Chapter 12: A Personal Letter from the Pope

In the Papal State of Avignon, atop the Holy See.

Pope Gregory gazed at Saintess Dorothy below and spoke slowly.

“Dorothy, you’ve been doing excellent work in your clerical duties lately.”

Facing the Pope’s praise, Dorothy remained humble yet composed.

“Thank you, Your Holiness. It’s merely my duty—nothing to take pride in.”

“I’m pleased with your mindset. As servants of the Lord, we must remain humble. You’ve upheld this virtue, truly worthy of the title Saintess.”

With that, Gregory rose gently and approached Dorothy.

He placed his hand lightly on her head.

This was the authority of the Pope, channeling divine grace or judgment through his touch.

As his hand touched her hair, a warm current enveloped Dorothy, easing her body and relieving the stress accumulated over days.

After about a minute, Gregory withdrew his hand and returned to his seat.

Dorothy waited until the warmth faded before looking up at him.

Normally, she would leave to resume her duties, but this time, she lingered, gazing at the Pope.

“Your Holiness, I have something to report.”

“Oh?”

A hint of surprise flickered in Gregory’s eyes, but he waved for her to continue.

“The renowned Hero Fratina has gone missing while on a mission in the Kingdom of Londe to slay the dragon Lucia.”

As expected, Gregory’s hand tightened on the armrest, nearly rising from his chair.

But he suppressed his shock and looked at Dorothy.

“Can you elaborate?”

“Yes…”

Dorothy nodded, relaying the information she’d received from Marcelino.

Gregory stroked his chin and sighed deeply.

“With the demons amassing in the south, the most crucial Hero vanishes at such a time… Have we done something to anger the Lord?”

“Your Holiness, I wish to lead a team to Londe to find the Hero.”

Dorothy volunteered.

“Dorothy, you…”

Gregory hesitated, tempted to deny her request.

But recalling the bond between Dorothy and Fratina, he softened.

He knew Fratina had saved Dorothy during a mission, becoming her benefactor.

Fratina was the reason Dorothy strove to become the Saintess, her goal and inspiration.

Denying Dorothy the chance to help would surely breed resentment toward him.

Moreover, Dorothy was now one of the Church’s most formidable clerics, making her a suitable leader.

But Gregory’s concerns went beyond that.

As the Saintess, Dorothy was the face of the Church. If she fell in a fight against the dragon, it could destabilize the institution.

Sensing his hesitation, Dorothy spoke.

“Your Holiness, I won’t engage the dragon in combat. I only want to find Sister Fratina.”

Gregory knew her words were a mere promise. If Fratina was in Lucia’s clutches, Dorothy would stop at nothing to save her.

He sighed helplessly.

“Very well. Take a larger contingent of the Papal Guard. I’ll write a letter to King Duncan of Londe to pave the way.”

Dorothy’s face lit up with a smile.

“Thank you, Your Holiness!”

*

In the Kingdom of Londe, capital city of Elan.

“I can’t believe the Hero actually betrayed us.”

After receiving the valley’s report, Duncan slammed his fist on the table, seething.

“I’ve never heard of a contract that can force someone against their will. Fratina must have chosen to serve that dragon out of cowardice.”

Freeman shook his head with a sigh.

No one wanted this outcome, but they would have preferred Fratina died in battle.

At least that might have weakened the dragon. Now, Londe faced an additional threat.

Though they had sent tribute to appease Lucia, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t change her mind.

“Your Majesty, if it comes to it, we should reveal the mineral vein to the public,” Freeman suggested.

“No… that’s a last resort.”

Duncan shook his head.

Until Lucia attacked, he wouldn’t disclose the vein’s existence.

Its value could draw the attention of the entire continent.

As the saying goes, an innocent man with treasure invites trouble.

Londe, surrounding the valley, would become the prime target of other nations.

Even if they shared mining rights, it wouldn’t satisfy Duncan’s ambitions.

If Lucia attacked, revealing the vein would be his final bargaining chip.

Duncan believed Lucia’s restraint over the years showed a tacit understanding.

As he pondered, a guard entered the hall.

“Your Majesty, a personal letter from the Pope. Please review it.”

At the mention of the Pope, Duncan and Freeman froze.

No one on the continent dared ignore the Pope’s influence.

While many nations existed, there was only one religion.

The Papal State’s power surpassed all, though as a religious entity, it avoided territorial expansion.

During conflicts, it mediated and sent aid to treat the wounded.

As a usurper, Duncan initially lacked the Pope’s recognition, only rebuilding ties through devout gestures.

Londe’s relationship with the Papal State had been lukewarm, with occasional contact.

But at this critical juncture, a personal letter from the Pope—what could it mean?