Chapter 131

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 131

Far in the future, the chroniclers of the Holy See, under the jurisdiction of the Radiant Church, recorded that day as follows—

[ It was the day the blessed one, chosen by the Goddess, arrived on the promised land. ]

* * *

Finally...

Finally, we arrived at the Holy See.

The speeding train slowed down, and the commotion outside the window became palpable.

“Brother Karl. And the rest of my brothers and sisters. We have arrived at the Holy Land.”

The Holy Land.

The promised land chosen by the Goddess, as the Church calls it. And what ordinary people call the Holy See.

I never thought I’d end up in a place I’d never considered visiting in my life.

Before getting off the train, I glanced at the sky.

Hmm. The weather is perfect. The sun is bright, but there are enough clouds that I won’t be squinting from the glare...

“What the...”

Strange. I’m sure there were a moderate amount of clouds just a moment ago.

Why does it feel like the sunlight is suddenly blinding me as soon as I get off the train?

It’s a strange thing. It feels like someone is intentionally shining a spotlight on me.

Of course, this is just my foolish imagination.

“Karl. Over there.”

Selena whispered, and I turned my gaze forward.

A group of people from the Church was approaching us—

“Oh my.”

“Grandfather?”

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s... Cardinal Ignacio, the Grand Inquisitor.”

Grand Inquisitor? What is that, Grandfather? I’m not as devout and faithful a Radiant Church follower as you are, so I don’t understand...!

“Grandfather. Is that Grand Inquisitor position a high-ranking one in the Holy See?”

“Indeed it is, Lenny. You could say it’s equivalent to a minister in the Empire.”

“Oh... So, it’s higher than the High Priests of the dioceses in the Empire...?”

“Much higher.”

Aha. So, it’s a really high-ranking position. I understand, Grandfather.

Hmm. And such a person came to welcome the guests? Hahaha. This is really... My anxiety is growing. What’s going to happen!

“Welcome, brothers and sisters. We sincerely welcome you to the Holy Land, the promised land chosen by the Goddess.”

Grand Inquisitor Ignacio makes a sincere sign of the cross and smiles kindly.

Originally, it would be my place to step forward, but it’s better to leave the Church’s etiquette to the expert, my grandfather.

So, I subtly make way, and Selena’s grandfather, as the representative, makes the sign of the cross in return and opens his mouth.

“We are overwhelmed by such a grand welcome, Your Holiness.”

It’s not that it lacks decoration. It simply doesn’t need it. Hanging anything on it would be an eyesore and utterly pointless.

I was too distracted. I almost lost track of the guide. I need to focus. This isn’t just a simple trip to the Holy See.

“Remember this, Brother. This is not just a simple invitation from the Pope. Whether you like it or not, you are a titled noble of the Empire, the brother of the Crown Princess, and further connected to the Imperial family by blood. You must be mindful that your words and actions can be seen as representing the Empire’s will.”

This is why I’ve always tried to avoid politics and power. I’m not good at those kinds of mind games! I’d rather be out there in the mud, fighting with a greatsword and a gun.

Shooting verbal bullets with words and tongue is not my specialty!!

Rumble Rumble—

Meanwhile, the massive white doors opened, and I could see someone waiting for me inside.

Pope Pellestrino XVII.

Simply put, the spokesperson for the voice of the Goddess. And in a broader sense, the head of the Radiant Church, spread across the entire continent.

A figure so powerful that even the Emperor cannot easily control, sat there.

* * *

Growing old is indeed a sorrowful thing. While the heart remains young, the body does not. And a frail body quickly extinguishes the passion within the heart.

The brothers and sisters of the Church call me benevolent and, above all, an open-minded Pope.

However, that is not the case.

This aging body has failed to adapt to the many changes sweeping the world. It has been difficult, even though my shortcomings become the Church’s shortcomings.

For that reason, I am truly grateful for the young man approaching me.

Recently, the name of that young man, Brother Karl, has been echoing everywhere. Even this old body can tell how great his name is.

When a strong wave comes, you ride it instead of resisting. And if you can spread sails filled with a tailwind, there’s nothing better.

That’s how it is now. Brother Karl has brought positive energy and hope into this world.

Despite being a hero, he always humbled himself and showed noble thoughts and actions, and as a result, even the Empire began to move towards a brighter place, touched by his light.

And that’s not all.

Even the elves, who still harbor doubts about the teachings of the light, and the Lasker region, where the reach of the Church hasn’t been as successful as expected because of the friction with the Empire, have stopped their negative words and actions.

This is a tremendous change.

Surely, the Goddess could no longer bear to see the chaos in this land and sent down this messenger of light.

Without this young man, no one could have delivered such a bright and hopeful message.

“Welcome, Brother Karl. Come and sit here.”

From the perspective of the Church, this is a stepping stone to stabilize its influence.

From the perspective of a believer, it’s a natural way to treat a benefactor.

As the old voice that conveys the word of the Goddess, I wish for this young man to exert an even greater influence.

“Karl Adelheit, the young lord of the Friedrich County of the Empire—”

“Let’s skip the formalities. Did I ask you to come here and waste our precious time on such things?”

Others would express their gratitude to him for what he’s done so far. But I cannot.

The old must have the duty to see farther and deeper.

“We will discuss the details later, Brother Karl. So, let me state my conclusion first.”

This will be for the sake of this young hope in a small way, and for the entire continent in a big way.

“Become an even greater person. Become an even more radiant figure.”

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]