Two Hearts (4)

The heart of the continent.

A sacred region located about three days away from Legion, where even setting foot is considered a dream come true for the clergy from the outskirts due to its strict security.

'Vaticarezero', the Papal Palace.

A territory the size of a nation, surrounded by walls so high that the inside cannot be seen.

It is an unknown space to ordinary people, who cannot know what it looks like inside.

No one can enter without permission. It's not a matter of strength or weakness.

The holy barrier here is impenetrable even for the apostles.

Even Judah, who is currently with me, had been biding his time next to Cynthia, waiting for the right opportunity.

'That's right.'

I don't know when, but if I accompany Cynthia, the head of the Holy Knights, when she returns, I can enter with her.

'However.'

I cannot afford to wait until she completes her mission and returns to the Papal Palace.

So I contacted the Strange family and asked my father for a favor.

'I need to go to the Papal Palace.'

I didn't explain why. I simply stated my request, and the reply arrived within a day.

[Act as you see fit.]

The one who came with the letter was Beth, the captain of the guardian knights of the Strange family.

"It's been a while, Young Master."

I asked a question even before finishing my greeting.

"How's the castle? Is it alright for you to leave your post?"

He replied with a bright smile.

"Of course, the head personally ordered it. He said that since Young Master Verdin needs to go to the Papal Palace, I should go to Legion and ensure your safe arrival."

I could immediately understand my father's intentions.

'I see.'

As long as I'm in this mansion, it's the same as being under Diberi's surveillance.

He must have known I hadn't fully recovered and reported this to my father.

'And.'

Even without Diberi, my father would have assessed my condition.

It would be easy for him to find out with his information network.

So, under the protection of the guards sent directly from the Strange family, I arrived at the Papal Palace.

"Amazing."

Judah raised his gaze to estimate the height of the wall. From up close, even craning one's neck as high as possible, it was impossible to see the top.

Those who face the wall in person feel an awe so great that it seems impossible for humans to have built it.

"It's impressive, isn't it? Made by those who follow the will of God."

"…Those who follow the will of God. Did God really grant them the authority to act on His will?"

Judah had a complicated expression.

Cynthia, who had been listening to our conversation and wasn't pleased, approached and spoke sharply.

"Judah, it's not about God granting them authority. They simply carry out the divine will delivered by an oracle."

Judah scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"What I mean is, did He give them the authority to execute His will?"

"Do you think He did?"

Judah slowly rolled his eyes, then met Cynthia's gaze.

"I, I guess He didn't?"

"Then why ask such a question?"

"…Sorry."

If Cynthia ever learned Judah's true identity, she would jump out of her skin. He is one of the top three among the twelve, no, thirteen apostles guarding the tower.

Smack! Smack!

"Don't hit my head! It really hurts!!"

It's surprising enough that he endures such treatment without retaliation. If Judah used his apostle strength to counter even one blow, Cynthia could die.

Despite this, enduring the pain and not belittling the weak truly befits the name of an 'apostle.'

Smack!

Indeed, not everyone can be an apostle.

Smack!

Even with such immense power, they have to endure oppression and contempt.

"Plea… please stop hitting me."

Cynthia grabbed Judah by the collar, fuming.

"If you keep spouting nonsense here, you're dead."

"Wh… Why are you so angry? Are you planning to join the Holy Knights?"

He asked knowingly.

But Cynthia, unfazed and with an unyielding expression, answered.

"If I join, I can punish you?"

"No, no! That's not what I meant."

"Then shut up. If you keep blabbering here, you'll lose your head."

"Lose my head?"

"Yeah."

Judah didn't resist further. Cynthia interpreted his silence as fear-induced compliance.

'What a pity.'

If I had seen such a scene in my previous life, I would have enjoyed many entertaining moments.

"By the way, Verdin."

"Speak."

"Why did you leave Alfredo in Legion?"

I had excluded two members from the original party this time. One was Alfredo, a martial artist from the north and Cynthia's party member.

"Because he's unnecessary."

"Unnecessary?"

"Yeah, if it were to climb the tower, I'd take him. But here, he's not needed."

With his mediocre skills, he would only hinder the operation.

Cynthia nodded slightly, seeming to understand.

"Then what about that kid?"

"That kid? Do you mean Rox?"

"Yeah."

"I've given him a separate mission."

"A mission?"

I couldn't explain further.

Anyway, now that I've come this far, they'll soon find out what he's doing.

I answered with silence.

