Ch.101101. The Shepherd’s Corruption

Amon had been hiding in the city’s night, digging up countless secrets for a month.

Finally, Sonia’s canonization ceremony was right around the corner.

“So far, there are no signs of danger.”

Amon spoke with confidence.

During his break-ins at the homes of numerous high-ranking clergy, there had been no indication that they had noticed this plan.

“They must feel secure because the prophets are quiet.”

The Squint-eyed Priest chimed in.

Tracing back the history of the Decadents, the faction began by first recruiting those with Divine Power of prophecy who were originally supposed to maintain neutrality.

After prioritizing the recruitment of prophets, they monopolized various achievements and concealed crimes using their power.

Since this was the foundation of their power, the high-ranking clergy’s faith in the prophets was absolute.

“They must still think they’re safe.”

The Squint-eyed Priest sent a sneer in their direction.

The power of prophecy is not absolute, but those intoxicated by it seemed unaware of this fact.

“I suppose when several prophets gather, they mistakenly believe themselves invincible.”

However, there was one thing they overlooked.

If there is a power to see the future, there might be at least one natural enemy to that power.

And now, it was time for them to pay the price for not considering this.

“When I broke into their mansions, the security was surprisingly lax.”

They probably thought the prophets would warn them if important documents were about to be stolen.

Because of this, even Amon, who had been full of anticipation… no, tension during infiltration, secured evidence so easily it was almost disappointing.

“Who would have thought it would be this simple.”

For some reason, Kathy comforted the disappointed Amon.

“Owen was the same way if you think about it. Still, isn’t it better when things go smoothly?”

“That’s true.”

Amon regained his spirits with Kathy’s encouragement.

Afterward, they reviewed the plan once more.

Amon went over each person’s role.

“When Sonia becomes a saint, she’ll make the declaration right there on the spot.”

Interviews or press conferences wouldn’t work.

Though they weren’t sure of the Decadents’ full power, this was at least their home turf.

There was a possibility that the information could be distorted or completely ignored when conveyed to the public.

Therefore, to prevent the Decadents from manipulating public opinion, they had to execute the plan at the canonization ceremony on the day itself.

This had been coordinated with the Pope and the Archbishop.

Starting with Sonia’s declaration, the Moderates and Radicals priests planned to simultaneously open religious trials against the Decadents.

“Are you prepared, Father?”

The Squint-eyed Priest nodded.

His role was to act as Sonia’s lawyer.

Not a real lawyer, but someone to assist if Sonia became tongue-tied.

“Kathy?”

She nodded as well.

Although prophecy was blocked inside the cathedral, there was still a role expected of Kathy.

“Protect Sonia well.”

It was a safety measure in case the cornered Decadents attempted something desperate.

Finally, Amon also gathered his equipment.

“I’d like to prosecute them myself, but…”

His role was on the physical side.

Of course, Amon was confident he could dominate a debate against dozens of senior priests right there.

But Amon had no official position.

Though he had received the position of Holy Knight directly from the Pope, that was an unofficial deal that couldn’t be revealed here.

Therefore, all Amon could do was use his sword to prevent any sudden actions from them.

‘Procedure is especially important at times like this.’

That’s why he entrusted this ‘procedure’ to Archbishop Heinrich.

Believing that someone who understood Amon could handle it sufficiently.

Amon’s role was to protect the Archbishop from any sudden actions by the Decadents.

“Did we miss anything?”

Sonia nodded at Amon’s question.

“Then let’s get to bed early tonight to prepare for tomorrow’s canonization ceremony.”

Amon and Sonia naturally headed to the same room.

And Kathy and the Squint-eyed Priest also went to their respective rooms.

With the certainty that the sun would rise the next morning, they fell asleep.

*

The next day, Sonia’s canonization ceremony began.

Newspapers and news outlets were buzzing with stories about her.

<First Living Saint to be Elevated in Hundreds of Years!>

Typically, canonization is a ceremony for deceased saints.

When someone accomplishes a great miracle that cannot be explained by science or magic and passes away, the Church of Goddess recognizes them as a saint through this ceremony.

This process usually takes more than five years.

Therefore, Sonia’s sudden elevation to sainthood was clearly an exception.

But no one could dispute her legitimacy.

In the past, she had displayed a halo above her head and spread wings over the entire capital of Germany, showering it with blessed light.

Though it wasn’t her intention, merely touching the blessed feathers she shed cured numerous mental illnesses.

When those with mental illnesses who received her light proclaimed miracles, no one could deny that these were indeed miracles.

<The Return of a Saint After 2600 Years!?>

Thus, the beatification process, which verifies miracles, proceeded quickly.

And on the day of the canonization ceremony, she needed to demonstrate a “second miracle” to prove she was truly a saint.

Countless people flocked to the Vatican.

Those who knew of her miracle headed to the cathedral, hoping to receive her mercy.

People who had tied their mentally ill friends or family members to beds filled the area in front of the cathedral.

The crowd focused on the live broadcast filming inside the cathedral, waiting for her appearance.

Soon after, she revealed herself.

“Ohhh…! Saint!”

The deeply faithful clasped their hands at the sight of her.

