episode_0084

084 – Hyde questions Pope Gregory! # One

night.

We sat at the table and talked about what happened at university today.

The one who was most excited was Psyche.

“I didn’t know Professor Valtiel was such a mean person. Not only did he steal the material of his disciples, but he also fell into an impure relationship with a female disciple. I thought he was a pure person like Pilgrim, the protagonist of Pilgrimage. The books written by Baltiel also began to look impure.”

Valtiel confessed all of his sins in front of me today.

Valtiel, who had become arrogant as a best-selling author and the youngest professor, had committed all kinds of wrongdoings, and now that they were exposed, his entire reputation was in ruins.

As soon as Rust’s order is given, all of his books published in the world will be burned.

It meant that Valtiel’s life until now would return to nothingness.

But it was probably a good thing for him.

It means that you can cleanse your sins and live a new life.

I gave him a chance to regret his mistakes and live a new life.

I gave Valtiel the second life I worked so hard to obtain the Holy Grail for free.

My heart was so generous.

anyway.

I checked Psyche’s condition.

Psyche, who made eye contact with me, tilted her head and smiled.

“What’s going on?”

“Psyche. I heard that Rust cast an evil hex on you. I heard that Rust’s hex is extremely effective. Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort?”

“No! no! I am perfectly healthy!”

It was Psyche who said that and showed me her forearm.

Although his arms were thin and slender, they were more balanced than I thought.

Looking at that, Milione clicked his tongue.

“I don’t know why Rust is interested in Psyche.”

indeed.

I thought Milione looked glum from earlier, but it was because he wasn’t getting any attention from Rust.

Because Milione is a big fan of Rust.

I decided to explain why Psyche was a better woman than Milione.

“From what I understand, Rust is a person who never trusts humans. He likes to corrupt good people and make them fight against each other. Millie, aren’t you already such a mean girl that you can’t really interest Rust?”

“What?”

It was Milione who was frowning.

I added what I wanted to say whether Milione would be angry or not.

“I think, but for Rust, the world is one big social testing ground. How much pain and tragedy do we have to give to the faithful Psyche to break her heart? It’s an experiment with the same feeling.”

Psyche was surprised by my words.

“Why would you do such a terrible thing? Why on earth are you doing such a thing?”

“I’m not sure either. From what I understand, Rust is a very perverted guy. He is a completely different type of person than Hyde, who loves and trusts the world.”

Rust and I are different!

Soon, indeed——Alter nodded.

“Hyde, after hearing what you said, I finally understand Rust’s actions. That person was such a chaotic person that I was afraid because I couldn’t understand the principles of his actions.”

Alter was a man of quick understanding.

Indeed, it deserves to be called the pride of Archbishop Archibald.

Even Psyche, who had good understanding, was astonished.

“So that means that that evil Rust will appear in front of me in the future to drive a wedge between me and you, Hyde! Will I be able to endure it?”

The trembling Psyche looked a little pitiful.

I spoke as if comforting Psyche.

“I believe in you, Psyche. No matter what trials and tribulations you go through, you will not be deceived or defeated by a small man like Rust.”

Anyway, Psyche was the woman I chose as my first wife among countless women. Even if I face all kinds of hardships and persecution, I will never give in.

I know because I saw it myself.

“Hyde, thank you for saying that. I was a little unsure, but I feel empowered! Actually, I was a little scared today too. But Rust insulted you, Hyde, so you got angry… .”

Psyche was also kind.

But what about Alter Archibald?

Is this guy really good or is he wearing a very elaborate mask of hypocrisy?

After the meal, it was free time.

I visited Milione, who was reading a book on the balcony of a luxury inn.

“Hey.”

“Why.”

“Your brother, Alter. Were you that kind of person from the beginning?”

“Have you been conscientious and uninteresting from the beginning?”

For some reason, Milione understood my question right away.

I nodded and Milione clicked his tongue.

“That’s right. It’s been like that since long ago. Always do this, always do that. Don’t do it, you shouldn’t do it─. I was so sick of the nagging. He was my brother, but he was an annoying guy. That’s unlucky.”

I felt like I understood in many ways.

But it’s not the answer I wanted.

I asked quietly.

“But there is no other perfect person in the world other than me and Hyde. Doesn’t your brother Alter have some strange habits or bad hobbies? Walking around the streets dressed as a woman every night.”

“There is no such thing.”

It was Milione who snorted.

With Millie’s personality, there would be no way she would treat Alter as her older brother.

