Chapter 75

Put another way, if I hadn’t stepped in, the verdict would never have been overturned.

It might look like a filthy political brawl.

‘Even better.’

I smiled inwardly. The filthier they played, the more they rotted—

The more openings I had to dig into.

When I became Pope, they would watch their own festering corruption swing back at them like a sledgehammer.

“Bishop Leriel! We can’t overturn something that’s already been decided by the Inner Court!”

“Bishop Four, we can simply take it to the Grand Court. Forcing someone who hasn’t gone berserk to go berserk—wouldn’t you call that a grave crime as well? Bishop Six, what do you think?”

“Hmm…”

The two older bishops closed their mouths.

“B-but the arrest was something even His Eminence the Cardinal had been informed of…”

“I’ll speak to His Eminence myself.”

Even their last protest was crushed by Bishop Two. I was grateful they’d gone this far for me.

But I couldn’t forget—

‘They’re staging this.’

If I hadn’t acted, Bishop Two would never have lifted a finger.

As for that so-called independent investigation—who knew if it was even true?

‘Opportunist.’

I gave a wry smile. Still, sometimes it’s best to take the win.

They’d agreed.

The punishment for the ones who had dragged Daddy away and interrogated him—Usher included—was now going to a vote.

“Well, I’ve got to say, it was satisfying to see that dead-eyed lackey speak up for once.”

The result: all three voted in favor.

“As for Bishop Samael, you needn’t worry. He said he’d vote yes to everything and went to sleep.”

Unanimous.

Bishop Three never woke up until the end. Thankfully.

* * *

When the meeting ended, the two elderly bishops immediately trailed after Bishop Two, clinging like fire to dry grass.

Since they’d voted with him, they were probably hoping for scraps in return.

Given that Bishop Two was the one holding real power and controlling the Order’s budget, it was no surprise.

‘Wow… what a fine, upstanding Order we’ve got here.’

In the game, some high-ranking clergy would let you get away with anything if you slipped them some coin…

I’d taken full advantage of that myself.

Game Category [Post][Casual Chat]

Title: Money rules the world, you beggars!!!

(attached: FatPurseOfGoldCoins.JPG)
(attached: BribingHighClergy.gif)

There’s nothing money can’t do.

Prime real estate locked off? All mine, hehe.

Regulations? Anti-speculation bans? Money fixes it all. Heh.

❤️ Likes: 555

Comments

👤 Savior 1
???? Wait, what? You can actually use real cash in this game??

└ Sayver 2: That guy’s the famous BunnyPrincess (Lv. Master).

👤 Savior 1
Ah… sir, my poverty is your fault.

└ Original Poster ID: ㅇㅅㅇ

└ Sayver 1: Huh?? ‘vGoddessFloraFootRugv’ here.

└ Original Poster Mail: ㅇㅅㅇ/

└ Sayver 1: HOLY!!!!!! Sir, I love you!!!

└ Sayver 2: That reply above… so that’s why I wondered why there was a mail function in a closed world server—it’s for stuff like this;;; So, sir, should I start by kissing your toes?

Bishop Two sent the two away and came over to me.

“Candidate Nemesia, as Usher Tatum is currently the guardian of a pope candidate, there will be some coordination regarding the timing of his punishment. But the punishment you want will be carried out.”

“Mkay.”

When I answered quietly, Bishop Leriel gave the faintest of smiles.

“And I doubt this is purely Dame Alexa Michelle’s idea. Am I mistaken?”

I buried myself in Daddy’s arms with an innocent look, as if I knew nothing.

‘Great. So much for pretending to be timid from now on.’

At least it was only bishops in the room.

“Yes, Bishop Leriel, all well and good, but—”

I thought we could finally head back, but someone cut in.

It was Bishop One, Nathaniel.

“Punishing everyone involved, sure, that’s fun. But… my men are getting cut down way too much, you know?”

Almost every organization tied to the Holy Knight Order belonged to this guy.

‘The Inquisition Division was under him too.’

He was the classic hardliner who fiercely protected his subordinates if they met his standards.

Ironically, the most fanatics had infiltrated under his wing.

‘Which is why… he ended up dying while protecting a subordinate he didn’t realize was a fanatic.’

A cruel ending, perfectly fitting for Black Salvatore.

“You already voted yes, so why the change of heart now, Bishop Nathaniel?”

“I said punish them. Just… let’s make some adjustments.”

I couldn’t deny he was a respected leader to his own people. Even now, he was trying desperately to bargain for them—

And he himself was a capable holy knight who could fight if needed.

“Candidate Flora, Candidate Nemesia, it’s been a pleasure. You may take your leave.”

“Bishop Leriel, I’ll be a little hurt if you ignore me like that, hm?”

At Leriel’s polite dismissal, I tugged Flora’s hand without a word and signaled Betty.

Our guardians lifted us into their arms, and we left the chamber.

Just before the door shut—

I saw Bishop Leriel, holding an elegant staff like a Buddhist monk’s khakkhara, standing off against Bishop Nathaniel, who wielded the spear I’d seen earlier.

‘Those two fighting like that was a daily routine.’

I was just resigning myself to missing one of the game’s famous spectacles when—

…Huh?

Bishop Three, who I thought was asleep, seemed to have opened his eyes.

And… I think he was looking straight at me?

‘…Must’ve imagined it.’

But the door closed before I could be sure.

Oh please, please tell me he wasn’t actually awake!!

I shivered from head to toe for the first time in a while.

* * *

A few days later—

A massive notice was posted on the main hall bulletin board for all to see.

It listed the charges against Usher Tatum, who had attacked pope candidate “Nemesia.”

Charges included the forced detainment of “Derek Sacrum,” spreading false information, and conducting illegal, unauthorized violent interrogations—

Along with the names of every perpetrator.

And finally, the punishments.

‘The ones who hurt Daddy are leaving first.’

It was an immensely satisfying result.

The way people looked at Daddy had already shifted a little.

‘Just wait. The hero of the past is about to be a hero of the present again.’

* * *

Time passed.

An entire month flew by in the blink of an eye.

The danger from Usher had lessened, and nothing else risky was on the horizon.

For the first time, I could truly focus on my studies.

I didn’t think I’d had enough time to enjoy this peace yet… and I’d barely been to class before—

It came.

“In three days, you will take your second exam.”

The professor, commonly called “Teacher An”, lifted her chubby cheeks in a kindly smile.

“After thorough checks, there will be no repeats of last time, hohoho!”

…But I knew better.

That promise would not be kept.

“This next test will be related to a very fun game!”

Her smile deepened.

“Candidates, do you happen to know the game ‘tag’?”
 

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Translator: Japchae