Chapter 913. Sera (13)
“Goodbye,” I said.
“Thank you... for welcoming me like this,” Gen said.
“We’re all brothers under Goddess Benigoa. You can visit anytime you want. I will always be waiting for you,” I told him.
After taking care of a few things, it was time to send him away.
I wasn’t sure if he had fallen for my trap, but it was highly likely that he liked me.
I couldn’t check to see why, but a heart-to-heart conversation with the Son of Benigoa in midair was an experience one couldn’t buy.
At the very least, he wasn't going to be hostile toward me. Since I had shown him the nice side of me, he'd probably think that I was useful, which was even better. I was worried that perhaps I showed him my friendly side a bit too suddenly, but...
‘It's natural because Gen and I were bound by religion.’
Yeah, religion. There was nothing more effective than religion when it came to connecting strangers with each other. We weren't born in the same place, and we didn't grow up in the same place as well.
However, we were brothers serving the same goddess.
“If you don’t mind me asking, where are you planning on going next?” I asked.
“I need to report what happened here,” Gen replied.
“You’re talking about your mission... Ah... come to think of it...” I said.
“That’s right. Although, I couldn’t get what I wanted...” Gen said.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help,” I told him.
“I completely understand your position, so you don’t have to worry so much. I actually feel bad because I feel like I had put you in a difficult position...” Gen said.
“Not at all. I enjoyed our time together. There’s nothing more enjoyable than talking about religion and Goddess Benigoa. You use your powers for the continent and for the Order of Benigoa, and I enjoyed my time with you. I meant it when I said you can visit me anytime,” I said.
Perhaps it was just me, but I saw Gen smiling slightly. Yeah, he was smiling.
“Consider it a place you can rest comfortably,” I added.
“Thank you, Father Lee Ki-Young,” Gen said.
“Um...” I paused.
“Yes?”
“I hope we see each other again,” I told him.
We’d probably see each other soon, and we'd talk deeply about religion over wine by then.
I’d visit him, as I had a feeling that I would have to visit the Vatican soon.
I had no idea what exactly was going on, but there was definitely something going on inside the Vatican.
Father Basel hadn't said anything because he didn’t want to burden me, but the fact that the Templars were getting involved meant that there was a huge change. The Templars were an independent organization, but they were still a part of the Order of Benigoa, so I expected that there would be a discussion soon.
A miracle was power and authority. The miracles bestowed upon the Templars were worth using. It wasn't what they wanted, but I was sure the Templars were under a ton of attention in the Order right now.
‘I’m sure Father Basel is having a headache over this. After all, he's in the final stages of his life, but he suddenly has to deal with something like this...'
“Whoo...” I sighed.
“He doesn’t seem like a very nice person,” Rafael said.
“What?” I asked.
“That man. There’s something off about him, Hyung. I can’t really say what it is... but it’s strange, don’t you think? He has the same wings as those monsters capable of wielding holy power. His holy power feels the same as the holy power coming from that monster as well, and there’s something 'dark' about his expression...” Rafael answered.
'Yeah, I feel the same way, but you don’t need to react so seriously.'
“I appreciate you worrying about me, but I’m also a follower of the Order of Benigoa, Mr. Rafael,” I reminded him.
“I-I’m sorry,” Rafael said.
“It’s fine. I know what you’re worried about and that you need to keep all situations in mind, Mr. Rafael,” I said.
“Yes, t-that’s what I meant. I’m just saying we shouldn’t put our guard down, but we achieved a lot today. We were able to hunt for new samples... and I think we made some progress with our research. Marian seemed to have gotten a lead,” Rafael updated.
“Is that right?” I asked.
“Yes. I think we’re getting closer to the dungeon,” Rafael answered.
'It’s in the basement of the Vatican.'
“I have a feeling that this won’t be a simple dungeon raid...” Rafael commented.
'All right, but I’m tired, so just leave.'
“I-I’ve been kind of bothersome, right? Rest up, Hyung,” Rafael said.
'At least he’s quick-witted...'
I was honestly kind of tired. I had a lot to do and a lot to think about.
Normally, I’d talk to him, but I needed time to rest as well.
“That’s not true, Mr. Rafael. However, there are many things I need to think about... I also have that issue with Sera and Cheru,” I told him.
“Ah... r-right,” Rafael said.
“Moreover, the Order is in a bad situation right now. I’m thinking about visiting the Order soon,” I said.
“Are you going to lead the prayer service?” Rafael asked.
“I’m not—Actually, that’s not a bad idea,” I replied.
'Yeah, I should try that. No, I have to do that.'
I had been avoiding getting involved with the Vatican, as getting deeply involved with them would definitely be exhausting. Strictly speaking, I was an outsider as well. Of course, none of the followers treated me like one since I was the Son of Benigoa, but I had too many responsibilities that I hadn't been able to focus on the Order.
It was one of the reasons why I couldn’t reveal the reason I wanted to give more power to Father Basel.
Father Basel wanted me to be more deeply involved with the Order, but doing that would undoubtedly attract a ton of attention.
I turned to Rafael and saw his sparkling eyes. I had a feeling that things would become more troublesome if I told him what was going on.
“How many times have you been there?” I asked.
Tens of thousands of followers were waiting for the prayer service, which could be considered the Sacred Democratic Country’s biggest event. It would also be broadcast live all over the continent.
