Chapter 30

"I mean, I have a name, and to be honest, I'm already tired of you. You're so unpredictable, and after all this time with you, I've had enough. Your temper is completely random. I'm telling you clearly, I hate you. We're not friends anymore—"

Before Novia could finish speaking, Albion, just like last time, lost control and lunged at him.

She opened her mouth wide, revealing sharp teeth, and bit down hard, tearing a piece of flesh from Novia's stomach. Blood and gore flew everywhere, staining the lower half of her face a deep red. Still not satisfied, she swallowed and bit even deeper.

Seeing this, Novia could only silently accept the pain of his body being torn apart. After all, this was what he had intended.

When Albion heard Novia say, "I hate you," she felt her heart emit a sound—an incredibly loud, jarring beat.

I am his one and only shining light. He said that. It was the first time anyone had ever told her so.

From that moment on, a completely different emotion, one that had never echoed in the depths of Albion's heart before, began to sprout.

It wasn't fear, annoyance, or a desire for control. It was something more… warm.

But now, right now—

"Novia."

Merely uttering that name sent a sweet pain through Albion's heart.

"Don't hate me. I… I don't want to eat you."

Despite the words she spoke, Albion continued to tear at him, immersed in the flowing warm blood.

"It's okay," Novia, enduring the intense pain, cupped Albion's head and smiled. "Don't hold back. If this satisfies you, then there's no problem."

"Novia, please, don't… hate me. I won't be so willful anymore."

The silver-haired girl's trembling intensified. Finally, she raised her head, and transparent teardrops traced paths down her blood-soaked lips.

Seeing Albion like this, Novia breathed a sigh of relief. He thought he had finally persuaded her and that she wouldn't get angry so casually anymore, that her attitude would change.

"No problem. As long as you behave from now on, I won't say things like that again."

Novia created a warm atmosphere with his gentle voice, a domain he excelled in.

"Um… don't you want to drink some water?"

Albion, obediently curled up in Novia's arms, said shyly.

Shouldn't you be the one drinking water to wash the bloody taste from your mouth?

The words welled up in Novia's throat but couldn't escape his lips. Because Albion had once again lunged at him, straddling his waist. She held his hands, her golden pupils filled with desire, yet her expression remained timid.

"Mmm, I know. You definitely want to drink it, because you don't like that human's scent in your mouth either, right, Novia? So you have to clean it properly, otherwise, you'll be tainted. Speaking of which, it feels good, doesn't it? I'll completely cover her scent just like that…"

The silver-haired girl gently licked her lips, her tongue flicking out, revealing a feline, pleading expression. She buried her head forcefully into the young man's chest. First, she licked away the blood from the places she had bitten him earlier, using magic to heal the wounds. Then, she attempted to completely cleanse the scent of Nero from Novia's mouth.

"Eh? Eh? Eh? Teacher is taking a leave of absence?! Why?"

Nero, who had just become Emperor, heard her subordinate Seneca's report, and her once joyous expression instantly fell.

Although she diligently dealt with the matters reported to her, as soon as she finished, she returned to her bed, sulking.

She had been planning to see her teacher, Novia, first thing in the morning. That would have made her entire day feel brighter.

"How could that be? It shouldn't be. Teacher has never taken a leave before. Could it be because—"

As Nero pondered in confusion, she suddenly remembered the kiss she shared with Novia in the Pantheon during yesterday's coronation ceremony. The thought of her boldness made her feel a little shy, but she hadn't expected her teacher to act like this.

"Mumu, so Teacher is that pure. What is it? Hehe… I didn't expect him to be so cute, like a little animal. Hehehe…"

Her mood instantly brightened, and Nero's appetite returned. She called for Locusta, asking the green-haired girl, who managed the palace's food safety, to make her mushroom soup.

For some reason, Nero was particularly fond of mushroom dishes lately. She also trusted Locusta implicitly, as she was arranged by her teacher.

Speaking of which, teacher hasn't given me poison to drink in a while. Is it because I've drunk it for too long and the toxicity has worn off? That won't do. As my teacher's disciple and the person he values most, I can't let him be troubled.

Next time teacher gives me something, I'll have Locusta help me research something with stronger toxicity! Then teacher will definitely praise me!

"Mumu mumu…"

Drinking the mushroom soup, Nero couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"Your Majesty, why are you suddenly smiling?"

Locusta, standing by her side, looked confused. She didn't understand why the Emperor was smiling while drinking. Was it because it was too delicious?

"Because I thought of a great way to get praised by Teacher!"

055: If I don't see Teacher for a long time, I'll be very sad.

"Your Majesty, from this day forward, regarding the leader of the Imperial Guard, could you appoint the current Governor of Britain, Lucius Longinus?"

