Chapter: 22. Voice
Gustana VII, this is how the world recognizes the title of the Pope.
Gustana, in the Corea Church State, is synonymous with supreme ecclesiastical power; it does not belong to any family and is said to have been an earthly divine authority granted by the gods, a name conferred by the heavens.
The Pope has no name, his title is passed down solely as Gustana.
From Gustana I, who established the Corea Church State, to the current Gustana VII, he holds ecclesiastical power, widely gathers followers, and governs a great nation.
Philex did not dare to raise his head.
As he looked down, he made an effort to catch a glimpse of the golden crown and heard the sound of the scepter striking the ground, gradually approaching this side.
Until the sounds ceased.
After counting silently for several seconds according to the doctrine, Philex dared to raise his head to look at the divine authority.
A robe as deep as the night, a dazzling white scarf, complemented by a cape that cascaded like gold foil over his shoulders.
All these noble symbols adorn an extraordinary elderly man with white hair, seeming to cover up his age entirely; he felt as if he was not facing a living being but rather an ancient, resounding bell tower, dignified and sacred.
Gustana VII was over eighty this year; his tall figure did not stoop, and on his beardless face, the wrinkles supported deep emerald eyes that appeared calm as still water.
He did not speak but slightly raised his scepter and drew a horizontal line in the air. The purple-robed cardinal at the entrance, along with the nuns and monks fervently reciting in the church, immediately stood up, bowed to the Pope, and left the church with happiness.
For the believers of the church state, being able to come to the Pope to read the teachings is an honor, and the Pope is so benevolent towards the people, always arriving early in the church to enlighten believers from all walks of life, regardless of their social status.
As people left, the wind remained.
When the great doors of the church closed, the sun’s rays could not penetrate the already empty church, yet the stained glass inexplicably filtered the light, casting a reflection in this sacred, solemn space that was unlike anything in the mortal realm.
The Pope glanced down at Philex, who was bowing and waiting, his eyes betraying no emotion. Even a politician like Philex could not fathom the Pope’s intentions.
He was always like this.
Fortunately, he did not have to guess; all of Philex’s actions were based on the benefits the Pope promised to his family. In truth, those in the kingdom were not wrong; he was merely a dog doing jobs for money, not so lofty after all.
But even a dog has its own way of living.
“P-Pope, you said you are already aware, but this news I just… Your Holiness?!”
The Pope did not respond, turning his body to face away from Philex, facing the massive gray-white statue illuminated with multiple colors, and bowed his head in silent prayer.
Philex followed suit, praying behind him, even though he could not comprehend half of the words he recited.
At some point, Gustana, praying to the gods, had raised his head.
He maintained his posture, facing away from the visitor, and a heavy echo resounded in Philex’s ears.
“Your return now signifies that the matter you were tasked with has encountered an accident, an accident that you cannot prevent.”
“Y-yes! It’s a significant matter; I returned to report to you in person and seek guidance on what to do next!”
“I have said that the gods have already informed me of this ‘accident’; everything is fate, no need to panic.”
“You already know?”
“Yes… Xue Feiya Halder, the witch is about to descend upon the world again.”
“!”
Every time such a situation arose, Philex felt a chill run down his spine!
He had been the first to know this news, racing back to report to the Pope, but the Pope seemed to hear news from that elusive “god.” It was as if there was nothing in this world that he did not know!
Gustana turned around, using the scepter to support himself.
Finally, facing Philex, his previously calm expression took on a hint of severity.
“But the specifics… even I cannot know. Philex, the significance of placing you in the Aulus Kingdom lies here.”
“……”
So you still don’t know!
Philex thought to himself, if you knew everything, why let me do the work?
If you don’t know, then just ask properly, why the pretense!
The moment this thought raced through Philex’s mind, the next instant, he was dripping with cold sweat.
Because the Pope suddenly glared at him with a sharp gaze… as if
Reading his innermost thoughts!
Damn… completely unfathomable. For the sake of his life, it’s better to be honest.
Philex had originally come to report these situations.
“Your Holiness, the current situation is as follows: the Third Princess Livra of the Aulus Kingdom proposed during negotiations with the demon race that she is willing to personally communicate with the Demon Princess to gain her trust, ultimately encouraging both parties to coordinate together to achieve peace. I believe this poses a serious threat to our church state… If the kingdom and the demon territory reach an understanding, would that not push the church state into a severely disadvantaged position? If they join forces, we will find it difficult to cope!”
Thinking the Pope would be enraged or show concern upon hearing this,
Philex was surprised to find he did not conform to expectations.
Not only did he show no negative emotions, but he even chuckled, shaking his head lightly a few times.
“Ha… Princess Livra, I have heard of this figure. This move is indeed clever… I originally planned to use commercial interests to pressure and draw out the Demon Princess to seek cooperation, but I did not expect the kingdom’s princess to take the lead. Is it a coincidence… or is it destiny?”
“Y-your meaning is?”
“It’s nothing to worry about.”
Gustana pondered for a moment, quickly devising a strategy.
“Just proceed according to the original plan. Since you are in such a hurry, it indicates that the Third Princess has truly persuaded the Demon Princess, thus saving the church state much effort… Also, it is now certain that Xue Feiya Halder will attend the match in the gladiatorial arena.”
“Yes, tomorrow King Celtic will announce nationwide the release of Princess Xue Feiya and officially invite her to participate in the gladiatorial competition organized by the kingdom.”
“Very good.”
“?”
Very good? But Philex did not understand what was good about this.
Gustana raised his head to gaze at the church’s dome, squinting to try and discern the sacred church patterns above.
