Chapter 99 – Hero and Saint
About a week ago from now.
Around the time when a knight commander was spending an extremely blissful time with his loyal subordinates and the imperial princess on his side.
At the headquarters of the Catholic Church, the Cathedral of Mercy, there was a more solemn atmosphere than ever before.
It was because of the public council convened for the first time after the war with the northern immigrants.
Renowned clergy and theologians began to appear one by one to attend a valuable event that could only happen once every few years, discussing important events that would affect the entire denomination.
“Cardinal of the Holy Cross, Cardinal Goldenbaum enters by the will of the Holy Spirit.”
In a decently sized territory, bishops who were treated as small popes were scattered all over the place, and only cardinals, the highest rank of priests, could spread their shoulders.
The lower priests who assisted them had to be careful not to chew their tongues, and the paladins lined up on either side with winged white helmets covering their faces were also clearly nervous.
“The Patriarch of the South, Cardinal Constantine, enters by the will of the Holy Angel.”
“The Dean of St. Michela Theological Seminary, Archbishop Rosenberg…”
It was natural.
Just as knights who have reached the state naturally intimidate the masses, the same goes for priests.
The sacred power possessed by the high-ranking clergy was enormous enough to instill a sense of awe just by watching them.
After seeing the back of Archbishop Rosenberg gasping through the narrow doorway, the air became a little lighter, and the priests and paladins were finally able to relax.
“Whew… Brother, you’re having a really rare experience today.”
“By the way. Cardinals, how deeply religious…”
The clergy, below the rank of bishop, quietly retreated outside and made the sign of the cross. The event that was to take place from now on was of a kind that had not yet been allowed to them.
It is one of the sacred places of the Tenshinkyo religion and the hall of light where the blessings of the gods dwell directly.
Contrary to its high reputation, at first glance, the inside of this place looked like a shabby space with only a few wooden chairs on a stone floor with no ceiling.
When the designated number of people gathered in one place, an old man in a pure white suit began to utter a prayer with his lips parting.
“Lord, your servants have gathered in one place. Please allow those gathered here to obey your will without going blind, deaf, or speaking nonsense.”
—Paaah!
Then, several gigantic pillars of light descended from the sky, dyeing the surroundings brilliantly.
“Heavenly God…”
For a miracle that was granted to only one person on earth, the priests looked up at the sky for a while and made the sign of the cross, then bowed their heads toward the old man and paid their respects.
The Pope of the Catholic Church, Ambrosio, who had been watching the situation quietly, smiled benevolently and opened his mouth slowly.
Unlike other priests who wore various holy relics and wore fancy costumes, he wore a simple bag, but that rather added to his dignity as a pope.
“Brothers and sisters. It’s really nice to see all of you gathered here in the middle of busy construction. Everyone looks healthy. This must also be the blessing of the heavenly gods.”
“Meet the Pope.”
As much as the Celestial Church is a huge group with an influence that goes beyond ordinary religious groups, the relationships among the people gathered here were quite complicated.
At first glance, the interests of the high-ranking clergy were similar to those of the aristocratic society, and there were some who blushed each other whenever they met.
“Heh heh. I’d like to have a chat with my long-time friends and solve the problem… But I have work to do, so that would be difficult.”
As much as Miu and Gou share the same faith. Also, as the pope was the center of gravity, meaningless wars of nerves or conflicts did not take place.
After that moment of silence.
“Under the protection of the heavenly gods, there are two main issues to be discussed here. The light to come and the darkness to come. Let’s deal with the latter first. Light is more dazzling in the dark.”
With the declaration of Pope Ambrosio, the 81st Council of the Catholic Church has begun.
The first to open the meeting was the Grand Inquisitor, Cardinal Malleus.
As the head of the Heretic Inquisition, one of the axes of the armed forces of the Celestial Church, and in charge of the church’s legal system, his influence was considerable.
“It’s a very unpleasant thing, but I can’t deny the fact that evil spirit worshipers have been sneaking around all over the empire lately. To see this land that has been blessed by the gods fall under the grip of evil. It’s deplorable.”
“Eclipse, weren’t they completely subjugated?”
“No. It’s just that the evil offering ceremony that took so much effort was stopped, and the momentum has only dampened a little. Their danger remains.
Because it was a council that puts a common goal first, pure discussions came and went at this moment, regardless of position or interests.
“Why do they keep running around? It’s an issue that the church and the imperial government are constantly keeping an eye on.”
“It’s already been over a year since the war ended, and now I can’t even give an excuse to settle the chaos after the war.”
Among them, there were some remarks that were a bit strong or that were somewhat off topic.
“Is the Millennium Empire losing its luster? Or is it that our church has become too inert and has loosened the reins of faith in our hearts?”
“Through self-mortification and self-mortification, we must further sharpen our faith in God. This is how true faith sprouts through self-trial and suffering.”
“Archbishop Mosguz, how are you still clinging to old traditions from hundreds of years ago?”
Under the pretense that there can be no pretense in the midst of the heavenly god watching directly, while free expression of opinions is allowed to the fullest.
The pope, who silently watched the atmosphere in the meeting room gradually overheated, gave a wry smile and then clapped his hands to draw attention.
“Now, brothers and sisters, that’s enough constructive criticism of the lax Imperial administration and complacency of our church, now let’s find a solution.”
It was his role to hold meetings, conduct them, and adopt opinions.
As the general manager of a church that upholds God’s will, wisdom and determination are required.
“His Holiness the Pope. This is all happening because of a lack of manpower. We need to increase the seminary and train more low-level priests.”
