Chapter 118

Therefore--

"I... am... so... useless..."

The Silver-Haired Boy pushed open the door and entered sighed softly once again upon seeing the Fairy girl, before making a suggestion.

Can I comb your hair for you?

Bavan Shi didn't speak, so Favia took it as a tacit agreement.

He approached the Fairy girl, adjusted her into a position where it would be easier to comb her hair, and secretly touched her hair from behind.

Then she took out a comb and started tidying her hair from the ends.

One touch was enough to tell that her hair was in good condition, but it was also tangled in many places and covered in accumulated dirt, turning its bright red color into a dry one. Favia was a little puzzled as to why she didn't use Magecraft to clean it, but then she thought that since it was the first time she had helped her wash it, she might as well try it herself.

"No... don't do that..."

"Um?"

"Everyone, you don't want me to be like this..."

Let me make this clear from the start.

Favia remained unmoved and said this.

"This isn't a request, it's a demand. Pay me back what you owe me before you offer any opinions."

"... good."

Bawan Xi nodded slightly.

But to be honest, she wanted to make things difficult for him a little, but she didn't dare.

So, as Bavan Shi silently accepted having her hair washed by Favia, she suddenly looked towards the window of the room.

The light streaming in through the window made the dust motes floating in the air Gilgamesh, and for some reason, she felt a sense of comfort from the scent; in fact, she could say she really liked it.

At this moment, it seemed as if time itself had stood still in this room, as the boy focused solely on moving the comb around for the Fairy girl.

The following day, Bavan Shi returned to London with Favia.

Upon arriving at the Clock Tower in London, Favia found the atmosphere within the Association somewhat tense. He then learned that the Pope Rome ordered the Judgment of England, along with the Judgment of other Europe countries, to confront and destroy the Byzantium and occupy Albania, which was separated from Rome only by the sea from the Ottoman Empire.

The Pope in question is Alexander VI, who is considered one of the most controversial Pope of the Renaissance.

203: The Corrupt, Degenerate, and Unscrupulous Pope (2k5)

Rome.

It was a magnificent Cathedral with an exterior made of pure white marble and shimmering gold decorations.

The towering spire points straight to the blue sky, symbolizing the steadfastness and purity of Faith.

Sunlight streamed onto the church's spire, making the golden decorations Gilgamesh and sparkle. The church windows were inlaid with stained glass, through which sunlight streamed, casting a dazzling array of colors that illuminated the entire interior of the church in a dreamlike manner.

Through the windows of the Cathedral, one can see the city, which has stood for many years, bathed in the setting sun, while this place remains brightly lit.

It was incredibly luxurious, and among them, an elderly man in a high position squinted his eyes slightly.

Although the old man was very old, he was burly, with thick black eyebrows, bulging eyes, thick lips, a slightly protruding long nose, and a short chin that looked as if it had been cut with a knife, making him look like a ram when viewed from the side.

"Does Da Vinci have any objections?"

Suddenly, the old man spoke up and asked a question. The guard beside him, seemingly used to it, quickly spoke up as well.

"Yes, he seems somewhat... towards the Church now..."

At this point, the guard seemed to be struggling with whether or not to continue.

"Hmph, that old bastard, I rescued him from those France bastards, fed him well, gave him a peaceful life, and he still keeps nagging all day long."

The old man seemed very dissatisfied with France, and immediately launched into a classic rant, but his facial expression remained unchanged, while the guards beside him didn't dare to breathe.

"Forget it, have those bastards in England replied yet?"

"The Clock Tower has not yet responded..."

"Damn it, they're still dragging it out. If those Ottoman bastards find a chance to invade Rome from Albania, even if I lose Rome, I'll twist the heads off those damned Magecraft before I commit suicide to atone for my sins."

The fifteenth and Sixteenth Century were a time of exceptionally fierce conflict between two of the world's three major religious sects.

On the one hand, Spain's Reconquista was coming to an end, Sultanate of Granada was building fortresses in the rugged mountains of southwestern Spain, barely clinging to life.

On the other hand, the rise of the Ottomans put pressure on the whole of Europe; in 1453, the ancient city of Constantinople was captured by Mehmed II Conqueror.

In 1479, Albania was conquered, and in 1480, Mehmed II attacked Otranto, causing panic throughout Italy.

Fortunately, Mehmed II died in 1481, and the leaderless Ottoman Empire had to withdraw its troops from the Apennine Peninsula. However, his successor, Bayezid II, continued to exert enormous pressure on the whole of Europe.