“The current church state and the kingdom… have reached a historical moment of decision. Xue Feiya Halder is the fulcrum that will tip the balance; we must strive for her. If we cannot secure her… I have further arrangements. Also, regarding what you previously mentioned about Shaya, has there been any new movement lately?”
“N-no, not really. This person was quite active in the kingdom recently, thriving and was granted a title by the king, also promoted to a knight of the kingdom, showing remarkable resolve when the Six-Winged Demon Jeffrey attacked. Furthermore… in the kingdom’s official circles, there are some claims that she is the ‘Apostle of God,’ after all, the commotion she caused in the palace was quite significant… and even knocked out two of my front teeth… uh, I apologize, I spoke too much!”
Upon hearing this, the Pope’s otherwise calm demeanor finally showed a slight tremor.
It seemed like anger, or like a wise person swiftly calming their anger.
When Gustana spoke again, his tone remained steady.
“’Apostle of God,’ that talk is merely a joke. No divine being has ever appointed apostles in this world; throughout history, it has never happened, it is merely the folly of the people. But you cannot slack off regarding Shaya; if there is any further movement, report to me in a timely manner.”
“Yes.”
“Alright, you may leave.”
“Your Holiness? Then what should I do next?”
“Stand by and observe; I will arrange for someone to inform you of the next actions. Do not act rashly before then.”
“I will follow your guidance.”
Philex placed his palm over his heart and vowed to act according to the Pope’s requests.
—But he did not leave immediately.
As the Pope’s brow slightly furrowed, Philex further lowered his posture and tentatively inquired.
“Your Holiness, I will serve you faithfully; please rest assured. However… the matters you previously promised me… I believe you will definitely fulfill.”
Philex’s tone was somewhat fearful, yet despite this, he persisted in reaffirming that point.
Otherwise, everything he had done would be meaningless.
Ha… truly a greedy person.
Even in the church under the gaze of the gods, he dared to voice such worldly words.
Yet the greedier a person is, the easier they are to control.
As long as the chips you give are substantial enough, he does not need to doubt your loyalty.
Perhaps even more steadfast than those pious believers.
Sometimes, interest is the most powerful doctrine in this world.
“Of course.” Gustana’s brow relaxed, the ruby at the tip of the scepter shone with a faint glow, “Contributors are rewarded; it is the way of the world. If great things can be achieved, wealth, power, and status will follow you.”
After a brief pause, Gustana’s gaze became piercing.
“If Aulus falls… you will be the new King of Aulus.”
“Ah… thank you, Your Holiness, honoring the divine… may the church state endure for ten thousand years.”
Philex knelt deeply, bowing his head as if at this moment his heart also housed a divine being named “Ambition and Greed.”
This time, Philex withdrew, his face reflecting endless loyalty.
As he left the church, the golden gates closed once more.
The vast church was left with only the Pope.
“The angels sing, the gods chant, the loving gods sprinkle the light of redemption across the world.”
Wrinkled hands pressed against his chest as he turned his back to the sculpted statue, chanting a thousand-year-old prayer.
Quiet, solemn, oppressive.
The intertwining purple, red, and blue lights still filled the church, flickering and dimming.
It was just that at some unknown point…
The light falling forward began to retract in the opposite direction, like a river flowing backward, like stars moving in reverse.
The surge of light should inherently be directionless.
But if you are in the midst of it, there are subtle differences you can sense.
The Pope was not surprised by such an extraordinary sight, but on his calm face, there was now a great deal of respect.
In the Corea Church State, there was no one who earned the Pope’s respect.
Unless, the person is no longer human.
Amidst the silent brilliance, the radiance came to a sudden stop.
“Gustana, you are truly becoming more and more old and blind; even if the kingdom falls, you would entrust its throne to such a petty person, I can only say that history has added another tale of laughter.”
In the church, which should not have a second person, a clear female voice echoed.
Resounding from all directions, dissipating in every quarter.
The Pope was not surprised, but respectfully bowed his head in response.
“You jest; if great things can be achieved, Philex will be the first to die.”
“Oh, growing older makes one sharper? Old fox… cutting the bridge after crossing the river, how despicable of you to be the Pope, truly lacking in bottom line.”
“Well… everything I do is according to your gospel; if you say it’s despicable, I dare not speak.”
“Hahaha…!! I do not direct people to kill or burn; I have not taught the masses to be hypocritical! It is the depravity that people learn on their own!”
“Ah… malice is indispensable on the road to the prosperity of the church state…”
A silver-bell-like laugh echoed, charming yet fearful.
Even the Pope tightened his grip on the scepter, a layer of fine sweat beginning to form in his palm.
However, just a moment later.
The laughter gradually ceased.
“Well… I have no mind to concern myself with the life and death of petty people; you may handle it. However, about Xue Feiya Halder, I am somewhat worried… her existence is not as simple as it appears; you need to pay more attention.”
“Not simple…?”
“That is an existence even my power cannot judge, very strange.”
“!”
“Haha…! In matters of the world, I do not concern myself; judge for yourself.”
“Understood… please rest assured.”
The flow of light must eventually return to its proper course like flowing water.
The voices in the church seemed to have never existed, and even the flow of time seemed to have just begun after Philex left.
However, the expression of the Pope at this moment had taken on greater seriousness.
As the scepter struck the ground once more, the waiting believers outside the church rushed in eagerly to find a seat of their own, filling even the last row of the terrace.
The Pope ascended the high platform alone.
As usual, he began his sermon.
The entire church state resumed as usual, resting and recuperating.
“In the name of God, protect all the people, may the church state last eternally.”