“Mercy is good, but sometimes a mace is necessary. Assume atheists and heretics as potential threats, and deal with them more severely…”
“His Holiness the Pope! Proclaim a holy war!”
“Penance! Penance is the only answer!”
‘Lord… Wisdom, please, to these lambs…’
Thought the pope. As befitting those who are at the forefront of the faith, everyone has so many diverse and creative opinions.
For a brief moment, though, a suspicion crossed his mind that perhaps the authors were just spouting nonsense, leaving the judgement up to him.
Soon, with his firm faith, he shook off the delusion.
Originally, the council of the Catholic Church is held in this atmosphere, but at this moment, I was determined in my heart that it would not come to a conclusion even after a few days like the last time.
In the midst of the mess came a story that might interest the pope.
“If necessary, our church must actively join forces with external forces. We cannot wait any longer.”
“Everyone, let’s listen to the story of the Grand Inquisitor.”
The parliament, which had been close to chaos due to the intervention of the pope, who had been sitting still and listening, quickly regained calm.
Cardinal Malleus, who was suddenly given the right to speak publicly, was a bit surprised, but soon lowered his head to the pope and explained his opinion.
“Even though the church and the empire maintain a cooperative relationship, it was only a passive exchange. It was because of the tacit promise that each other respects each other’s territory.”
“Then, would the Grand Inquisitor want to openly say that the Church should bow its head and enter under the imperial family? Just because of this level of crisis?”
“This is an absurd misunderstanding. You should listen to the end.”
One of the cardinals was quick to criticize the sensitive remark, but the senile Grand Inquisitor ignored it without blinking an eye and went on.
“There is obviously a limit to the existing method. How can we stay still when the enemy is rampaging regardless of means? We have to approach it from a completely different perspective.”
“…Could you elaborate a bit more?”
“Until now, the forces called Eclipse have been expanding their forces by cleverly digging into the chaos caused by the war and inciting the public. This is the strategy of the northern immigrants. They have no choice but to face it with their eyes open.”
“Yes. I’m sure he was having trouble with that. But, listening to the words, the Grand Inquisitor seems to have come up with a special solution.”
When the board was laid out openly, the Pope smiled happily as he looked at the Grand Inquisitor, who was leading the meeting naturally before he knew it.
Although he had a bit of a radical side, he was still an extraordinary talent. I’m not that old either. If he only addresses his personality flaws, he’ll be perfect as the next pope.
‘Well, the first thing the Heavenly God took away from humans is perfection.’
The pope, who will soon be called by the angels, wanted to find a successor. Cardinal Malleus was one of the leading candidates.
“The reason why the public is seduced by the words of the rebels is that they have grown distrust of the existing ruling class. This is a fact proven by history.
“That makes sense. So how do you mean it?”
-Thud!
“We need a hero! A superhuman hero that the masses can trust and rely on from the bottom of their hearts. A hero who represents the will of the Empire and the Celestial Church, ruthlessly sweeps away ‘evil’ and realizes justice. Rather, the existing order So that you don’t even dare to doubt!”
The Hall of Light fell silent for a moment as the Grand Inquisitor banged on the table and uttered a voluptuous speech.
It was proof that everyone was taking his opinion seriously.
Archbishop Rosenberg, the most learned theologian among them, muttered, raising his thick glasses.
“…I understand what you mean. Indeed, great insight and insight. It is bold, but it clearly penetrates the core and solution of the current problem. If so, who is the right person?”
“Uhm. How about Sir Serion, the commander of the Knights Templar? He’s young, looks great, and has excellent skills. Wouldn’t he fit the type of person the Grand Inquisitor is talking about?”
Cardinal Goldenbaum, who had been widening his eyes to find flaws in the Grand Inquisitor’s remarks, changed his posture in an instant and made a sneaking reference to his own nephew.
The leader of the knights of the temple was actually a representative of the young blood of the church, so while some of them were nodding their heads inadvertently.
Cardinal Constantine, with a mix of Southern blood and a generous personality, shook his head and spat out his convictions.
“Ah. Sir Serion… The young man is very religious, but honestly, he has no strength… His personality isn’t too good.”
“What? Then who the hell is it?”
“Well, the person who submitted the opinion is not there. Looking at it, it seems that the depth of that thought is not the result of thinking about it for a day or two. Who are you thinking of, Grand Inquisitor?”
At the remarks of the Patriarch of the South, everyone’s eyes focused on the Grand Inquisitor again.
Then, Cardinal Malleus declared with a meaningful smile.
“Commander of the Black Lion Knights, Wolfgang von Schwarz. He is the right person.”
“What? He’s not a member of the Church! Besides, I can’t trust your opinion, having worked with him. Let’s find someone else for him.”
“Please, President of the Holy Cross. Are you bringing up personal feelings here?”
“Hmm, it seems like he’s a proven talent, but all other parts are unknown.”
“All alone… So… Who is he?
Looking at the meeting, which was turning into chaos again, the Pope thought as he ran his fingers around his eyes.
It’s good to have a good opinion, but when should we bring up a more important story than this when everyone is so absorbed in the meeting?
It is said that by receiving a revelation from the heavenly spirit, a saint appeared on this earth after hundreds of years.
‘I guess… It seems that one of the young goddesses has already received God’s grace.’
It seemed that the schedule for this council should also be scheduled for at least a few days.
The pope of the Celestial Church, now at the time when he was starting to feel reluctant to have an excessive schedule, sighed secretly.
