Chapter 31

Chapter Five The Familiar Warm Dampness

August 1, 1186 AD.

On this day, the sky was clear and cloudless.

The emerald city seemed more bustling and lively than ever before.

In front of the grand St. Marie Cathedral located at the heart of the city, the huge praise square in front of the cathedral was crowded with people. Looking around, whether they were dressed in simple clothes or wore seemingly luxurious garments, they were all packed tightly together, filling up the entire square. The crowd extended to the streets and alleys connected to the square, looking towards the solemn buildings not far away, waiting for that moment to arrive.

“Has the ceremony started?” someone asked in the crowd.

“I don’t know, I can’t see!”

“Be patient, wait until the bell rings, then the new hero will appear before us.”

Yes, the people of Nalanjiade knew that soon a new Pope Knight would be born here. The Pope had arrived in the Emerald City several days ago, preparing to hold an investiture ceremony for the upcoming hero.

Such a sacred moment did not come often; not only could one see the great heroes who were usually unreachable, but there was also an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Pope’s appearance. If lucky, one might even feel the divine breath from the Pope, which was an incredibly glorious matter, possibly benefiting future generations.

“I heard that this time, the hero came alone and single-handedly killed a monster from the Abyss.”

“Correction, it wasn’t just one but a group. Recently, in the Woolwood Forest in the West, there was a small village nearby, which has now turned into ruins.”

“How do you know?”

“I have the habit of reading weekly reports. This incident was published in the Church’s statement a few days ago, saying that if it weren’t for the timely intervention of the hero, the disaster in Valen two years ago would have repeated itself.”

“My goodness, how terrifying. No wonder the investiture ceremony is being held so quickly. That hero saved the entire Silgaya…”

“Thank the holy church for its blessings, may God protect us…”

Soon after, hymns echoed inside the church.

In the magnificent hall of the church, surrounded by countless monks and nuns singing hymns, a young girl in white robes walked towards the high platform.

Then she secretly pouted.

She had been disturbed from her dream early in the morning by Carlos, forced to listen to a lot of nonsense, then made to wear cumbersome and unattractive robes. It wouldn’t have mattered if she hadn’t been made up, her face covered in white foundation, her lips painted red. After seeing herself in the mirror, she felt like she looked festive. Since then, she had been quite angry, still pouting, her face showing resentment.

She originally thought the ceremony would be a mere formality, but hearing the clamor outside the church made her realize the significance of a Pope Knight.

She really didn’t expect it to be so complicated.

Reluctantly, she approached the high platform and looked up at Angel.

The man stood tall, his face handsome. Wearing a splendid pure white robe, he wore a beautiful crown on his head, exuding a captivating aura as he moved, which was vastly different from his disheveled appearance yesterday. It was hard to believe they were the same person.

However, at least he looked like a Pope now.

Thinking this, she secretly stuck out her tongue at him, making a face of anger.

This action felt natural, but she only realized afterward why she had such a childish and foolish move.

Her face turned slightly red.

Angel pretended not to notice, pretending to gently place a hand on her head, speaking with a serious expression and slow words.

“Hildegard… cough, lady, chosen by God.”

Hearing this, her eyebrows raised.

This guy… didn’t remember her surname, right? Shouldn’t he call her Lady Rabis Hemus now? Could he be more reliable?

She immediately gave him a scornful look.

Of course, Angel couldn’t respond at this moment, continuing with an unchanged expression.

“I, Angel Joseph Adrian John the Eleventh, following the will of God, hereby confer upon you the title of Pope Knight in this holy place.”

At this point, two nuns stepped forward to remove her long robe, carefully taking the white cloak from Angel’s hands and putting it on her.

It was exactly the same style as Carlos’s, standard for a Pope Knight.

After putting on the cloak, the nuns withdrew. Angel then personally placed a beautifully crafted golden badge on her, engraved with a blooming flower, similar to the light gold flower on the back of the cloak.

She lowered her head to stare at the gleaming badge on her chest, lost in thought. Carlos had told her that this flower was called an iris, symbolizing justice and courage, and was also the name of the first Pope Knight. The meaning of this flower was the very essence of the Pope Knight’s existence; only a Pope Knight had the qualification to wear a badge with an iris.

“…Little Black Charcoal, now turn around and smile.”

The sudden whisper startled her. She looked up at Angel, who still smiled at the front, but his slightly trembling jaw muscles made her feel his gritted teeth.

