Before you know it, the second month of the year is already halfway through.
The summer cicadas on the trees are still noisy, singing their most dazzling moments. The daytime in the Theocracy is a little hot, but the number of travelers coming to the Dawn City to worship has not decreased but has increased - in addition to the people of the Theocracy, there are also many
The Erna people from the northern forest, and the Fritz people from the Grand Duchy of Lors.
Although the actions were motivated by interests, the Theocracy still won the friendship of the Erna people and the Fritz people in the recent war. Specialties from the forest and the sea are becoming more and more popular in the major cities and markets of the Theocracy.
It's becoming more and more common.
However, at this moment, almost no pedestrians could be seen on the wide streets of Dawn City. After several expansions, the pure white palace, which was second only to Eternal Day City in size, also extinguished most of the lights. The patrolling monks occasionally walked by, holding in their hands
The torches imbued with divine magic are like stars descending to the ground.
It is past midnight, a time when all things are at peace. Of course, as stated in the teachings, no matter what the time, the "Lord of Light" is always watching the land and all the creatures on it.
Not far from the Great Cathedral, a simple house shone with warm lights. Two people in the house sat opposite each other, with a tall glass in front of them each, which contained a light yellow clear liquid. They were located near the door.
The man on one side raised his hand, rubbed his forehead, and smiled somewhat self-deprecatingly.
"Drinking late at night does not seem to be consistent with the teachings." He said gently, "But you won't blame me for this."
St. Leon's teachings are quite tolerant. What is clearly "forbidden" by believers is basically sinful behavior recognized in the world, such as stealing, robbing, hurting people without reason, etc. For believers who commit such crimes - and within the territory of the Theocracy
The church can exercise the responsibility of investigation and trial for non-believers. Depending on the severity of the crime, the punishment for the wrongdoer includes confinement and repentance, fines, unpaid labor, and even excommunication and deprivation of contact with the "Lord of Light."
The last punishment is a privilege of every pope, which will only be given to believers who have committed serious mistakes. However, he may not be the only one with this power, Oswald thought. Whether it is depriving the "Black Crow" of spellcasting
The traitor with the ability, Cullen Dahl, who claims to believe in the "Lord of Heaven"; or the second Templar Knight, the "Silver Witch" whose understanding of divine magic is far beyond ordinary people, presumably all have similar powers.
.
Only a few people know that the former member of the "Brigade" is also the "Chosen One" of Saint Leonos - an outstanding believer who is personally recognized and blessed by the "Lord of Light". Regardless of his strength or ability,
In terms of reputation in the church, Hylancia is the best person to help him. But his current plan is not to tell the person who has guided him to grow in the church, and even in his opinion, he is more suitable for the position of pope than himself.
Position, best friend of women.
"That's true, because I'm not her." The middle-aged man in white robe sitting across from him clasped his hands on the table and guessed his thoughts as he spoke, "But you are not the kind of person who sneaks out of work casually.
Post, the person who came to me for a drink, Os." He gently stroked the back of his left hand with his right hand, "So, I think you have already made your own decision."
Karan's name was as familiar as ever, and Oswald couldn't help but rub his nose to cover up his mood. He swallowed a mouthful of saliva and tried to keep his voice as steady as possible.
"I want..." He shook his head and reorganized his words, "The Theocracy needs to unify the continent."
If it were an ordinary believer, 80% of the time he would be scolded as crazy. If it were Helancia, he might have to be 'fixed' - just like fifty years ago, when he had just become a formal monk, because he was young
And that's what happens when something goes wrong.
As he grew older, everyone from monks, priests, bishops, until he took over as the pope eleven years ago, thought that he had become much more stable. He began to consider more the interests of the entire country, as well as millions of believers and people. However,
He knew that he was still the devout and adventurous—or rather fanatical believer.
"This is not in line with the doctrine, Oskarn." Kallan's expression was still gentle, "The Lord of Light will not want to see us become invaders, and neither will the people of the Theocracy."
"The teachings have been continued from hundreds of years ago to this day, and some parts are no longer applicable. And I don't want to invade, I just intend to... prevent the invasion from happening."
"But, that's impossible." The middle-aged man in white robe narrowed his eyes slightly, "The war with the empire has just ended, and no one is willing to give up sovereignty easily. Even if we are fully prepared, we still have no way to fight with the entire continent.
The enemy’s military strength.”
Oswald stared at the cup in front of him, his tense face reflected in the cup.
He knew very well what Karan said. If he rashly attempts to conquer the continent, no matter what the reason is, the result will not be very good. Therefore, he has other... thoughts that are difficult to express.
The current Pope closed his eyelids, as if he had spent a lifetime making up his mind.
"We can pray to the "Lord of Light" for help. If He responds to me, the Theocracy will be able to gain greater power than those "Immortal Army"." He opened his eyes again, subconsciously holding the cup in his right hand,
"Moreover, other countries can also understand that justice is in our hands——"
The smile on Karan's face slowly faded. He stood up and took down the "Bright Gospel, Part Two" from the bookshelf - recorded and consolidated by successive popes after St. Leonos took over as the "Messenger of God"
The message. He caressed the somewhat old cover, and then turned it to the first page.
"God loves all living beings in this world. He is always at the top of the sky, guarding the earth and all things. He neither sends down will nor does it himself in the world. Because he knows that if living beings are attached to gods, they will lose their own destiny. However,
, if you are sincere and act according to God’s ideas, He will surely bless you.”
The middle-aged man's voice stopped. He closed the book in his hand, and his eyes continued to fall on the cover, where was the holy emblem of the "Lord of Light".
Oswald is very familiar with this content - and as the pope, he has the right to know the secrets that most believers do not understand. In order to avoid the recurrence of the disaster of the last century, the "divine messengers" made an agreement to never
They do not personally intervene in the changes of the mortal world. What they have done for thousands of years is just to watch the rise and fall of countries and the changes of civilizations, while maintaining the existence of the "magic network".
"Times have changed, Karan." He pushed the cup aside, stretched out his right hand, and covered the holy symbol in the circle on the cover of the book. "The "Lord of Light" is not the only god, and he cannot be alone. I would rather
It is better to turn yourself into a torch than to let the world be swallowed by darkness."
The middle-aged man in white robe raised his head, his expression showing neither reproach nor approval.
"I seem to have seen you thirty years ago, Os." he said, "but this time, I don't intend to stand with you."
The current Pope raised his lips slightly. Karan's words brought back his memories, and he knew that that relaxed and carefree era had passed.
"It's okay." Oswald stood up and straightened the soft robe on his body, "It's really nice to be able to chat with you."
There was still more than half of the wine in the glass, but he needed to rush back to Eternal Day City and sleep for two hours before the sun rose to soothe his nerves for a while. On the next road, he had to reach the end on his own - so, keep
It is very important to have sufficient physical strength and a clear mind.
There should be many people among the forty white-robed bishops and the fifty-one Templar knights besides him who can be convinced. He also believes that the tolerant and benevolent god he believes in does not want to see the earth.
All sentient beings suffer. Compared with that looming future, he is willing to give everything he has, including his life.
"Also, let me say one more thing." The white-robed bishop pushed away the chair and put his hand on his shoulder, "You can't hide it from her."
Oswald couldn't help but shake his head and smile bitterly. That was a part he didn't want to think about at all. However, there was no point in deceiving himself after all.
"I know." He whispered, then recited the incantation and blended into the shadows behind the lights.