Chapter 24 - Professional Imagination

"The Pope? You guys want to go to the Saint Capital to see the Pope? Does Nicola know about this?" 

Elara's reaction was a bit strange. From her words, it seemed like she didn't oppose Cyra's decision that much.

"She doesn't know yet, but I think she probably won't agree to taking a detour to the Saint Capital..." 

I answered truthfully, suddenly recalling that after Cyra had messed up today's burning at the stake, this proposal would probably be even less acceptable to her now.

"Actually, if you really want to go to the Saint Capital, it's not impossible..."

Elara rarely agreed with one of Cyra's ideas. But she gave a suggestion in return.

"But it would be best to persuade Nicola to come along too. That way safety can be ensured. I'd also feel more at ease with her there!"

"Huh? Is the Saint Capital dangerous?" 

Hearing her say this, Cyra felt a bit surprised. I also didn't understand - the headquarters of the True Church shouldn't have any wars or dangers, right? I'd never heard of any perils in that place before.

"And convincing Nicola might be a bit difficult for you guys..." 

I chimed in after Cyra. Of course, whether we went to the Saint Capital or not didn't matter much to me. If Nicola insisted against taking a detour, I naturally wouldn't abandon her to go with Cyra either. Looks like Cyra would just have to be a little disappointed.

"It's mainly because of that Pope..." 

Elara's voice sounded a bit hesitant. It seemed like she didn't want to elaborate too much over the network. After a moment of silence, she finally made a decision. 

"How about this - I have some urgent matters to deal with here. You two head back to Preston Cathedral first. I'll send an angel over to discuss this face-to-face."

"And Cyra, be more careful out there in the future. Don't let humans take advantage of you again! Also, don't try stunts like rescuing people at execution sites anymore. It's fortunate that today's was a True Church trial. If it had been a city defense force or another country, you might already be wanted by now!"

"Don't worry! I only dared to do it today because I knew those church followers revere angels greatly. If I wasn't sure I could succeed, I wouldn't have rushed up there to save anyone either!" 

In response to Elara's earnest advice, Cyra quickly asserted.

After saying her final words, I felt the mental connection severed. Cyra's and my thoughts returned to the restaurant almost simultaneously.

"Let's hurry up and eat. We still need to rush back."

I looked at the table full of untouched dishes besides Kina's. 

Angels didn't need to eat during the day, even if they felt peckish they couldn't eat much.

"How strange... Could this Pope be very special or something?"

Cyra stared at the steak plate in front of her and murmured to herself, having suddenly lost her appetite.

"The Pope? What about him?" 

Kina looked puzzledly at the two of us after hearing that, quickly swallowing her food. "Do you mean the Pope in Jethrobaines in the Saint Capital?

"That's the one. Do you know anything about him?"

I grew interested at this. It seemed this Pope's issues were not as simple as just having lived for thousands of years. It felt like there were many intrigues.

"I'm not clear. We're generally advised to avoid Cresthaven Papal Dominion if possible, let alone the Saint Capital there." 

Kina shook her head as she answered.

"But there are countless rumors, of course. The Pope's age is practically common knowledge. Some say Jethrobaines is actually a nest of dark creatures, and the Pope is their monster leader. Though some also laughably claim the Pope is actually an angel, which is why he's lived so long. That's pretty funny - the Pope is male, and there's never been any male angels in this world..."

"Could he be cross-dressing?"

Cyra suddenly conjectured.

"What do you think this is, Mulan?" 

I retorted sarcastically.

"Try impersonating the opposite gender for thousands of years without getting caught, if you think it's so easy!"

"Um, maybe if the Pope is really ugly..." 

Cyra lamely attempted to defend herself, knowing she was in the wrong. She could only turn her head the other way.

"Do you know anything else about this Pope then?"

I ignored her and continued questioning Kina.

"Nothing else. Though even if you reached the Saint Capital, commoners usually can't see the Pope in person anyway. But you may have a chance if you join the True Church..."

Speaking to this point, Kina couldn't help glancing at Cyra. She had seen with her own eyes how the True Church had mistaken Cyra for one of their own earlier.

"She's not a follower of the Church! Those churchgoers were mistaken!"

I clarified once more. Then I suddenly recalled and asked Cyra,

"In that case, you might not even get to see the Pope like you wished! So why are you still so adamant about rushing over there?"

