Chapter 474: Volume 10: Thunderous Movements and Winds Rising, - 9: Strolling Along the Journey of Life
He sighed softly, and Julius’s gaze swept aimlessly over the two faces. Frenster’s words could be interpreted in two ways: either he truly knew nothing, not even understanding the content of the picture, or he was feigning ignorance, pretending not to know. Julius felt the latter was more probable, but that was for the best. At least he knew to avoid the question, and that was sufficient; his intent was not to use this matter for anything else.
"Is that so? I, too, hope that the Bright Holy Teaching’s blessing will shine across the Continent, but many things often go contrary to our wishes. If we betray our tenets to spread doctrine or expand the influence of the Holy Teaching, that would be unacceptable. Even noble goals can spoil if pursued through inappropriate means, and this, you should understand better than anyone."
The meaning behind His Holiness the Pope’s words became cryptic, yet to the two listeners, they seemed pointed. While Frenster was undoubtedly unnerved, was not Vazinsky likewise uneasy?
In these past years, His Holiness the Pope had seemingly never ventured beyond St. Mark’s Church and the West Fan Palace, but all changes in the world were within his grasp, unquestionably. However, in recent years, it seemed the Pope had deliberately allowed the two men freedom while deliberately restraining the madman, Noyola. Now, it appeared the Pope intended to change this status quo.
The church was once again enveloped in silence. The emaciated figure’s gaze, almost tangible, slowly swept over their faces. Despite their well-engineered protective masks, they were as nothing before this look. Both felt as if their hearts were laid bare, like an innocent Girl deceived by a wandering playboy, an openness that brought panic. In that instant, a fine sheen of cold sweat covered their backs.
"Alright, you may leave. Today’s affairs belong to the secrets of heaven, and revealing them benefits no one. My defiance of nature’s law is meant to make you understand this, the grand mission of glorifying the Holy Teaching is long and arduous, and we must not take it lightly. Reflect on this carefully."
Watching the two hastened silhouettes vanish abruptly, Julius’s gaze turned somewhat wistful. Many things suffer from excess, and why had they failed to take that final step? Only those who overcome their own desires can reach the end of their long and lonely journey. He hoped they would come to understand this truth.
Prosperity leads to decline. Tired, he seemed to sense a lurking crisis. Had the Holy Teaching truly reached its zenith? No, this must be the beginning of another splendor. Julius firmly believed that intention determines success or failure, and everything is just so.