NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 121: Secrets Revealed
As everyone remained on high alert, the figure gradually became clearer. Adrian whispered to Althea, instructing her to dispel the soundproof barrier. Once it was lifted, he addressed the figure in a cold tone.
"Well, well... Your Holiness. How exactly did you enter this chamber? It is currently sealed off."
"The Sun of Royal Grand Central, Your Majesty. Please forgive this sudden intrusion. To be honest, I do not know how I arrived here myself."
The Pope bowed his head respectfully as he answered. Adrian glanced at Thomas, who looked at the Pope and gave a slight nod. Seeing this, Adrian continued speaking, interpreting Thomas's nod as a sign of non-opposition. Behind them, Siegfried positioned himself protectively in front of Althea.
"You do not know? Please, explain."
"Yes... Yesterday morning, the priestess Lily was declared the Maiden of Dawn, which intensified the search for the Maiden of Dusk. The entire world believes, as the old legend says, that only together can the maidens repel the darkness. With the Maiden of Dawn found, the search for the Maiden of Dusk has become frantic. In just one day, the number of girls being forcibly elevated to the status of maiden and crying out to the church for help has multiplied. As the head of the Church of Illumi, I cannot condone innocent girls being forcibly elevated. Even if they are truly maidens, we do not wish to burden them against their will."
Althea, hearing this, lowered her gaze and clenched her hands tightly behind Siegfried. The Pope, unable to see her, noticed the hand grasping tightly behind the prince and continued.
"I sought a solution in the northern caves, aiming for a sacred place, but somehow ended up here. Whether you believe me or not..."
Everyone exchanged silent glances, attempting to discern the truth of the Pope’s words. Amid the silence, Althea stepped out from behind Siegfried.
"I believe him."
Adrian, surprised, asked, "Althea? Why do you believe him so strongly?"
Flustered, Althea began to explain in a quiet voice, "Well, um, the goddess..."
"The goddess gave you a revelation?"
Adrian moved closer, eager for an answer.
"In my consciousness, the goddess told me to trust His Holiness."
'Actually, Ciel said it would be alright…'
Her strained excuse seemed to convince Adrian and Thomas, although Siegfried, aware of Ciel's presence as a guiding light, appeared to understand the truth.
The Pope, now addressed by a nodding Adrian, asked, "Thank you for your trust. May I ask a question?"
"Go ahead."
"What were you all discussing here, at such a late hour, with the room sealed off?"
"…"
"I entered the cave seeking clues about the maidens and was led here. I assume there must be some connection to the maidens. Am I correct?"
The Pope's direct question was met with silence from Adrian.
Tonight’s discussion was meant to be confidential. Even with the Pope present, sharing the details so freely was out of the question. However, with the Pope having been guided to this sacred place, it was unclear how they could evade his inquiries.
While Adrian was contemplating how to handle the situation, Althea spoke up.
"Your Majesty, it's alright to share everything. The Pope likely already knows."
Thomas, seeming to remember something, looked up and met Adrian’s gaze.
Reading their expressions, Adrian decided to be honest with the Pope.
"Your Holiness, what I’m about to share must remain confidential."
Adrian then explained that Althea was the Maiden of Dusk, how she communicated with the goddess, and the possibility that using the Rainbow Gem could save her life. The Pope listened in silence, his expression serious.
Once Adrian finished, the Pope requested to speak with Althea alone. She cast a soundproofing spell again, and the two conversed privately for about five minutes.
When they finished, and the spell was lifted, the Pope turned to Adrian with a proposal.
"Your Majesty, I will advocate for the use of the Rainbow Gem. I believe my suggestion will carry more weight with the others."
"That would be greatly appreciated. However, using the Rainbow Gem implies we won’t reveal the identity of the Maiden of Dusk. Doesn’t the Church of Illumi want to uphold the maidens as symbols?"
"Indeed, having a symbol is important, especially in these dark times. But I believe forcing someone into that role is wrong. If there is a way to avoid sacrifice, I prefer that path. I believe this is the goddess's will as well."
The Pope glanced at Althea and continued.
"There is something I haven't shared with Lady Althea or anyone else."
The Pope revealed that Althea’s previously transparent magic had turned rainbow-colored during a re-measurement a few months ago.
"Rainbow magic isn’t documented in our texts. When I heard about the Rainbow Gem being used in rituals, I made the connection."
Everyone turned to Althea, who shook her head, indicating she didn’t know.
Thomas then asked, "Your Holiness, thank you for your consideration towards my daughter. But what is this rainbow magic? It seems even she is unaware."
"I didn’t disclose it. During re-measurement, her wind and earth magic appeared to overshadow everything else, making the transparent magic undetectable. Later analysis revealed rainbow magic hidden beneath. We believed the transparent magic had evolved. However, lacking any records of rainbow magic, we decided to keep this information private until Lady Althea graduated. We planned to reassess and then inform you both if it still existed."
Adrian sighed deeply after hearing this explanation.
"Your Holiness, while the Church of Illumi operates independently and has no obligation to report to us, hiding such information about our citizens could be seen as treasonous."
Thomas stepped forward, "Please wait, Your Majesty. While your concerns are valid as a king, today you stand here as the head of a family, do you not?"
As Adrian pondered, Thomas continued, "If punishing the Pope for his concern for my daughter is necessary, then please punish the House of Monclair as well."
Seeing Thomas bow deeply, Adrian sighed again.
"Your Holiness, my earlier words were harsh. As Thomas said, I am not here as a king tonight. Please disregard my mention of treason."
The Pope, looking relieved, bowed his head.
"But," Adrian continued, "tonight has brought many shocking revelations. I expected some, but… does anyone else have anything to disclose?"
As silence settled, Althea, looking down, spoke up.
"There is one more thing I need to tell you all."