Countries across Europe are in a state of heightened anxiety, where even the slightest Mars could ignite a massive firestorm of religious persecution.

"Should we continue to request assistance from the three Lords of the Clock Tower and El-Melloi?"

"... Forget it, I never had high hopes for those selfish bastards anyway, but it doesn't matter. Just keep a tough stance, as long as they hand over ownership of the Judgment in England."

"Yes, it is your will."

"Oh, right, I heard there's a Magecraft there who's been going around healing people for the past few years... what's his name again?"

"Von Holmhein Paracelsus."

"Hmm... that's the name. I understand. You may leave."

"Yes, Pope Holiness."

The old man was none other than the contemporary Pope Rome Alexander VI, whose real Rodrigo was Rome Liansor di Borgia. He was the first Pope in the Holy Church to publicly acknowledge having children with his mistress, and he was also Spaniards.

More than a religious figure, Alexander VI was a politician who, in 1493, drew a line between Portugal and Spain to demarcate their colonial expansion, known as the "Pope Line of Demarcation."

Alexander VI is generally considered a symbol of the corruption and decadence of the Church during the Renaissance, and one of the most dissolute and unscrupulous Pope.

He also possessed extraordinary political ambitions and was notorious for his lavish wealth accumulation and meticulous plots to seize power for his son. However, he was not the originator of these misdeeds, as his predecessors set a 'good Pope's for him.

Aside from political and religious evaluations, the patronage of the family, led by Leonardo da Vinci, for the arts is widely praised. They patronized figures such as Pinturicchio, Baal Veneto, Michelangelo, Titian, and Hieronymus Bosch, and Da Vinci even helped his son build war machines.

It is worth mentioning that her uncle, Pope Callixtus III, personally rehabilitated Jeanne d'Arc in his second year as Pope.

While the efforts of Jeanne d'Arc's mother and the head of the France Judgment were Director, the approval of Callixtus III was undoubtedly crucial, as he forcefully demanded Joan's rehabilitation despite widespread internal reluctance.

Since the 'Avignon Papacy', there has been a general aversion to the France within the Holy Church. After all, the Pope who was captured by Avignon France was humiliated and beaten by men sent by the then- France king, which led to his death a few weeks later.

This explains why, when Jeanne d'Arc, the France heroine who saved the nation, was declared a 'Witch' by the England- controlled Judgment, not a single person within the organization stood up to refute her. Some even lamented that it would have been better if these two damned countries had continued fighting, since only twenty-odd years had passed since the end of the schism within the Catholicism, and the hatred had not been eliminated.

It should be noted that the Church weakened due to the Great Schism and the Avignon Papacy. Taking advantage of this, various Europe countries seized control of the Judgment within their respective countries. When Jeanne d'Arc was betrayed, the England appointed Bishop Pierre Corchon, who was subservient to England, as the judge and conducted a unilateral sentencing Ritual.

Although the Pope of these two popes, who were uncle and nephew, were marked by corruption, debauchery, and murder that cast a shadow over the Church, both held great respect for the Church and were exceptionally gifted in oratory and evangelism.

Time passed, night fell, and the Pope once again squinted slightly, as if resting. The guards beside him had already withdrawn; after all, as Pope, although he was old, his strength was still considerable.

At this moment, he was the only person in the entire Hall, as if it had been prepared solely for him.

Having Pope Rome such an advanced age, he served five Pope in total, including his uncle, thus accumulating ample experience, influence, and wealth. However, since the humiliating 'Avignon Papacy,' the position of Pope Rome lost its sanctity over the centuries.

Alexander VI rocked back and forth in his chair, a gentle, intoxicating drowsiness descending upon him. He softly closed his eyes, and the 84-year-old Pope recalled the words his uncle had spoken to him when he became Pope:

"That France named Jeanne d'Arc of Arc was a true Saintess."

"But she's already dead. There's no need for us to exonerate her anymore. The Church can't afford to lose face any longer, Uncle."

"Yes, it's completely unnecessary, but it's not entirely unnecessary. Her mother feels that her child's life is miserable and tormented because her child shouldn't have to live such a miserable life, and that's enough."

"But wouldn't this definitely jeopardize Uncle's plan to unite various countries to attack the Ottomans? Constantinople has been lost for so many years..."

After a moment of contemplation, with his gaze drifting over the distant scenery, Callixtus III slowly began to speak.

