I Became The Pope, Now What?
chapter-278-30041322

Marashia, Masan Empire's Capital.

The city that never sleeps, the city that never falls, the city that was never destroyed. Be it a natural or man-made calamity, there have always been defenders who kept it safe, for there existed the Eternal Castle of the Mirmasan Royal family. The castle was so big that it could be called a city in itself.

Made with one hundred castles of immense size connected with each other in close proximity, it was the most beautiful and terrifying sight of the West Sol, for anyone who sees it wonders—How powerful are those who reside in it?

In the magnificent castle, one tall tower existed right in the middle. It stood out not for its height, however. Instead, its top was made of a humongous sphere made of glass.

It was the tower of the Chief Oracle of the Masan Empire, one of the most prestigious positions, for it helped the Empire ride through the many storms yet to come.

And that day, too, as the sun started to go down, the giant sphere of the tower started to shine. Inside, the Oracle, an old brown woman, began to see something in her ancient white orb of watchers.

She focused on it and spoke as the prophecy was made. Beside her were also some of her students. "Do not play with fire, for it can burn—particularly those who refuse to learn. Your deeds will now dictate whether he incinerates you. With your actions, decide to be cherished—or perish."

"Is that it?" A man from the Emperor's royal court asked as he quickly noted down the prophecy to send it to the Emperor.

Chief Oracle nodded, appearing tired. "This is it… It didn't reveal who it pertained to or who it would affect. From the words, it seems like a warning."

Bam!

But just then, the door to the chamber opened, and a man walked in. "Teacher! I had my first prophecy today! It was related to something playing with fire and burn."

There were a few more men and women following him, all saying the same thing. They had all witnessed a prophecy as well on their personal orbs. It was rare to have a high talent in this field of magic, so most Oracles don't even see a prophecy for years on most occasions.

But, here, all of them saw it, and it was the same for all.

The Chief Oracle started sweating as she looked at the Emperor's court official. "I… I think I should speak with his Imperial Majesty and explain this complex prophecy. Unfortunately, there aren't many details, so I will have to speculate. I'm sure you don't want to do it."

The man agreed wholeheartedly. He loved his head above the shoulders a lot. "Understood, my lady. Please come with me then."

However, as she left the tower, she looked outside from the glass. She could see the city in the distance and the vast lands. All she could think of was, 'Who else saw this?'

…

Millionthia City, Capital of the Warsong Kingdom.

Sand Continent, where small kingdoms are spread like grains of sand.

Central Continent, where the state of war remains in effect for centuries.

In Libertia, the land of the free.

Deca Imperia, the united city of the species in Beastaria.

The Dragon Kingdom of Greenpeaks.

The Grand Elven Kingdom of High Ragnum of Alfia.

Holy Land, the land of the faith of Solis, where the power of Sol resides.

Oracles had their eyes opened throughout the world by the sudden prophecy that came like an adrift fire and vanished without warning. But they had recorded the words, and most felt nothing but ominous about it. They hurried to their kings, masters, lords and self-proclaimed gods. But, being so vague, they could only fret about it for some nights and then forget.

For life goes on, no matter what.

…

Back in the Holy Land, the sun again showed its face and spread warmth to many hearts of the pilgrims.

As for Sylvester, he had fallen asleep outside on the balcony in the chair, letting his tired body have some much-needed relaxing, for the Holy Land was the only place he could rest easy.

"Meow Mew-Mew-Mew… Meowww…"

Sylvester woke up to the cute sound of Miraj. It was very close to him, so he looked. "What are you doing?"

Miraj looked back as he sat on the balcony's brick wall. "Good morning, Maxy. I was training to sing like you. One day, I, too, will impress everyone I meet with a few words."

"Why? Do you have a crush on someone? Another cat?" Sylvester asked as he combed his hair with his fingers and cleaned his face with some elemental water magic.

Miraj showed his jaw, however. "Crush? Yes! I very much want to crush all those who want to harm you and big mum—In these mighty jaws."

Sylvester sighed and just patted Miraj's head. The good furry boy had lived in isolation for so long that he had no idea about the common terms used around the world. "Chonky, never change."

He allowed Miraj to sit on his shoulder and returned to the room. Xavia had just woken up from the looks of it as she was rubbing her eyes with her shaking hands. She was in visible discomfort.

"Let me help." He got closer and used his fingers to clear the corner of her eyes. Then, he helped her sit back with some pillows. "I'll get you the helpers. I'm sure you need to freshen up."

But first, Sylvester gave Xavia a glass of lukewarm water. "Drink it until then. I will wait outside while they will help you. If you need anything, just call me."

At the same time, Sylvester decided to go and clean himself as well since he had an important meeting to attend. He didn't know what would be discussed or what tests would be taken regarding his promotion, but he hoped to be wearing the Bishops' mitre by the end of the day.

