Chapter 318

"It's probably just a coincidence."

Upon hearing this, Nero casually glanced at the Rose beside him while simultaneously observing the girl's expression.

After their conversation last night and today, Nero felt that the girl seemed more approachable. She couldn't fathom what Ritsuka, as humanity's last Master and bearing such a heavy responsibility, was thinking. Perhaps she was still growing? Even so, she didn't want to test her unnecessarily and try to elicit any words from her.

However, Nero still keenly noticed one thing: Ritsuka Fujimaru, who was technically his junior sister, was somewhat similar to him, but if he had to say, they were only similar, not the same kind.

"Speaking of which, Your Emperor Nero, it seems that the painting behind you hasn't been passed down to later generations..."

Just then, Mash asked again.

Rome palaces were typically built of marble and limestone, with colonnades throughout, each column carved with exquisite patterns and historical stories. The Ceiling were adorned with vibrant frescoes, often depicting scenes from Rome mythology, such as the great deeds of Jupiter, Juno, and other gods...

But that's all in the past. Since Nero became the Rome and the Church became the state religion, these contents have been transformed into various Saint stories from the Bible. Huge arches and long corridors run through the entire palace, and the floor is covered with patterns depicting Bible stories and Saint legends. The exquisite craftsmanship and fervent Faith bring every detail to life.

Behind Nero, the painting that should have depicted only the emperor, symbolizing his Supreme Being status, now showed two figures. Moreover, judging from their positions, the Blond Figure of Nero, the emperor, was clearly not in a higher position; rather, it was the silver figure.

If Novia were present, she would surely recognize at a glance that this was the painting of herself and Nero at the Triumphal Ceremony Judea Province.

"This is--"

"Mother."

Just as Nero was about to explain, a voice came from outside the door, which instantly made Nero's veins bulge, and he glared at the infant Draco being carried in by Novia.

Last night, when Tang Draco transformed into this form in the bath, she was almost startled, but she immediately recognized that it was exactly how she looked when she first met her Teacher. She never imagined that her Future self could change at will.

As for 'mother', Nero simply couldn't stand this nasty term, especially since Draco had used the opposite term many times before.

In fact, Nero, Novia, Draco hadn't slept all night. If it weren't for Nero's remaining rationality telling her that she still needed to see the two girls brought by her Teacher the next day, Ritsuka and Mash probably wouldn't have been able to see Nero today.

However, Draco simply said that since "I" said it, then "I" will go, and he would stay here with the Teacher. This almost made Nero furious, but since things had come to this, that was all that could be done.

"Hey, Novia Consultant, what are you holding?"

The first to ask a question was Mash, who knew nothing about it.

Mother? Who is that blonde girl calling out to? She looks so much like Emperor Nero, could she be his daughter? Did Nero have children? Historically, wasn't the child of his brother Britannicus, who had converted to Christianity, the one who succeeded Nero to the Rome throne after his disappearance?

If there were a daughter, even though she would be female, given the current situation in Rome, an empress wouldn't be out of the question... Could it be that she died prematurely?

The naive Mash let her imagination run wild with these wild thoughts.

"... And this is--"

Just as Novia was about to say something in a subtle tone.

"Ahem, this is my child, and in a way, an illegitimate daughter..."

After a bout of coughing, Nero quickly regained his regal composure. "She likes your Chaldea Consultant quite a bit, so I've had her take care of her. That should be fine, right?"

So that's how it is, an illegitimate daughter... Could this child be the Prototype for the fictional Pope Joan who gave birth in the street? But I remember Joan was fictionalized to smear the Pope and attack the Faith of the Church, so it can only be said to be a coincidence.

Of course, Mash had an even bigger question: who was this girl's father? Who would catch the eye of Nero, who was both emperor and Pope? But she knew it was best to keep such questions to herself.

As for Ritsuka, who learned of this news in the bath last night, she wasn't too shocked because of the buffer period. She just frowned slightly, carefully examining Novia who was holding Draco, and occasionally glancing at Nero on the Throne.

Well, Ritsuka subconsciously compared Novia, Nero, Draco, and Novia, Xiao Xiang, and Xiao Xiang's mother, and found that the couple in front of her seemed more like a family of three. At the same time, knowing that the child's father was the Pope Novia, she also had a strange guess.

Could it be that the ancestors of Novia's Consultant and Xiao Xiang's mother were actually this illegitimate daughter?

I remember later the Roman Empire split apart, with only the Eastern Rome lingering until its demise in 1453. Constantine XI was killed in battle, and the remaining Royal Family were either killed or managed to escape... Oh, I see!

Ritsuka Fujimaru had already imagined a whole drama unfolding in her mind.

When the Eastern Rome fell, the Royal Family members who managed to escape went their separate ways and started their own families. It wasn't until hundreds of years later that Novia's Consultant met Xiao Xiang's mother in a romantic sea of flowers. Based on the affinity in their genes, they happily got together and had Xiao Xiang.

