Book 17: Chapter 22


    Though the two popes left, I suspected the matter wasnt over. First, the old churchs pope showed that he hadnt dropped the matter. He didnt seem to ept the oue. What he was after wasnt a culprit. He wasnt convinced the new church was innocent. Nobody would believe the other partys leader wasnt rted to a case where one of your own was killed during such a tense period. The issue was that there was no evidence. However, it was theck of evidence that made it all the easier for violence to ensue.


    The captured man didnt admit to the assassination being connected to the new church. He mustve been trained very professionally to not spill the beans under the pressure of the Valkyries. Therefore, I deemed the new church unrted to the case. That said, if they really werent, then the new churchs pope wasnt framed. The old churchs pope was certain the new church was behind it, though. Unfortunately, proving it was useless.


    The old churchs rage wasnt going to be appeased after an execution. But s, if the old church killed someone at this point in time, theyd be deemed culprits who killed the innocent. The new church certainly wouldnt let that go. The new church nned to give up on the assassin. If the old church attacked them, the new church would retaliate, and that would blow up into a big fight between the two.


    Mom already made arrangements. The two didnt express anything before her, but she wasnt thoughtless. Hilles City may have been enveloped in an cheerful and peaceful atmosphere, but it was also enveloped in the darkness of conflict. That was where most of the members of the old church were found, but it was also where the new church resided. As the main camp of the old church, should the two churches fight, theyd exchange fire in the city.


    At noon, Mom arranged for the military to protect the Royal Pce to avoid inciting panic. She didnt put the entire Hilles City under martialw. That was why she couldnt have too many troops in the city. Most of the military personnel, therefore, gathered, while the others left the city.


    Mom and I stood atop a tall tform in the inner parts of the Royal Pce. It was the highest location in the Royal Pce. We could see all of Hilles City from there. The afternoon sun was behind us. Mom stood next to me. She narrowed her eyes and pointed to the left of the Royal Pce, which was where the tall church was located. We could see either side of the church. She quietly exined, Son, the residents there are mainly members of the old church. Because the church is there, the people are devout followers. Despite what happened in the past, they still attend church every week.


    I nodded. Mom then pointed to a street on the right: Though the new church doesnt have a church here, theyre temporarily using a tavern in ce of one. Its just there on the right side of the street. Owing to the new churchs pope being there, a fair number of new followers of the church have entered Hilles City. Mommy is most worried about seeing blood spilt on that street.


    Come to think of it, it was quite ironic. The two churches couldnt stand each other, yet they were on either side of the same street. I didnt quite understand why they had so much animosity for each other.


    The people on the streets were rowdy. The sun was bidding the sky farewell. It was as Freya said: the only fairness in the world is sunlight. Everybody, no matter who they are, can receive the light and warmth of the sunlight.


    The people on the streets didnt disy any hostility or attack each other. As a matter of fact, there were even couples kissing on the street. Their faces looked so adorable underneath the sunlight. If I didnt know what happened in the Royal Pce, I would never think that the street was prone to war at any given moment.


    With a sigh, I expressed, Mom, I cant help feeling that this case wont end so simply.


    Mom grabbed hold of my hand and looked over to the street together with me. In a quiet voice, she asked, Do you think that the new church is lying?


    I shook my head: Sorry, Mommy Elizabeth, but I dont know. Based on his tone and expressions, I dont think hes lying. Still, the current issue is not whether hes lying or not. Even if the new church really didnt lie, the old churchs fire wont be put out with this reason alone. The old church no longer cares for the truth. What theyre concerned about is how to get at the new church.


    Mom nodded then let out a hopeless sigh: Mommy has always felt that religion is some and boring that its annoying. Its iprehensible as to why so many people believe it  far out. The churchs issue has given me so much trouble already. I really hope the boy from the old church can recognise the pros and cons in this incident. If they cross the line, the new church will be the victor.


    Exactly. If the old church takes action against the new church now, you will have to eliminate them to prevent plunging Hilles City into chaos.


    It doesnt matter if its the new church or not. Mommy will have to eliminate them regardless of who they are. Mom walked over to the stairs then turned back around: Sorry, Son, theres always trouble every single time you visit. Mommy just wanted to spend some time with you; Mommy just wants to spend peaceful days with you, but theres always trouble It was just a baptism for Daisy, yet something still happened


    Its fine, Mom. You might as well say that theres trouble wherever I go. Im used to it these days, serious. Actually, Id be disappointed if trouble didnte knocking. I shook my head with a smile. I then grabbed hold of Moms hand and went down together with her. I went on, Though peculiar things always happen and danger follows me wherever I go, I know that you, my moms, will always be by my side to protect me. Hence, Im not afraid. To the contrary, I look forward to these things to an extent.


    Mom softlyughed and delicately touched my face: Thats not what Mommy wants though. Mommy really doesnt know when Mommy can finally enjoy life with you, Son. There are always too many things to contemte and sort out. Son


    Its fine, Mom, its fine.


    I shook my head and gently touched my lips.


    Face aze, Mom thumped my chest. I snickered: Its fine, Mom. All is well as long as youre by my side. Well be able to live that sort of life in the future. Im sure of it.