Chapter 213 - Chapter 212: The Election of the Pope
The second day of the second month, the third week.
Mika was flying high in the sky, heading toward the Royal Capital.
"You really are doing whatever you want, aren't you...?"
Kifrod muttered with a look of disbelief.
"That's not true at all? Even so, there are quite a few entanglements. I'm thinking it's quite inconvenient."
Mika replied to Kifrod, who was strapped to his back, but Kifrod just let out a sigh in return.
Kifrod was going to the Royal Capital, and preparations for his reception had been left to Archbishop Wagnare.
And finally, with the adjustments within the church completed, Mika decided to go pick him up.
When they left Rish Village yesterday, many people had come to see Kifrod off.
It was nothing compared to when Mika left.
It was a send-off as if the entire village had gathered.
Did everyone leave the factory and the fields just to see him off?
"Mika-kun, please take care of Kifrod-sama."
Radi said with a very gentle smile.
Her expression was smiling, yet somehow lonely.
Surely, various thoughts were rushing through her heart.
When Mika nodded firmly, Radi stepped forward in front of Kifrod.
Seeing this, the villagers held back and moved away from Kifrod.
"Be careful on your journey. Kifrod-sama."
"You should say that to Mika, not to me."
When Kifrod said that, Radi chuckled.
"I have been greatly troubled by you."
Radi looked straight at Kifrod and bowed deeply.
Seeing this, the villagers watching couldn't hold back their tears.
"I am leaving the village in your hands."
"Yes."
Radi, lifting her head, answered firmly.
There was not a single word of unnecessary conversation.
Probably, since the day Kifrod decided to go to the Royal Capital, they had already discussed everything sufficiently.
Without tears or words of regret, they simply finished their farewell greetings.
"Take care, Kifrod-sama."
"You too, do not overdo it, Village Head."
"It will be lonely. Kifrod-sama was the support of the village."
"What is a grown man saying? Pull yourself together, Horatio."
Kifrod exchanged firm words with each person one by one.
"I feel relieved thinking I won't have to be lectured anymore. My head shape has changed from getting punched so much."
Diego said with a laugh, making such a complaint.
"Really, a rascal has only grown big in body."
Kifrod, perhaps reminiscing about the past, had a slightly lonely smile.
"Shall I give you one last punch?"
"My hand would get hurt. You stubborn stone head."
So, they laughed together.
Exchanging farewell words with everyone, children to adults, tears flowed.
It became clear just how much the villagers admired him.
No, Mika probably couldn't even imagine it.
Kifrod was one of the people who built this pioneer village from scratch.
Rish Village was a village that existed because of Kifrod.
The sense of loss was beyond the scope of Mika's imagination.
They were sent off to the middle of the highway under the pretext of Horatio's carriage sending them to Kotontesse.
Mika attached a harness to Kifrod on the back of the carriage.
"Really, is it okay to do this here? And what is that...?"
Horatio asked Mika, who was dropped off halfway as usual.
While connecting the harness, Mika glanced at Horatio.
"I'm tired of hiding, so I'll show you, Horatio-san, but please don't tell anyone."
Until now, he had tried not to let Horatio see, but it was becoming a bit troublesome.
Kistil and Nerisfeene could walk on the highway without much trouble, but Mika didn't want to overdo it for Kifrod.
Mika manifested "Absorb Wing" in front of Horatio.
Then, before Horatio's eyes, stunned and speechless, Mika took off into the sky slowly, carrying Kifrod on his back.
Leaving Rish Village, they stayed overnight at a town along the way.
Since long-distance travel seemed difficult for Kifrod, they split the journey into two days.
Even though it was the second day, Kifrod was still surprised by Mika's light wings, or rather, it seemed unfamiliar to him.
He must have seen them plenty yesterday.
Since the travel was split between Saturday and Sunday, the Academy was naturally skipped.
Since it was just one day off on Saturday, instead of telling the Academy beforehand like before, they made it a sick leave.
They decided it was a stomach ache.