Suddenly, Ritsuka felt that this might be against moral principles, especially since they were of the same blood... This had to be stopped.

No, no, what am I thinking? I'm already married and have children, and that was hundreds of years ago. I can't be bound by today's ideas...

"Yes, Mother."

Soon, Draco, who was being held by Novia, licked his lips, grinned mischievously, and continued to tease his past 'self'.

I just love this image of someone suppressing their impotent rage, maintaining a dignified or smiling facade. Even if it's just me, it feels even better because it's me.

"Um, Princess, you and the Consultant seem to have a rather close relationship..."

After Novia took her seat, Mash looked at Draco with some confusion, as if she was being hugged by Novia, but it felt like she was the one hugging Novia's neck.

"Hehe, that's natural. My mother is a wise ruler, and she will naturally reward her subjects for their efforts. As their 'child,' I will naturally reward and cherish them well, and be a little more enthusiastic, right, Ming Weiya... Consultant?"

Draco turned to look at Novia, who was standing right in front of him, and whispered a few words in her ear.

Unlike Nero, who suppressed her Wrath, Ritsuka smiled as if she understood what those words meant.

It was at this moment that Ritsuka suddenly remembered that during the France Singularity, the shrunken Dragon Witch seemed to be on Novia all the time, just like that. That scene was conveyed to Ritsuka with an unprecedented sense of realism, and things that were previously ambiguous suddenly took shape in the Orange-Haired Girl's mind.

If Alexander, who launched a rebellion under the Banner of 'Osiris' in the Egypt Province, were Servant, then this vast land should also summon Servant to respond. But so far, none have appeared before me. Perhaps they have already appeared, but haven't told me yet...

She thought this to herself.

This child, so similar to Emperor Nero, could perhaps be the summoned Servant? Only hiding her presence, perhaps she is from the past? If so, it makes sense. I remember when we came to Rome, Dr. Roman said that Emperor Nero's childhood family life wasn't very good.

If that's the case, Ritsuka understands why this blond child suddenly became so close to Consultant Novia. It's probably due to his demeanor; after all, although he's Servant, he's still just a child.

However, that Dragon Witch rides on Novia's neck 24/7, and this little Servant who seems to be Nero is so close to her... well, I don't really want to see it... But then again, if Consultant Novia became my Demi-Servant... I'd like to be like that too...

In fact, this thought had always been echoing in the girl's heart.

However, such an idea cannot be presented yet, at least not now.

Ritsuka Fujimaru thought so.

"So, our next task is to help Your Emperor Nero get closer to the 'Osiris' spawned Servant the Servant suspected to Alexander in the Egypt Province."

Ritsuka said, a calm smile on her face.

Who influenced me to become like this? The girl recalled what happened at that Shrine that day.

"Ritsuka, is there something you don't want to see?"

Nero suddenly chuckled and said something rather cryptic.

"Ha, ha... Indeed, you and I are somewhat alike."

She said this with a smile.

"Yes, if Rome were to encounter a major problem, the impact on Human History would be enormous."

"That's right, after all, the Servant that have appeared are not easy for ordinary people to deal with."

"Hmph hmph hmph..."

Nero laughed again. "What do I have to fear?"

As he spoke, the Rose around him seemed to obey the emperor's command and suddenly began to flutter in the palace.

"I am the Emperor, Nero Claudius are the world, I am the Pope, and Domitius is the universal supreme priest. Therefore, even Alexander, who founded the Alexander Empire, was merely a drop of wine in the Emperor's cup, and the Greece polytheists were nothing more than defeated opponents of the Divinity Pope."

For a fleeting moment, Ritsuka felt a faint, ethereal scent of blood emanating from Nero. But upon reflection, it made sense; no emperor, even Pope, could be too 'pure'.

"The world chose Rome, the world chose the Pope, so let the remnants of the past remain obediently underground."

Nero waved his hand, glanced at Draco who was still holding Novia and smiling at him, and then his tone became more serious.

"There's no need to gather a large army; Lucius's legion is enough. You can all come with me now. Let's drink our fill, eat our fill, and fill our bellies with delicious food—"

"Could we wait a moment and go tomorrow?"

Just as Nero was confidently shouting, as if he were about to lead everyone away from Rome to the Egypt Province, Novia suddenly raised her hand and said this. Then, in Ritsuka and Mash's eyes, the emperor, who had been so domineering, suddenly seemed like a different person. Actually, that's not quite right; it's just that his attitude changed very suddenly.

"Oh? Is that so? Then let's do as you say, after all, I am quite tolerant."

Just like that, Novia didn't even give a reason, and Nero seemed completely unconcerned that his authority as emperor was being ignored. He just agreed so naturally, giving the two of them the feeling that they didn't need to ask what they would eat later, as long as it was made by him. It was such a subtle feeling.

So, after the morning meeting, Novia, having forcefully brought Draco down, took Ritsuka to what people in the 21st century would call a pilgrimage for Church members to obtain an injunction. The two were heading to the final destination of their journey: the 'Rome Pilgrimage Main Hall'.