In a part of the Roman palace, various species of flowers were planted. When the weather warmed, the area was enveloped in an intoxicating floral fragrance.

"Absolutely!"

The girl with dazzling blonde hair nodded, a smile on her face. She didn't say much more.

Regarding this suggestion, Nero believed that someone as capable as her teacher, who sincerely cared for Rome and everyone's well-being, would not treat her, the most important person, poorly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Brutus, the leader of the Imperial Guard appointed by Claudius, had already requested retirement after Nero's successful ascension. Novia knew he wanted to protect himself, but seeing as he was sensible and didn't cause any trouble, he let him go.

As for control of the Praetorian Guard, Novia didn't just intend to have nominal control. Having Lucius as the leader was also to use the 'Christian' faith to prevent these 'elites,' chosen through rigorous selection within the Roman Empire, from sinking back into a life of indulgence. They needed to have faith in Christianity and Rome.

The current Praetorian Guard hadn't yet developed to the point of lawlessness it would reach later. As long as Lucius spent some time resetting things, it would be entirely possible.

Take the Britannic Legion, where Lucius was stationed, for example. Under his training, it had become one of the strongest legions in the Roman Empire. During Novia's last campaign to pacify Judea Province, the Britannic Legion was the unit that contributed the most.

"I'm saying, Teacher, when it's just the two of us, there's no need to call me 'Your Majesty' or anything. Although our statuses have changed, our essence is still the same, right? I haven't been using 'I' to talk to you either."

She rested her chin on her hand, speaking with a hint of displeasure.

Nero had always believed that after helping her teacher with his work, seeing Novia smile and call her by her name would bring her a sense of satisfaction. But now, only being called 'Your Majesty' gave her no feeling at all.

"Your Majesty, these are necessary courtesies."

"Alright, if that's how you prefer it, Teacher, then so be it." Nero nodded, not pushing further. She continued with a smile, "Teacher, why did you take leave yesterday? Was it because I made you feel unwell? Well, I actually felt that kissing mouth-to-mouth right from the start was a bit too fast. But besides kissing, there's also... No, no, I'm actually very happy, very happy to have this physical intimacy, but... um... I don't mean to say that you should... how should I put it... hehe..."

Nero's once confident smile became increasingly uncertain as she spoke, her face flushing red in panic.

This wasn't just because the flustered expression she expected from Novia didn't appear, but more so because it made her think of more intimate matters.

As for Novia, he had experienced the true taste of a Dragon Tongue yesterday. It was like a lizard's; too long. However, perhaps Albion had only seen Novia kissing Nero before and nothing else. Thus, it had only continued kissing.

In terms of results, Novia's deliberate provocation of Albion had been very effective. At the very least, Albion's attitude towards him would undergo a significant change from now on.

But Albion was nowhere to be seen even now, as if it had run away. Novia's mental messages to it received no response. He also had a confusion about it: since Albion was currently a soul form, essentially a spirit artifact, why did it possess a real physical tongue? It was strange. Could it be in the process of gaining a physical body? But what was the reason for that...

"Oh, right, Teacher, can you accompany me to the Greek peninsula in a while? The ministers have suggested excavating the Isthmus of Corinth, so I'd like to be present for the groundbreaking."

Because Novia didn't react to her words, Nero almost thought she had displeased her teacher. If that were the case, it would be terrible, so she quickly brought up something that she believed would definitely make her teacher happy if she did it.

Furthermore, digging a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth would improve Rome's commercial control over Greece, benefiting both the country and its people.

Nero, having just become Emperor, randomly distributed various gifts to the populace daily. Besides food, clothing, and livestock, these even included gold, silver, jewels, and property. For influential old soldiers, she also mandated monthly free bread. She also provided annual stipends for impoverished senators to honor their past contributions and funded the construction of massive ports for aging colonial cities...

In short, she appeared to be a completely enlightened monarch.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Your Majesty. As you know, the heads of all the churches across the entire country will be gathering in Rome in a few days. I really cannot get away."

On the day of Nero's enthronement, Novia had persuaded her to announce that all heads of Christian churches from across the country would come to Rome so he, as their leader, could discuss matters with them, pass down the newly compiled New Testament, unify doctrine, and rename Christianity to the Holy Church.

Although with Novia's current prestige, he didn't really need to consult with other believers, the necessary procedures still had to be followed. Moreover, no one would likely object.

"Can't you go by yourself, Your Majesty? Don't you always like the people of Rome?"

Nero pondered this question.

If she had to choose between liking and disliking, she naturally liked them immensely. However—

"In that case, I won't be able to see you for a long time, Teacher."

"...Then you can come and participate in the upcoming Christian meeting too."

"Eh, is that okay?! Teacher, I'm the Emperor, you know. Although I've been a Christian for a long time."

