Chapter 79: The Pope 2
His Holiness humble himself by calling himself foolish, but to reply to this immediately with provocative talk, he’s not foolish nor has his mind aged.
“I see, it’s a bit hard to see in the dark, but it looks like the same color as “Tears of the World”. Were you able to create it using the box in your hand?
“Yes, of course creating something big is not easy.”
His Holiness nods.
“This is a technique invented by my husband Alex to extract and crystallize the magic power within the body. Although I affirmed your words earlier that it is a creation, strictly speaking, it is not creation. That is the work of the supreme God.”
His Holiness nods heavily. This is an important matter after all.
“I see. So, with that box, can anyone crystallize their magic power?”
“Yes.”
“For example, can even this old fool create a magic stone?”
“I can create a magic stone too. However, the size of it depends on the capacity of magic power within the body, so I can only make small ones.”
Lex explains.
When I told him that it would consume his magic power, he said he would like to try it lightly, so I put Mina#13 in front of His Holiness.
His Holiness is supposed to use his magic power to perform healing miracles and so on.
“Hmm.”
With a determined expression, His Holiness lifted his hand towards Mina#13 and his hand shone with a pale light. The power of miracles…!
The light immediately subsided and he opened the drawer to retrieve a small stone.
It was much smaller than the one I showed him, but it emitted a faint light.
“I see, so the sacred stone in the scriptures was indeed a holy attribute magic stone after all.”
He gestured for me to come over and placed the sacred stone in my palm.
“Please.”
“…I-Is that okay!’
The holy stone often appears in the scriptures, but it is not produced in the natural world dungeons, and the means of obtaining it in the present world are limited to the remains of the holy beasts. It is a precious thing with the power of purification and healing.
“Yes, it was a valuable experience. It will be a good memory and you can use it for research if you like.”
Suddenly, Mr. Oliver’s face comes to mind. When we took this back for research, he will regret that he could not be there to witness the event, and he will be disappointed that we could not make the sacred stone.
“And this foolish oldman realized that your business is not just a charity.”
I smile.
Of course, the church will be looking into the A&V company. And now, by showing the creation of magic stone at Mina#13, it can be said that we have revealed the true meaning of ‘Free Magic Appraisal Office’.
“From those who are not high magic holders, only a tiny stone that does not even reach one carat can be obtained. Nevertheless, it can be enough to use as fuel for magic stone lamps.”
“Indeed, it’s something. You have shown this foolish oldman that you can make not only the highest-grade one-of-a-kind magic stone, but also the quantity, not quality. And paradoxically, you still have a hidden card in your hand.”
I neither affirm nor deny. There’s no need to expose everything. That’s because the revealed card is too powerful. Therefore, I don’t need to talk about the accumulation of magic elements in the atmosphere here.”
“Your Holiness Namadrius IV, I think it’s fine to entrust the magic appraisal to the church.”
“Hmm… That’s an interesting proposal, but why?”
“Let’s have all the churches in all the lands within your reach pay with magic stones for the meal costs of the soup kitchen. This will also increase the number of times the soup is served and can be used as a substitute for firewood in the orphanage.”
The Holiness made a face as if he was taken aback for a moment and then laughed.
“Interesting. Whether it’s a facade or one’s true feelings, whether it’s lawful or sincere, there are not many people who can say that. If it comes to pass, your names will be crowned with holy saints.”
I was about to bow my head, but it was stopped by His Holiness’ hand on my shoulder.
“However, the journey will be difficult and you want the protection of this old fool.”
His Holiness’ gaze was gentle, but it still felt like a deep abyss that peered into the depths of my heart.
“…Yes, that’s correct. It’s impertinent but…”
He smiled mischievously and stroked his bald head.
“What, I’ll show you that even this bald head has its uses. It was a fun night. I’m looking forward to seeing you again in the Kingdom of Patrika.”
He stood up and left the room.
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet your honorable self.”
Lex and I knelt down with the words.
Several days later, while reading a newspaper at a hotel on my way back to the kingdom, I involuntarily smiled.
“Mina, what’s with the big grin holding the newspaper?”
“His Holiness has used our magic stone for his crown.”
The newspaper published a picture of the Pope showing his formal attire, waving his hand to the people.
And the article stated that the Pope’s crown was newly made after several hundred years, and that its foundation was unchanged, and that the beautiful magic stone of water was adorned in the center of the crown.
“That is a great honor… I guess.”
“That’s one thing, and the other is that what His Holiness used can’t be attributed to heretical technology.”
The Pope has shown his protection towards us through his appearance.
