Beatrice sat woodenly on a stool as the nuns around her arranged her clothes and applied her makeup.
Her attire was exceedingly simple: a pure white Church robe, though the fabric was remarkably exquisite. Up close, one could see the intricate patterns woven into it.
This fabric had been produced in a factory using steam-powered looms. Because the machines had an extremely high failure rate, only a few meters of this precious material could be woven each year. Only the most distinguished figures could enjoy it; it was far beyond anything made by hand weaving.
A priestly robe made from such fabric was merely a foundation. Draped over her shoulders was a red cape.
This was an adornment only clergy ranked bishop or above could wear. The Candlelight Society had far more churches than bishops, and only veteran bishops managing medium-sized churches or larger had the opportunity to receive this weightless piece of red cloth. They were called cardinals and were qualified to wear red priestly robes.
Yet compared to the scepter in her hands, none of those things amounted to much.
It was the Cardinal Scepter. Whoever held it governed the entire Church on the Pope's behalf. There were only seven such people, and these seven were also known as the Secret Keeper Council. The Pope was chosen from among them.
By coincidence, the Candlelight Society currently had no Pope.
"W-Wait!" Beatrice suddenly turned around. She instinctively released her grip on the scepter, and the silver staff fell toward the floor.
The next instant, four or five hands caught it at once. The scepter never touched the ground. The nuns carefully passed it back to one another before placing it before Beatrice.
"No, this isn't right. Why are you giving this to me? I've been in the Church for