Satisfaction in One's Duty
Passing through the corridor of pure white marble in the Holy State of Roswell and descending the stairs led to a large door tucked away in the deepest, most secluded corner. As I stood before the unadorned wooden door, the Holy Knight waiting there approached me.
"Priest Jenkinson Beckett. Your identity has been confirmed. Please enter."
When I quietly offered my rosario, the Holy Knight verified the magically imprinted credentials and bowed his head before opening the door at once.
There it was. A modest chamber, its bookshelves packed with various holy scriptures and remarkably sparse in furniture for its size. This was the room belonging to the highest authority in the Church, second only to the Goddess herself.
At the table positioned prominently in the center, a benevolent-looking young man had just set down a cup of tea. He turned toward me with a gentle smile. At first glance… he appeared even younger than I was. Yet I recognized his identity the instant I stepped inside.
The overwhelming sacred magic power that pressed down the moment one entered this room. Those with vast reserves of magic aged far more slowly. In other words, that youthful face served as living proof of just how exceptional a mage this man truly was.
Indeed, this was Henri de Bour Ameani, the Pope renowned across the Church for possessing the greatest magical power. Any believer would have given anything for even a single glimpse of his face or the chance to clasp his hand. He was that monumental a figure.
The dioceses under his direct jurisdiction encompassed all five major archdioceses. He could issue commands to any church and any priest. The authority to appoint archbishops rested with him, as did final personnel decisions. He even held the singular right to readmit into God’s grace those whom inquisitors had excommunicated.
In this Church, he wielded absolute power as the Goddess’s representative. That was what it meant to be the Pope.
Such a Pope was elected every five years, yet His Holiness Henri was already serving his third consecutive term.
"Please sit comfortably, Priest Jenkinson."
When this towering figure smiled and offered me a seat, I lowered myself onto the hard wooden chair. Truthfully, I barely registered the tea’s aroma. I was simply too tense beneath the pressure of the exalted personage before me.
"What I wish to discuss is not the matter of disciplinary action regarding your false report. So please, be at ease."
A wave of relief washed over me. While I maintained a calm exterior and sipped my tea, His Holiness continued in a smooth voice.
"However, it would not do to simply let the matter pass, would it?"
I flinched.
"You are correct."
What exactly was he driving at? As I sat there, too tense to even savor the tea’s fragrance, His Holiness spoke while leisurely enjoying the aroma.
"The standard of our Holy Knights has risen considerably of late. There are quite a few promising talents worth watching."
"So I have heard."
Holy Knights? The sudden shift in topic left me puzzled, yet I nodded. I had indeed been told that this year’s new recruits included many exceptional individuals. Promising names like Yusuva Bilboce and Asa Clodia had even reached my ears. Of course, their lack of experience made immediate deployment to real combat somewhat questionable.
"Indeed. Hmm…"
His Holiness suddenly fell into thought. I waited in silence, inwardly dreading whatever words might follow.
"Well, this may not be the proper moment to speak of it. Let us proceed to the meeting."
"…Understood."
What was this? What was his intention? My body grew taut with extreme tension as His Holiness continued in a relaxed tone.
"I trust you already know that the demon behind recent events is Lilith. The demonic beast incident in the Empire, and the earlier demonic disturbance in Rucella. You were involved in all of them."
I nodded at the light remark.
"Yes, I am aware."
Anyone who could not identify the demon lurking in the shadows after witnessing those events had no right to call themselves a servant of God. His Holiness nodded at my reply.
"Good. Have you reviewed the list of attendees? I sent prior notice in case any complications arise."
Naturally. Gathering representatives from various nations in one place required knowing who would be present. I had already committed the list to memory aboard the train. The presence of both Gilbert and my father had only made me dread the occasion even more.
"Yes, I have already familiarized myself with it."
As I answered with a calm nod, His Holiness gave a satisfied nod of his own.
"More than that, I must admit I was surprised. I had not expected the Giant of Yura to take action."
I spoke carefully after taking a sip of tea. The Giant of Yura. Given how rarely anyone from the Yura Kingdom ventured forth, I had naturally assumed she would decline… yet that monstrous name had appeared on the participant list.
His Holiness, however, did not seem particularly astonished.
"She is also a devout believer of our order. On another note, Priest Jenkinson. Are you satisfied with the duty currently entrusted to you?"
I nodded at the question. Of course, I would have preferred assignment as a master brewer priest, but admitting as much before His Holiness would have earned me the label of madman.
"Yes."
"I… I see. In that case, I shall trust you to prepare thoroughly for the meeting. Let us speak privately again once it concludes, Priest Jenkinson."
?
The faint hint of fluster in His Holiness’s reaction to my answer left me puzzled, but I rose from my seat.
"Then I shall take my leave."
I bowed respectfully and exited the papal chamber with a somewhat weary expression. Dealing with such exalted personages was indeed exhausting.
A bit… surprising.
Henri was genuinely taken aback. He had never imagined the man would be content remaining in the inquisitor position.
The reason he had withheld the offer he originally intended to make was that he had been prepared to transfer Jenkinson from inquisitor to exorcist if the man desired it. Of course, Henri was well aware that the priest’s unique magic made him ideally suited for investigating family matters. Yet was he not one of the continent’s rare few who possessed multiple unique magics? The second one seemed far more appropriate for an exorcist’s work.
Well… If he finds it satisfying, there is no need to force a change.
Since the man himself claimed contentment with his current role, there was no reason to issue a reassignment order. Inquisitors were already scarce. Their mortality rate ranked just behind that of exorcists, and the work was equally grueling. Therefore, Henri considered it fortunate that Jenkinson wished to continue.
A competent inquisitor like Priest Jenkinson was exceedingly rare. Archbishop Hermann would likely be disappointed, but Henri honestly believed it would be best if the man continued performing these duties.
In any case, since he appeared satisfied with the inquisitor position, there was no further reason to hesitate. Henri spoke at once.
"Then we must prepare. Would you summon that friend for me?"
At Henri’s request, the man in black monastic robes who had entered and stood waiting nodded.
"Understood, Your Holiness."
If the decision was made, it would be best to inform the other party in advance. Thinking this, Henri smiled. This experience would surely benefit both the child and Jenkinson. Of that, he was firmly convinced.
The place Hermann reached on foot was an ordinary inn. Its size was average, its facilities average. The alcohol was known for its quality, yet many other fine inns existed. Since the Holy State’s wines and spirits were all church-brewed, every establishment offered excellent taste; thus good liquor was hardly a distinguishing feature.
The inn’s true advantage was its proximity to the Saint Juno Great Cathedral. In fact, the walk from the cathedral to this location took Hermann less than ten minutes.
She’s staying in a place like this?
Even as he stepped inside, Hermann found it difficult to comprehend. Someone of her renown should surely be lodged in far finer accommodations.
Upon entering, he addressed the fervent believer who immediately made the sign of the cross at the sight of him.
"I was told Sister Limia is staying here. Is that correct?"
The innkeeper nodded.
"If you seek Lady Limia Rel Ofrel, yes. She is indeed staying with us."
As expected. Hermann waited for her to descend, reasoning that even she would need to eat. Yet simply standing there felt awkward, so he sat and ordered.
"A bottle of this year’s grape wine. And some cheese."
"Yes, right away, Your Excellency."
Hermann waited quietly while tending to his pistol. Lina sat beside him and began a calm prayer. She was praying that this man would not cause any trouble upon meeting Limia. That was all Lina could do—silently hope. After all, this uncontrollable man was liable to leap in any direction without warning.