In half an hour, he saw some healers leaving Xavia's room after finishing up the morning routine care for her. So Sylvester entered, but to his surprise, the whole gang was there.

Felix, Gabriel, Lady Aurora and Sir Dolorem had arrived. As for Isabella, she had stayed the night with Raven and was also back.

They crowded around Xavia's bed and asked her many questions. Felix, who didn't see any difference between Xavia and his own mother, went for a hug. After all, Sylvester and his friends had spent years together, sometimes at his home. So they were all close to Xavia as well.

Lady Aurora, meanwhile, was cutting some apples for her like a grown-up. At the same time, Sir Dolorem stood silently behind everyone else as he couldn't see anything. Just listening was enough.

Xavia was all smiles, however. She even loved all the noise in the room as that brushed away all the isolation she was feeling. "Thank you for taking care of Sylvester, everyone."

Felix nodded proudly. "It's alright, Mother Xavia. He's my brother, after all."

Sylvester shook his head and got closer. "Are you sure you're talking about me? Because I remember saving you from a certain Witch that night."

"Ahaha… I was merely kidding. Mother Xavia, you created a magnificent strong boy. This time, he stopped a great war between Gracia and Riveria, solved a grand Conspiracy, and brought down a rogue Witch." Felix clarified and explained in some detail.

Aurora also added, albeit with a hint of envy. "On top of that, Sylvester also saved my life by holding his ground against a Grand Wizard. He also saved me from a Soul Eater demon, and we later defeated it. Seriously, Xavia, tell me, who is his father? Where does his monstrous talent come from?"

"His f-fa…"

Sylvester smelled the anxiety skyrocket in Xavia's mind. So he intervened quickly. "No more! Don't bother her with such useless questions. Instead, talk about something positive, something great. Ah, Mother, I have news for you. Do you remember Isabella?"

Sylvester dragged Isabella to the front. She was in a simple body-fit white gown, and with her freely swaying hair, she appeared no less than an angel.

Xavia tried to straighten her back. "Yes… It's a pleasure to meet you again, your Highness."

Isabella jumped forward quickly and stopped Xavia from being so formal. "Please, Mother Xavia. Just call me Isabella, as everyone else does. We spent so much quality time together, albeit I ran without telling you, and I ask forgiveness for that."

Sylvester patted Isabella's head as if she were a child, much to her dissatisfaction. "Mum, she's to become the next queen of Gracia once she turns twenty-four. Until then, she is to live in the Holy Land and learn all sorts of things. From magic to history and statesmanship. And guess what, you and I are her appointed guardians and hosts."

Xavia's face instantly bloomed with excitement. "Really? Will she live with us for so many years? God! I always wanted a daughter! Your Highness, you are very much welcome to my house… But it's too small for all of us."

Sylvester rubbed his chin. "I will ask the head of Bright Mothers, Great Mother Grace, to allot me one of the biggest units on the top floor of the housing building. I heard they have four rooms."

"That would be great. I will teach you how to cook, sew, and much more. Of course, if you're fine with it, Your Highness." Xavia planned out everything, not even realising that she first had to be healed.

Isabella held Xavia's hand and agreed. "Of course, I would love to. But only if you start calling me Isabella. Just… Isabella."

"Alright… I will try my best, you… Isabella." Xavia quickly corrected herself.

"Aren't you getting late?" Lady Aurora voiced suddenly, aimed at Sylvester.

"Oh yes! You have that meeting." Felix remembered. "Go, brother. We're here with Mother Xavia."

Sylvester nodded, fixed his clothes, and put the mitre on the head again. "Wish me luck."

"Where are you going?" Xavia inquired.

"To get a promotion, mum."

…

Sylvester didn't take Miraj this time as he feared the Pope might catch him again. Though he didn't have to travel too far as the meeting venue was the Administration office itself. It was, as always, in a state of utterly busy chaos as Clergymen ran around here and there in haste.

It was impossible to find anyone lower than the rank of Archpriest in the building. However, many recognised Sylvester and gave a quick nod of their heads before going on their way.

As for Sylvester, he went to the front desk and asked where to go. Then, like always, a clergyman was called to guide him to the Supreme Council chambers, a giant, round, stadium-like building segment.

Through the many corridors, gardens and turns, the man guided him to a giant metal door with many carvings and two gigantic statues of knights on the sides as guardians.

'I can feel the increased Solarium here. Are these two statues magical? Hmm… They can probably come to life like golems.' Sylvester thought as he looked around at the enormous structure. It felt like a building inside a building.

"They are waiting, Archpriest." The man guiding him gestured.

Sylvester fixed his mitre again before moving to the door. 'Alright… Let's do it.'

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