Cecilia and the others were probably saying, "He must have picked up and eaten something strange."
If she really said that, I would have to punish him.
And thus, they arrived at Modesse Forest in the afternoon.
However, since it was quite far from Modesse Forest to the Great Cathedral, Mika would have to carry him there.
Mika removed the harness and carried Kifrod again.
"I'll cast [Battle Fervor] just in case."
"Hey, Mika..."
He probably wanted to say not to use [God's Miracle] so casually, but he manifested it anyway.
[Battle Fervor] has a slight effect of Physical Enhancement, so it's for injury prevention.
It is stable while flying, but it shakes a bit when running.
To prevent injury from that vibration, he used it just in case.
Of course, he would use [Heal] upon arriving at the Great Cathedral.
"M, Mika!? Shouldn't we go a little slower!?"
Kifrod warned from Mika's back as they moved smoothly through the town.
"If we go slow, the sun will set. Even so, I'm going slow and prioritizing safety."
"Where is the priority on safety!?"
From Modesse Forest to the Great Cathedral, the straight-line distance is probably ten kilometers.
Since Mika is moving at a pace that would take an hour, he thinks he is slowing down quite a bit.
And thus, upon arriving at the Great Cathedral, Kifrod was exhausted.
"I already used [Heal], Kifrod-sama? Let's go inside quickly."
Mika called out, and Kifrod, with a tired expression, muttered.
"............I wanted to throw you into the convent."
"Why!?"
The conversation was too disjointed.
Waiting for Kifrod to be able to move at the entrance of the Great Cathedral, Wagnare came out from inside.
"As expected, it was Mika-kun's voice. You have worked hard. We have been waiting for you with all our hearts, Kifrod-sama."
As Wagnare knelt, the people coming out behind him also knelt before Kifrod one after another.
Dozens of clergy were kneeling in front of the Great Cathedral.
They ended up attracting all the attention of the surroundings.
"Everyone is gathered... Shouldn't you consider the location? Besides, an Archbishop kneeling before a Priest is upside down."
"It is natural for those seeking teachings to kneel."
"That makes sense. Then, is it appropriate for you to do such a thing in such a place?"
"The location does not matter. At any time, in any place, one should treat them with respect."
At Wagnare's reply, Kifrod shook his head with a "Oh my..."
"I'm starting to want to go back. Mika, sorry, please send me back to the village."
"Understood."
"W, wait!"
Even though they had just arrived, Kifrod said he was leaving.
Mika, who accepted this smoothly, made the kneeling crowd panic.
(Well, he probably has no intention of really going back.)
Since Mika knew that, he nodded.
If he were really going back, Mika would have been a bit reluctant right now.
That would be too much of a round trip.
For now, Kifrod said it was an obstruction to do such things on the road, so everyone entered the Great Cathedral.
But, another problem arose here.
"The sixth floor? Are you planning to lock up an old man like this?"
The room prepared for Kifrod was the same place given to the Pope and Cardinals.
However, it would be difficult for Kifrod to go up and down on his own.
He rejected it, saying he didn't need such a room.
"Is there no lodging nearby?"
"There is lodging used by the monks, but..."
A man dressed in a splendid bishop's robe answered with a troubled face.
"What? Is there a problem with me using it?"
"N, no. But it is not a room suitable for Kifrod-sama to use—"
Kifrod glared at the man speaking like that.
"Not suitable? Then, what room do you think is suitable? Say it, Blahoslav."
"T, that is..."
Questioned by Kifrod, the man in the bishop's robe called Blahoslav stumbled on his reply.
Seeing this, Kifrod slumped his shoulders.
"Oh my. It seems the poison has spread throughout the whole body."
At Kifrod's mutter, everyone present hung their heads.
It seems poison had crept into the hearts of those who were thought to be decent.
Until now, it hadn't manifested because the top was too abnormal, but it seemed to have eroded their hearts little by little.
Originally, the Church of Light's philosophy is that people are equal.
Everyone is a lost child, a Son of God.
