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The coronation and canonization ceremony were the greatest festivals and rituals of the Cult, concealing far more significance than what appeared on the surface.

Especially in a political sense.

Lucia, who was canonized as the new saint following Veronica, sparked rampant speculation and interpretations due to the selection of a successor while the predecessor was still alive.

Some believed that the emergence of a third religious leader, aside from the Pope and the saint who once divided the religion, would inevitably lead to chaos both politically and religiously.

The power concentrated on Veronica was now being distributed to Lucia, resulting in a decline in the authority of the saint, hinting at a potential power struggle between the two saints.

So, what are Lucia, who has just ascended to the position of saint, and Veronica, who has held the role for over ten years, doing right now?

“Mmm… what time is it, ugh?!”

“…What’s wrong, Veronica? Let’s get some sleep…”

“Colonel, Lucia! Everyone, wake up quickly! We’re going to be late!”

We were oversleeping on the morning of the coronation day.

Episode 14 – One Religion, One Faith, Two Saints

Lucia’s canonization and Raphael’s coronation could easily be dubbed the grandest festival in the history of the Cult.

However, for those who truly understood the reality, the canonization and coronation were giant bombs waiting to explode.

Since the previous Popes ruthlessly oppressed and wiped out minor sects through the Inquisition, the factions within the Cult had split significantly into two.

1. Nicaean Faction.

A gathering of clergymen who valued traditional values. Although they were beginning to waver as the veil of mystery was lifted with the advent of science and magic, the Nicaean faction still enjoyed overwhelming support.

This faction consisted mainly of clergymen involved in areas such as judiciary, ethics, doctrine and regulations, internal affairs, general administration, finance and audit, and public security. It also officially included Veronica’s name among its ranks.

While it was somewhat criticized for having softened compared to its ruthless past of wielding the swords of holy wars and the Inquisition, the increases in special operational budgets of the Inquisition and the lamentations of investigators echoing from intelligence agencies worldwide suggested that they had yet to abandon their true nature.

2. Cardioi Faction.

A faction with reformist tendencies. If one hadn’t dozed off during history class, they would instantly think of the term ‘Ecumenical Movement’ upon hearing it; this faction was indeed quite famous.

Most clergymen affiliated with ministries, gospel conferences, and science academies belonged to this faction. Those responsible for dialogue and cultural exchange with Al-Yabd or Nirvana, as well as those working in the Academy for Training Diplomats, could similarly be classified as Cardioi.

The Cardioi faction, advocating for church unity, received support from both internal and external minor sects.

In stark contrast to the Nicaean faction, this was a faction that had significantly benefited from the backlash against ruthless religious oppression and the developments in science and magic.

Most officials considered Lucia to be aligned with the Cardioi faction.

The charity organization under the Holy See, which oversees charity and service, historically had a close relationship with the Cardioi faction, and the orphanage that took her in after she lost her parents was also run by them. Notably, the orphanage was the first place assigned to Lucia after her graduation from the theology department, before the oracle was revealed.

Thus, the two saints belonged to different factions.

Of course, Lucia had never hinted at or openly stated which faction she belonged to, leaving only unfounded speculations rampant.

But the real problem lay elsewhere.

“Speaking of Raphael, the one who’s becoming pope now… he was definitely part of the Nicaean faction, right?”

“That’s right.”

Raphael, who succeeded Pope John XVI, was indeed a cleric of the Nicaean faction.

He majored in ethics and law during his time at the theology school, and his first job was at the Holy See’s tribunal. Having mainly handled heresy trials, Raphael earned recognition for his experience and joined the Inquisition, spending a staggering 21 years in interrogation bodies as a representative conservative cleric.

As is customary for all intelligence agencies, perceptions of the Inquisition, both internally and externally, were not very favorable.

Internally, it was blamed for serious religious oppression and conflicts with other religions, while externally, it faced criticism for illegal espionage activities and the misconduct of its officers working in other countries.

Moreover, Raphael was once a legal professional who judged other religious figures as heretics and exiled them abroad, and he was the head of an intelligence agency overseeing both domestic and international operations of the Inquisition.

That was where the trouble began.

“It was said that the priests from Al-Yabd and Nirvana would all be absent, right? I also heard some government officials from the Mauritania Continent would be missing, too.”

“Would the guy who has committed religious oppression and infringed on national sovereignty come to celebrate? He wasn’t exactly popular to begin with, given his annoying personality. If it were me, I would have packed my bags and gone home.”

Veronica sharply criticized the current pope across the board.

It wasn’t an incorrect statement.

The negative perception of Raphael, both internally and externally, was indeed a reality. While opinions varied slightly based on political leanings, some heads of state condemned his past and refused invitations, opting out of the coronation. There were even those who attended Lucia’s canonization but skipped the coronation.

Given the situation, those who hoped that the emergence of a new saint would bring about a wind of change to the Cult were disappointed.

What could possibly change now that an even more annoying old-timer took the papal position? Furthermore, Veronica was a vigorous, active member of the Nicaean faction.

