A Bishop’s Dilemma and a Holy Child’s Secret

“Allow me to introduce you,” Ilivy said at this moment, seeking to steer the conversation away from its previous course. “This is Bishop Rhys from the Draelance Border Church. He is responsible for the surrounding operations of all churches across the entire border region.”

Rhys, however, shook his head.

“That is the official designation, but as you can plainly see, merely managing the church institutions within the capital city already consumes all my energy. It is utterly impossible to oversee all the churches scattered across the border kingdom; they must operate solely on the strength of their own faith.”

“To operate our church here, we have already reached a point of immense strain. Nevertheless, should the Holy Child require any assistance, we will endeavor to provide it.” Rhys stated this, while Anto observed the lean, bespectacled middle-aged man before him.

‘Having once heard Ilivy mention that this man was among the inquisitors who had pursued his mother, Anto had been deeply apprehensive, wondering what kind of person he would encounter and how he should confront him. He had feared he might erupt in fury or lose control upon seeing him. Yet, none of that happened. He saw no enemy before him, only an ordinary cleric in a priest’s robe, much like…’

‘Anto, you can choose your own path. You, too, can become our faith.’ Recalling the Father’s final words, Anto perceived only a man, much like the Father, who was struggling to maintain the church’s operations amidst crisis—not particularly spirited, and perhaps even a little dejected. Yet, this sense of familiarity was not unwelcome.

“Do not call me Holy Child. I have not acknowledged that title.” Anto lifted his gaze and declared,

“My name is Anto, Anto Colmensin, son of Saintess Livia. I am a shepherd and an apothecary apprentice from a border village. If you please, address me as such.”

“Very well, Lord Anto,” Rhys replied respectfully. “Then, may I ask a question?”

“Please do,” Anto prompted.

Rhys smiled and suggested, “Perhaps we should discuss this further once we are inside.”

After Anto granted his permission, Rhys nodded and stepped into the house. Ilivy closed the door, and Rhys lit the stove before pulling up two chairs.

“That Knight Ilivy managed to find you is astonishing enough, but what surprises me even more is… that you would come to my church. In fact, I assumed Knight Ilivy, being part of the Rose Knights, would surely take you to the Rose Church. Is there some issue concerning the Archbishop there?”

“Not at all,” Ilivy responded. “I am simply acting according to Lord Anto’s will.”

“Oh?”

“Bishop Rhys, since you are aware of my identity, you must understand what it would mean if I were to openly reveal it now.” Anto looked up at the other man. Hearing this, Rhys adjusted his spectacles.

“A seismic upheaval. The entire continent would be shaken by the reappearance of a Holy Flame user, and without a doubt, this would be a powerful stimulant for the Church’s factions. Simultaneously, however, it would herald the onset of chaos.”

“Precisely,” Anto affirmed, nodding in agreement with Rhys’s analysis. “My premature exposure would be akin to placing myself as a wager on the gambling table of continental powers. At that point, there would be no need for kingdoms or Otherworld Traveler factions to declare their stances; the already fragmented Church alone would fiercely contend for me. The core issue, however, is that should events escalate to that stage, I would possess no means of self-preservation. Such a scenario must be averted. Although I wield the Holy Flame, I have never systematically studied the Holy Scriptures or the system for employing Holy Light magic. Crucially, I lack the official status of a cleric. Hence, the need for registration.”

“So, you sought me out,” Rhys stated quite naturally. “It truly is unexpected. Perhaps this is a matter of destiny.”

“Currently, because Knight Ilivy has not informed the Rose Church of my existence, no one can officially verify my true presence. However, Bishop Rhys can discern my identity, for among the border priest’s belongings… I found a letter he intended for you.” Anto produced the letter.

“He believed I could come to you, so I chose to try.”

“May I…” Rhys reached out and took the letter. With Anto’s permission, he opened it on the spot. After reading its contents, he closed his eyes.

“That fool… Ha, so it was he who concealed your existence… He did a very good thing, indeed… No wonder he wouldn’t allow me to arrange any additional personnel for him. So, he is now…”

“Father has passed away during the recent border conflict,” Anto said. Rhys paused, then closed his eyes and made the sign of the cross.

“My friend… you have completed your mission. May you be permitted to rest eternally in the promised land.” Rhys softly uttered these words before looking at Anto.

“Since it was his plea, I will not shirk my duty. The supplies you require, Lord Anto’s clerical identity, and the secret of the Holy Child—I will keep these sealed until the moment Lord Anto permits. As for basic training in Holy Light magic, knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and the general principles and academics of the Church, we will also provide them… This house is rather too humble. I will clear out a room in the church for Lord Anto’s use later…”

“That won’t be necessary,” Anto quickly interjected. “I wish to remain inconspicuous here. Furthermore, the identity I wish to apply for is that of a nun.”

“A nun?” Rhys looked at the young man, who, despite his youthful appearance, now seemed almost girlish in his request. Anto immediately displayed a helpless expression.

“This provides a more convenient identity, and furthermore…”

“And in the future, apply to the Holy Trinity Academy as a Saintess.”

“Ah…?” Even before Anto could fully articulate his plan, Rhys had already grasped it. “That is your intention, isn’t it, Lord Anto? To access the Church’s most profound knowledge and remain immune to the influence of its various factions, one must study at the Holy Trinity Academy, which falls under the original Church’s direct authority. The identity of a Saintess is the most logical choice, and the Border Church possesses the nominal authority to appoint Saintesses for further study.” Rhys looked at him, his eyes sparkling with a myriad of emotions. “Am I correct?”

“Indeed,” Anto could only concede at this point. Hearing this, Rhys’s smile grew even wider. “That is truly excellent… This is quite… Then, Lord Anto, esteemed Holy Child, I can grant your request and provide all necessary assistance for your plan. However, I, too, have a small condition… or rather, a request.”

“A request?”

“To fulfill Lord Anto’s plan, the Border Church also needs to meet several conditions… For now, the most pressing matter is this: please, Lord Anto, use your abilities to save the Border Church, which is on the brink of collapse.” Rhys said, lowering his head, while Anto was utterly dumbfounded.

“Ah?”