Created by the Gods, they need the guidance of the Gods.
And the same goes for the clergy.
The duty of the clergy is to be well-versed in the teachings of the Gods and spread them to the people.
The clergy do not save the people.
The Gods do.
The clergy are merely preaching the teachings of the Gods as their role.
In the point of needing salvation from the Gods, ordinary people and clergy are the same, and there is no hierarchy even among the clergy; everyone is the same.
When operating a huge organization like the church, a hierarchy of people inevitably forms.
Because managing people as a role creates the illusion that those people are superior.
It should be just a role, yet the concept of being great or not great is born there.
"Well, it's fine. My room can wait. If it comes to it, I'll stay at Mika's house."
Listening from the side, Mika couldn't help but smile bitterly.
No, it's fine, but...
However, seeing Kifrod standing so boldly before so many clergy, Mika was impressed.
Even in Rish Village, he had been a spiritual pillar for the villagers for many years, but how about this unshakeability?
Surely, there must be some solid "something" inside Kifrod.
It was the teaching of the Church of Light, the faith of Kifrod, and the feelings of Kifrod cultivated over a long period of time.
No matter where he went, no matter who the opponent was, Kifrod was Kifrod.
Mika felt grateful that Kifrod was in Rish Village.
He was not an ordinary clergyman.
There wouldn't be many people like that.
If it were Kifrod, he might really be able to serve as the Pope.
Thinking such things, Mika looked at Kifrod.
"It seems all the Cardinals have gathered. Then, let's decide on the Pope."
"Huh!? H, here!?"
At Kifrod's sudden declaration, the surroundings became chaotic.
That was natural.
This was the chapel inside the Great Cathedral.
There were people other than the Cardinals.
Or rather, there were ordinary people who had just come to worship.
Blahoslav hurriedly stopped Kifrod.
"W, wait! There are procedures for the election of the Pope—"
"On what basis are you doing such a thing?"
"W, what? The Pope has been—over five hundred years ago—"
"I am asking you, on what basis did the teachings of the Gods decide such a thing?"
"That is..."
At Kifrod's words, Blahoslav stumbled on his words.
Kifrod slowly raised both hands and spoke to everyone in the chapel, which was still in chaos.
"Things decided because there was a need. I have no intention of denying them. But? The church rules for operating the church cannot be a reason to be above the teachings of the Gods. This time, I will follow the Light God, Chapter 53, Verse 29. Are there any objections?"
When Kifrod said that quietly, the chapel, with over a hundred people, fell silent.
It seems everyone here understood what Kifrod intended.
In other words, only Mika did not understand.
(...What is this Light God, Chapter 53?)
With "I have no idea at all" written all over his face, Mika, Kifrod placed a hand on his head.
"Once, we chose a Pope on the roadside. To escape war and persecution, many believers fled from the Holy Land. At that time, the Pope also lost his life."
It seems the Church of Light also had a dark age suffering from persecution.
It seems they were once forced to abandon the Holy Land.
And in the place where they barely escaped with their lives, the Gods gave an oracle to two children.
To unite the hearts of the people and overcome trials, they instructed the selection of a new Pope right there.
It is said that on the roadside, among the refugees, the Pope was selected regardless of whether they were clergy or not.
By Kifrod's proposal, the election of the Pope in the chapel was decided urgently.
(...By the way, is it really okay for me to be here?)
It wasn't just Mika.
There were even people who were not even clergy, let alone Cardinals.
People who had come to worship were also standing by with great interest at the suddenly started Pope election.
Regarding the election of the Pope, Kifrod clearly stated, "I will not do it."
Well, he is old, after all.
In the original world, Popes and Bishops were appointed even at a relatively old age.
However, in this world, it might be strict if they are not a bit younger.
It would be tough to go up and down to the high floors of the Great Cathedral.
However, the Cardinals were trying hard to persuade Kifrod to take the job.
Especially Blahoslav was persuading him enthusiastically.
Archbishop Wagnare was in a position to support him.