She stood up from her chair with a swish, leaning forward as if slamming on the brakes.

"But it still has some impact. If I go, it would be bad if I caused you trouble..."

"I don't think so, and I don't mind at all." Looking at the hesitant blonde girl, Novia deliberately made his meaning clearer, "Besides, Titus of Rome is a Saintess written in the books. No matter what, she's a very important figure, right?"

"Saintess... Right... I am also a Saintess..."

Is that so, the blonde girl thought.

I am someone very important to Teacher. Just this thought made her elated.

When their eyes met, Novia offered a smile, and Nero couldn't help but smile back naturally.

Really, it's so good.

056: Novia's Promise and the Omen of Revelation

The ecumenical council of Christianity, known as the Ecumenical Council.

Church councils are gatherings of representatives from the ecumenical or local church who come together to discuss church affairs and reach unanimous decisions.

There are many types of church councils, such as episcopal councils, patriarchal councils, or local councils. However, the world conference of Christianity is known as the Ecumenical Council.

And now, Novia was officially convening this council three hundred years earlier than it would have occurred within the Roman Empire.

For Novia, Christianity, which he brought to glory, was entirely unlike later eras where, due to years of hiding, Christians throughout the Roman Empire had differing interpretations of their faith, with bishops of churches in various regions solely responsible for explanations.

This led to the birth of the first Ecumenical Council in history, which resolved the differences among bishops regarding the relationship between Jesus and the Father, as well as issues concerning the Arian Doctrine, established Easter, dealt with the Meletian schism, and recognized the status of the Bishop of Rome as superior to those of other regions...

But in the first century, the Christian teachings being propagated were all disseminated by Novia. As the undisputed leader of Christianity, these issues were either not problems at all or had not yet arisen, with the exception of establishing Easter.

It could be said that Novia had no need to convene an Ecumenical Council; calling it an 'authoritarian rule' would not be an exaggeration. His words would have binding force on churches throughout the Roman Empire even without such a council.

However, the reason Novia chose to convene an Ecumenical Council, besides spreading the New Testament, was to set an example for future generations: that no matter what, even Christian believers in the highest positions must convene an Ecumenical Council to make major decisions.

After all, Novia's prestige was too high now. If he didn't set such an example, it might indirectly lead future Popes to practice 'authoritarian rule.'

With an organization of such a vast scale, the problem of corruption was inevitable. Perpetual stagnation would drag it down, so necessary debate was essential. As for whether it would lead to schisms like those in original history, Novia didn't care at all. Whether it split or not, as long as its fundamental ideology—helping the poor, loving one another, caring for the weak, treating children kindly, and so on—remained as he propagated it, that was enough.

If even this was abandoned, it would be better for it to be destroyed directly than to split.

"We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of all things visible and invisible."

In a facility like the Senate, Novia stood alone in the very center, addressing the Heads of Churches Across the Empire.

Everyone listened in utter silence, not daring to make a single sound. Nero, dressed in a dazzling red robe, entered and sat in the last seat, observing the meeting.

"We believe in the one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, the only-begotten, that is, of the essence of the Father."

The decorations on the walls fully embodied the majesty of the place, and the quiet turned it into an even more solemn space.

"God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, by whom all things in heaven and on earth were made. He descended to save us, became incarnate as a man, suffered, was resurrected on the third day, and ascended."

Following this, Novia established the date of Easter: the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, independent of the Hebrew calendar.

"The Lord's love is everything in this world. We must not speak of the Son of Man's glory selfishly. What the Son of Man left us is a sacred, solemn, and reverent space, and we should use it to care for everything. Therefore, from this day forward, we shall be known as the Holy Church."

Although the others were somewhat perplexed by Novia's suggestion to change the name of Christianity to the Holy Church, they agreed. After all, it was just a name, and they thought perhaps Novia had his own unique understanding.

As the meeting was about to conclude, Novia was naturally put forward by everyone as the leader of the just-renamed Holy Church. While Novia's position had been like this before, it was an unspoken tacit agreement, but now it was truly brought out into the open.

However, there was much discussion about what title to use. Finally, Nero, who had been observing the entire time, came up with a suggestion—

Pope.

This received unanimous approval from everyone.

Before the meeting officially ended.

"The Holy Church, entrusted to me by the Son of Man, this is our faith, and it is a covenant that cannot be broken, an oath that cannot be betrayed, or perhaps, a set of conditions that bind us to each other."

"We exchange our spoken promises and swear with everything we possess."

"It is precisely because one person cannot fight alone that we need to unite our strength. At all times, our interests as humans are aligned. Eliminate heresies that harbor ill will towards humanity from outside our ranks. For those among us who are fellow believers and have something you dislike, please turn a blind eye and be sure to adopt what is excellent from them."