The Shepherds Are Dense – Chapter 675

Chapter 674
The First Human Cardinal!

Eiv turned back and gazed at the blonde woman in the fashionable, boldly-worn red mini-skirt. With her attire, she seemed to be a reporter from the Iris Kingdom.

He nodded and said, “Of course.”

As Eiv’s clear, young voice fell, the surroundings instantly fell into a moment of profoundSilence. This was because Eiv had publicly acknowledged his identity as a “Cardinal”! If it were possible to dismiss it as “clothes that looked like those of a Cardinal” as a joke or performance art, his current implicit admission was unequivocally the only interpretation. No one would dare lie about such a matter in the Church. While Elves were gentle, they were more extreme and radical on such issues. Thus, everyone present simultaneously realized something:

—The first human Cardinal in history had been born!

No, to be more precise…

—The first short-lived Cardinal in history had been born!

Even the reporter herself subconsciously held her breath!

Seeing their stunned expressions, Eiv kindly reminded them, “Do you still need photos? A group photo is also possible. I’m going to the Twenty-one Ring… there’s still quite some time on this elevator.”

“—Yes, yes!”

The blonde, blue-eyed reporter finally sobered up. She nodded repeatedly, extremely excited—she almost hugged Eiv subconsciously but realized her transgression as soon as she took a step. Then, she instinctively wanted to shake Eiv’s hand, but again, she realized it was not appropriate as soon as she raised her hand. This made her look comically like she was dancing an awkward jig out of excitement.

Cardinals were pure, mysterious, and powerful, among the beings closest to the Nine Pillar Gods in this World. While such gestures might be acceptable towards wealthy merchants or high-ranking government officials, they were still considered disrespectful towards a Cardinal!

However, seeing her flustered demeanor, Eiv smiled and took the initiative, gently pinching the first two knuckles of the reporter’s right middle and index fingers as a ceremonial handshake.

The reporter hurried closer, directing the camera crew behind her to set up their equipment inside the elevator and take a photo of herself and Eiv—she wore what was likely the sweetest and most humble smile of her life. She had never been this enthusiastic even when posing with the Speaker of the Iris Kingdom.

As there were many priests inside the elevator, there was no need for magnesium powder. A kind priest directly used an Illuminate Spell to provide light… Of course, this was also because using magnesium powder carried some potential risks.
The quality of the Church’s citizens was quite high. This allowed for other requests for photos to come only after the reporter had finished.

“Your Excellency Cardinal, I’d also like a photo… I have a Photo Stone, it will only take an instant!”

“Sir, please! I am a very devout follower…”

“Your Excellency Cardinal, I am also human! I’ve worked in the Third Ring of the Church for over thirty years…”

Eiv was instantly surrounded. However, respect and fear for a Cardinal still kept them at a distance from Eiv. —This was a Cardinal of the Church! One of the undoubtedly strongest individuals in this World, and among the most powerful! Their organization was the formidable Church of the Nine Pillars God, wielding far more influence than the king of a small nation! However, even the smallest king would never allow them to approach him casually. Even if a photo were taken, they would never permit its casual use.

Yet, Cardinals were invariably good people… If one had the chance to get a photo with one, it would undoubtedly be a treasure to be framed and passed down for generations! Even just having such a photo might make those who intended to bully their descendants hesitate and fear; those who once looked down on them would henceforth feel intimidated; opportunities that never existed would rain down upon them—all this, without the need for any lies or exaggerations, simply by having this one photo!

Not to mention the truly devout and dedicated—this was the first short-lived Cardinal in history. Although they didn’t know him, he must have made some admirable contributions! Otherwise, His Majesty the Pope would not have made such an unprecedented exception for him!

Eiv simply exchanged a helpless glance with Isabel, who was smiling from within the crowd, then signaled for them to quiet down and patiently posed for photos with everyone. Those who easily obtained their photos almost reverently bowed to Eiv. Fortunately, after Eiv asked them to be quiet, they instantly became silent, and the commotion did not spread. The arrival of the new Cardinal was thus not widely publicized. Merely this small circle around them soon had their photos taken with Cardinal Eiv.

At this point, the reporter from the Iris Kingdom finally spoke, “My Lord Cardinal… were you born human in the Church?” She was sensible and tactful, waiting until everyone had finished their photos before interviewing Eiv. Her question was also clever—she didn’t directly ask if Eiv was a pure-blooded human or from which country he hailed, but rather circled the topic.

“My name is Eivass.” Eiv understood her intent and smiled as he replied, “Eivass Moriarty. I am from Avalon.”

“Moriarty… Eivass Moriarty…” The reporter murmured the rare surname, then her expression gradually changed, “Could you be… Avalon’s newly appointed Minister of Affairs?” As an excellent reporter, she immediately thought of the major news from not long ago. Although she was not the reporter assigned to Avalon, she would at least glance at international news and remember it well. Eivass Moriarty’s name was already etched in her mind, and she even had an impression of his appearance. However, the Cardinal’s attire was too impactful; after realizing Eivass’s identity, she hadn’t dared to look up at his face—she believed others felt the same.

“That’s right, it’s me.” Eivass nodded patiently. As he spoke, he casually pulled Isabel from the crowd, “And this is Avalon’s new Queen. She is my fiancée. We are here for the ceremony—you can publish what I say.” Isabel, suddenly brought forward, widened her eyes speechlessly.—How am I supposed to explain to people that I suddenly appeared in the Church! Eivass gave her a smiling look in return: I don’t care.

“…My Lord Cardinal,” the reporter’s tone softened, almost pleading, realizing that news that could change her life was before her, “Could you take a photo with Her Majesty the Queen…?”

“Of course.” Eivass smiled gently and nodded, “Please.”

(End of Chapter)