A Person on Terra With No Books to Read

"Your Majesty, a messenger from Laterano has arrived."

"Alright, I understand."

Theresica had been waiting since early this morning. To show proper respect, he rose and went outside the palace to personally greet the messenger.

Escorted by Royal Court Guards, the Sankta's figure approached from afar. She wore Laterano's exquisite religious ceremonial attire and held a staff carved with ornate relief patterns. She stood out starkly against the aged surroundings, seemingly showcasing Laterano's power.

"Administrator of Kazdel, I am a messenger from Pope Evangelista XI of Laterano, here to convey his voice."

The Sankta did not bow, merely offering a slight inclination of her head before handing over a letter.

"Welcome, madam."

Theresica paid no mind to the Sankta's indifferent expression. Instead, he bowed in a standard manner and invited the female Sankta to the Kazdel palace's council hall.

"Wow, things from Kazdel have a unique historical feel to them."

Before Theresica could even sit down, he heard this comment. He subconsciously looked around but found no third person.

"I said that. There's no one else here, so why keep a straight face? It's so uncomfortable."

The female Sankta, who had already found a seat for herself, looked at him with a wide smile. "I'm a messenger. I've been to many places and seen many people. You don't seem like the type to put on airs, otherwise, why would you consider restoring peaceful relations with the Sankta?"

"Huh? Excuse me... can you tell something from my face?"

Theresica looked at her in surprise, but she waved her hand.

"I am Mostima, a Sankta who has broken the law. The Sarkaz-like horns growing on my head are proof that I have violated Laterano's laws. I was wondering why I was suddenly called back to Laterano, only to find out someone is coming to Kazdel to deliver a message. Truly..."

Damn that old Pope.

Theresica looked incredulous. Why was this female Sankta suddenly cursing her own leader, and in front of an outsider?

"Oh, you can hear that."

"Uh... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Theresica quickly apologized. He didn't want to upset this Laterano messenger. Besides, with only the two of them here, how could he not hear her?

"I didn't say that out loud, you know."

Mostima's smile was full of excitement. "Ever since I became a Fallen Angel, my empathy with my own kind has been intermittent. I thought I was malfunctioning, but it turns out I can connect with the Sarkaz!"

"Huh? Empathy? What's that?"

"Nothing."

"Then, let's begin this meeting."

Theresica was a bit unsure how to handle this Sankta named Mostima. She seemed to know him very well and acted very casually in every move.

A diplomatic meeting felt like a casual chat between peers.

The key thing was, he didn't feel resistant at all; in fact, he felt quite relaxed.

Opening the Pope's letter, the content was very simple: he was to bring one guard and accompany Mostima to Laterano for this peace talk. During and after the talks, regardless of whether a peace agreement was reached, Laterano would guarantee his safe return to Kazdel.

This request... is a bit excessive.

"The Pope's demands will not change. Any deviation will be considered a forfeiture of the talks."

Before he could speak, Mostima answered directly.

"Can you read minds?"

"No, I don't have that kind of Originium Arts."

"Then... is it empathy?"

Theresica guessed, and Mostima nodded.

"Yes, I haven't experienced such stable empathy in a long time."

Theresica instinctively picked up the envelope, blocking Mostima's view. This feeling of having his inner thoughts seen was very uncomfortable.

"Haha, a piece of paper won't help. Sorry, I got too excited and forgot that Sarkaz don't have that custom. I'll turn it off for a while."

This thing can be turned off?

The council hall fell silent. Mostima didn't speak this time, as if she had truly turned it off.

It can be turned off just by saying so? Is this a computer?

Theresica reread the letter from the Laterano Pope. "A peace agreement can't just be reached like that. What are the Pope's specific requirements?"

"He didn't say. He just asked me to bring the letter and serve as your pass for safe entry into Laterano territory."

"And when do we depart?"

"The sooner the better."

"I understand."

Theresica nodded. "Can I decide the route myself? I'd like to take a slight detour."

"The Pope didn't mention that. Do as you please. I'm a messenger, I never fear long journeys."

Mostima chuckled, a carefree expression on her face. "No matter where I go, I see it as a journey. This is actually my first time in Kazdel, so could you show me around? Introduce me to some good sights and delicious food."

"Then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed," Theresica said. "Right now, all there is here are war ruins, war ruins that are currently being cleared, and dilapidated houses that were affected by the war and are now being repaired."

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Chapter 26: Peace Treaty

The journey to Laterano began the next day without anyone noticing. Theresica brought Shining along, and they set off with Mostima. However, they didn't head directly to Laterano; instead, they took a slight detour and entered Leithanien.

Although the land here belonged to Casters, the streets were filled with Victorian-style buildings. After constantly asking and searching along the old streets, the three of them finally stopped in front of a small but newly licensed private clinic.

Mostima glanced around and asked curiously, "Why did you specifically come here? Who are you looking for?"

"My... teacher, I suppose."

Theresica walked inside. The staff member on duty saw them and greeted them with a smile. "May I ask what brings you here? Are you here for a consultation, to purchase medicine, or for a follow-up appointment?"

