The Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief in the Northern Border has undergone renovations, becoming even more magnificent than before, and the number of nuns has been steadily increasing.
However, it seems that the Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief has somewhat strayed from its original purpose; nowadays, those coming to the cathedral are mostly people wanting to join the Sisterhood or even the Lars Knights, giving off an aura of vibrant martial spirit.
Nevertheless, Flora is not influenced by these newcomers. The war has ended, and the Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief should return to its original focus. The combat Sisterhood will certainly continue to recruit, but it is unlikely to expand its size further.
“I thought you wouldn’t come back.”
As dusk sets in, Flora teasingly remarks, looking at Isha, who has just returned from An Zhu, dusty and tired.
In that moment, Isha seems somewhat dazed, as if she has returned to the time before the Northern Border fell.
As long as the Demon Clan is not mentioned, Flora appears genuinely gentle and pure, just like in the past.
“I just went out for a stroll to see what the Empire is like,” Isha responds while wandering about the Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief.
If one were to point out the difference between the current Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief and the previous one, it would be that it feels more solemn, even carrying a hint of murderous aura. The original statue of the Blessed Mother, previously holding an emblem in one hand and herbs in the other, has now transformed into a statue holding a sword in one hand while still clutching the herbs.
If the current Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief could travel back in time to when it was invaded by the Demon Clan, its very power alone would likely be sufficient to repel them.
“I haven’t been concerned about this for a long time; after all, our duty is to fight and protect Your Majesty,” Flora states, observing the somewhat grim-looking statue. “Can you tell me what the outside world has become?”
“It’s not very pleasant, but at least compared to the Northern Border, there is now a sense of hope,” Isha recalls the little girl working in the mines, her expression softening.
Seeing Isha in that state causes Flora’s previously cold demeanor to gradually relax. In Flora’s eyes, Isha is not loyal to the Emperor, even though the Emperor has granted her many privileges. It is precisely because of these privileges that Flora remains cautious; it is an instinct to remain loyal to the Emperor while keeping a watchful eye on any potential threats.
Is it really wise to leave the Northern Border Church in Isha’s hands? After all, the Northern Border Church is currently the strongest frontline force among the three major goddess churches in the Empire.
It is this concern that has led Flora to the Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief during the rare holiday, to wait for Isha.
But as it stands now, Isha at least seems safe and loyal, though her loyalty may not rest with the Emperor.
Isha seems oblivious to the subtle change in Flora’s aura, or perhaps she senses it but does not mind.
Some reforms cannot be achieved overnight; Isha has many ideas to implement, starting with the Northern Border Church. The Northern Border Church can be described as the most grounded and practical church, even the doctrine is still being revised, allowing significant room for Isha to maneuver.
However, there are drawbacks; due to the origins of the Northern Border Church, it holds deep admiration for Lind, even though Lind has been intent on suppressing these thoughts.
In fact, it is precisely because of this that Lind returned Isha to the Northern Border Church, to promote the church’s practicality.
The Emperor seems to want new ideas to germinate from the Northern Border Church.
They reached the upper level of the church, gazing towards the direction of the Eternal Frozen Land.
The Eternal Frozen Land has been fully liberated, and due to the white light, which is the influence of orbital cannons, some slight changes have occurred in its environment. It is not to say it has become suitable for habitation; rather, it is just somewhat better than before.
The most troublesome aspect is the people who originally lived under the rule of the Demon Clan; they seem to have yet to adapt to their new lives. Fortunately, the Demon Clan’s reign in the Sur德 Region was not long, allowing most people to smoothly return to human rule. Assisting these individuals is also one of the duties of the Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief.
On the continent, there is currently no sight of the Demon Clan; after all, they are things that should not exist. During the old Empire era, efforts were made to cleanse races that arose from unforeseen circumstances, and the new Empire is simply inheriting the tasks of the old Empire. No one feels any pity for the Demon Clan.
Of course, just because they are absent from M Continent does not mean they are not present elsewhere.
Looking at the area that was once ruled by the Demon Clan, Isha inquires, “What is the situation with the Demon Clan now?”
Upon hearing this, Flora seems to recall some unpleasant memories but immediately relaxes, saying, “Only the Solun Continent still has living Demon Clan members, and Lord Sean is already handling this matter.”
“We will take the most brutal and bloody revenge on the Demon Clan until this world no longer has this race.”
Regarding Flora’s obsession, Isha does not say much; Flora indeed has the right to say such things.
Not far from the Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief, there is a monument erected in honor of those who died protecting the cathedral. This monument has been built in a location perfect for viewing from the upper level of the cathedral.
As Flora gazes at the monument, a fierce light flashes in her eyes, but when she sees children in winter clothes playing snowball fights beneath the monument, her anger dissipates in an instant.
The sun hangs low in the winter sky, painting half the horizon red, while the snow reflects a soft golden-orange glow.
An older boy crouches in the snow, rubbing snowballs in his hands, suddenly standing up and throwing a snowball at a running companion. The snowball arcs through the air and thuds against another child’s back, eliciting laughter and protests. This joy is so genuine that despite the distance, Flora feels as though she can hear the children’s laughter.
Though she remains unsettled, the surrounding environment brings her solace.
Looking at the group of children, Flora asks, “Will the future be alright?”
“It will be,” Isha answers firmly. “It definitely will.”
Flora seems to truly revert to her former self, the almost saintly figure, as she entrusts Isha, “The future is up to you. After all, you are the Saintess of the Cathedral of the Blessed Mother of Relief and the head of the Northern Border Church. Don’t let the sisters down.”
Flora’s gentle smile transports Isha back to the past, to the most beautiful moments in her memories.
“Okay, leave it to me.”