She immediately straightened up, facing the church officials, forcing a polite yet awkward smile.

Clap clap clap—

The applause was thunderous and continuous.

Ding—Ding—Ding—

The deep and clear bell sounds echoed through the sky.

The voice of inner shadows resounded in my mind, and my hand trembled involuntarily.

Then, as if in response to some call, a familiar warmth suddenly spread between my legs.

In an instant, the smile froze on my face.

“May the gods bless us,” Angel said with a solemn air.

“May the gods bless us.”

I looked up at the ceiling, where lifelike stone carvings were etched. The little figures in those carvings seemed to be staring at me, their mouths twisted into a smirk that resembled “MMP.”

May the gods bless us, heh.

My period began, in this sacred and solemn moment, with a ritualistic flair, giving me a face full of dignity.

…Isn’t it said that girls always have signs before their period starts? They should feel irritable or uncomfortable, right?

Why didn’t I feel anything at all!

It’s not even a month yet! I thought it would come in a couple of days… I was sure it would, but why… Could the reason I woke up so angry today be this!?

I wanted to escape, but the ceremony had just begun. Next, Angel would lead me up to the third floor, through the long corridor, to the balcony at the end, where we would greet the thousands of people waiting outside.

This might be the most painful journey I’ve ever taken. Along the way, I squeezed my legs tightly, like a clumsy duckling, taking tiny steps to avoid any fluids leaking out. Thankfully, unlike last time when I had nothing to cover myself, this time I wore an undergarment. It gave me a bit more time to struggle, though I wasn’t sure how long it would hold, since my flow was heavy.

Hang in there, panties, I believe you can help me get through this.

Angel walked beside me with a false smile. His large cloak hid his view, and he didn’t notice anything amiss.

Of course, I couldn’t let him find out. If he knew, it might not just be about losing face; this guy would probably do something unexpected.

After all, you can’t measure his thoughts by normal human standards.

The journey wasn’t long, but it felt like an eternity. The sticky feeling between my legs intensified.

Finally, just before reaching the balcony, I pulled the hood over my head.

If I lost face at a critical moment… it would be this newly appointed papal knight who loses face, not me, Sylvia.

“Why are you covering your face?” Angel whispered, trying to pull down my hood.

“Mind your own business!” I lowered my voice to avoid being heard by the monks behind us. I held onto the hood tightly. Angel tugged twice but couldn’t remove it. Considering public image, he couldn’t argue, so he quietly cursed “little ostrich” and gave up.

“Look, look, they’re out!”

“Oooh—His Holiness! His Holiness the Knight!”

“May the gods bless us!”

The crowd erupted as soon as we appeared. Angel raised his hands, signaling for silence.

“It is an honor that the gods have brought us new hope. Today, we have a 16-year-old papal knight!”

“Sixteen! Oh my god!”

“He’s still a child!”

The crowd erupted again. Angel had to signal for silence once more to continue his speech.

“This is a divine blessing, a moment worth remembering in history! As God’s children, we should all feel honored…”

I stopped listening after that. The undergarment grew wetter, and I could barely hold on. My forehead dripped with sweat, and all I could think about was ending this quickly.

Don’t worry, no one will notice. I reassured myself.

Last night, I slept in a room on the third floor of the church, not far from the balcony. In my bag were sanitary pads sewn by my grandmother. Once this was over, I would rush back to my room and change, definitely in time.

“…Now, please welcome our young papal knight, Miss Sylvia, to address everyone.”

No, don’t run, walk slowly. If I move too much, it’ll spill out! And if I’m too hasty, Angel might notice something…

Wait, why is Angel silent? Has it ended already?

I looked up in confusion.

“You’re supposed to speak now, idiot—”

A voice hissed angrily. Before I could react, a strong force pushed me forward from my waist. Angel shoved the dazed me forward, and I stumbled two steps.

Ah—It’s coming out, it’s coming out—Damn Angel!

I immediately tightened my legs, unable to move. At this moment, I wanted to kill him.

Isn’t it over yet? Why do I need to speak? My mind went blank, unable to focus. What should I say?

“Aah…”

In panic, I blurted out a sound.

Huh?

Angel looked puzzled.

“Aah—”

The crowd looked up at me hopefully.

“Achoo—”

After a big sneeze, I sniffled.

…

The entire scene went eerily silent.

…Oh no, I sneezed out of nervousness, and I feel something leaking.