Chapter 18: With a Pope Like This, Wont The Holy Church Soon Be Completely Revived?
Chapter 18: With a Pope Like This, Won’t The Holy Church Soon Be Completely Revived?
Meilin and Yalis departed swiftly, vanishing into the night.
By now, darkness had fully settled, and the town’s streets pulsed with the rhythms of evening life.
Once Lin Wei confirmed that no one lingered near the labyrinth, he transformed into a streak of light and soared toward Lotai.
“Heh, an unexpected windfall—earning a Judgement Knight’s promise and friendship.”
He murmured this to himself, though in truth, he hardly cared about the latter.
It was more that—since he was now owed a favor, a thread of connection had been established.
The real benefit was simple: “At least he won’t suspect I’m the Demon Lord now.”
As for the candidate Saintess, Yalis—he’d saved her life, and she hadn’t yet had the chance to repay him.
If he ever found himself in trouble and needed help, she would surely step forward without hesitation. Such was the weight of a life-saving debt.
“Really, CS.”
Taking advantage of a naïve girl who knows nothing of the world, huh?
…Hakiwei, you sly fox.
“Speaking of which, what’s Veya up to right now?”
Boredom crept in as he flew through the night sky, his thoughts wandering.
He gazed toward the distant horizon, unable to stop himself from wondering about Veya, who had already returned to The Holy Church.
As a famously tireless workaholic, she’d no doubt be buried in mountains of paperwork again by tomorrow.
“If only she could rest at home for a few more days,” Lin Wei mused, unable to stop himself from speculating about when she might return next.
◇
Holy City.
Brilliant streams of light cascaded from the horizon, encircling the magnificent city like golden fountains raining down from the heavens.
Hymns echoed in the air—solemn, sacred, and so stirring that anyone standing here would feel compelled to bow in reverence.
At the center of the plaza stood a colossal statue of the goddess Alicia, her compassionate gaze watching over this tranquil land.
The grand cathedral, composed of vast circular halls, stood as a testament to The Holy Church’s deep and storied legacy.
In a chamber at the cathedral's highest level, a solemn-faced Hoky Church secretary meticulously reported on stacks of documents.
Though it was nearly midnight, the atmosphere remained tense and industrious, with no sign of rest.
“The Knights of the Sacred Light sent to the Northern Countries have reported in. The demons are entrenched in the northern border fortress, making a desperate last stand to protect their final foothold. The Grand Commander of Sacred Light has requested reinforcements—can we dispatch more Sacred Light Knights to the front?”
“Understood… Also, allocate all remaining stockpiled potions to the front lines, and request the Imperial Armored Knights to join forces for a final assault.”
…
“In the western city of Nivella, traces of the Cult of the evil gods have recently been discovered. The local Church has sent a letter requesting strong Judgement Knights for support.”
“Assign this to Grand Commander Meilin.”
…
“The Holy Church’s financial budget and projected revenue statements for next month were submitted several days ago. The finance officer asks if Your Holiness might expedite their approval?”
“I’ve already reviewed it. Tell him to give me a proper explanation for these expenditures before he comes to me about approval again.”
Pope Selena listened quietly as her secretary continued to report the backlog of the Holy Church affairs.
Her expression was cold and commanding, radiating an oppressive authority that brooked no frivolity. The golden light in her eyes was nothing short of divine.
Any ordinary member of the clergy would have found her presence daunting—almost untouchable.
Yet for Rennie, the Pope's secretary, there was not a trace of resistance or fear in her gaze. If anything, her eyes shone with admiration.
This was the Pope they served now.
After the previous Pope’s tragic passing, when the goddess Alicia’s oracle publicly chose the then-inexperienced Saintess Selena as successor, most of The Holy Church’s high-ranking clergy had little faith in their new leader. Some even plotted to invoke the Rite of Judgment at the first opportunity, hoping to select a new Pope.
But Selena had offered no lengthy explanations or justifications. In just two years, she had silenced every doubter.
The plague of evil god cults that once swept the realm was gradually quelled. The Holy Church’s finances, long mired in deficit, had been turned around by her reforms.
Especially notable were her tightening of the residency registration system and her policy of supporting the frontlines, keeping the flames of war outside the Empire’s borders. These choices had brought much-needed stability to a once-fragile nation.
Only someone like Rennie, who served at the Pope’s side, truly understood the staggering workload Selena shouldered each day.
If not for those stubborn old guards who still clung to their prejudices, The Holy Church would surely be in even better shape by now.
“Miss Rennie.”
“Yes, Your Holiness!”
Startled at being called by name, Rennie snapped her head up.
For a moment, she caught a rare, gentle smile softening the Pope’s usually solemn face.
“There’s so much work left that I didn’t even notice how late it’s gotten.”
“You’ve worked hard enough for today. I’ll handle the rest myself. Go home and get some rest.”
At this hour, and the Pope still intends to keep working?
“I can’t possibly do that!” Rennie shook her head emphatically, showing not the slightest intention of leaving. “If Her Holiness is still working, how can I—”
“With the blessing of the Holy Light, my constitution is not something ordinary clergy can compare to. All I need is a brief rest and I’m ready to continue. But if you don’t get any sleep, how will you have the energy to work tomorrow?”
“I… well…”
She had to admit, the logic was sound.
Balling her fists, Rennie met the Pope’s gaze—only to find she couldn’t muster a single retort.
Of course. How could anyone compare themselves to Her Holiness?
A single night awake was nothing for the Pope; she’d be back at full strength in no time. But if Rennie stayed any longer, there was no guarantee she’d be fit for duty tomorrow.
Worse, she might even end up distracting the Pope and affecting her judgment.
Truth be told… after working so long, she was already feeling drowsy.
“Hurry on, then.”
There was no point in being stubborn any longer. Staying would only waste more time.
Seeing the Pope already turning back to the stack of documents, her focus sharpening even as a hint of fatigue creased her brow, Rennie quietly took her leave.
Secretary Rennie bit her lip, her face full of reluctance as she finally turned and walked out.
“Honestly… how could anyone dislike the current Pope?”
Diligent, decisive, commanding—
In the two years she’d served as secretary, Rennie had never once seen Her Holiness troubled by any problem.
It was as if there was no difficulty she couldn’t overcome, no predicament she couldn’t escape. If only the previous Pope had stepped down a little sooner…
With Pope Selena at the helm, The Holy Church could only grow stronger.
“Her Holiness is simply the best.”
With that, Rennie clenched her fists in encouragement and her figure quickly disappeared down the corridor.
【There’s no end to this work, is there?】
【Why do they need my approval for every little thing? Do they not have brains of their own!?】
【So tired… Why are there still so many documents? I was only on leave for a single day!】
Time slipped by quietly.
Work, work, and still more work.
Her once plentiful energy was steadily drained away by an endless stream of complex issues.
With her secretary gone, the study grew ever more silent, the only sound the scratch of pen on paper drifting through the air.
At last, when she was certain no one was watching—
The Pope, who just moments ago had appeared so solemn and composed, finally couldn’t hold on any longer. She slumped forward onto her desk.
Muffled words of defeat—unimaginably plaintive for someone of her stature—quietly echoed through the empty room.
“So tired… This work is so hard.”
“Lin Wei, where are you? Ugh… Hurry up and come comfort me.”
TL Note:
Regarding CS and Hakiwe, I read the passage again and double-checked, but in the end, I’m not sure. It seems the author is referencing something, as the original text looked like this: “真是CS。” ...“哈基维你这家伙。” My guess is that it’s either a famous character or a game. If anyone understands the reference, please comment below.