[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Chapter 165
A holy relic.
Literally, a gift and a symbol of love bestowed upon us believers by the Goddess.
When was the first time I encountered a relic? Ah, yes. I believe I was seven years old.
I went with my parents to welcome a group of priests who were visiting our town.
And there, I saw the ‘Holy Grail of Glory,’ one of the relics of the Radiant Church that they had brought with them.
‘Just thinking about that time… my heart still swells with excitement.’
I can’t help but smile. It seems that I, as a young boy, fell completely in love with that relic.
No, it wasn’t just falling in love, it was more like I came to cherish it.
Since then, for over 50 years, I have managed, researched, and preserved that great artifact and legacy, ensuring that others like me could follow in my footsteps.
“Your Eminence, Cardinal Raskin, we will be arriving at the 4th diocese soon.”
At the words of my auxiliary Cardinal, I shook off my thoughts and slowly turned my head.
The scenery had changed.
The Holy See, which I had left yesterday, was now covered in snow, a world of pure white.
But here in the southern Empire, where our 4th diocese is located, there wasn’t even a trace of snow.
The weather was even pleasantly warm.
The people of the south considered this cold, but compared to the Holy See, located further north, this was quite warm.
It was truly a wondrous place.
And I thought, it must be because of this warmth that the Great Forest, where the elves reside, remains green all year round.
Clank Clank!—
The train slowed down and then came to a complete stop.
I got up, followed the guide, and stepped outside, where a familiar face greeted me.
“Welcome, Cardinal Raskin.”
“It’s been a while, Cardinal Beolant.”
Personally, we were both elevated to the position of cardinal around the same time.
Officially, one was the Cardinal in charge of the Department of Sacred Relics, and the other was the Cardinal in charge of the 4th diocese of the Empire.
After a brief exchange of greetings, they got straight to the point. “I’ve heard the news. A new holy relic has appeared, and you’ve summoned me for that matter.”
“Indeed, Cardinal Raskin. Actually, a while ago—”
What Cardinal Beolant said next was hard to believe.
In front of the devout followers of the Church, Brother Karl was once again graced with a miracle.
But it didn’t just pass by briefly—its traces remained deeply embedded in the greatsword he carried, and even now, it holds that radiant light.
“Didn’t you say that you blessed that greatsword before, Cardinal?”
“That’s right. And after that, the Cardinal of the 1st diocese added another blessing, and then—”
His Holiness the Pope himself blessed it. I still remember that day.
It was the first time in the history of the Church that the Pope personally gave a blessing.
Of course, no one dared to say it was excessive.
Who would dare to question His Holiness’s decision after witnessing the blessing firsthand?
It was more likely that everyone was impressed by His Holiness’s foresight.
“But, to think that the Light itself descended upon that very greatsword…”
“It seems ‘It’ followed the traces left by us, the unworthy, and marked it.”
Indeed, that was a possibility. Two cardinals and then His Holiness the Pope had blessed it.
And who was its owner? A man who leads the entire continent towards goodness and light.
It would be strange if Goddess didn’t take an interest in this.
Hearing this, I immediately understood why the 4th diocese had summoned me.
“It must have been surprising. To suddenly have a holy relic right in front of you.”
“I was surprised too, but I’m more concerned about Brother Karl. The divine traces on his belongings are so strong that we’re now facing the question of whether it’s a relic or not.”
“Hahaha. It’s more of an confirmation than a trial. After all, Brother Karl has personally experienced miracles, so there’s no doubt that the Light has visited him.”
First, it seemed necessary to see it firsthand. So, I followed Cardinal Beolant to meet Brother Karl.
“Your Eminence.”
“It’s good to see you again, Brother Karl.”
Without further ado, I asked him to show me the ‘object.’
As someone who manages and investigates all things touched by the divine, I would be able to tell what it was at a glance.
And as expected, the moment I saw the greatsword that Brother Karl took out, I felt my heart pounding.
“Ah…!”
I had no doubts, but seeing it in person made my heart race and my breath quicken.
