I'm an Ordinary Returning Student at the Academy-Chapter 131

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 131

Far in the future, the chroniclers of the Holy See, under the jurisdiction of the Radiant Church, recorded that day as follows—

[ It was the day the blessed one, chosen by the Goddess, arrived on the promised land. ]

* * *

Finally…

Finally, we arrived at the Holy See.

The speeding train slowed down, and the commotion outside the window became palpable.

“Brother Karl. And the rest of my brothers and sisters. We have arrived at the Holy Land.”

The Holy Land.

The promised land chosen by the Goddess, as the Church calls it. And what ordinary people call the Holy See.

I never thought I’d end up in a place I’d never considered visiting in my life.

Before getting off the train, I glanced at the sky.

Hmm. The weather is perfect. The sun is bright, but there are enough clouds that I won’t be squinting from the glare…

“What the…”

Strange. I’m sure there were a moderate amount of clouds just a moment ago.

Why does it feel like the sunlight is suddenly blinding me as soon as I get off the train?

It’s a strange thing. It feels like someone is intentionally shining a spotlight on me.

Of course, this is just my foolish imagination.

“Karl. Over there.”

Selena whispered, and I turned my gaze forward.

A group of people from the Church was approaching us—

“Oh my.”

“Grandfather?”

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s… Cardinal Ignacio, the Grand Inquisitor.”

Grand Inquisitor? What is that, Grandfather? I’m not as devout and faithful a Radiant Church follower as you are, so I don’t understand…!

“Grandfather. Is that Grand Inquisitor position a high-ranking one in the Holy See?”

“Indeed it is, Lenny. You could say it’s equivalent to a minister in the Empire.”

“Oh… So, it’s higher than the High Priests of the dioceses in the Empire…?”

“Much higher.”

Aha. So, it’s a really high-ranking position. I understand, Grandfather.

Hmm. And such a person came to welcome the guests? Hahaha. This is really… My anxiety is growing. What’s going to happen!

“Welcome, brothers and sisters. We sincerely welcome you to the Holy Land, the promised land chosen by the Goddess.”

Grand Inquisitor Ignacio makes a sincere sign of the cross and smiles kindly.

Originally, it would be my place to step forward, but it’s better to leave the Church’s etiquette to the expert, my grandfather.

So, I subtly make way, and Selena’s grandfather, as the representative, makes the sign of the cross in return and opens his mouth.

“We are overwhelmed by such a grand welcome, Your Holiness.”

“Hahaha. Not at all. I merely moved this old body of mine a little to welcome such esteemed guests. It’s nothing to be called grand.”

A bright smile spreads across grandfather’s face. He said he was a devout believer, and it seems he’s very pleased with the Church’s hospitality.

With this, my grandfather’s approval rating has skyrocketed.

Even if something were to go wrong between Selena and me (though it’s unlikely), he would step up and handle it!

“Ah, where are my manners? Your Holiness, you should also greet the true protagonist. My grandson-in-law, come forward and formally introduce yourself.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Holiness. I am Karl Adelheit of the Friedrich County.”

“Hahaha. I’ve heard much of your fame, brother. I haven’t grown so old as to forget the name of the Church’s benefactor!”

After that, we talked about this and that, as we always do. The ‘this and that’ here refers to the situation when I found the relic.

Honestly, I don’t know how many times I’ve explained that part.

Once to Cardinal Beoland of the 4th Diocese in charge of the southern Empire, then again to Cardinal Nicholas of the 1st Diocese, and then the same thing to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

I really tried not to change a single word, lest the story gets twisted and I end up being the one who suffers.

“Hahaha… Truly, benefactor, you are clearly loved by the Goddess.”

“I-Is that so?”

“Of course. You found the relic that the 4th diocese had been searching for so desperately.”

They also say that the Church has benefited greatly from me in other ways, but I don’t know about the political aspects.

It would be faster to talk to the four of them standing over there about that.

“Now, let’s move. We can’t keep our guests waiting here forever, can we?”

Following Grand Inquisitor Ignacio, we began our official schedule in the Holy Land, the land chosen by the Goddess.

Our group was divided into three main groups.

Selena’s grandfather, the most devout believer among us, said he would move separately.

The reason was that he wanted to see not only the main building of the Holy See but also the entire Holy Land if time allowed.

