PASP Chapter 18

“The back gate, where’s the back gate…”

Egru looked around nervously in all directions. He absolutely could not leave through the Papal Headquarters’ main gate.

It had happened just moments ago. Egru, who had been sneaking out towards the chapel, fled back to the cloister in panic. He had caught a glimpse of Earl Randall’s back.

‘I-I never imagined he’d still be waiting…’

Egru touched his right ear with trembling fingers. Though mostly hidden by his shaggy hair, there was a scar crossing his pointed ear. The wound, which hadn’t been treated promptly, had healed into a blunt and bumpy scar.

‘I-I should have asked D’Élysée earlier…’

Was there an exit other than the main gate? Anywhere would do, even a small window.

The clock hands were still moving towards midnight. Egru hurriedly looked around.

‘If only there was someone I could ask for directions…’

It was eerily quiet. Was it because of the late hour? No matter how hard he looked, not even a single guard was in sight.

It was as he was tugging at the fixed stained glass window frame in desperation.

“?”

Beyond the cloister lined with white pillars, an even whiter figure appeared.

“Y-Your Holiness…”

The Pope, who had made eye contact with Egru from afar, approached with a smile. Just as Egru felt relief at the familiar face, his brother’s advice came to mind.

“Don’t get too close to His Holiness. In the basement of the Papal Headquarters… no, I can’t say that.”

Only then did a small curiosity sprout. What could possibly be in the basement of the Papal Headquarters?

“Are you leaving already, little believer?”

“Ah, ah, Your Holiness…!”

The momentary question couldn’t linger. The gentle voice had wiped his mind clean.

“What a pity. There are many empty guest rooms in the Papal Headquarters. How did you like the taste of the fresh milk? Was the amount of cheesecake not enough?”

“Ah! That! It was more than enough! It was really delicious! I-I don’t know how to express my gratitude…!”

“…Is that so?”

His voice had unconsciously lowered. The purple eyes looked straight down at Egru. They scrutinized the amber eyes as if trying to see through the clumsy lie.

Egru maintained eye contact earnestly while fidgeting. There was no way he could tell that his brother had thrown away the milk and cheesecake. And in such a miserable manner, no less.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

The Pope spoke again with a smile. A feather-light touch gently grasped Egru’s shoulder.

“By the way, I would have been disappointed if we couldn’t say goodbye. Actually, I prepared a gift for you, little believer.”

“A-a gift?”

“Yes, I made it while I was out refining your blood.”

Egru’s eyes widened in surprise.

‘A-a gift…’

Aren’t those only for special days, given to special people? For example, on birthdays or anniversaries, to the person of honor.

Today was undoubtedly D’Élysée’s day. In contrast, Egru was just a demon-human hybrid he had met for the first time a few hours ago. To think that such an insignificant person like himself would receive a gift.

“It’s a kind of nutritional supplement. A reagent made especially for you, little believer.”

The Pope casually pulled out a vial. A tar-like black liquid swirled inside the transparent bottle. It was almost like a living slime with its own consciousness.

“I mixed Kamal root with the highest grade herbs. It has the effect of boosting physical strength and energy…”

The Pope gently stroked Egru’s bruised neck.

“It will also quickly heal wounds that haven’t mended yet.”

“Th-thank you…”

Egru carefully received the vial with both hands.

‘H-how can he be so thoughtful?’

Tears of emotion welled up in his eyes. What little wariness he had initially felt had long since melted away like snow.

Egru fondly caressed the black potion. Suddenly, all the birthday gifts he had received in the past came to mind one by one.

D’Élysée used to give him pictures carefully drawn with firewood soot, or creations made from folded waste paper. The frog made from newspaper could even jump if you pressed and released its bottom.

“D-D’Élysée, you’re a genius!”

When Egru exclaimed with sincere admiration, D’Élysée would smile as clear as a cloudless sky. His proud little brother had shown signs of being a prodigy from a young age.

On the other hand, Levian would toss him things like empty cigarette packs, or wads of tissue that had gotten wet and dried into strange shapes. They were probably just random trash left in his pockets.

But to Egru, at least, they were valuable and precious. Any gift from these two was treasured. He had even kept them carefully stored in the shelf right above his bed.

“You don’t look very happy.”

It was then that the Pope’s head tilted quizzically.

“No, no!”

Egru was startled.

“I’m extremely happy! There’s no one else who would treat a worthless demon-human hybrid like me so well except Your Holiness!”

“I was just joking, little believer.”

The Pope covered his mouth and laughed playfully.