This reaction, this energy, and this holiness… It was the same feeling I had when I saw the relics in the Holy See. I was certain. I, Cardinal Raskin of the Department of Sacred Relics, guarantee it.
Thud!—
“Your Eminence?!”
Brother Karl was startled and didn’t know what to do. But what could I do? I was also a believer, a human who always prayed and sought Goddess’ mercy.
As such, how could I, a mere mortal, stand tall before the very object that She, in Her divine presence, have graced? It was simply unfathomable.
“I swear to speak only the truth, to take full responsibility for what I have seen with my own eyes, heard with my own ears, and experienced with my own body. I, Cardinal Raskin, ArchCardinal of the Department of Sacred Relics, humbly welcome the new holy relic.”
Was it an excessive reaction? Of course not. There was a reason for it.
The greatsword, no, the holy relic in Brother Karl’s hands contained a clearer and stronger divine will than any other relic before it.
I can guarantee that any member of the Church would have reacted the same way.
However, there was one thing that bothered me.
“Brother Karl, I apologize for bringing this up at such a sacred and noble time.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“I believe we need to have a discussion.”
“A discussion, you say?”
“About whether this holy relic, touched by the divine, should be entrusted to an individual or, with your permission, brought back to the Church.”
* * *
…For the reasons above, my and Selena’s trip to the southern Empire has been extended by at least a week.
I heard that the Church is still discussing.
Until now, all holy relics have been returned to the Church without exception.
The very existence of the Department of Sacred Relics in the Holy See signifies that ‘all holy relics are to be entrusted to and managed by the Church.’
But this time, the situation was a bit different. The ownership of this relic was clear from the beginning.
It’s my greatsword, not anyone else’s. It’s hard enough to ask for someone’s personal belongings, let alone a war hero’s and a blessed item of the Church.
Furthermore, this time, I expressed my will strongly and clearly.
“I would like you to entrust this to me entirely.”
It was a gift from my platoon leader, even though he was a damn rascal.
It’s not a 100% happy memory, but it reminds me of some good times.
More than anything, it’s the only bridge that connects me to my comrades who are no longer with us.
It’s a bit embarrassing that it suddenly became a holy relic after being touched by divine power, but that’s all.
I’m not someone who blindly follows the teachings of the Light, and in the end, Goddess only stayed for a short while. So why should the Church take my greatsword?
‘There’s even some Kanfra blood on that sword… It’s a bit, no, it’s very unsettling!’
Fortunately, the Church seemed to understand my wishes.
Even Cardinal Raskin, the Cardinal of the Department of Sacred Relics, said that it would be more appropriate for this holy relic to remain with its original owner.
Since the person with the highest authority on holy relics within the Holy See had said so it was trustworthy.
From the Church’s perspective, it would be rather awkward to suddenly claim an item as a holy relic and take it to the Holy See, even if it was associated with a blessed individual or a saint.
“We’re nearing a conclusion within the Holy See as well. Please wait just a little longer.”
The schedule was unintentionally extended, and some people seemed worried that I might be displeased.
But that wasn’t the case at all. In fact, I was hoping for a bit more delay.
And the reason for that was the work of our Cardinal of the 4th diocese, His Eminence Cardinal Beolant.
“I believe it’s best for you to rest since your schedule has been extended, Brother Karl. Here, you can rest undisturbed if you move and stay like this.”
Thanks to the accommodations and itinerary specially arranged by the Cardinal, Selena and I were able to rest comfortably while we waited.
As expected of the Cardinal. He’s truly worthy of leading the southern diocese, the first place where I connected with the Church.
I was so pleased that I thought it wouldn’t be bad to visit the 4th diocese from time to time and boost our cardinal’s reputation, even if I didn’t do so for other places.
“Karl, how about we give a gift to His Eminence? He’s been taking such good care of us.”
Selena also expressed the same sentiment, so it could be considered a unanimous decision.
* * *
Four days later, Karl and Selena resumed their tour of the Empire.
As the Cardinal of the Department of Sacred Relics had assured, the holy relic, now called the ‘Sword of Oaths,’ remained quietly dormant in Karl’s possession.
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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