Chapter 167: The Holy See—Finally, It’s Ours! Heh heh heh!

Translation by: Weebsread👹

​

“Whew… It’s finally over.”

​

The ritual was complete—the oaths spoken, the ceremony concluded. For Veya, it felt as if a mountain had been lifted from her shoulders.

​

She sank onto the sofa in her study, utterly spent. The mask of icy dignity she’d worn throughout the proceedings melted away the moment she stepped inside, revealing a rare, unguarded softness—a side she would never show to anyone else in the clergy.

​

Lin Wei took the opportunity to slip in after her, clad in the newly tailored knight’s armor. He’d offered some flimsy excuse, but the truth was, he simply wanted to be here with her.

​

Now he stood before the mirror, transfixed by his own reflection, his fingers absently brushing the hilt of the ceremonial longsword at his side.

​

The armor—polished to a mirror sheen—fit him perfectly, giving his usually relaxed posture an air of regality. Etched into the breastplate was the sacred sigil of Alicia, Goddess of Light. Even in this windless chamber, the cloak draped from his shoulders billowed with a noble flourish.

​

“So this is what it feels like to be a Knight of the Holy See—Vice Commander, no less?”

​

He scrutinized himself in the mirror, and for a fleeting moment, a crimson gleam flickered in his ink-black eyes.

​

This was it. The infiltration that generations of demons had only dreamed of, a feat even the Cult of the Evil God had never managed with such perfection. He hadn’t needed to bribe any Holy See turncoats—he’d done it himself, and with results far more flawless than those corrupt traitors could ever hope for.

​

“I haven’t just infiltrated the Holy See… I’ve wormed my way into the very heart of the Pope herself.”

​

“And next… I’ll claim this bastion of justice—this holy land founded by Alicia herself.”

​

“I’ll bring it under demon rule, once and for all.”

​

The dazzling regalia—so impressive he could hardly step outside without drawing every gaze—had transformed the dreaded Demon Lord into a paragon of righteous virtue.

​

Lin Wei savored the moment, already envisioning the Holy See bowing beneath demon dominion.

​

Heh heh… hehehe… HAHAHAHAHA!

​

The Holy See—finally about to fall into my hands!

​

“What are you daydreaming about over there?”

​

Veya’s sudden voice snapped him out of his silent, triumphant laughter.

​

She assumed he was simply admiring the new armor. With a huff and a smug toss of her silver hair, she launched into a proud explanation.

​

“You really like that armor? Of course you do. I did modify the Church’s standard-issue plate myself—took a bit of effort, but it’s nothing special. Just something to throw on.”

​

“After all, why would I—the Pope—ever lose sleep pulling an all-nighter just to design armor for some nobody from the Northern Countries like you?”

​

“But if you’re so pleased with it, shouldn’t you at least say thank you? Her Holiness personally designed your armor, and you’re not even going to show a little gratitude?”

​

The look on her face all but screamed, Come on, hurry up and praise me!

​

Lin Wei chuckled and obligingly stepped to her side, beginning to knead her shoulders.

​

“Yes, yes, Your Holiness’s design is nothing short of genius.”

​

“And thank you for handling the investiture ceremony. From now on, I’ll serve the Pope with all my heart—loyal unto death!”

​

“Hmph~”

​

That was more like it. Veya closed her eyes, a satisfied smile curling her lips as Lin Wei’s hands worked the tension from her shoulders, the pressure just right.

​

For reasons she couldn’t explain, whenever she was with Lin Wei, all her defenses melted away.

​

“But I have to say, I didn’t expect so much chatter after appointing you as Honor Knight. I thought no one would care about you joining the clergy, but the moment I made the announcement, everyone started whispering.”

​

“It’s a position I created myself; it doesn’t even conflict with anyone else’s interests. What’s all the fuss about?”

​

“Well, it’s Vice Commander level… That’s pretty high. For a newcomer to get that kind of rank, of course people will be jealous. And naturally, rumors will spread.”

​

Lin Wei had noticed the murmurs at the ceremony, but he hadn’t bothered to intervene. There was no need for force.

​

“When the so-called ‘Useless Pope’ Selena suddenly creates an Honor Knight position and grants it so much authority, people are bound to wonder if she’s lost faith in her Knights of Judgment.”

​

“But it’s not a big deal. Let them talk—it’s just noise. Once we establish our reputation and rack up some real achievements, the rest of the clergy will fall in line.”

​

“And once we single out those who are truly targeting you, we can deal with them one by one. There’s no need to go after everyone—just handle the troublemakers, and the rest will follow.”

​

“There’s a big difference between clergy who are just jealous and those actively trying to undermine you. The first group is harmless. The second—no matter what you do, they’ll find ways to make trouble. Once we’ve separated them out, we can deal with them accordingly. It’s better than making enemies of everyone needlessly.”

​

“There’s just one thing… your Grand Archbishop. He’s supposed to be coming out of seclusion in the next few months, right? I have a feeling he’ll be trouble for you.”

​

Lin Wei frowned, lost in thought. He hadn’t forgotten his earlier conversations with Commander Meilin.

​

By their original plan, once the war settled and the Grand Archbishop emerged, he’d immediately try to strip Veya of her title by invoking a divine decree from Alicia herself.

​

“Most of the clergy giving you trouble right now were appointed by him.”

​

“If we can’t build your prestige before he returns, it’ll be hard to clean house later.”

​

“Or maybe… once he sees what you’ve accomplished, he’ll accept you as Pope? But I don’t know. Something tells me he has his own eye on the throne.”

​

He had no proof—just a gut feeling.

​

A lot of the Holy See’s clergy still doubted Selena. The nobles weren’t entirely to blame; someone inside was clearly stoking the fire.

