Chapter 914. Sera (14)
“It’s been a while, Father Basel,” I greeted.
“Oh! Father Lee Ki-Young!” Father Basel greeted back.
It felt like it had been a while since we saw each other. His face revealed many different emotions, including joy as well as a profound respect toward me, which was a massive change compared to the last time we saw each other.
He was trying to accept my wish to remain human, but it appeared like he still couldn't hold in his respect toward me. I understood his reaction. I was the God of Sacrifice and Revival, after all. I was the closest to Benigoa, and I had also been to the afterlife.
‘Why does this old man look so haggard though?’
He looked like he had aged a lot, and it wasn’t just me. I was sure everyone had noticed that as well. I assumed it was because he was stressed about many things, and I couldn't help but feel sad at the fact that even he couldn't escape the ruthless passage of time.
‘I wonder if Deok-Gu will become old as well.’
The aging process would slow down if one's Magic stat was high, and if one was at a certain level, they'd no longer age.
Kim Hyun-Sung, Rafael, Jung Ha-Yan, Cha Hee-Ra, Lee Ji-Hye, and I wouldn't age, but it wasn’t the same for others, especially for Park Deok-Gu. I had never really thought about it until I saw Father Basel’s holy power decreasing as he aged.
‘He was such an energetic man. I still remember him raging and yelling while swinging his mace. Right now... I don’t even know if he can still carry a mace anymore.’
“I’m sorry I haven't been able to visit you, Father Basel,” I said.
“I understand what you’re going through, Father Lee Ki-Young. I'm a bit sad, but you’re using your powers for Goddess Benigoa in the loneliest and toughest way possible. In addition, what you've been doing is supposed to be the Order's job. I actually feel really bad because it feels like we've put that burden on you,” Father Basel said.
“If it wasn't for the Order—”
“I appreciate your words, Father Lee Ki-Young,” Father Basel interrupted me.
“That’s not true, Father Basel. How could I ignore the things that are going on within the Order? The followers’ prayers and beliefs are part of the reason why the continent is in its current state, but your wonderful leadership has contributed a lot to it as well,” I complimented him.
“Hahaha.” Father Basel laughed.
He was still weak to flattery.
“By the way, regarding the prayer service...” Father Basel said.
“I’m sorry,” I apologized.
“You don't have to apologize for it, Father Lee Ki-Young. Every single devotee throughout the continent has been waiting for it as well, so it's fine. I was actually surprised by your decision. If you had notified me in advance... I would have made sure that there aren't going to be any issues with the preparations...” Father Basel said.
“I’m sorry for notifying you like this,” I said.
‘Damn it. I knew this was going to happen. What would that make him look like?’
If Grandpa Basel’s power was weakening in the Order, then he'd be more worried about this incident. It was more like a small event than an incident, but ordinary people were very sensitive to incidents like this. The prayer service was announced through Rafael's personal account rather than through official channels. Wouldn't the people find that suspicious?
‘The answer is pretty obvious.’
It was highly likely that there were rumors about how Father Basel and I were splitting up and about how I was no longer supporting Father Basel. I was sure there were other bad rumors as well.
This small event had the worst timing ever, as those guys with wings had just started showing themselves. It was one of the reasons why we were trying to convince the public that Father Basel and I were still together.
I needed to let the followers of the Vatican know that I still supported Father Basel, as small moves like those would be pretty helpful in delicate situations like this.
Father Basel and I talked about many useless topics, and I started noticing familiar faces nearby.
The majority of them were in the same faction as Father Basel, such as Sister Jayna and Sister Helena. Of course, I noticed other people as well. They gathered and started catching up before the abrupt, large-scale prayer service.
This was supposed to be a prayer service, but the key members of the Vatican were all here, so it was like we were at a party.
‘The atmosphere isn’t that friendly, though.’
It was different, but I felt like I was at a social event with nobles.
They were in their own cliques and were whispering with each other while being wary of each other.
I had never really noticed that until now, as I had never really been looking for it. Some looked at me anxiously, while others cast wary gazes at Father Basel. What caught my attention was a cardinal walking toward us.
“Father Lee Ki-Young,” Yohan greeted.
“Father Yohan,” I greeted back.
“You were here too, Father Basel,” Yohan said.
“Welcome, Father Yohan,” Father Basel greeted.
“Thank you for welcoming me, Father Basel. And... Father Lee Ki-Young. I’m looking forward to today’s prayer service,” Yohan said.
“It won’t be any different from the usual prayer service,” I told Yohan.
“But you’re leading it this time. I'm sure you think that it's the same old prayer service, but the followers of the continent definitely don't think that way. I want you to know that I have high expectations,” Yohan said.
“I’m not sure if my prayers will be enough...” I commented.
"The Son of Goddess Benigoa himself is leading the prayer, so—Ah! I almost forgot. I’d like to introduce you to someone...” Yohan said.
“Huh?”
“Come,” Yohan said.
“Okay.”
An unfamiliar figure appeared behind Father Yohan.
‘This bastard...’
“You may call him Simon,” Yohan informed me.
“He’s a Templar.” I pointed out.
“Do you know him?” Yohan asked.
“It’s my first time seeing Mr. Simon... but I've met another Templar. I simply assumed that he's a Templar because he exudes a similar energy to the Templar I met,” I replied.
