23 Pope Notice

Papal City - Located somewhere far north of the Kingdom of Reversia

While the light refracted through the translucent windows, the vast hall filled with magnificent antiques and stained-glass paintings that symbolized the depiction of their beliefs: Angels, Demons, and the figure of God — Holy Trinity. Demons are the symbol of evil — contrary to Angels who are the symbol of holy. Thus, the Holy Estate redeemed evil as their hostile ideologies — which they solely biased towards Holy Blessings. The physical leader of all embodiment called the Pope, leader of the Papal City who has the authority to administer the religious belief.

Living in, the Pope sat on the throne with his two standing guards beside. His wrinkled face, a jewelled three-tiered crown placed on his bald head, and a vast white robe on his body gave himself the look of an elder of deserving respect. With his look of the God, he stood himself to lead with the believers who gave the grace of the God.

"(Last month, we received the report from the Reversian Kingdom about the involvement on slavery, and demonic ritual that summoned the certain lady who wield its secrecy within her. Even though the Kingdom could retrieve her, it sounded like a threat to me.)"

The Pope named Alexander thought about the occurrence that had reported to him. It was something that he despised about this plan regarding retrieving the "subject" from a certain cult — the Blue Devil. He doubted "the certain lady who wields its secrecy" as there might be the possibility of bringing the danger around the Reversian Kingdom. Such as the planning and procedures of that ritual would follow to the goal that might bring chaos from the Kingdom to all other nations or lands which they would affect it in a widespread method. He couldn't think about counteracting the possibility, so to prevent it, he must put that "certain lady" on the wanted list. He didn't care for the sake of God's will, but he cared about the people who would die for the sake of pointless chaotic reason even the Blue Devil cult would want to reach it.

By that, he asked the guard, "Will you bring Lady Joana here for the meeting? I need something to discuss with her."

Following the orders, the guard nodded with a slow, calm bow to show His Holiness' respect. He departed the hall to search for Lady Joana, which the Pope Alexander meant for.

Meanwhile, the lady in long, silky blonde hair, warm ivory skin, and wearing a golden-striped frock coat, stood herself on the balcony with chirping and rustling sounds from the trees of tall-reached height. The warm yet moist breeze swished her golden hair to sway freely from its stand. The view was a multi-block building and bluish waves of sea from afar. She gently placed her hands on the handrails while her relaxed shoulder raised to stretch the joints.

She thought about the troubles and causes that might bring mayhem throughout the entire dream. She preferred to dream about peace and happiness other than the chaotic reality with unreasonable instincts of madness. Such as greed, corruption, and war were despicable.

"--I wonder when to end," the blonde lady mumbled.

She did not understand thinking straight other than her delusions were the sole fancy of goodness. Wisely, she rested her body for a breathtaking spend of relief. Her arms felt floppy around her joints, but she ignored it as there was no need to entwine her hands for a calming grief.

"..."

Suddenly, the creaking sound heard over the lady's relaxing ears as she caught the attention to the indoor room. The blonde-haired lady shifted her view towards the room through translucent doors with surrounding curtains. At first, she hadn't seen a clear occurrence of what was happening, but until she prowled back through the entrance, she saw an armored guard calling for attention towards her.

The armored guard gently bowed and said, "Lady Joana, I apologize for the inconvenient manner, but please reconsider it as His Holiness is calling for you at the throne hall."

"What is the problem with His Holiness?" asked the lady named Joana.

"The problem will be introduced once you will face in front of His Holiness, so please excuse me for your matter."

"It's okay… I'll proceed immediately."

With the response, Joana headed out from her room while the guard closed her door as she caught him last from her rush. She felt curious about what His Holiness wanted to talk to her about. She looked forward to the statement, and she couldn't waste time thinking about possibilities — whether it might be the unpleasant news and pleasant news.

Her rushing feet straightened the route to the throne hall. The tapping sound stepped around the whole corridor as the marbled floors caused the echoes.

Until she reached the throne hall, Pope Alexander caught Joana's attention as he inhaled, trying to relax his respiration. He awaited for Joana to come nearly until she reached the ideal distance for formal conversation.

Joana genuflected and asked, "Your Holiness, what is your address to me? Any problems regarding the incoming crisis?"

"Well," the Pope rubbed his chin. "We received the copy of Report File from the Reversian Kingdom, and it says that the Blue Devil Cult triggered the move. Dangers lurking around that country are surely predictable when it comes with chasing their aim. Ingredients, rituals, trading, and even a mysterious lady that had been retrieved from their hands were handled with their execution… I would like you to investigate and eradicate their matter with all honest facts. Question them with your reconsideration."

"But what will happen to the Kross Empire? Would the imperial army come and occupy this land?"

"The Kross Empire isn't simply a tyrannical nation to seek for conquest and occupation of lands. They probably seek a certain ingredient in need to empower their military strength, and this land is the union of all nations on this certain continent, so don't trouble your worries…. If they invaded this land, all nations would react with immediate execution"

"But… what about the people and comrades here?"

"I told you to stop worrying about your concerns. You should put your faith within yourself and consider us to put into ourselves. Sitting around here as Holy Crusaders won't help the entire world while leaving it into astray. I know you're the most trustworthy warrior who could send the victims to their comfortable homes and slain the crisis… even when you were a little prodigy."

"I… I… I will put my faith within myself. I just… don't like to hear such selfish things."

Before the Pope responded, he inhaled once again to relieve his rushing lungs. He wanted to bear his anger since Joana misunderstood about being a part of Holy Crusaders. While Joana fastened her lips for a bit as she sweated out from his compelling exaggeration.

"Just trust in us. The only thing to solve this problem is to face it with courage. I really don't know even a bit of honesty will tell your help, but you're a warrior who can handle such fear shocking you from a tiny hole."

"..."

"If you desired for peace and order of this world, then your flesh and blood will show what you truly promised to yourself."

"..."

Joana stayed her head down as she regretted her struggle, although the Pope himself empathized her regarding her voluntary purpose. She had the prickly head to back herself away from her anxious cause, but she needed to compose herself to seek more answers.

"Living with your blood is better than living in a naught rag."

"--Why are you telling me about this?"

"Venture yourself…. You will know later."

".... Thank you for having me, Your Holiness."

Eventually, Joana bowed down for respect as she departed from the throne hall while the Pope pressed his forehead as he put his stress down to relief. He ordered Joana to lead her army with hankering; Joana thought of her preoccupied mind. The dirt in her hands said a lot to her; even if she came from the cleanest room, it visited around her. Her slothful seat reminded her to walk forward without gleaming eyes to rest in one place. She thought of the time where waste might consume her if she stayed for one. Her beauty didn't mean a depiction of her own being.

"Why do these guys exist?"

She mumbled without worry to hesitate from any trouble that might welcome her to the gateway of darkness. As a Holy Crusader herself, she must perceive her limbs to compose with strength and will. On behalf of the world, she believed that God is always beside her all along, even light and dark.