Chapter 289: August Lambert

The journey’s destination, the true core of the Holy Court, is the place known as the Cathedral of Bright Light.

According to Ian, this place is not open to outside visitors; even members within the Church of the Goddess must be at least of four-winged rank to enter this true sanctuary.

The legendary Supreme Statue of the Light Goddess, which requires the Holy Pope to personally preside over the prayer ceremony to communicate with the Light Goddess, is located inside this Holy Court.

I had thought it would be a building more resplendent than anything outside, but upon entering, Vilyric realized that was merely her habitual thinking.

Here, it bore almost no difference from the churches she had seen in small to medium-sized cities around the world that worshiped the Light Goddess; it was just larger, more magnificent, and more spacious and silent.

Two rows of wooden pews extended neatly from the left and right, stretching from the main entrance to the front altar, where warm but not overwhelming white light spilled from the magical lamps hanging above, permeating every corner of the room.

Following the white carpet laid out before her with her gaze, it led to the altar table at the front, set against beautifully crafted murals.

There, clad in golden ceremonial robes, wearing a crown, and holding a scepter encrusted with luxurious gems, stood an elderly man with white hair, his back to the visitors, silently gazing up at the mural depicting the faceless goddess towering a hundred meters high.

A subtle yet unmistakable divine aura lingered in every corner of this space.

And apart from the old man, there was no other life in this church that could be described as plain.

Ian’s sudden exclamation revealed his identity.

“Your Holiness, Miss Xī has arrived.”

With such a respectful announcement, the old man turned around.

Plain and unremarkable.

Upon first seeing him, Vilyric felt exactly this.

The lifespan of divine offspring isn’t much longer than that of ordinary humans; from the wrinkles on his face and around his eyes, Miss White Fox could tell that he was likely at least seventy years old. Unless he had some special bloodline or luck, or had reached transcendence, the day this old pope stepped down must not be far off.

Though he held the pinnacle position in the nation, he was not fat; instead, he appeared somewhat gaunt, with sunken, aged cheeks that reminded Vilyric of those ancient monarchs and emperors who had worn themselves thin from the burden of ruling.

His features were not striking; although he appeared somewhat amiable and friendly for an old man, to be honest, it was still hard to say, “He must have been a handsome young man…”

At best, he resembled an ordinary old man who, once stripped of his royal garb and crown, would blend seamlessly into a crowd without any distinguishing traits.

If there was anything extraordinary about him, perhaps it lay in his eyes.

August Lambert.

This man, who suppressed the Saint of Bright Light and the three saintly women, desperately maintaining the ruling class centered around the Holy Church, seemed to disregard anything for the sake of power. Yet, his eyes were clear.

Clear yet aged, possessing a quality that made one think – “This old man must be a wise sage, indifferent to fame and wealth?” The contradiction between his actions and this impression was striking.

“…”

As Vilyric observed him, August did the same; he silently gazed at the only visible silver-blue eyes behind the mask of the White Fox Girl, as if searching for something within them.

It felt like a long time, though in reality, it was but a moment. Before Ian noticed anything, August actively ended the gaze, a warm smile emerging on his aged face.

“Welcome, esteemed guest from afar, Miss Xī. Your visit shines new glory upon our Holy Court and the Church of the Goddess, which have long been overshadowed.”

“Oh… While it’s not unexpected, it sounds like you knew I was coming?”

“Of course, after all, those who are meant to come will eventually arrive, right?”

Slightly gesturing with his eyes, August signaled Ian, who realized he was unqualified to listen in or participate in this conversation, prompting the bishop to quietly withdraw. He discreetly closed the church’s only large door, leaving this tranquil space to the two who might decide the future path of the Holy Kingdom.

Supported by his staff, the aged pope slowly walked to the front altar, watching the White Fox Girl walk toward him along the pristine white carpet, pausing again just a few meters away.

August smiled kindly and tapped the pew beside him.

“Wouldn’t you like to sit, Miss Xī?”

He displayed a hospitable demeanor befitting a host, but Vilyric chose to take the initiative, responding to his question with a question of her own.

“Where is Losa Cecelia? She called me here but hasn’t even shown her face; you wouldn’t be entirely unaware of this, would you?”

The elder known as the Holy Pope shook his head, appearing somewhat resigned.

“So, Miss Xī is rather impatient. Well then, since you’re unwilling to indulge an old man’s chatter, let’s get straight to the point.”

August leaned on his staff, his expression growing serious.

“Miss Xī, the old fellow knows that your origins are remarkable, perhaps surpassing the limits we mere mortals can admire. I also understand that regardless of your intentions, your plans remain beyond my qualifications to obstruct you. However, right now, I’d like to hear from you a serious and heartfelt evaluation.”

“To put it bluntly, that will determine how we will proceed, and it may not rule out the option of a deadly confrontation with you.”

“Oh?”

The White Fox Girl’s voice picked up with a hint of surprise.

She seemed astonished that this supreme Holy Pope would adopt such a lowly attitude, or perhaps that someone so vastly distant from legendary status would dare to utter words implying a fight to the death in front of a strong opponent.

But she had somewhat guessed what August wanted to say.

That said, Vilyric still decided to keep some suspense, as a basic respect for this old pope, who was different from her prior impression.

“What is the question? Go ahead.”

The old man slightly nodded.

“My question is simple, Miss Xī. In your view, how is the current Holy Empire…?”

“How is it…”

Sure enough.

Following this predictable topic, Vilyric recalled the moment they first set foot in this nation.

How is the Holy Empire?

Undoubtedly, it was a very broad question, with too many directions for answers and discussions.

It is the world’s strongest nation; even among the top five powers, only the Ost Empire in the east might compete with it.

Its temples are filled in every corner of the world; its followers span all territories of the three great rivers. It represents equality, peace, and hope. Without the Holy Empire, the world today would indeed be engulfed in flames from both internal and external troubles.

Yet it also has its shortcomings, being envied and feared by many forces, races, and even nations.

If scholars were to discuss this, the conclusions could easily fill a thick book comparable to a literary dictionary.

But in just three seconds, Vilyric vividly replayed the journey of the last few months in her mind and offered her unique insight.

“The nation is rich, its military strong, the races united, order established, friendly outward, with peace and tranquility. It is the most suitable country I have seen to settle in.”

Upon hearing this, August couldn’t help but smile.

However, the White Fox Girl’s evaluation did not end there.

“But, behind the flourishing façade still hides enormous risks that could lead to destruction, August Lambert, Your Holiness, you should know this better than I do.”

   

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