​

Commander Meilin was straightforward, driven only by fear that Veya would ruin the Church. But what about the Grand Archbishop, the second most powerful figure in the Holy See?

​

“What do you think? If the Grand Archbishop really became Pope, would he actually gain any more power than he already has?”

​

“Veya?”

​

He glanced down to find Veya had drifted off, fast asleep, her head resting against the sofa as he gently massaged her shoulders.

​

Her features, usually so cold and regal, were now peaceful and lovely in slumber.

​

“Asleep already?”

​

If they were at home, he’d let her sleep as long as she liked. But here in the Holy See, for an Honor Knight to follow the Pope into her study and then have her doze off immediately? If Secretary Rennie walked in now, she’d probably drop dead of shock.

​

“Hey—wake up, I’m trying to talk business here!”

​

“Don’t sleep on me, Selena! Show a little professionalism, will you?”

​

He switched from massaging her shoulders to gently pinching her cheeks, shaking her softly.

​

Veya startled awake, her expression snapping back into the dignified mask of the Pope—though her eyes took a moment to catch up.

​

“Ah—did I fall asleep?”

​

She nodded sheepishly and grasped his hand to steady herself.

​

There was still so much work to do; how could she afford to slack off now?

​

“What were you asking again?”

​

“I asked: what’s the actual difference in authority between the Grand Archbishop and the Pope? If he really did launch a Great Inquisition and oust you, what would he gain?”

​

“Oh, that…”

​

She rubbed her face, trying to shake off her fatigue. She’d been working herself to the bone lately—maybe she really did need to stop letting Lin Wei stay over at the Holy See so often.

​

“Well, according to doctrine, the Pope is the living representative of Alicia the Goddess. The Grand Archbishop is more like the people’s choice—a collaborator, if you will. But his authority is limited to personnel and the day-to-day running of the Church.”

​

“Everything else—the divine powers inherited from Alicia, the ultimate decision-making—rests with me.”

​

“For instance, I can issue a divine decree and have Commander Meilin stand guard outside my door tonight. The Grand Archbishop can’t do that. Of course, whether Meilin obeys is another matter. But if he became Pope, he’d have the Church completely under his command.”

​

The Grand Archbishop had served alongside the legendary Dawnstar Pope, and his prestige was undeniable.

​

If he became Pope, perhaps he really could unify the fractured Holy See.

​

No wonder some clergy supported him.

​

“So basically, you can do whatever you want?”

​

“Pretty much! I can even enter the Sanctum where the Evil God Statues are sealed whenever I wish.”

​

“The Grand Archbishop’s authority doesn’t come close. Out of respect for Alicia’s founding principle of equality, I consult with him on everything, but he rarely objects to my decisions.”

​

“When my teacher was alive, regardless of what was decided, the Grand Archbishop would simply nod and carry out orders. Not like now, where he hides away and ignores even the simplest personnel requests.”

​

“Maybe I’m not such a terrible Pope after all. I’ve managed things fairly well these past two years…”

​

“Wait—the Sanctum where the Evil God Statues are sealed?”

​

Lin Wei’s eyes widened in disbelief.

​

“Yes. Every Evil God Statue the Church has found over the centuries is brought to the Sanctum, where the Goddess’s Holy Light gradually purifies them.”

​

“And to prevent any accidents, Alicia buried the Sanctum right beneath the Holy See headquarters. That’s why Popes almost never leave—someone must always remain to watch over it.”

​

“It’s not just about maintaining morale or keeping the Church running. The real reason is to guard the Sanctum. Only I know its exact location—don’t tell anyone, not even within the Church.”

​

She wasn’t worried Lin Wei would betray her, but this was the Holy See’s greatest secret. Even Veya felt a flicker of anxiety—what if he let it slip?

​

“If the demons or the Cult of the Evil God ever found out, they’d launch an assault on headquarters. That would be a catastrophe.”

​

Lin Wei nodded. He knew what the Sanctum was—a vault for the Evil God Statues. But he’d always assumed it was hidden in some remote, mysterious corner of the world, not buried right beneath their feet.

​

“I’m not a blabbermouth, you know.”

​

“But the Evil God Statues… tch, could that really happen?”

​

He couldn’t help but think of the high-ranking cleric who’d betrayed the Church. Veya claimed she alone knew the Sanctum’s location, but why did he have a bad feeling about this?

​

At least she could wield Alicia’s divine power at will. Even if something went wrong, she should be able to handle it.

​

“Anyway, let’s change the subject—let’s talk about boosting your reputation as Pope.”

​

“Last week, when I executed Duke Ous in public, I announced we’d work with The Empire to lower taxes for the people.”

​

“If we use that, and back it up with some positive press in the Church’s newspapers, we can elevate your reputation to a whole new level. And you should check whether the reduced Church tithe policies you enacted are actually being enforced. If not, make an example of someone…”

​

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.

​

“Someone’s coming.”

​

Instantly, both Lin Wei and Veya snapped to attention.

​

Selena—the Pope—rose with practiced dignity, moving to her desk with stately poise. Lin Wei straightened, embodying the image of the perfect Knight of the Holy See.

​

“Your Holiness.”

​

Just seconds later, the door burst open and Secretary Rennie rushed in, her usual calm and composed demeanor replaced by a look of barely contained panic.

​

She looked as if she’d run face-first into disaster, her voice tight with urgency.

​

“What’s wrong, Secretary?”

​

It was rare to see her so rattled. Selena’s expression grew grave.

​

“Urgent message from the clergy in the Northern Countries.”

​

“Three minutes ago, a significant demon force somehow bypassed the Northern Fortress and broke deep into the heart of the Northern Countries.”

​

“The entire region is in chaos—mass evacuations, disaster everywhere. The Empire’s borders are about to be overrun… Your Holiness, what are your orders?”