NOVEL NEXT Chapter 56.1
The incident at the banquet had significant repercussions. While it was essentially just an illusion, the fact that the Skeleton King’s magic power appeared during the priests’ ordination ceremony was noteworthy.
“Although the ceremony proceeded smoothly thanks to the efforts of the priests, how could the Skeleton King enter Hella?”
Naturally, it became a topic of great importance even within the imperial court.
Not only the five Dukes, who were the highest-ranking officials in the ceremonial hierarchy, but numerous central nobles gathered for heated discussions.
“It seems there was an issue with the holy water bowl.”
“The one that determines compatibility with the gods?”
In response to the Emperor’s question, Duke Elai, the head of the Blue family, nodded.
“Yes. There was an summoning circle inscribed on it. We are currently investigating the person who brought in the bowls, but it seems that foreigners have been entering more frequently due to the opening of international relations.”
“But there may also be issues with the Empire’s barriers.”
“!”
The nobles were agitated by Cardinal Berit’s words.
The issue of barriers was an unavoidable problem for the Holy Empire.
As expected, Cardinal Berit’s golden eyes flashed like a predator that had spotted its prey.
“Originally, with the Holy Empire’s barriers alone, we could have completely blocked the entry of demons. However…”
“I know. The imperial barrier has been weakening for the past 150 years. It has become an environment where demons can easily enter.”
The barriers of the Holy Empire Hella were managed by the Sacred Dragon, overseen by the imperial family. The problem was that the Sacred Dragon was neglecting the management of the Empire’s barriers.
The nobles clicked their tongues, knowing roughly what the Pope’s intention was when he said those words.
‘You want to say it’s not the Papacy’s responsibility.’
‘He’s doing too much. Where is the human who can control the Sacred Dragon at this point?’
‘Well, it’s convenient for us.’
The power of the Sacred Dragon granted immense power to the imperial family.
The Papacy couldn’t recklessly attack because of the power only the imperial family possessed. Therefore, deliberately attacking the weaknesses of the imperial family with the barrier incident was their plan.
However, the head of the Blue family intervened.
“If there were issues with the barriers, the Skeleton King wouldn’t have just sent an illusion. Rather, it means the barriers are sturdy enough that only the illusion magic power could barely seep through.”
At those words, Cardinal Berit glanced at Duke Elai with displeasure.
Since the imperial family treated him well, is he now openly siding with the imperial family on neutral matters?
For a member of the Papacy, it wasn’t a pleasing situation.
“Regardless, we need to be vigilant after this incident. We should expedite the cultivation of Saints. The imperial family will soon visit the Sacred Dragon’s shrine, so don’t worry.”
“Yes!”
After the meeting, nobles and priests engaged in conversations.
Contrary to the topic discussed during the meeting, they seemed unexpectedly excited.
“Eshua did something, you say?”
If it concerned one of the five major families, it would be enough to make a fuss for a month even if their dog died.
“He hasn’t died yet! The Blue’s youngest chased away the demons with the Purification sacred technique. Isn’t purification his specialty?”
“Haha, isn’t that the sacred technique coveted by the Papacy? Unexpected, isn’t it? And he has it?”
“Moreover, he overcame the curse of the Skeleton King and even grew!”
“Wow, the Pope’s face will be worth seeing. They are like enemies.”
“I think it’s more impressive that the ceremony wasn’t interrupted and was successfully concluded.”
Although the Skeleton King that appeared at the ceremony was an illusion created by magic, it was a place where demons had attacked.
Magic still lingered, and it was questionable whether it could proceed smoothly, but the Pope had cleanly resolved it.
With a casual gesture, the shattered banquet hall was immediately restored, and even the magic was completely blown away. It wasn’t for nothing that he was called the supreme leader of the holy faction.
Isaac’s expression upon seeing that was naturally unpleasant, and the people cheered.
“As expected of the Pope!”
“Eshua’s kid is impressive, but he can’t be compared to the Pope!”
Everyone praised the Pope, shouting, but one person was different.
‘Can’t be compared?’
It was none other than Kina Berit.
He frowned at the stories of the priests returning to the Papacy. Of course, it wouldn’t feel bad as a grandson to praise his grandfather.
‘Are you kidding me?’
They had no idea what Isaac had done.
‘That was undoubtedly grandfather’s spell.’
The fact that there were no casualties despite Isaac being there, he could conclude that.
‘Chasing away demons with just a glance.’
Instilling fear in demons through powerful divine power and intimidation.
It’s the imperial technique that only the Pope can perform.
While other things may be possible, that’s a skill Kina can’t replicate. How much effort did he put in since he was a child to reach that level?
Moreover, right after that, Kina clearly overheard his grandfather and father talking.
-Keep an eye on that child.
Grandfather definitely said that.
There’s definitely something going on.
At that moment, the Elder of Gold approached Kina.
“You were here, Kina. A request came in. From… Where are you going, Kina! Kina!!?”
* * *
“Wow, nephew. Congratulations! Congratulations on receiving your priestly ordination. Wow.”
“…”
Wow, it’s the first time he had heard such an insincere congratulatory message. Isaac let out a bitter laugh at Goel’s soulless congratulations.
For some reason, even though he didn’t know that reason, he was sure the uncle absolutely didn’t want to put an ounce of soul into his greetings.
“Our Isaac, to be able to speak so eloquently now…! With this, you might even be able to recite the curse letters from the Skeleton King…!”
And this guy, Lilai, was truly beyond redemption.
After the banquet, they arrived at the Papacy facing the imperial palace. The priests who held the ceremony belonged to the Papacy.
Of course, they didn’t become full-fledged members immediately.
“You may have been ordained a priest, you are now just apprentices who have recently graduated.”
Well, just because you got a medical license, can you become a doctor right away? In other words, it means they have to go through a period of apprenticeship.
“Well, it’s no different from the final test. Even though it’s short, during the apprenticeship, you will work under the seniors. There, you will learn the real work of a priest that the academy didn’t teach you. Depending on your evaluation, your affiliation and treatment may change, so do well.”
It felt like Isaac had become an intern who just joined the company.
So, the apprentice priests are independent priests who didn’t choose any of the five beliefs. It was time for them to learn about each belief.
Lilai, who came with them, smiled as if reminiscing about the memories.
“It’s nothing special. The formalities of admission can be tough, but later on, it will be a pleasant memory.”
If it’s so pleasant, do you want your kid to go in your place?
“When the apprenticeship period ends, you will make a contract with God.”
Ah, so at that time, it’s finally the time to meet those damn gods?
Well, Isaac was curious. Will those bastards recognize him or not?
So he asked.
“Uncles.”
At that title, Lilai touched his forehead as if tears were about to flow, and Goel raised one eyebrow as if to say, ‘What the hell?’
“When the time comes, do we have to make a contract with the god chosen at the ordination ceremony?”
At that question, for some reason, even Goel and Lilai were surprised. Goel looked puzzled, and even Shuri found it strange, but the two uncles just sweated profusely.
There was no other choice.
-It seems that the god Isaac picked is probably an evil god.
-What?!
Shortly after the banquet.
The Blue’s family head, who was investigating the holy water bowl for the case, called Goel and Lilai with a serious expression.