Thus, some speculated that during the new pope’s tenure, a bloody battle would erupt between the two saints. There were stories that Raphael, who had inherited the papacy, would provoke conflict between the saints.

When considering that the value Raphael would showcase during his coronation speech would be one of ‘peace’ and ‘unity,’ it was indeed a comical situation.

However, it seemed that Veronica had different thoughts.

The new pope, the rivalry with her sister—none of that mattered at all. What was important to her now lay elsewhere.

To be precise, it was crucial for all of us.

“We’re going to be late!”

As Lucia, dressed in her robes, checked the time and shouted, Veronica grabbed both Lucia’s and my wrists, and we dashed through the cathedral’s hallway.

“Let’s just start moving! We need to hurry before that old man Raphael starts his nonsense!”

Fortunately, we arrived before the ceremony began. Thanks to a clergyman showcasing driving skills dazzling enough to put even the renowned taxi driver of the bustling city to shame.

The venue for the Papal Coronation was the Medius Cathedral, the oldest church in the Holy Land of Lateran and home to the Holy See, the symbol of the Pope.

Upon entering the cathedral, a bustling crowd welcomed us. Senior officials representing various nations, renowned figures invited in personal capacities, and well-dressed bishops and cardinals.

As always, Camila was seated in the front row. I carefully took the seat beside her and started a conversation.

“Hello, did you sleep well last night, Camila?”

“It was a comfortable night. It’s been two days since we last met, hasn’t it? Where have you been this time?”

“At the cathedral. Something came up unexpectedly…”

“Ah, I see.”

Camila nodded knowingly, crossing her arms. The decorations and medals she received from the Empire, the Cult, and the Magic Tower jingled lightly.

She bore a genuinely pleasant expression for someone I hadn’t seen in such a short time. It hadn’t been long since I was away.

Although I left without a word, she didn’t inquire further. Perhaps she had assumed I was busy with something related to the intelligence agency.

After exchanging greetings with Francesca, who was chatting with the clergymen, and briefly conversing with some government officials who recognized me, the coronation ceremony soon began.

Watching as Raphael transitioned to the papal chair, Camila tilted her head slightly and started speaking.

“I received a message from the Duke yesterday. He wants to meet three days after the festival ends.”

“Training will begin right away, then?”

“Seems like that’s the case.”

Duke Alexandra Petrovna intended to train Camila as soon as he finished his official duties. I hadn’t heard any details about the schedule or content of the training, but at least the first class was set for three days later.

“It seems he decided to postpone training since the affairs of the Empire come first. After all, the Duke is leading the imperial delegation.”

But the fact that training would begin just three days later suggested that the Duke was quite serious. Maybe he was excited about taking on a disciple in his later years.

As we listened to the bishop’s voice echoing throughout the cathedral, we lowered our voices and continued our conversation.

“Oh, and one more thing. The Duke sent someone to Francesca.”

“To Francesca?”

“Someone from the embassy came to the hotel. I overheard the police talking, and it seemed like they were a consular officer.”

“A consular officer?”

If it’s a consular officer, that means they’re the head of the overseas branch of the Information Agency.

Since the Kien Empire’s national intelligence agency is the Imperial Guard HQ, it’s likely someone from there.

A foreign information officer came into contact with one of my information agents. While it wasn’t strange considering Francesca’s status, given my relationship with her, I had to address it firmly.

I cautiously approached Francesca and whispered in her ear.

“I heard someone from the Kien embassy showed up, is that right?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

*

The official resident information officer at the embassy— the vibrant activities of recognized spies are an open secret in both the diplomatic and intelligence circles.

For whatever reason, the operations of diplomats are considered normal business, and their status is a strong shield protected by international agreements.

However, it’s spine-chilling for an information agent to come into contact with a foreign spy. It’s a cardinal rule in intelligence that the caught one suffers, making it all the more alarming.

Fortunately, the diplomat from the Imperial Embassy that met Francesca didn’t harbor any sinister motives.

“Oh, was he sent by the Duke?”

“That’s right. A diplomat sent by my grandmother.”

The head of the overseas branch of the Imperial Guard HQ received a letter from Duke Alexandra Petrovna and came to see Francesca.

There was nothing secretive about the letter’s content. It was just a simple inquiry about her well-being—that she wanted to see her face before returning to the Empire because there was something important to discuss.

“Whoa.”

Using a high-ranking information officer as a letter delivery service? And even the content was trivial.

Considering that after Emperor Nikolai VI ascended the throne, all intelligence agency command structures were centralized under the emperor, using a branch head as a courier is no small feat, even for a duke.

Yet, it actually happened. The head of the Imperial Guard HQ, who only takes orders from the chief and the emperor, delivering a letter asking about a friend’s great-granddaughter? It would baffle the heads of other intelligence agencies if they knew.

But in my view, this was a fine example of the power dynamics within the imperial family.

Even though the Crown Prince barely succeeded in taking military authority, privately mobilizing the more sensitive information agency meant the Duke’s influence was immense. Perhaps it was too minor an issue to have been overlooked, but Nikolai VI wasn’t someone to be trifled with.