"Because I have a letter of introduction!"

Cyra took out an envelope and waved it smugly in front of me.

"It's from Bishop Rister. Supposedly just having one of these introductions can basically get you an audience with the Pope. Also, going to the Saint Capital isn't only about seeing the Pope. I've never been to the headquarters of the True Church before!"

Even the Church on Earth, she probably hadn't gone to their headquarters either. So this sentiment was understandable.

After the meal, Kina bid us farewell on the spot. She continued on her mission, while we hurried back to Preston Cathedral. 

"Do you think there'll be any issues with me brazenly barging in like this, after the mess I caused at the execution ground today? Might they try and settle scores afterwards?"

At the main entrance of the cathedral, Cyra had gotten cold feet and hesitated to go in.

"You can actually feel fear too? Then why didn't you think things through before doing all that earlier?"

I rolled my eyes. From Selene's attitude, I wasn't actually that worried about this. But she didn't represent every person in the church either. What if Bishop Rister and the rest thought differently? That would be hard to say.

"What's there to fear? Don't forget you're an angel now. In the eyes of the churchgoers, almost anything you do makes sense - it's God's will after all!"

Without overthinking it further, I went ahead and grabbed Cyra's hand, forcibly pulling her inside.

"Worst case, even if they don't acknowledge your actions, it's not like we can't argue or fight our way through, right?"

"Hallelujah! You've finally returned!"

Our luck seemed a little bad. We had just walked into the great hall when we ran straight into Bishop Rister. But there didn't seem to be any anger on his face. Rather, he looked extremely excited.

"I've already heard about the earlier happenings from Selene. As expected of an angel! Your understanding of our Lord's benevolence runs deeply. I can only sigh that I'm not your equal!" 

"You really think so?"

Cyra was stunned by his bootlicking. 

"Of course. I heard you're a newly born angel? Yet despite it being your first time descending, you're so familiar with the Bible. The angels' refusal to acknowledge ties with our Church must truly be the Lord testing us - so we don't rely too heavily on you!"

"You really think so?"

I couldn't help chiming in to ask too. I'd always found it odd how the Church followers insisted on seeing angels as servants of their God. Now the reason seemed simple - it was just their imagination running wild...

"Naturally! While some may harbor doubts, Angel Cyra's deeds today have deeply proven this point. What happened today is absolutely worth being sung across the entire continent!"

"But out of so many angels, only Cyra seems to understand the Bible, right? I for one don't!" 

Hearing the bishop's words, I couldn't help but twitch the corner of my mouth. Cyra's imagination was already quite strong, but compared to this guy she was clearly out of her depth...

"This is of course still the Lord testing us! As servants of God, he can freely modify your memories - naturally you wouldn't recall him then. You simply don't know it!"

Bishop Rister said this while winking at me too, sending chills down my body.

"Then what does that make me? An exception?"

Cyra pointed at herself, forcing a smile as she asked.

"No, this is also the Lord's guidance. I suspect you were sent by Him specifically to resolve our doubts..."

Bishop Rister respectfully replied, before taking out a small booklet.

"Speaking of which, I have some parts of the Bible I don't quite understand. I'd be grateful if the Angel could enlighten me on them..."

"This is..."

Cyra looked back at me helplessly.

"Do as you please! We don't have anything else to do right now anyway."

I waved my hand, feeling amused as I randomly took a seat on one of the long benches in the hall.

...

Not much time had passed when Cyra was still heatedly discussing issues with Bishop Rister. Suddenly, I saw several low-ranking church members rush in from outside.

"Bishop, quick-"

"Quick what? Don't be so impatient, speak slowly! What if you startle the Angel!" 

Bishop Rister stopped their clamor and asked,

"What exactly happened?"

"Hurry out and see for yourself! Another angel has descended from the heavens. She's waiting at the entrance now, asking for someone!"

One of the churchgoers finally caught his breath and recounted what had happened.

I couldn't blame him - this was already the umpteenth angel to come to the cathedral today. Being shocked was a normal reaction.

"She's here for us. Where's Nicola? Please call her out too!"

I immediately stood up to clarify. Nicola should have already returned here with Selene earlier. But since we'd just quarreled, I also felt a little awkward running over to look for her right away.