Chapter 267 - 8: Heaven’s Secret
With a soft sigh, Julius’s gaze listlessly swept over the faces of the two men. Frenster’s words could be interpreted in two ways: either he truly knew nothing, not even understanding the content of the image, or he was feigning ignorance, finding it more judicious to inform Julius of the latter possibility. At least he knew to avoid the question, which was sufficient. Julius’s intention wasn’t to do anything with it anyway.
"Is that so? I too hope for the Bright Holy Teaching’s blessing to spread across the Continent, but often things go contrary to our desires. It would be unacceptable to violate our creed in the name of spreading the doctrine or expanding the influence of the Holy Teaching. Good intentions can spoil when pursued with ill-timed methods, and you should understand this better than anyone."
The Pope’s words became ambiguous, yet to the two listeners, they bore clear implications. Frenster was naturally uneasy, and Vazinsky was no less so. In recent years, the Pope seemed to have never stepped out of St. Mark’s Church and the West Fan Palace, yet he had all the worldly changes within his grasp—there was no question about that. However, it seemed as if the Pope had deliberately given the two men free rein over the years while intentionally restricting that lunatic Noyola. Now, it appeared the Pope intended to change this status quo.
The church again fell into silence, and the emaciated figure’s gaze, solidifying like substance, slowly swept across their faces. Despite their protective masks being well-forged, they were as nothing before this penetrating look, leaving them feeling as if their innermost thoughts, like those of an innocent girl deceived by a roguish traveler, were wide open. They were struck with a sense of helplessness they had never experienced before, and a fine sheen of cold sweat suddenly coated their entire backs.
"Enough, you may leave. Today’s matters were of destiny, and disclosing them is of no benefit. I contravene heavenly principles simply to allow you to understand, the great mission of expanding the Holy Teaching is paramount and daunting. We must not treat it lightly. Consider this well."
Watching the two figures hurry away, Julius’s gaze grew reflective. Too much of anything can be detrimental; why are they but one step behind? Only those who can overcome personal desire can reach the end of a long and lonely journey. He hoped they would comprehend this truth. In the weariness that comes with excess, he felt a lurking crisis. Had the Holy Teaching truly reached its zenith? No, this should only be the starting point of another era of glory. Julius believed firmly that conviction determined success or failure, and everything hinged on this.
Komer sat leisurely in his curved wicker chair, delighted by the soft color of the sky-blue vines, which retained their pleasant hue for decades after drying—a charm of the aquatic vine of the Nine Dragons Vine. Extremely sturdy and with a naturally cooling property, it was perfect for making goods for summer relaxation, but such vines had long since disappeared from the Continent’s mainland, surviving only in the wild frontiers. Now coveted by nobles, it had become an unexpected fashion trend amid the increasing luxury and indulgence of high society in the kingdom.
Katya’s arrival had thrilled Komer immensely—not for any special reason, but since Vero’s departure, he had found his life somewhat pallid, even suffering bouts of insomnia. Upon reflection, Komer realized that his thoughts seemed increasingly detached from those around him, lacking someone to confide in. While Puber and Ilot were unwavering allies in his business endeavors, their conversations became dull if they strayed from matters of territory or the exploration of Martial Dao. Komer himself found the idea of discussing anything else with them torturous and futile. Rebry seemed a better conversational partner, offering advice on territorial matters or his future path. While Komer might not always agree with Rebry, his input often sparked new ideas. Yet he was not someone Komer felt he could truly converse with openly. And now, Katya had arrived.