He’s an emperor who wouldn’t hesitate to purge his offspring if it came to that.

“Hmm. I understand for now. Was that all there was in the letter?”

“Aside from suggesting we meet again later, there wasn’t any other information in it. Considering my grandmother’s nature, I suppose that was the main point.”

“What about the consul?”

“The same went for him. He asked about the usual matters and then requested to keep quiet about the northern issues before taking his leave.”

I confirmed the facts through the information agents stationed at the embassy. To see if there was indeed nothing special Francesca discussed with the head of the Imperial Guard HQ.

The embassy staff monitoring the hotel room confirmed that she was telling the truth. They also tipped me off about whom the consul met after leaving the hotel and where he headed.

I felt relieved that the problems I feared didn’t arise.

As time passed, the coronation ceremony had finally come to an end.

Raftilos, now dressed in the pure white garments permitted by the pope and saints, came out onto the terrace of the Cathedral to officially announce his elevation to the papacy. The cult’s bishop completed the coronation ceremony with the symbolic act of pouring olive oil on his head.

The Lateran, now the home of the new Holy See, erupted into a festive atmosphere.

Believers flooded the streets to welcome Raftilos, now the pope, and all the leaders of the Knights Order gathered in the Holy Land pledged their loyalty to him. I spotted the face of Pereyti, the knight who fought alongside us, in that line.

I heard the order was still stationed in the northern regions, so it seemed only the commander had returned. Clad in his uniform instead of armor, he told me he’d head back to the Empire right after the coronation ended. The boisterous laughter I frequently saw from him in the north remained intact.

I conversed about work with foreign military attaches at the banquet hall of the Cathedral. Many information officers dispatched from the intelligence units were among them, but there were also executives who voluntarily served at the embassy after working in the field or headquarters.

Then, a little while later.

At the Cathedral’s bell tower, which offered a clear view of the Lateran, I met two familiar faces.

“Veronica, Lucia.”

The two saints shyly turned their heads, meeting my gaze.

“You finally made it. You came in last, Colonel.”

“Were you waiting here?”

“Of course! Waiting is a must. What kind of man lets a woman down like that?”

Ugh, trash talk. Veronica cupped her hands to her mouth and sent unnecessary jabs my way. Her playful nature remained the same, though her rosy cheeks clearly indicated she was tipsy.

Before the two saints stationed at the bell tower lay bottles of alcohol. There was also food that didn’t seem to have come from the banquet hall no matter how I looked at it.

They must have snuck it out from the kitchen.

“I looked around everywhere and found nothing, but it turns out you guys were already partying here? What are two saints even doing here with the pope just over there?”

“Can’t you tell at a glance? We were having a drink. Come on, Colonel, join us for a drink!”

“Good grief.”

I naturally joined them and poured some drinks. They had even prepared three cups, as if knowing I’d show up.

Just as I was about to empty my glass, Lucia shyly smiled and asked me a question.

“Did you wrap up everything well at work?”

“Pretty much.”

“That’s a relief.”

Then, suddenly, Veronica, who was munching on snacks, chimed in.

“You’re so lucky, Colonel. You’ve got a woman on each side.”

“When did I have women on my sides…?”

“Oh? Then who was that man lying between your sister and your older sister last night?”

That remark suddenly brought the events of the previous night to mind. I hadn’t intended for that to happen, but somehow I ended up sleeping between the two saints.

It wasn’t part of the plan at all. How could I have known that Veronica would cover my eyes while Lucia would drag me into the bed?

The spilled water can’t be retrieved now, but the embarrassment was my burden. Lucia averted her gaze, blushing, while Veronica began to speak up proudly and confidently.

“Well, at least it’s fortunate. There’s no room for fighting over one man between the older sister and younger sister, right? Aside from the fact that you’re a pervert, it’s a situation everyone could be satisfied with.”

“Satisfied? What… no.”

I was exasperated by her bold demeanor. It was absurd for the person causing the situation to act as if it’s no big deal, and her smooth-talking just added to my irritation.

Nonetheless, Veronica was giggling.

“It’s fun teasing you, Colonel. But don’t take it seriously, okay? I really don’t intend to fight with my sister. Neither do I.”

“…….”

“So let’s raise a glass! What are you doing without filling your cups quickly? My arm’s getting tired.”

I raised my glass. Lucia filled her cup to the brim as well. Just as our glasses clinked in the air, fireworks lit up the night sky.

As if blessing a new era.

The saint, gazing at the colorful night sky, grinned.

“Oh, and Colonel.”

“Yes?”

“When the tears stream down my sister’s face, be prepared to meet your doom. I already feel sick to my stomach, and if it bursts along with my insides, then I’ll truly lose it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Now, drink up quickly, let’s move to the next place! Today is the last day to relax!”

Usually, one would head home without being late under such circumstances.

That thought crossed my mind, but it didn’t matter.

As Veronica said, this was the end of rest.

Like all drinking parties, the atmosphere was cheerful, and.

Finally, spring arrived, where life once again blossomed.

Episode 14 – One Religion, One Belief, Two Saints -END-

 

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