This was why there were so many things we had to prepare and worry about.
From the clothes to the ceremony, it was an event that made everyone tense, including Father Basel, Oscar, the three major guilds of Lindel, and the vendors involved in the event. There was no way we could do something like that on a regular basis.
“I've attended all of the prayer services so far, Hyung. It’s thanks to the Vatican being considerate, but it was still hard,” Rafael said.
‘I remember it, too. You always sit in the front as well.’
“Can you tell me in advance what time it will take place? It doesn’t matter if you don’t tell me, but since there are many things going on these days... I think it’s best if I adjust my schedule to accommodate it,” Rafael asked.
‘Kim Hyun-Sung will probably come as well. Actually, I can make sure that he won't know.’
“I’m not sure. I’d like to do it as fast as possible. I also need to hear from the Order about their stance on the current incident... There’s also a chance that the Templars are involved. I’m embarrassed because it feels like I’ve been neglecting the prayer service too much... but I’m sure the Vatican will welcome it,” I explained.
“Ah, is it because of the recent incident...” Rafael asked.
“That’s right,” I replied.
'Yeah. You're the reason I’m going to do this annoying prayer service is because of you.
Actually, it wasn’t because of Rafael.
I wanted to be more deeply involved with the Vatican. Moreover, the dungeon was located in their basement, so they were inevitably connected to it in some way.
Things would be easier if Father Basel had absolute power in the Order, but if they were in the middle of a political war, I had to offer him my help. I also needed to get closer to Gen. More importantly, I had to move the stage to the Vatican so that Rafael’s party would discover the Mole Saint’s Cozy Sanctuary.
“I’ll be heading in, Mr. Rafael,” I said.
“I’m sorry I kept clinging onto you. Also... I’m really happy,” Rafael said.
“How about we pray together when we get the chance?” I suggested.
“Ah! Really? Can we?” Rafael asked.
'Wait, I didn't think he'd actually agree. I wasn't saying that he wasn't worthy of praying with me. I just felt uncomfortable praying with someone.'
With that, I smiled quietly and answered him in a vague way. "I-I’m heading in."
'Shit, I really should go in.'
I sighed and entered the tent. I saw Seraphim and Cherubim sitting in a corner.
'Ah...'
“Father... Um...”
I waved my hand lightly, and the boys left the room. I wonder if Han Sora had brought them here. I was sure I instructed her to give them a place to rest.
The cute traitors left the tent anxiously as if they were puppies that got drenched by the rain.
“Ah, Sera,” I said.
“Y-Yes?” Sera answered.
“Go to your mother,” I instructed.
“B-But...”
“Go to her,” I repeated.
“Y-Yes, sir,” Sera said.
'I think she’s really feeling lost right now.
Now that I thought about it...
‘I wonder how long she’s going to hide it for.’
Jung Ha-Yan was quiet because she was afraid that I'd notice the fact that she couldn't use her magic for some reason. I thought about meeting up with her or creating a situation where the truth would inevitably be revealed.
I still had some time left, so I decided to send her a message.
[Ha-Yan, where are you?]
[I’m currently resting with Sora. Is something wrong, Oppa?]
[I might have to visit the Capital. Are you still not feeling well?]
[Yes... I’m sorry... But why are you going to the Capital?]
[I'm thinking about holding a prayer service.]
[What? Really?]
[Yeah.]
[I want to go with you!]
[Shouldn’t you rest?]
[I still... want to go with you.]
I couldn’t really get her reaction just on the message alone.
- L-Looks like oppa is going to hold a prayer service at the Vatican!
- Really?
- Y-Yeah. T-That’s why he’s going to the capital.
- You told him you weren’t feeling well, right?
- I-I still need to attend the prayer service. Y-You know the outfit he wears every time he prays? I-I’ll be able to see it this time. I'm going to record it. W-Will you do it, Sora? I-I should be able to sit in the front row this time as well, right? L-Last time... I sat in the second row.
- That’s because... it was an invitational prayer service, and the leaders of each order needed to sit at the front. I’m sure you’ll be able to sit in the first row this time. I’ll put in the request in advance.
- Huh? Sera, you’re here. Miss Jung Ha-Yan, Sera is here. You said you were going to compliment him, right? He completed his mission well. Our Sera. I know you didn’t finish it, but I heard how courageous you were.
- Ah... ah... ah...
- But you shouldn’t do anything dangerous like that again, got it? At least do it when your mother or I’m there...
- Okay, Auntie...
- Miss Jung Ha-Yan, you should say something as well.
- Ah... right...
For some reason, I was embarrassed by how awkward Jung Ha-Yan was acting right now.
Meanwhile, Sera was staring at Jung Ha-Yan with dazzling eyes.
All of a sudden, my hand mirror vibrated. I looked at it and was surprised.
[Today, I have some good news for everyone.]
'Ah...'
[You see, I’ll be joining the prayer service that the honorary cardinal will be hosting soon. The exact date hasn’t been decided yet, but I’m writing this post because I wanted to share the news with everyone. #HonoraryCardinal #HolySwordWarrior #OrderofBenigoaPrayerService #BeHappyEveryone #SeeYouSoon]
I knew it...
My hand mirror wouldn't stop vibrating.
“Damn it, why did you post that?” I complained.
'Is that guy crazy?'