Even those without faith but in desperate situations joined their hands in earnest prayer toward her.

Sonia wore holy white cloth garments with her eyes closed.

Her hands were modestly joined as if in prayer.

And the Pope declared:

“Sonia, prove your miracle here.”

She opened her eyes and spread her wings.

A halo appeared above her head.

Feathers filled with warm light began to fall like snow from the sky…

– “Richard! Do you recognize me?”

– “Mom? Mom!”

Many people present experienced miracles.

Soon, her name echoed throughout the square.

“Saint! Please bless us!”

“Sonia! May your holiness be known throughout the world!”

Everyone chanted her name.

Archbishop Heinrich, who was participating in the canonization ceremony, frowned at this sight.

“Tsk.”

Amon, who was guarding him, understood his feelings.

“Those people are worshipping Sonia, not the Goddess.”

“More precisely, they’re begging for the mercy falling from her.”

Amon twisted his lips bitterly.

The Archbishop didn’t hide his sigh as he spoke.

“How long do you think people’s faith will last?”

“Probably in a month they’ll forget the preciousness of miracles, and in three months they’ll become greedier. In a year, they’ll cling to Sonia as if miracles are something they’re entitled to.”

“And those who don’t receive miracles will direct their hatred toward Sonia and Mother Goddess.”

Haa.

Both men sighed simultaneously at their pessimistic insights.

Eventually, Amon and the Archbishop spoke at the same time.

“They are pitiful people.”

“They are detestable humans.”

Amon and the Archbishop locked eyes.

Amon spoke first.

“Even so, we must embrace them. We need to be patient.”

“Sometimes a whip is necessary. They need harsh lessons as well.”

The two had differing opinions.

Moderate and Radical.

Their attitudes toward people differed in this aspect.

But neither denied the other’s perspective.

In the end, both acknowledged the necessity of patience and discipline.

They exchanged bitter smiles and changed the subject.

They didn’t want to discuss such topics on this auspicious day.

“Always be thankful to the One who performs great wonders alone. For His loving kindness is everlasting.”

“The Saint said, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will they do, because of the grace of Mother Lord.'”

It was just like them to express their indescribable happiness through scripture.

Eventually, the Pope declared:

“As Pope, I officially recognize Sonia as a saint!”

The faithful and the patients cheered.

Amon silently applauded, congratulating her.

Meanwhile, Amon’s gaze remained fixed on Cardinal Trimond.

The cardinal’s nose, which had been broken at the airport, hadn’t fully healed, as evidenced by the bandage on it.

Although he had been beaten by Amon and several criminal charges had been revealed in the process, he hadn’t yet been removed from his position as cardinal.

Not because his crimes were innocent, but because they hadn’t yet disclosed all criminal activities in order to round up the Decadents at once.

Amon’s gaze toward the cardinal sharpened.

This was because, for some reason, he frequently made eye contact with Heinrich.

The first time might have been a coincidence, but when it happened more than 15 times, it was certainly no coincidence.

Naturally, the Archbishop also noticed something suspicious.

Amon checked with the Archbishop just in case.

“It doesn’t seem like an uncle who has something to say to his nephew, does it?”

The Archbishop nodded gravely.

Amon placed his hand on his sword with a heavy heart.

By now, the Pope’s sermon was nearing its end.

“The Goddess is always with us, calling each of us with Her love and truth. Let us respond to this love and be witnesses who testify to the Mother’s miracles in our lives.”

Amen.

All the priests bowed their heads in unison.

Archbishop Heinrich did the same, as did Amon.

In that brief moment, Amon instinctively cut down a rapidly approaching object.

When he raised his head, he realized he had cut down an arrow.

Sadly, the direction it came from was where the cardinal had been.

The cardinal put down his crossbow, disappointed that the arrow had been blocked.

And numerous Holy Knights tasked with security rushed to restrain the cardinal.

“Cardinal…”

The Archbishop looked at his uncle with sad eyes.

Amon wanted to comfort his sworn brother, but there was no time.

“It seems the Decadents have decided to go all out.”

The cardinal was easily subdued, but a small number of Holy Knights were approaching Amon and the Archbishop.

The commotion outside the cathedral suggested that the Holy Knights weren’t the only problem.

“Where did it leak from? Do you have any idea, brother?”

The Archbishop shook his head.

“I have no idea at all.”

The fact that they moved even before Sonia could make her accusation left no doubt that the plan had leaked.

However, the Archbishop expressed puzzlement.

“But it doesn’t seem to be the entire Decadent faction’s idea.”

As evidence, other Decadent priests were confused. The Holy Knights associated with them were also bewildered and disoriented.

Only a small minority of Holy Knights were targeting Amon and the Archbishop,

mostly those whom Amon had nearly killed when he came here.

“Either blind revenge or the cardinal’s independent action.”

The Archbishop coolly analyzed the situation.

Meanwhile, Amon stood protectively by the Archbishop and said:

“Be careful of stray bullets, brother.”

“How long will it take?”

“Three minutes should be enough to make mince… ah, excuse me. Three minutes should be sufficient.”

With those words, Amon’s figure vanished.