Cardinal Blahoslav seemed to have thick trust among the Cardinals, and the other Cardinals nodded and listened to his persuasion.
Cardinal Blahoslav was very worried about the current church.
Various problems piled up, and many clergy and believers were sighing and suffering.
Something about Kifrod's power being needed in this unprecedented crisis.
Hearing Cardinal Blahoslav's passionate persuasion, Kifrod said just one word.
"You understand the problems well. Then, you should do it."
"......Huh?"
To make Cardinal Blahoslav understand the current state of the church, he listed various problems.
However, if the problems are understood, then it is just a matter of dealing with them.
Kifrod had a point.
"A, no, Kifrod-sama! I am not strong enough. To overcome this difficult situation, the power of Kifrod-sama is—"
"Then, you should just quit being a clergyman."
Kifrod threw harsh words at the panicking Cardinal Blahoslav.
"I do not think those who run away from the trials right before their eyes because they lack power have the qualification to preach the teachings of the Gods. Did you interpret the scriptures that way? If so, that teaching is wrong. Quit."
It wasn't just Cardinal Blahoslav.
Everyone present was shocked by Kifrod's words and lowered their heads.
They were probably reflecting on their own actions.
"If I take it on, the Church of Light in this country will end at that point. What remains will be only those who ran away from trials. There is no point in leaving a nominal Church of Light to future generations."
Saying that, Kifrod looked around the chapel.
"Originally, the church was a place for believers to help each other and verify if their faith was correct. Elders teaching the young. But, if the church continues to exist while doctrines without substance spread, it would be better to crush the church. Faith can be done by individuals."
Kifrod's flowing voice echoed in every corner of the chapel.
Perhaps the Sunday School, which was the original form of the church, might be closest to the original state of the church.
The remnants of such things are probably the current Sunday School.
At Kifrod's radical theory, everyone hung their heads and said nothing.
But, there were two people looking straight at Kifrod.
Cardinal Blahoslav and Archbishop Wagnare.
"As Kifrod-sama says, I may not have the qualification to be a clergyman. But, there is meaning in continuing the church."
Cardinal Blahoslav said firmly to Kifrod.
"Orphanages and convents, as well as many other people, the church has extended its hand. Our weakness at this moment does not prove that the church was wrong. It is not that the church was wrong. It is our mistake."
Cardinal Blahoslav's serious eyes pierced Kifrod.
Kifrod's expression suddenly softened.
"That is right. If you understand that, you also know what needs to be done."
At Kifrod's question, Cardinal Blahoslav nodded firmly.
Archbishop Wagnare turned around and called out to the people who had been watching the exchange between Kifrod and Cardinal Blahoslav.
"In this time of hardship! I believe Cardinal Blahoslav is suitable to be the Pope! Everyone, what do you think!"
At Archbishop Wagnare's question, everyone present called out "Blahoslav!" all at once.
And thus, applause erupted at once, and cheers rose.
"Blahoslav! Blahoslav! Blahoslav!"
The name of Cardinal Blahoslav was repeated by everyone.
It was the moment the new Pope was elected.
Is it okay to decide like this?, Mika tilted his head.
So, after returning home, he asked Nerisfeene.
"Well, it is very rare! I think it has been seven or eight hundred years since a Pope was elected by voice!"
Nerisfeene told him with a slightly excited tone.
Amazingly, this was also a formally recognized correct method of electing a Pope.
It is said that when all the Cardinals simultaneously call out the name of the new Pope and the names match, the power of the Gods works.
However, since the election of the Pope requires a unanimous vote, a doubt arises as to whether this was really unanimous.
Lacking accuracy, it seems it is no longer performed nowadays.
However, since it is written in the scriptures and recognized by the church rules, it is said to be a valid election method.
Also, the normal election by voting requires a unanimous vote, but there is actually a trick.
First, everyone writes the name of the person they think is suitable and votes.
Writing your own name is prohibited, but since it is anonymous, you could say it's not caught.
The people whose names are mentioned here become all the candidates.