There was no reason to stop him, and since we brought him here for that purpose, we let him do as he pleased.

Honestly, if he were to stay with me, he’d be constantly meeting people here and there, and it would be too much for him.

Next, the four of them also split off, saying they would meet us again a few times later.

They said they had some things to discuss with the Church and wanted to have a more in-depth conversation about the foundation those guys created.

And finally, Selena and I—

“His Holiness awaits you.”

“….”

Yes. Damn it. We had to go meet the highest person in this Holy Land. It was only natural, as it was the Pope who had summoned me in the first place.

Originally, I should have gone alone, but that would have been too uncomfortable for me, so I subtly expressed my desire to be accompanied by Selena.

Since we are now lovers and will soon become even closer, the Holy See, who initially hesitated, agreed to let her come with me.

“Ka-Karl. Look. Look over there.”

“…Huh.”

Crazy.

This is crazy.

They built that massive basilica without spending a single penny?

It made me realize the power of religion.

To think that this is the result of the believers voluntarily contributing their skills and talents, or even donating money. 𝗳r𝚎𝐞w𝐞𝚋𝗻𝗼vel.𝗰o𝐦

Someone said it lacks splendor because there are no jewels or decorations, but how can they say that after seeing this? That pure white structure lacks splendor?

It’s not that it lacks decoration. It simply doesn’t need it. Hanging anything on it would be an eyesore and utterly pointless.

I was too distracted. I almost lost track of the guide. I need to focus. This isn’t just a simple trip to the Holy See.

“Remember this, Brother. This is not just a simple invitation from the Pope. Whether you like it or not, you are a titled noble of the Empire, the brother of the Crown Princess, and further connected to the Imperial family by blood. You must be mindful that your words and actions can be seen as representing the Empire’s will.”

This is why I’ve always tried to avoid politics and power. I’m not good at those kinds of mind games! I’d rather be out there in the mud, fighting with a greatsword and a gun.

Shooting verbal bullets with words and tongue is not my specialty!!

Rumble Rumble—

Meanwhile, the massive white doors opened, and I could see someone waiting for me inside.

Pope Pellestrino XVII.

Simply put, the spokesperson for the voice of the Goddess. And in a broader sense, the head of the Radiant Church, spread across the entire continent.

A figure so powerful that even the Emperor cannot easily control, sat there.

* * *

Growing old is indeed a sorrowful thing. While the heart remains young, the body does not. And a frail body quickly extinguishes the passion within the heart.

The brothers and sisters of the Church call me benevolent and, above all, an open-minded Pope.

However, that is not the case.

This aging body has failed to adapt to the many changes sweeping the world. It has been difficult, even though my shortcomings become the Church’s shortcomings.

For that reason, I am truly grateful for the young man approaching me.

Recently, the name of that young man, Brother Karl, has been echoing everywhere. Even this old body can tell how great his name is.

When a strong wave comes, you ride it instead of resisting. And if you can spread sails filled with a tailwind, there’s nothing better.

That’s how it is now. Brother Karl has brought positive energy and hope into this world.

Despite being a hero, he always humbled himself and showed noble thoughts and actions, and as a result, even the Empire began to move towards a brighter place, touched by his light.

And that’s not all.

Even the elves, who still harbor doubts about the teachings of the light, and the Lasker region, where the reach of the Church hasn’t been as successful as expected because of the friction with the Empire, have stopped their negative words and actions.

This is a tremendous change.

Surely, the Goddess could no longer bear to see the chaos in this land and sent down this messenger of light.

Without this young man, no one could have delivered such a bright and hopeful message.

“Welcome, Brother Karl. Come and sit here.”

From the perspective of the Church, this is a stepping stone to stabilize its influence.

From the perspective of a believer, it’s a natural way to treat a benefactor.

As the old voice that conveys the word of the Goddess, I wish for this young man to exert an even greater influence.

“Karl Adelheit, the young lord of the Friedrich County of the Empire—”

“Let’s skip the formalities. Did I ask you to come here and waste our precious time on such things?”

Others would express their gratitude to him for what he’s done so far. But I cannot.

The old must have the duty to see farther and deeper.

“We will discuss the details later, Brother Karl. So, let me state my conclusion first.”

This will be for the sake of this young hope in a small way, and for the entire continent in a big way.

“Become an even greater person. Become an even more radiant figure.”

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]