“More importantly, the habit of excessively lowering yourself is not good. Please don’t degrade yourself because of your origin again.”

“Ah…”

“What’s truly important is in here.”

The Pope’s index finger gently poked Egru’s left chest.

“M-my heart?”

“Close.”

The Pope bent down to Egru’s eye level. As his straight neck tilted slightly, his white hair flowed down. Though his face was clearly smiling, somehow a chilling shadow fell across it.

“By the way, why aren’t you drinking it yet?”

“Do-do I have to drink it here?”

“Yes, if any side effects appear, I can treat you right away. It will be much safer with me watching.”

“S-side effects?”

At the mention of side effects, Egru’s heart tightened. As he instinctively stepped back, his thin wrist was firmly grasped. Egru, suddenly stopped in place, looked up at the Pope with confused eyes.

“Oh my, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

The Pope’s hand was cold. A cool sensation crept up his arm to his elbow.

“It’s just a formal precaution. In fact, there’s no need to worry about it.”

“W-well, then I’ll drink it when I get home…”

“May I see it for a moment?”

The Pope smiled and reached out his hand.

“You should drink it while it’s still fresh, just after being refined.”

“Ah…”

The Pope took the black potion, opened the lid himself, and handed it back. As Egru hesitated to accept it, a pure sacred voice rang out.

“It is said, do not doubt the Lord’s plan. For this is sin, and an impiety that cannot be atoned for even on the path of no return.”

The Pope added, gently raising the corners of his mouth.

“Only firm faith will ripen the fruits of the seven world trees and please the Lord. This is a passage I particularly like.”

“Y-Your Holiness…!”

Egru carefully put strength into his wrist as he spoke.

“A-actually, I don’t want to drink it now, because I’m full, so…”

His stammering protests had no effect. The sloshing vial approached Egru’s lips. No matter how hard he pulled, his grasped wrist wouldn’t come free. He never dreamed such a slender body could have this much grip strength.

“Don’t make His Holiness interested in you, understand?”

D’Élysée’s warning echoed in his ears once again. He felt breathless with bewildered confusion. The Pope’s white, thin hair seemed to coil around his neck like vines.

“Believe, little believer. Just like everyone else.”

The mouth of the vial pressed firmly against Egru’s lips.

“Once you try, it won’t be as difficult as you think.”

“Ah, ah…”

Just as Egru’s amber eyes were squeezing shut.

“Ah, there! Wait!”

A strong voice called from afar, and at the same time, the Pope stepped back. The lid of the black potion was already closed. The small vial, just a span long, disappeared seamlessly into the Pope’s long sleeve. Egru gasped as if he could finally breathe again.

“D’Élysée’s brother! You were still on the Papal grounds! Ah, greetings to Your Holiness!”

“Good evening, Deputy Commander.”

The Pope turned around with a fresh smile. And he familiarly received a kiss on the back of his hand from Gavin.

“By the way, Your Holiness, it seems you haven’t received the message yet. Due to weather issues, all the reception attendees have moved locations. To the Third Hall.”

“Is that so? I was just wandering around, thank you.”

“My goodness, who was your dedicated servant today? I need to have a word with them. How can there be a situation where Your Holiness can’t be reached within the Papal Headquarters?”

“Oh, please calm down. I told them to go rest early. Today is a joyous day for all the citizens of the empire. Everyone needs time to commemorate with their families.”

“Hmm, if that’s the case, there’s nothing to be done. I’m deeply moved by Your Holiness’s merciful grace.”

“Oh, Deputy Commander.”

The Pope asked, still smiling.

“Do you happen to know where the Commander is?”

“Probably in his personal office…”

Gavin suddenly put on a mischievous smile and spoke again.

“Come to think of it, I believe he said he had something urgent to tell you. He asked me to tell you to stop by without fail.”

“Did the Commander say that himself?”

“Yes, he’s surely waiting eagerly!”

The Pope’s expression brightened instantly. It was still a smiling face, but his purple eyes were filled with pure joy.

“Since I’ve just finished my business, I should drop by right away.”

The Pope smoothed his already neat attire once more. It was then that he looked down at Egru, who still couldn’t hide his bewilderment.

“Little believer.”

“?”

“You may speak if you wish.”

“Y-yes? About what…”

“Anything. Though it’s uncertain whether anyone would believe you.”

The Pope smiled broadly. It was somehow a lighthearted smile. He briefly gave a playful look and whispered so softly it was almost ticklish.

“By the way, I’ve never injured my ear.”