Chapter 124

“I can no longer deny it.”

I like this world.

Even if I say I don’t want to live, it doesn’t mean much. Instead, I’ve realized I want to move for the sake of this world.

If Ria, who’s been protecting me, gets hurt, I’ll definitely be in immense pain. Not just a nagging feeling, but a deep wound in my heart.

It’s not just for me, but I have to admit, I’m quite a selfish person, and I can’t bear that kind of pain well. It was the same when my mother, who suffocated me, passed away.

“…Sister Anna?”

I was momentarily lost in memories of the past when the Cardinal called for me.

“Ah, yes.”

Right now, I’m in Myeongdong.

“You were in the middle of saying something.”

“Ah… right. I was thinking maybe we should strengthen the defenses in various parts of the country.”

“You mean the defense installations.”

The reason I came here wasn’t because the Vatican called for me. If I had to put it simply, I said I would come. I wanted to have a little chat with the Church folks.

“Yes. I want to add… the items I’ve created to the various installations in the country, especially in this city.”

The Cardinal blinked at my words.

“Are you expecting something significant to happen in this city?”

The Cardinal had a good sense. Yeah, things are going to happen.

Especially around me.

But how it’s going to unfold, I’m not entirely sure.

In the original story, the Gate Worshippers who entered through the gate attacked the Saintess. Of course, they were blocked by Lee Si-yoon, and the Saintess survived with only injuries, but that’s when things start getting serious.

Enemies claiming the religious order of this world has a wrong faith appear, arguing that the Saintess’s power is also being misused, and they declare they’ll kidnap her by any means—naturally leading to controversies.

There were collateral damages while attacking the Saintess. They claimed that those damages happened because of the “Saintess.” They were literally blackmailing like terrorists.

Most people thought it was ridiculous, but still, some argued the Saintess should be moved far away.

…I couldn’t read any further before I jumped into this world.

“…I think it’s better to prepare in advance.”

However, I couldn’t say everything. This time, I wasn’t sure about anything.

The plans the enemy laid out due to earlier events led to this. Whether I should act more cautiously or aggressively is literally up to those who act.

So I ended up unable to fully relax or feel certain either way.

That was unsettling.

A light slowly descended above my head. As always, people gazed at the light and let out faint gasps.

This time, I didn’t shake it off with my hands.

Just didn’t feel like it.

In fact, I had been steadily creating holy relics all along. However, I knew few people and faced some limitations in actually going around to distribute them.

Above all, it seemed the Church was somewhat wary of too many holy relics circulating.

“It’s impossible to not get entangled in financial matters.”

Sophie, whom I ran into while out volunteering, said that.

“If people start thinking that Saint Power is a force found everywhere in the world, their perspective will surely lower.”

“……”

Her voice wasn’t blaming me. It was more meant to encourage, but it just made me think deeply.

It terrified me that I had no idea how much impact everything I was doing would have on the world.

“Oh?”

Seeing the light pouring above my head, Sophie smiled a bit.

“Now you’re not brushing it away with your hands.”

“…It might be needed later.”

“……”

After my reply, Sophie fell silent.

Watching from the side, Ria cast a glance our way, and Sophie smiled bitterly.

“You don’t really need to worry too much, do you? After all, God is watching over us, so surely Sister Anna won’t be in danger. And Sister Maria is here too.”

Ria nodded in agreement, prompting me to smile slightly.

Right.

I want to believe this world is, at least a little, better than the original.

Since I saved those who might have died had the original story proceeded as it was. Just that is enough for me to feel I can achieve something in this world.

No matter what happens, I’m sure I’ll find a way to get through it somehow.

That evening.

I returned to the Church only to find a commotion outside.

It wasn’t the people in armor causing the buzz; it was the crowd surrounding them.

…What a nuisance.

I thought that the moment I saw how big the crowd was.

If they were just standing in front of the Church, that’d be one thing, but they were outright blocking the road.

Isn’t that a crime? But at least those on the road didn’t seem to think so.

“…Ah.”

Then I sighed upon seeing the emblem of the Knight Order blocking the road.

“The Vatican.”

Ria muttered, glaring at the crowd with hostility.

This world had completely strayed from Christianity, so naturally, its symbols had somewhat changed.

Other religions had also undergone significant changes. How they interpreted “God” varied, but at least the religion organized around this Vatican was recognized as orthodox in most countries.

…This too was a consequence of that chaotic period.

The rectangular flags they held had an illustration of the papal tiara. Decorated extravagantly with gold around the white, pointed hat, one could wear it in front of a king without feeling ashamed.

Behind the tiara, two large keys were depicted crossing each other.

The Cardinal’s direct knight order.

A group clad in consecrated full plate armor.

The bus we were on stopped long before it even reached the Church.

As Ria and I got off, the Knights turned sharply to face us.

And with every step I took, the knights stood at attention. Those holding flags raised them high with precise movements, and those with swords raised them in salute.

“……”

I didn’t respond at all. What could I say? I had never been taught how to act in a situation like this.

Me, along with the nuns and priests who followed me, hurried into the Church. My path was kept clear of obstacles.

There were also knights inside the Church.

And waiting for us was—

“…Sister Maria.”

“Sister Anna.”

The nun who was supposedly directly under the Vatican turned to me. Next to her stood an elderly white man with gray hair. You could definitely call him an old man.

I didn’t know who he was. I felt relieved for that. At least, the Pope hadn’t come here in person.

“What is going on here?”

When I asked, Sister Maria smiled bitterly.

“As you can see.”

“…I already told you I don’t believe in God.”

“You did. After hearing that, I went back. Of course, I reported to the Vatican as well.”

“What did the Vatican conclude based on that?”

“To put it simply, the Pope took your words seriously. In fact, it seems he already knew to some extent. He said he received a report from the Cardinal.”

“……”

I closed my eyes.

My head was spinning.

So, this is what it is.

This means they want to call me in for a personal confirmation. What other thought could they have?

Having the favor of that being above and denying God at the same time. Perhaps every teaching the order had been serving until now was wrong.

…The order chose to listen to me rather than deny my words. In this world.

The old man, who had been listening with a gentle expression all along, stared at Sister Maria.

Sister Maria smiled softly at me and said,

“Then, Sister Anna, may I proceed with one procedure?”

“…What procedure?”

“Since you’ve said you don’t want to become a Saintess, I would like to initiate the beatification process. This way, you could have more leeway before being declared a Blessed.”

And wouldn’t some condition be attached?

“…Can I drop out midway?”

At my timid question, Sister Maria chuckled.

There was no answer.

“…What if I refuse?”

“The beatification process is ultimately handled by the Vatican. If things were normal, the Pope should have come here himself. But right now… there are various issues.”

The Pope had his movements severely restricted.

I remember reading that setting in the novel.

Although he had never appeared directly.

“So, it’d be best to refuse that directly to the Pope. Otherwise, people might not believe you.”

“……”

Ah, I see.

“You’ll be using a private jet, and I’ll ensure not to take too long.”

“Sister Anna, could you please meet with the Pope?… Well, actually, there isn’t much time left.”

I wasn’t so dim-witted that I couldn’t grasp the meaning behind those words.

“I’ve heard Sister Anna has been healing severely injured Hunters all along.”

“……”

“Then, with the same spirit, could you respond to the prayers of that person who was grievously injured while helping others long ago.”