It has survived for two thousand years --

The Temple Saint Novia Main Hall.

Chapter 364 Fate is a fan of Nuo.

The Apostolic Temple, in Church terminology, is a title bestowed upon Sanctuary that holds a special status.

In the 21st century, there are still thousands of apostolic Temple in the world, among which are the supernumerary apostolic Temple. There are five supernumerary Temple in the Diocese of Rome. Although the Saint Novia Main Hall is a supernumerary basilica, it is often referred to as the 'Grand Apostolic Basilica' to indicate its Supreme Being status.

As noon approached, sunlight streamed into the square, shimmering the stone facade with a warm glow. Rome gathered in small groups, chatting excitedly, gazing at the towering dome with awe.

The Saint Novia Main Hall, whose full and formal name is "Apostolic Temple of Novia the Rome", "General Apostolic Temple of Novia Baptist and the Holy One, the Most Holy Savior of the Rome", and "Stadium of the Bishops of Rome".

At this moment, the Main Hall that would later be known by such a name was not yet completed. Rose, designated by the emperor, grew profusely along the walls. If an ordinary person saw it, they would probably think that the church's high skylights would add a touch of history to the spacious interior.

Of these, only one was Saint Peter, who had recently traveled to the Egypt Province and was temporarily serving in Paul.

An elderly man sat alone at one end of a bench, his eyes closed silently like a kind and devout person. He looked as if he were pondering or sleeping. If left unattended, he might just turn into stone.

"Excuse me."

The sudden sound made Paul look up. Two people had appeared at the Great Gate without him noticing. He slowly got up and walked over step by step.

Although theoretically entry into the Grand Main Hall requires the Pope's permission, there is no such rule at present, as the Church in the first century is in a state of disrepair.

Welcome, both of you!

The dry sound echoed inside the church. When Paul could clearly see that the newcomers were an Orange-Haired Girl and a silver-haired youth in disguise, he suddenly paused. "Ahem, what brings you two here?"

Suddenly, his voice became steady, but as before, it was like that of a kind old man.

Ritsuka Fujimaru knows people with this kind of voice; elderly people in nursing homes or whom she meets by chance, and easy-going elderly people all have this tone of voice.

Actually, we are...

Ritsuka hesitated, glancing at Novia beside her, wondering why he had suddenly brought her to the Saint Novia Main Hall.

"The person next to me would like to come and have a look around, is that alright?"

Paul responded with a nod, to which Novia responded with a smile.

Therefore, even if Ritsuka wanted to leave now, she couldn't. So she could only watch as Novia led her to follow the old man in a very 'simple' prayer, which was much simpler and less time-consuming than in later generations.

Would you like to sit down for a while?

Paul pointed to the bench he had just sat on and, without waiting for their reply, sat down at the other end of the bench.

"Speaking of which, I sense a familiar aura about this lady. Could it be that she has been in contact with Martha before?"

"Eh?"

Upon hearing this, Ritsuka was somewhat at a loss. She had naturally met Martha in France and received the Walking Stick as a gift.

"Take it out."

Just then, Novia whispered to Ritsuka, and the girl subconsciously took it out. However, Paul did not take it, but just squinted at it and then smiled with a big smile.

"This was a gift from my Teacher to Martha, which she later gave to the Pope Holy Relic, and it was eventually buried on Golgotha. How did you obtain it?"

Paul's words instantly made Ritsuka understand many things. At the same time, she wondered if Chaldea could summon the First Pope who shared the same name as Novia if they used this as Holy Relic. That would be a tremendous force.

As of now, Chaldea's Servant are only Mash, Novia, and Da Vinci. Originally, they planned to summon them after the France, but for some reason, it was shelved until after the Rome campaign.

But the most pressing matter was figuring out how to respond to the old man. After all, the Human Order Incineration and the destruction of the world should be quite difficult for ancient people, especially the elderly, to explain. However, before Ritsuka could come up with Ritsuka response, Novia replied.

"Just like the previous two."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Paul didn't press further, "But the person who received this Walking Stick is a Saintess and a Pope, so what will this little girl become? Have you thought about that yourself?"

"... I don't know, I only just found out what this thing is."

Ritsuka didn't look at Paul; she looked ahead as she answered, her voice filled with confusion and her tone weak, as if she had just woken up from a dream in Fuyuki where her family and the world were burning.

Of course, although he is here to save humanity and is the last Master of mankind, and has already gone through the events in France and encountered many things, he still feels that he succeeded not by his own efforts, but by the concerted efforts of everyone.

"It's simple. Things don't happen more than three times. It's already spread to three people, so the fourth one is just the first one. Therefore, Ritsuka is our Savior."

The girl, who had been so listless just moments before, was instantly jolted awake by Novia's words.

Like a fish out of water, she clapped her hands and looked at Paul across from her.

"Yes, I'm yours--"

Ritsuka, who had been following Novia's Ritsuka, quickly shut her mouth and lowered her head to hide her blushing face after realizing something.