"My reputation is bad enough, it doesn't matter anymore, and besides—"

Then, amidst the devout praises heard throughout the city, the wicked old man walked into the city.

It disappeared from the sight of the young Alexander VI.

When the 84-year-old Alexander VI opened his eyes, all around him had already returned to silence.

But the long wait continues; when will the Church regain its former glory?

Over the years, countless people have come, countless people have bowed, and countless people have left with salvation.

The sky Eternal City was as warm as spring, clear and serene.

Throughout, the Holy Statue hanging in the Church quietly bore witness to everything.

"I'd rather Hell for the sake of the Church."

Alexander VI murmured softly, knowing he was no saint; many innocent people had died directly or indirectly at his hands.

Even knowing this, he would never stop. He was willing to sacrifice everything to reclaim what once belonged to the Holy Church.

204: The Purest El-Melloi? (4k5)

In a room of the Clock Tower in London, the warm, drowsy sunlight of the setting sun bathed the room.

Despite being exhausted from the day's journey back to London with Favia, Bavan Shi, whose mind should have been scattered, was as active as it was in the morning, simply because she saw the man talking to Favia.

His long, smooth, black hair fell to one side of his shoulder, and his handsome, gentle face, along with his composed and elegant demeanor, undoubtedly exuded the elegance of someone from a prestigious family.

A sudden surge of inexplicable irritability and inferiority overwhelmed the Fairy girl, leaving her only able to lower her head and fiddle with her fingers.

Compared to before, her beautiful red hair has returned, and the bruises and scars on her face have disappeared. The only things that haven't improved are her throat and her inner attitude.

"I see. Favia, you want me to treat Bavan Shi's damaged throat?"

Paracelsus tucked his hair behind his ear and casually patted his slightly wrinkled white coat.

"But to be fair, you're perfectly capable of doing it yourself, aren't you?"

I don't have much experience.

"Actually, it's not a very troublesome matter. Fine, we'll do as you say. But the problem now is, Favia, since you brought Bavan Shi back, you should at least give her a place to stay."

She currently lives with me.

"Hmm? Are you staying in the same room?"

Upon hearing this, Paracelsus's tone became slightly more cheerful, and he even unconsciously raised one finger slightly while holding the water glass.

He hadn't expected that Favia, after being asked to go to the Scotland Highlands, would bring back a young girl, and judging from the way Bavan Shi kept stealing glances, the Answer was already quite obvious.

"Anyway, I'll have to trouble you to treat her later."

Favia ignored the man's teasing and took a tool from the tool bag on the table, handing it to Paracelsus.

I'm going out for a bit, I'll come pick you up tonight.

Although the Silver-Haired Boy didn't say these words to the Fairy girl, she still nodded subconsciously, then looked up and watched him leave.

"Although he possesses Magecraft talent far surpassing mine, he remains the same as when we first met. He always enjoys participating in the wool production and trade, textile industry, retail industry, or shipbuilding industry in various parts of London. In this respect, he is like me, enjoying interacting with all sorts of people."

Upon hearing this, Bavan Shi looked at Paracelsus in confusion. She saw him take a few steps toward the window, and not knowing what to say, she could only mutter a soft "hmm".

"By the way, Bavan Shi, what do you think of Favia?"

To the Fairy girl, this man named Paracelsus seemed to always have a gentle, star-like glow when he mentioned Favia, and the corners of his mouth would curve into a pleasant smile, as if he were talking about a friend with confidence and tenderness.

Therefore, although she still felt irritable and inferior, she could only say softly while looking down and playing with the things in her hands:

"Friend..."

"Friend?"

Paracelsus paused, then smiled. Although he didn't answer directly, he understood the Fairy girl's feelings, but he just felt that calling her "friend" was a bit too ambiguous.

Paracelsus, Magecraft genius and teacher at the Clock Tower, immediately noticed the unusual sight at Bavan Shi's heels and recalled the Vampire Fairy, one of the Phantasmal Species living in Scotland, as described in the Book.

Thinking about this, Paracelsus roughly deduced the cause and effect of the previous 'vampire incident' in Scotland. It was probably caused by this Bavan Shi in front of him. However, he could also tell from Bavan Shi's undisguised inferiority that the incident was probably just a misunderstanding.

But since Favia hadn't directly revealed Bavan Shi's true identity to him, Paracelsus felt there was no need to insist on exposing it.

"For Favia, there are quite a few people in the Clock Tower who simply want to be 'friends' him, and some who don't even care about Magecraft Lineage."

Paracelsus joked.