In the election of the Pope, abstention is not allowed, and you must write the name of someone.
Next, vote for the person you think is suitable among those candidates.
However, since the candidates do not have the right to vote, those other than the candidates will vote.
Here, only the top three by votes are selected.
Then, next, vote among the top three to select the top two.
If the votes are tied and it remains three, voting will be repeated endlessly.
However, it seems there is a break of about thirty minutes after one vote.
During this time, a campaign battle to "vote for so-and-so" takes place.
Once the top two are decided, it's the final showdown.
The one with more votes wins.
However, voting is done one more time here.
There is only one candidate.
Abstention is not allowed.
The final vote is not anonymous, but by signature.
With this, the election of the Pope becomes unanimous.
It sounds good to say "chosen by everyone," but in reality, it was just violence of numbers.
■■■■■■
[Viewpoint of Kararebas]
The election of the Pope was held, and Archbishop Wagnare returned to Sarbengeal.
It is said that the newly elected Pope is Cardinal Blahoslav, who occasionally came to the Great Cathedral in Sarbengeal.
(He is not a person who exerts strong leadership, but he might be good for this difficult situation.)
I think he is a person who can look after the whole well, even though he must be having a hard time.
I want him to work hard to rebuild the church, thinking of the weak people too.
While thinking such things, Kararebas had a little anxiety.
Actually, it was decided that Archbishop Wagnare would become a Cardinal.
For the great task of rebuilding the church, the new Pope wanted Wagnare as his right-hand man.
Wagnare initially refused, but the priest Kifrod present there shouted at him.
It seems he was forced to accept without question.
Wagnare was scheduled to move to the Great Cathedral in the Royal Capital soon.
Therefore, the Archbishop of Sarbengeal would change.
I was a little nervous inside about what kind of Archbishop would come next.
Kararebas walked down the corridor and knocked on the Archbishop's office.
After waiting for a reply and entering, Wagnare was organizing documents at his desk.
"Your Eminence. A letter has arrived."
"Oh, thank you. Sorry, please put it on the sofa over there. I'll look at it later."
While checking various documents on the desk, Wagnare was separating what to discard, what to keep at the Great Cathedral, and what to take personally.
Kararebas watched Wagnare with a sentimental look.
"It's sad that Your Eminence is leaving. I wanted you to stay as Archbishop in Sarbengeal forever."
"You say that well. You'll be relieved that a scary boss is gone, right?"
Wagnare seemed to have seen through Kararebas's fear.
Kararebas let out a soft sigh.
"Indeed, I thought a strict person came at first, but I think what Your Eminence did was not wrong. It was difficult until I got used to it, but I learned a lot."
Every day was painful, but even so, as a clergyman, he respected him as a person to aim for.
It might be closer to awe than reverence.
"I wanted to learn more under Your Eminence."
"That's not like you, Kararebas. Saying such flattery."
Wagnare raised one eyebrow, showing a strange, questioning, complex smile.
"Flattery? That's absurd! I really wanted to learn more under Your Eminence. I want to follow you if I can."
When Kararebas said that, Wagnare's face became surprised, and then he stopped his hand from organizing.
"Are you serious?"
"Of course, Your Eminence."
"I see..."
Saying that, Wagnare let out a sigh.
"Understood. If you say that much, I will take you with me after all."
"......Eh?"
Kararebas couldn't help but blink his eyes.
"I thought I would need hands and feet over there, so I thought about pulling Kararebas along... but I gave up on Sarbengeal (here) because it would be terrible without the two of us."
Wagnare leaned back against the backrest and curled the corner of his mouth.
"I thought you disliked me, but if you say that much, it's fine. Come with me."
"A... eh... no, um..."
The conversation went in an unexpected direction, and Kararebas was confused.
Sweat sprang from his forehead.
"There is no change in the schedule. If you say you will accompany me, hurry up."
"A... ah... ah..."
I think, but it's too late.
The mouth is the source of disaster.
Without even having the leisure to think of such words, it was decided that Kararebas's difficult days would continue.