Chapter 697: The Heretics’ shamelessness knows no bounds
[This is...]
Jin took a deep breath, staring at the relic without blinking. This time, I was sure, he did not act. I couldn’t help but ask Ignis if it was real, if it wasn’t a replica like what I made to fool the magician, and Jin replied by answering the Pope’s question.
[What do you think?] the Pope smiled.
[Yes] Jin nodded, replying almost in a daze. [Yes, this is what I’ve been looking for]
[I’m glad] the Pope’s smile grew wider, while the pale eyes grew colder.
Oh, I didn’t like that smile. Jin didn’t like it either; it was clear from how much his hands tensed up along the box of relics, which gradually retreated from the middle of the table. I was sure he wanted to hide the relics right away, but he couldn’t do that before asking what he was there for.
[Your Eminence, I would like to purchase this directly--is it possible?] Jin asked earnestly. And honestly, we still had maybe a one percent chance to believe we could avoid too much violence if this request was to be accepted.
Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy.
[Ah--unfortunately, I don’t think you can] The Pope shook his head with a sad, solemn face.
[What? Why?!] Jin leaned forward and asked agitatedly, before quickly getting a hold of himself and followed with more calm and grace. [Oh, is it because I have to go through the auction first? Haa...I guess that’s inevitable, but--]
[No, that’s not it] The Pope cut him out while placing the seventh relic back inside the pouch.