is the office—the Emperor’s workroom, adorned with a portrait of the Grand Emperor Aimanaka.
It’s a declaration not to act carelessly, as the Grand Emperor watches over this place.
And on the opposite wall of that portrait, there hung the portrait of the Judicial Minister.
Not just any portrait, but one depicting him like a saint.
“Gah!”
I had to stifle a chuckle that slipped out.
If I suddenly burst out laughing, Sir Hendrik waiting outside would surely raise his eyebrows in suspicion. So, I had to hold it in as I awaited the arrival of the Judicial Minister.
Until we both admire the portrait gifted by the church, I must endure.
‘To think I’d bring this out so soon.’
Simultaneously, an awe-inspiring sensation surged within me. Who would have thought I’d get to use the portrait I expected would only see the light of day after my death? Perhaps even the church that gifted it to me didn’t foresee this.
‘Living canonization and resignation.’
Gradually, the curve of my lips pulled down. While the Judicial Minister’s name is set to be linked with the ‘Saint’ title, the Pope thinking of a living resignation is no simple matter.
Yet, the current Pope is a steadfast and vigorous person. If he has decided on a living resignation, it’s practically settled. Now, it’s just a matter of who will be elected as the next Pope.
‘It would probably be a progressive cardinal.’
The church has undergone significant changes through the council, so having a conservative cardinal become Pope would be like reverting back in time. It’s highly likely that a progressive cardinal will rise as the new pope.
So, I should first recheck the list of likely progressive cardinals. Ideally, we’d want someone who’s friendly with the Empire to become the Pope.
‘…Is it alright that a living saint is a noble and a Minister of Justice? That seems too reassuring.’
For a moment, that thought flickered in my mind.
A living saint who’s a noble and also the Judicial Minister—what a solid situation!
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