“I’d expect nothing less from you. Haha,” Yohan said, laughing.
‘There is something I want to discuss with him, though.’
I was curious about what the other Templars were like.
Simon's expression seemed perpetually cold. He had short black hair, and his height was similar to Kim Hyun-Sung. What stood out the most were his purple eyes, which gave me the feeling that he'd be more rational than emotional, especially when compared to Gen.
If anything, I felt like he was similar to us. By us, I meant people like Lee Ji-Hye, Jin Cheong, and me. Obviously, I couldn't say anything for sure, and this was just my first impression of him.
Ah, perhaps I felt that way because his Intelligence was pretty high. I also noticed his title, which was "Calculative Monk." Of course, I didn’t feel any hostility from him. I assumed his goal was to leave a good impression on me, so it wouldn’t hurt for me to leave a good impression on him, either...
“I apologize. I was in the middle of an important conversation with Father Basel... Would it be okay if I visit you later?” I asked.
Yohan was being too obvious, so I wanted to avoid talking to him.
“Ah...” Yohan frowned. He was trying not to show it, but I could tell that he was agitated.
“I know Goddess Benigoa has bestowed new blessings on some people,” I mentioned.
“Ah, that’s right, Father Lee Ki-Young. Just like Gen, Simon has also been bestowed... wings from Goddess Benigoa...” Yohan answered.
“I’d like to have a discussion about that later, but...” I trailed off and glanced at Father Basel. “It’s been a while since I met Father Basel, so I would like to spend more time with him."
“I’m sorry, Father Lee Ki-Young... It seems like... I’ve interrupted your conversation,” Yohan apologized.
“It’s fine. No one would dare to blame you for anything, as you have such a high position within the Order. I simply have things regarding the prayer service that I need to discuss with him... Anyway, I hope you understand,” I said.
My words sounded rude, but Yohan looked pretty happy when I patted his left shoulder in the warmest way possible. As expected, he looked happy. He nodded and expressed as much respect as possible before retreating.
Meanwhile, Simon and I made eye contact, so I smiled at him.
Father Basel looked more ashamed than grateful.
“Father Basel,” I said.
“Father Lee Ki-Young.”
“I hope you keep in mind that I’m always on your side,” I told him.
“Ahem...”
When I signaled that we ought to start moving, Father Basel started walking away.
I had to change clothes, so we had to start moving.
“I heard the situation within the Order has changed,” I said.
“That’s right. Goddess Benigoa has bestowed blessings upon the Templars. It’s a huge blessing for the Order,” Father Basel said.
“Looks like the Templars will be more closely involved with the Vatican and I’m sure some of the followers want that as well. Did the Templars... decide to support Father Yohan?” I asked.
“They’re even talking about the next Pope,” Father Basel replied.
“...”
“Father Lee Ki-Young. It seems like Goddess Benigoa has no use for me anymore,” Father Basel added.
“The Templars have indeed received Goddess Benigoa's blessing, but the fact that they aren't supporting you does not mean that Goddess Benigoa is no longer watching over you. She always loves and supports all of her followers.
"I’m sure she’s always watching over you as well,” I replied.
‘Why are you giving up already, man? We still have many things to do.’
“I’m not saying this just to make you feel better, Father Basel,” I told him.
I decided to observe his reaction for now, as there were nearby priests in their formal outfits. Well, perhaps their presence didn't really matter because they seemed to be on the same side as Father Basel. Of course, I didn't care even if they spread rumors. In fact, I actually wanted them to do that.
I was just sad that I couldn’t see Father Basel’s face because he was waiting for me behind the white curtain.
“Perhaps...” I trailed off.
“...”
“Perhaps the Templars had stolen her powers, which meant their blessing wasn’t actually bestowed upon them,” I muttered.
Crash!
“Ah! I-I’m sorry," someone said. However, the voice didn't belong to Father Basel. It was the voice of a follower who had accidentally dropped a glass plate containing my accessories.
“I’m sorry, Father Lee Ki-Young. W-What should I—”
It seemed that my remark was really shocking.
The follower was sweeping their gaze frantically across the ground, searching for the accessories mixed with glass fragments, but what caught my attention was their confused expression.
They probably felt like they had heard something they weren't supposed to hear. I felt bad for them when I saw their trembling hands. I was sure they weren't acting that way because they had inadvertently dropped my accessories.
“It’s fine. I think it’s best if I walk out there with a simpler look today,” I told them.
There was no need to look fancy every time.
I got rid of the useless accessories, and I saw myself wearing just a white priest outfit.
I still had an ancestry, which was a lone necklace. The fabric was woven in a meticulous way that made it appear pristine and holy, so I felt like it was enough for me.
In addition, I was sure everyone would be more focused on my wings rather than on my outfit, so my getup wouldn't really matter.
In fact, I was convinced that I looked even holier in this simple and humble outfit. I also thought this was a great decision, considering the ongoing situation.
Once I had changed into my clothes for the prayer service, I parted the curtain and saw Father Basel’s distorted face. His face was so distorted that he looked like a demon.
‘He’s angry.’
“Is that true... Father Lee Ki-Young?” Father Basel asked. He looked like he was going to grab his mace and smash Father Yohan’s head open with it. “Are you saying that those incompetent fools... stole Goddess Benigoa’s powers...?!"