Even that vicious Milione doesn’t know Alter Archibald’s faults.

Does this mean that Alter is really a perfect good person?

no!

That can’t be possible!

There is no way there is a person like that except me, Hyde!

I’ll watch a little more.

# # #

“Hyde, I’m sorry that you feel criticized because of me.”

I was trying to sleep when Psyche apologized to me.

It seems that there was a reason for the tossing and turning from earlier.

“Why are you suddenly thinking like that?”

“If I had become a normal couple with you, bad things wouldn’t have kept happening. I said I wanted to remain chaste even after marriage… .”

indeed.

Psyche seemed to think that all the misfortunes that were happening were because of her.

Good people had this side.

Isn’t it all my fault? I’m gaslighting myself.

Psyche continued speaking.

“I thought that if I got married, the flirting from men would decrease a little. Hyde, you show interest in me even though I have a trustworthy husband… .”

After I quickly got up, I spoke to Psyche.

“Don’t blame yourself too much. It’s not your fault. It’s only about 97% your fault.”

“… Then isn’t it almost everything?”

“Just kidding.”

“Puhhh-.”

Only then did Psyche burst out laughing as if she was dumbfounded.

I took advantage of the slightly relaxed atmosphere and spoke to Psyche.

“Psyche. Innately attractive people attract the attention of men, whether they are married or older. Look at Sarah, Abraham’s wife.”

Abraham and his wife Sarah, the fathers of faith.

Throughout her pilgrimage with Abraham, Sarah was courted by the kings of neighboring countries and the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Abraham was even afraid of being killed by Pharaoh who coveted Sarah, so he even lied, saying, “Sarah is not my wife but my sister, so Pharaoh can sleep with my sister.”

Of course, the Lord’s involvement did not cause Sarah to sleep with a man outside of her family.

anyway.

Psyche was an attractive woman like Sarah in the Bible.

And it was my choice and will to choose Psyche as my wife!

In other words, it meant that I was great enough to be compared to Abraham, the father of faith.

“Psyche. Also, this path I am walking is my life that I have chosen. It is I who accepted your offer and I who chose to live with you. No matter what happens, you don’t have to feel guilty.”

I had choices in my life.

I was actively exercising the free will the Lord gave me.

It was I who decided to accept Psyche’s postmarital chastity.

I am the one who has put on Rust’s mask again.

And it is I who will seal that mask forever!

This is my will!

Psyche’s big eyes lit up as if she was truly moved by my story.

She seemed to choke slightly and finally squeezed my palm.

“Hyde, I really have a lot to learn from you. Actually, I was skeptical until I decided to marry you. It hasn’t been long since we met… .”

“Is that so?”

Well, really.

Our meeting was short.

Falling in love at first sight is something that only exists in movies.

Soon Psyche added.

“But I was very surprised to learn that there were people who listened to my unreasonable words. It was from then on that I wanted to know more about you.”

It was a very unfamiliar story.

When Psyche lay in bed like this, she talked about various things.

“But when I thought about it today, I didn’t even know you went to college. Hyde, what kind of person are you? Before you met me, you seemed like a distant darkness.”

Me before I married Psyche?

━Oh! That’s Rust’s 45th hell secret, “Women’s Sledding”!

━My eyes… I can’t believe my eyes… !!! This is a dream… !!!

… … .

Just terrible memories.

I spoke calmly.

“Psyche, love does not dwell in a doubtful heart.”

“No. I’m not suspicious, I’m just curious. I often tell my story to you, but I have never heard yours.”

“Psyche, I hope you love me more for what I can do in the future than for who I am. My dream is to become a better priest than anyone else.”

Psyche seemed quite moved by my words.

Sze-.

Psyche finally got up from the bed.

“I will also support and help you achieve your dreams! Tomorrow is especially important, right? Tomorrow is the day we will have an audience with His Holiness Pope Gregory!”

“That’s right.”

“Then Hyde! I will train your body today to prepare for tomorrow! The healthier you are, the better! Today I’ll just do 150 push-ups before going to bed!”

Crunch-.

Psyche pressed my back.

It looked like he was completely trying to kill me!

“Ugh!”

I came out about 10 minutes later with the excuse of going to the bathroom.

Soon, I made eye contact with Alter, who seemed to be standing guard outside.

“Alter. What are you doing when you’re not sleeping?”

“I thought Rust might storm into the inn. I’m worried that he’s in Barakhan.”

He’s a guy with a strong work ethic.