"I'm looking for someone, Ms. Kal'tsit. Is she here?"

"Ah... Teacher Kal'tsit, she's currently performing surgery on a patient."

Hearing the staff member's address, Theresica took another look at him and then sat down on a nearby long bench.

"It's fine, I'll wait."

The three of them sat there without a word, especially since one of them was holding a sword, which made the staff members, who lacked a leader, somewhat flustered. Coincidentally, all the armed personnel were out on missions, so they could only cast frequent glances in their direction and then nervously look towards the operating room.

The clock ticked on, and the sunlight gradually faded as the sun began to set. Suddenly, there was a sound from the operating room.

Kal'tsit emerged.

She was wearing a full surgical gown, with the imprint of a surgical cap still on her forehead, and strands of hair were matted together by sweat.

"Teacher Kal'tsit, someone is looking for you."

"Mm, I know."

Kal'tsit's gaze swept over in their direction, and Theresica stood up at that moment.

"Kal'tsit."

"..."

Her gaze swept over the other two. After a moment of hesitation, she reached out and pushed open a nearby office. "Come in."

Following Kal'tsit into her office, their eyes fell upon stacks of medical records. Some seemed to belong to this hospital, while others appeared to be from different ones.

They were piled high, forming a wall around her desk. Kal'tsit stepped over it and sat down in her seat.

"How does it feel outside?"

"I still prefer playing games, but I can't anymore."

Theresica spoke sincerely, hesitating for a moment before deciding to speak. "I've decided to find a way to mend the relationship with the Sankta."

"Mm."

"Uh... your reaction is a bit unexpected. So calm."

"This land is undergoing constant drastic changes. I've grown accustomed to it."

Kal'tsit picked up a medical record from her desk and asked, "What are you doing here? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No," Theresica shook his head. "But the situation in Kazdel is dire. I need help. Could you..."

Kal'tsit remained silent, and he wisely closed his mouth.

"Alright, seeing as there's no problem with you, I'm relieved. I'll be going now."

Theresica didn't linger and got up to leave. However, as he passed a children's ward in the corridor, for some reason, he suddenly felt an urge to go in and take a look.

It was abrupt and very strong, but Kal'tsit followed him from behind.

"Is the current Pope of Laterano still Evangelista XI?"

"Yes."

"Theresia had a period of correspondence with this Pope."

Kal'tsit looked at him. "You can go with peace of mind. The chances of success are not small."

"Is that so? Thank you."

Theresica smiled and nodded, then left. Kal'tsit stood at the clinic entrance until his figure disappeared before turning back to her office.

A few days later, on the outskirts of Laterano, the neatly arranged Laterano Guard escorted the three of them slowly towards the center of Laterano. Along the way, many Sankta looked over curiously, but upon seeing Shining's horns, their faces immediately showed expressions of horror.

"Haha, the Sarkaz looked at me the same way when I first entered Kazdel."

"Is that so."

Theresica's expression was not very good. Although he had heard from the Bloodfiend Grand Duke that the Sankta each wielded a firearm, seeing this fact confirmed with his own eyes once again filled him with worry.

As they gradually entered the city, Theresica observed that the municipal construction here surpassed even Siracusa. Not only was it more complete, with no discernible distinction between the suburbs and the city center, but the buildings were also mostly adorned with the intricate decorations characteristic of religious architecture.

They really have a lot of money.

In the middle of a main road, the Laterano guards halted. It seemed the area ahead didn't belong to them. As their replacements, a full contingent of Papal Knights approached.

The guards and Papal Knights performed a ceremonial handover, one by one. During this interval, Theresica got a full look at the Papal Knights.

"Holy crap!"

He almost shouted it out.

Not only were these Papal Knights clad in thick, sealed armor, but they were also equipped with six-barreled Gatling guns! Judging by their movements, their flexibility seemed completely unaffected!

Theresica rubbed his eyes, but the scene before him didn't change at all.

His heart sank to the bottom. He had been feeling rather pleased with himself, thinking he'd done a good job bringing machine tools to Kazdel. Now, compared to Laterano, all of that was junk!

What country could be weaker than Kazdel if it could mass-produce these firearms?

How could Kazdel contend with a nation like this?

Theresica asked himself, but found no answer. Fear uncontrollably crept into his heart, and he could only try his best to keep a straight face.

"Let's go."

"Okay."

Theresica looked at the Papal Knight who prompted him, forcing a polite smile onto his face. Escorted by the knights, they arrived at the entrance of the Papal Hall.

The area had been cleared. Inside the main hall stood a kind and amiable-looking old man, holding a scepter and calmly looking in their direction.

The Papal Knights bowed in unison and then retreated. Mostima also left without a word. Only an elderly Sankta and two Sarkaz remained on the scene, one of whom was holding a weapon.

"Greetings, young administrator."

"Greetings, Your Holiness."

The two parties began to converse plainly, with no sense of friendliness or hostility.

"I propose that we restore normal communication between the Sankta and the Sarkaz."