After blinking several times, the video connection Yuriel established with the Pope turned a shade of blue.
The other side had accepted the video call.
“Y-Your Holiness, I greet to you. I am Yuriel, a humble priest from the Northern Sanctuary Temple…”
As soon as the silhouette of the Pope appeared on the video feed, Yuriel bowed his head respectfully.
“I apologize for contacting you without permission. However…”
[It’s alright.]
The Pope on the screen, with a compassionate expression, spoke in a concerned tone.
[Seems like something is troubling you. Your complexion doesn’t look good.]
“…Your Holiness.”
For Yuriel, the Pope was like a father. The Pope was the only one who recognized him, acknowledged his worth, and took care of him. Suppressing the urge to shed tears, Yuriel spoke.
“I am… at the Daimon Margrave terry…”
And he began recounting the events that had unfolded in that place.
From investigating the temple grounds in the north to encountering a demon, getting lost, losing Dehan, being attacked by the margrave’s men, the moment he almost died but managed to survive thanks to Dehan, and how lady Shekina, the youngest of the Margrave’s family, saved him. He recounted each incident, and with each word, it felt like a weight was lifted from his chest.
[So, that’s what happened.]
The Pope still wore a concerned expression as he spoke.
[Were you hurt?]
“No, no… fortunately…”
[Good. That’s a relief.]
Touched by the Pope’s warm words, Yuriel reproached himself for harboring impure thoughts just moments ago.
[Are you sure that the one who attacked you was a member of the margave’s family?]
“That… That’s right… He’s were like the servant of the child who saved Dehan, but he’s too strong to be a servant…”
[I see… So that’s how it is.]
Yuriel expected the Pope to immediately voice a complaint to the margrave’s family and promise to rescue him.
But…
[It’s regrettable. Even if you hadn’t thrust the spear at the margrave’s daughter, I would have protested.]
“…What?”
The words he heard were completely unexpected. Yuriel’s eyes trembled with surprise.
“But they tried to… kill me, and it was an insult to the temple…!”
[Yuriel.]
Although he raised his voice, the Pope displayed infinite calmness through the video feed.
[It’s not the right time yet.]
Why?
Why does the Pope feel so distant right now?
[At least when we have the support of the people in the North, we’ll be able to attack them. Don’t be hesitant.]
Yuriel clenched the hand placed on his thigh tightly.
“Th-then… could you at least send a kn-knight…? I’m, I’m just anxious…”
[Are you afraid of dying?]
The Pope replied with a cold tone.
[Are you afraid of going to the side of God?]
Of course, he was scared. Who wouldn’t be afraid of death?
If my faith were deeper, if I worshiped the gods more, would I be able to face death without fear?
Yuriel felt that all of the Pope’s reprimands were his own fault. He was just a 15-year-old child.
“I’m s-sorry… I apologize.”
Yuriel bowed deeply, apologizing repeatedly. The Pope’s lips slightly curved, but it was momentary.
[I will remember their misdeeds. Do not worry too much. Everything is the will of God.]
“…Yes. Um, understood.”
[I always believe in you.]
Then, the video feed abruptly cut off.
Yuriel stared blankly at the now pitch-black screen.
Clunk, clunk. The window shook again haphazardly. If that window broke, someone would repair it tomorrow. Everything would return to normal.
But what about me?
Who could comfort my trembling shoulders?
Feeling the warmth on the tip of his nose, Yuriel closed his eyes tightly.
***
“Phew.”
The Pope, looking at the darkened video feed, let out a short sigh, stretching and cracking his stiff neck.
Then he opened his palm and slapped his cheek.
“Humans.”
As soon as he said that, the Pope’s face began to change. It wasn’t the kind face of an old man with a gentle smile; instead, it turned into a face with blood-red pupils glaring fiercely.
Leaning back in his chair, he gazed up at the ceiling.
“All weak, trusting others because of their weakness, becoming disillusioned because of that trust, and dying because of that disillusionment.”
Long ropes dangled from the ceiling, each with a human hanging from it – the Pope, bishops, priests, and common believers alike.
“You…!”
A surviving priest shouted.
“Do you think you’ll be forgiven for this? Do you think God will just let you be? You wicked…!”
The priest was feeble, gasping for breath, yet his cries were filled with strength. The one who had been pretending to be the Pope turned away from the ceiling to gaze silently at the shouting priest.
“Haha. Yes. God, the existence that punishes and judges everyone.”
“You…!”
“Now, what should we do about this?”
He chuckled, revealing his fangs.
“After all, I am a god.”
Thud!
The priest’s head flew off.
“Oh, these guys are no fun.”
Referring to himself as a god, he yawned with a bored expression.
Just then,
“Lord Lucifer.”
Dozens of figures, with the same faces as those hanging from the ropes, approached and knelt before him.
“We’ve completed all the preparations.”
“Oh, good.”
The one who mimicked the Pope’s demeanor.
The one who mercilessly killed the priest.
Lucifer Agato.
With a more sinister smile than ever, he spread his palm wide.
“Let’s make this one a success.”
***
Oh, tired.
Shekina yawned deeply as she walked down the corridor.
Exhausted from the past few days, Shekina wished she could sleep a bit more. However, it wasn’t an option because it was an ‘education’ day. So, reluctantly waking up to the morning breeze, Shekina was still half-awake.
— Human, by the way, what is this thing called education?
The cat, following Shekina, asked.
‘Why are you here? Why not stay with Calvin?’
Since the cat’s words were telepathic, Shekina responded in the same manner to avoid eavesdropping by others.
Conversing with a cat could become quite troublesome if others found out.
— Those demons are noisy. Two hours a day are enough.
‘Only when getting food and snacks?’
— Even when combing the fur.
‘Calvin will be upset.’
Shekina chuckled in response.
‘Education is about learning about the human world. When demons grow up, they have to go to the human world.’
— Can’t you skip it?
‘If I say I’m not learning because I’m a human, do you think that will work? I’m hiding the fact that I’m human. Speak reasonably.’
When Shekina pressed, the cat meowed and walked ahead.
— I’m looking forward to what I’ll learn. I have an interest in humans too.
‘… It’s better not to expect too much.’
— Why?
Why indeed…
Shekina opened the door to the classroom where the education session would take place.
Then, she looked at the problems written on the blackboard.
[What is the appropriate response in the following conversation?
A : Honey, how about dining out today?
B : …..
(1) Why should I eat with you?
(2) Oh, it’s bothersome. I’m busy right now, let’s talk about it later.
(3) I already had lunch with a male junior earlier. You should go out and eat with someone else too.
(4) Do you not eat at all?]
– Is the answer 3?
No, it’s not.
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