You have to do this to be called a paladin.

But Alter was a failure.

You don’t even know that Rust is right next to you.

Even your sister is a human butcher who can tear through steel plates like paper!

Soon Alter spoke.

“Hyde, what are you doing? Not sleeping?”

“Toilet.”

“I see. I thought you were nervous about your audience with Pope Gregory tomorrow. By the way, I will give you some warnings in advance. When you have an audience with His Holiness, there are a few things you need to be careful about.”

These are precautions when meeting the king.

Is it about court manners?

“Hyde, you are a smart friend, so you will understand quickly. First of all, you must not raise your head until you are told to do so. To most questions, answer yes or no.”

“Really? It’s simple.”

“Also, you must never ask His Holiness questions. As long as you follow these three things, there won’t be any problems. His Holiness Gregory has a fiery temper, but he knows how to be tolerant.”

I had also heard that Pope Gregory had a fiery temper.

You’d better pay attention to what Alter said.

# # #

next day.

We took a carriage that arrived from the church in Barakhan and headed to the church.

An incredibly large palace.

It was a splendid place on a different level from the mansions I had seen so far.

We first adjusted our clothes in the mirror installed at the entrance.

“Who am I? Hyde, the youngest person in history to graduate with a doctoral degree from Barakhan Theological Seminary in the shortest period of time!”

I put on my new navy blue priest’s uniform, a white Roman collar around my neck, straightened my hair, and wore a pristine bronze cross around my neck.

I feel like a completely new person.

Psyche, Milione, and Alter Archibald, who were walking next to me, were all dressed up and dressed up to welcome the ‘King’ of the United Kingdom.

Suddenly-.

The throne room finally opens.

We bowed our heads beneath the red carpet.

You can’t raise your head without the king’s permission, right?

A solemn atmosphere in many ways.

I often walked along the very fluffy red carpet to the front of the platform where the Pope’s Holy See was placed.

I can feel the popularity in front of my head, which is bowed down like a pigeon picking up feed.

The ranks of knights lined up left and right are exerting tremendous pressure in many ways.

someone said

“Bronze Plate Priest Hyde. and his wife Psyche. Another one is Medici’s daughter Milione. Nice to meet you, young people. Psyche, daughter of Count Doban, and Milione, daughter of Medici, raise your heads.”

Sze-.

I could feel Psyche and Milione raising their heads in recognition.

Soon someone spoke in an energetic voice.

“Psyche. Daughter of Count Dovan. I’ve heard good rumors about you. I heard you did a great job against Rust and the Crusade in the Citadel of Taekwondo, right?”

Parr-.

I felt Psyche tremble.

I guess I didn’t know whether it would be better to answer, “Yes, that’s right,” or, “That’s an over-praise.”

Soon Psyche spoke as if she had decided.

“Yes. Yes, Your Holiness.”

“Good. Excellent. There is nothing more enjoyable than watching young people grow. And Miss Milione. I heard the sad story that happened to you. I heard Rust did something bad to me.”

“Yes, that’s right, Your Holiness.”

Milione, who I was most worried about, was more obedient than I expected.

As I was relieved, the person I thought was Pope Gregory continued to speak.

“Medici I heard about the misfortune that befell that friend. Don’t worry too much, because I will use my power to reinstate him to the position of archbishop in no time. That friend will be busier than before. And—Hyde.”

Is it finally my turn?

Gregory said.

“Bronze Plate Priest Hyde, raise your head.”

widely-.

The sound of the knight standing next to the constellation hitting the floor with his spear was heard.

I raised my head and saw a man with short, pink hair sitting in a chair.

He was dressed in purple robes, had a shining platinum cross around his neck, and was holding in his hand a staff that looked like it had been twisted from an old cypress.

His face was slightly bronzed and swarthy, and although he looked old, there were no wrinkles.

The eyes are an emerald color that reminds me of someone.

But it is deeper and more intense than fire.

This man is Pope Gregory II.

It was my first time meeting this person too.

Should I say that he fits the image of a person who became a king as a priest?

What was strangest of all was the ‘radiance’ that appeared and shined behind his head.

Something similar to the halo used to represent saints in paintings was shining from the back of his head, creating shadows on his face.

Is it a special effect?

Magic I don’t know about?

It was then.

Pope Gregory told me.

“Bronze Plate Priest Hyde. You are a great speaker. Before I reward you for your outstanding achievements, I would like to ask you something. Why do people meet each other?”