Ⅱ
Under everyone's gaze, Grindelwald smiled.
Beneath the night sky, the smile that appeared on his pale face somehow held a certain warmth.
Feeling that warmth, the congregants present unconsciously drew closer to the leader of the [Black Cat Followers].
"His Eminence has accepted you once more.
You were deceived, too.
Therefore, you are innocent."
Grindelwald spoke with a smile.
Cheers immediately erupted.
"Wonderful!"
"We're innocent!"
"This is wonderful!"
At that moment, many people's eyes brimmed with tears.
Grindelwald maintained his smile, swept his gaze around, and spoke again-
"His Eminence has absolved you of your sins.
But what about the sins of your brothers and sisters?
They are still being deceived. We should go and save them.
His Eminence can be magnanimous, but we cannot turn a blind eye."
Those words immediately struck a deep chord.
"Exactly!"
"Too many of our brothers and sisters are still being deceived by that vile bastard. We need to tell them the truth!"
"Yes, only then can we keep His Eminence from being disgraced."
"If His Eminence is disgraced, the shame will be ours."
One voice followed another, and the atmosphere grew increasingly fervent.
Watching this unfold, Grindelwald seized the moment to speak.
"Toran, your devotion has drawn His Eminence's attention. His Eminence regards you as the person closest to Him. As High Priest, you will set everything right.
And me?
I will give you all the help you need."
Immediately, Toran dropped to one knee, facing the direction in which the great serpent Nidhogg had vanished.
"Thank you for everything you have done for me, Your Eminence.
I swear on my life and soul that I will bring the church back under your command.
No one will stand in my way!"
After delivering those devout, fervent words, Toran stood once more.
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