Volume 7 Chapter 22: Apostle of the Gods

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Author: 夜州 (Yashu)

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The hall broke out in chaos at Hinata’s shocking words.

It was an unprecedented declaration, and it would take a little time until they understood it fully.

“Stop being so stupid! The Saint doesn’t decide the next pope! The people from the church present here do!”

Hinata’s expression didn’t change at the furious Bangla’s words.

“…No, the clergy don’t decide either. The ones who do –––– are the gods. Or their proxy.”

Bangla snorted.

“Alright, the gods do decide, but it’s all the same if their voices don’t reach us!”

“–––– It does seem so.”

Simultaneously with Hinata’s words, a shining, white light covered the hall.

Everyone present lost their vision, and screams rang out.

Once their eyes had recovered, they looked at Hinata, next to whom a person wearing white robes and an equally white mask was standing.

The robes the person was wearing were coloured with golden thread, and they were more luxurious and even higher-quality than a cardinal’s robes, a fact that was plain to see. Moreover, there was a thin layer of white light emanating from the robes.

“–– I was allowed to come to this place as the gods’ proxy.”

Everyone there was captivated by the clear voice that rang out, which could be attributed to both a male or female.

Some felt the divine aura radiating from the robes and knelt down and began praying on the spot.

Among the four cardinals, Denter and Samtam were the ones to kneel down and bow their heads first.

Bangla, on the other hand, was furious.

“W-W-Who are you!?”

“––Thank you very much, Apostle-sama.”

“A-An A-A-Apostle-sama!? N—No, that’s ridiculous…”

Finding out the person was an Apostle from Hinata’s words, Bangla became openly upset. The masked man, –– Cain glanced at Bangla for just a brief moment, then looked at the assembled clergy, ignoring him.

“I have come to this place to convey the will of the gods. I will fulfil my duty. The gods see and know everything. Also –– they grieve the many lives lost during this papal election. I wonder if you understand the meaning of that? …Cardinal Bangla.”

Bangla had had bandits work for him at the papal election, due to which many people from the church, as well as merchants, had lost their lives. Cain would not forgive that.

Cain looked at Bangla, who, unable to read Cain’s expression behind the mask, backed away, trembling.

“I know nothing. Whatever my subordinates may have done, I had no involvement. You don’t have the proof!”

“Like I said. The gods saw it all, and know everything. Including Priest Oliver.”

Hearing Priest Oliver’s name, Bangla, who had been backing away bit by bit, pointed at Cain.

“This person’s a fake! They call themselves an Apostle, but their actions insult the gods! Capture them immediately!”

The temple knights got ready at Cardinal Bangla’s words, but since Hinata was standing right next to Cain, they were torn on whether to listen to the order or not.

Cain let out a small sigh, and took out a jewel from his Item Box.

Letting it rest in his palm, he held his right hand high up in the air and let magical power flow into the gemstone.

The gemstone began emitting light, and a three-dimensional hologram was projected into the air above it.

Everyone who saw that immediately knelt.

The projected hologram was of –– the seven gods.

[This person is our, the seven gods’, proxy.]

Zenom’s voice rang out in the hall from the hologram.

It was, heard for the first time ever, –– the voice of a god.

Some prayed, trembling.

Others broke out in tears from the deep emotions they were feeling.

The people there had all been met with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

However, there was also someone who wouldn’t accept it. No, didn’t want to accept it.

“I won’t believe this! I don’t accept this! Die!”

Cardinal Bangla cast magic, and a fireball a meter large headed towards Cain.

“Watch out!”

Cardinal Denter stood up, but the fireball was flying towards Cain with great speed.

However, Cain waved towards the fireball with his left hand, and –– it instantly disappeared.

“How!”

“How dare you attack the Apostle of the gods! He rebelled against the gods’ proxy! Arrest him!”

Coming back to themselves at Cardinal Denter’s shout, the temple knights captured Cardinal Bangla.

“I should, I should have become the pope! Why!”

Four temple knights carried the screaming Cardinal Bangla away.

Once he was out of sight, Cain stored the gemstone back in his Item Box, and looked at the people of the church.

“I was a little distracted, but I would like to continue. The gods’ will is, –––– that you, Cardinal Denter, will be the next pope.”

“Y-Yes!”

Cardinal Denter walked before Cain and knelt down, lowering his head.

“This is a gift from the gods.”

Cain took out a robe he had been given by the gods from his Item Box. It was white with golden thread, befitting a pope.

Cardinal Denter fearfully took it from Cain.

“I gratefully accept. I will strive to fulfil my position as pope with all my heart and soul.”

Lowering his head again, Cardinal Denter carefully held the robe.

Cain gave a slight smile, then glanced at Hinata. With a huge smile on her face, she nodded.

“I will leave the rest to the Saint. Bring prosperity to Marineford together with the new pope.”

With those last words, Cain Transferred to the guest room he was staying in with transfer magic.

He took off the robes and mask and sat down on the sofa.

“I’m really tired… I’ve finished my job, so I wonder if I can go home already…”

While he had the request as a bodyguard for the return trip, all Cain could think about was how he wanted to go straight home with transfer magic.

Cain closed his eyes and lay on the sofa until Bishop Harnam returned.

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