Chapter 67:

Chapter 67:

I dont want to do that anymore.

It was then that he realized.

The part he thought he could let go of at any time, in reality, he had been holding onto it desperately.

The one who had been patient with him was Juliet.

It was the same with Algieros lapis lazuli mine.

Lennox Carlyle surely knew that Juliet would be upset.

But foolishly, after her getting soaked in the rain and coming back alone, he didnt know what to do for the woman lying ill.

What he knew was to present numbers rather than express imperfect emotions.

No, in reality, it was just more convenient for him. The clever Juliet knew but bore with him.

His affection was cunning and keen; he never wanted to be at a loss.

Damn it.

He had a feeling this day would come.

I just feel tired now.

He realized Juliet had grown tired of his selfishness and wanted to leave.

He knew it but intentionally ignored it because facing it meant he couldnt escape.

He would have to confront how much space Juliet Monad occupies within him.

He started to get scared.

Even if he offers marriage or a family, it wouldnt matter. What then should he offer to have things return to how they once were

Lennox Carlyle pondered what he could and couldnt give to her.

Children were in the latter category.

He had to admit it.

Lennox, we never had a future, did we?

Damn it.

It wasnt that they didnt have a future, but rather that he wanted to give but couldnt. However, he couldnt say that directly.

Rather, he thought it would be better to ask her directly, even if he had to beg, about what he should do for her. So he sought her out on the white sandy beach again.

What if you keep following me? I cant look after you.

But even after crying out on the sand, in the end, she held a young life in her arms.

Only until your wings fully grow.

When he heard her whispering voice mixed with tears, as she embraced the unidentified baby animal,

He thought anything would do.

* * *

The next day.

He made an impromptu decision.

Waiting for dawn, he immediately implemented the plan he had in mind.

Do you want to buy this?

Yes.

Sebastians skin was so taut that his age was hard to guess from his face alone.

With a gentle smile full of grace, Sebastian extended the back of his hand.

Archbishop Gilliam knelt down, reverently kissing the offered hand of the Pope, then rose.

Youve worked hard in fulfilling a difficult task, Archbishop Gilliam.

Pope Sebastian kindly praised the seventy-year-old Gilliam.

The elderly Gilliam slowly stood up.

Did you get a response worthy of the long wait?

Although it sounded respectful at first, it was clearly a sarcastic remark.

In fact, Gilliam had been a strong candidate for the next pope just a few years ago.

On the other hand, Sebastian was a priest with all sorts of suspicious rumors, having originated from the heresy inquisitors.

When Gilliam and Sebastian faced off in the papal election, everyone thought Gilliam would be the next pope.

But the result was the opposite.

The young Sebastian became the new Pope, and as soon as he did, he began to assign Gilliam all sorts of menial tasks.

Yes, Your Holiness. The village of Canael truly made a beautiful statue.

Gilliams recent mission was to transport the new statue Sorrowful Saintess from a remote village to be unveiled at this years breeding festival.

For a man in his seventies, it was a rather strenuous journey.

Such a task seems to suit Archbishop Gilliam, Your Holiness! Truly impeccable!

Archbishop Solon, standing next to the Pope, laughed maliciously.

Solon, being of equal rank as Gilliam, pledged loyalty to Sebastian as soon as he became Pope.

Ugh. But aside from the mission, you should also take a bath, right?

Archbishop Solon made a gesture of pinching his nose while laughing.

Gilliam simply smiled in silence.

So, where is the completed statue? Id like to check its form since it was difficult to obtain.

Yes, after all the effort to bring it, wouldnt it be a problem if theres even a small flaw?

Archbishop Solon insincerely echoed the Popes words.

The implication was that Gilliam would not be permitted to rest and recover from his long journey.

It was too much to ask of a man over seventy, but Gilliam kept his polite smile.

Of course. Archbishop Solon, youll join us too.

Though he felt as if his weary bones might crumble any moment, Gilliam led the two to the secret room where the statue was temporarily stored.

Gilliam was confident.

Magda of Canabel village was a devout sculptor.

She had devoted all her effort to create a perfect piece.

Even though it was a trivial task compared to his previous responsibilities, Gilliam was content after personally visiting the small village to meet Magda.

There, Gilliam was able to experience the grace of the Ifrit goddess firsthand.

This way.

Flutter.

Gilliam unveiled the statue by removing the cloth that he himself had draped over it.

Beneath the black cloth, a pure white marble saintess revealed her form.