Cynthia, as usual, gave up on the conversation and turned away.

"Just a request, but let's stay quiet here."

An ominous remark.

Is this what they call intuition? She seemed to anticipate that I would cause trouble.

"Cynthia, let me ask you one thing."

"What?"

"If God desired your death, could you die on the spot?"

* * *

Cynthia couldn't answer my question.

She maintained a stern expression and remained silent.

'Well.'

This was enough for her to prepare for the future.

My question was trivial compared to the trials that were soon to come.

After entering the Papal Palace, we each went our separate ways.

Cynthia, hiding her identity, headed towards the cathedral, pretending to look around.

Judah exchanged a brief greeting with me before departing to gather information about the Holy Maiden, 'Joanna of Arc', his objective.

Of course, their ability to move freely inside was thanks to me.

"I would like to rest here for a week, would that be possible?"

One of the seven archbishops under the Papal Palace, the oldest among them, gently held my hands.

"Of course, the Stranges are guardians of peace on this continent alongside us. It's only right for you to rest."

He continued, slightly opening his previously closed eyes.

"Besides, aren't you the knight who recently defeated a dragon with dark powers in Legion? We cannot deny such a hero of the sanctuary a place to rest."

"Thank you."

Thanks to the archbishop, I was able to stay in the Papal Palace without any major issues.

So far, things were progressing similarly to my previous life.

Except for the different party members and the fact that my current fame is incomparable to what it was back then.

Siegfried, spinning around the statue of a man holding a giant cross, asked me.

"Why do I always feel uneasy here?"

Brunhild, in her cat form, whispered while licking her front paw on my shoulder.

"This place sends souls to heaven and earth. It's natural to feel uneasy. I always feel nauseous here."

These two would soon uncover the secrets of the Papal Palace and be astonished by their own heightened senses.

Even without knowing the history or records, just standing on this land made them realize it was an unpleasant place. Their perception far surpassed that of mere animals.

'Monstrous creatures.'

No, perhaps this level of perception is necessary to face dragons.

Anyway, before an argument could break out between them, I continued my conversation with the archbishop to prevent any fights.

"Let me introduce myself again, my name is Verdin de Strange. I am the youngest son of the Strange family and currently gaining experience as an apprentice adventurer in Legion."

The archbishop responded with a kind smile.

He nodded deeply, his long white beard fluttering as he answered.

"I am Judah. Among the clergy, I am known for my excellent character, so much so that I am often considered a future pope."

I knew this well. I had many conversations with him in my past life, which made this meeting all the more anticipated.

I wondered who had become more corrupt this time, him or me. It's absurd to think this way about a clergyman, but...

'Judah is no ordinary priest.'

I grasped his wrists with both hands and continued.

"That's a good name. I have a friend with the same name who always acts in a way that deserves blessings."

"Is that so? Hohoho! I would like to meet this friend someday."

On the surface, it seemed like a harmonious conversation.

Only the parties involved would know what was really happening underneath.

"Yes, he is a devout friend, so I will bring him along sometime."

* * *

Vaticarezero Cathedral was of a scale incomparable to any church in Legion.

We walked along the middle path of the three paths—left, middle, and right.

Four knights in silver armor with faces hidden by cross-shaped helmets escorted Cynthia.

"Please, enter."

The knights opened the seven grand doors, and inside, twelve priests bowed their heads in greeting.

Tap, tap, tap.

As she entered the cathedral, the voices of the choir, sounding like an angelic hymn, echoed.

Aaaaah—

Enchanting voices and beautiful decorations.

"Welcome, Cynthia."

An old man with a splendid crown whispered softly, looking at the giant cross in the cathedral.

"Yes, Your Holiness."

Without further conversation, they looked at each other and prayed briefly.

Cynthia didn't need to explain her recent activities. The pope, already knowing about her, merely inquired lightly about her recent efforts.

"How was your journey with Sir Verdin?"

Cynthia's eyebrows twitched.

To attach the title of 'Sir' to an eight-year-old, especially from a pope who held a status equal to an emperor, was quite surprising.

"It wasn't bad. Thanks to him, I could ascend the tower quickly."

The pope lightly placed his palm on her head and asked.

"Have you found the owner of the oracle?"

"Not yet. But I have found where they are."

"Is that so? Where is it?"

"…Between the 20th and 30th floors of the tower."

Cynthia pulled out a book she had secretly taken from Verdin's room, opened it to a bookmarked page, and handed it to the pope.

"Here it is. The Messiah sent to us by God."