Gospel of Blood-Chapter 588 : Clash

Pope Gregory XII looked sincere and apologetic.

After a slight bow to Charlotte, he turned his gaze to Cardinal Priest Filiberto and the others imprisoned by the holy power. His expression, filled with disappointment, barely concealed his anger.

“I never expected that in our Holy Court’s sacred place, such a despicable farce would unfold on this important day!”

After speaking, Gregory XII looked at the Judgment Knights who accompanied him and said coldly.

“Judgment Knights, take these fallen betrayers to the Heresy Inquisition’s dungeon! Use all means to find out who is behind them!”

Heresy… the Heresy Inquisition?

Hearing the Pope’s words, the gathered priests turned pale.

The Holy Court is the most powerful religious organization on the continent, and its Inquisition is a feared department among all heretics.

Within the Inquisition, the most dreaded institution is the infamous Heresy Inquisition, a department so terrifying that even the priests of the Holy Court fear it. Any suspected heretic entering it would suffer immensely.

Filiberto widened his eyes again. He tried to speak but could only produce a series of muffled sounds, his mouth sealed by holy power.

Eventually, amidst his struggles, he and the other rebels were taken away by the Judgment Knights.

“Your Holiness, today’s events will be thoroughly investigated, and we will provide you with a satisfactory explanation.”

Gregory XII bowed to Charlotte once more, his expression serious.

Charlotte’s expression was inscrutable.

Though Gregory XII appeared earnest and respectful, she did not believe his words, given her suspicions and the caution advised by the guardian artifact.

While other priests might think that the Pope’s arrival was timely, perhaps saving lives by preventing Filiberto from activating the artifact, Charlotte knew the timing was too coincidental.

Artifacts are not easily controlled by just anyone.

While Filiberto might have threatened Aaron and Fabio with the artifact, Charlotte, a Demigod wielding divine power, was not afraid of the Cardinal who had lost his holy power.

Gregory XII’s actions seemed more like a preemptive move to silence Filiberto before he could fall into Charlotte’s hands.

However, Charlotte was somewhat surprised that Gregory XII’s information still existed in the faith network.

This indicated that he was still a holy believer and had not betrayed his faith. But… was that really the case?

Recalling her conversation with the guardian artifact and its cautious plea for help, Charlotte began to form some guesses.

“Pope Gregory, thank you for your concern. With the Holy Court’s knights present, my safety was never in danger.”

Charlotte said, then changed her tone, looking at the taken-away Filiberto and others.

“You mentioned investigating the forces behind these fallen ones. Could it be that the upper echelons of the Cardinal Council have been infiltrated by external forces?”

Upon hearing this, the priests were slightly stunned, showing varied expressions.

The Cardinal Council, directly under the Pope, is the highest religious body of the Holy Court.

Filiberto, ranking in the top five among the Cardinals, was known as Gregory’s close confidant.

This…

Second Judge Aaron looked at the Pope and frowned slightly.

“Your Holiness, you may not know, but before becoming a Cardinal, Filiberto served in the Eastern Diocese. The Pope might suspect that the Bloodborne Szellem Clan is involved in this matter.”

Chief Judge Francesco said calmly.

The Szellem Clan?!

The priests’ expressions changed.

Goodness…

Pushing the blame onto the bloodbornes now?

Charlotte squinted her eyes, recalling the information she had read.

The Holy Court is divided into five dioceses.

The Central Diocese includes the Western Yunette Empire and the northern countries of the Yunette Peninsula, forming the core diocese controlled by the Holy Court.

The Western Diocese, the second largest, includes the Crescent Kingdom, Starfall Kingdom, and the southern Luna Coast City-State of the Yunette Peninsula.

The Northern Diocese covers the Eastern Yunette Blacklands and the Northern Grand Duchy and the greater northern region.

The Eastern Diocese, centered on the Coria Kingdom, includes the Dragonspine Mountains and several small eastern countries.

The Southern Diocese covers the southern continent, including the multi-tribal union opposite the Myria continent.

Among all the dioceses, the Eastern Diocese holds a unique position because it includes the Coria Kingdom, controlled by bloodbornes, with ambiguous relations with the Eastern Diocese.

The ruling clan of Coria, the Szellem Clan, is the same clan that has hunted Sebastian for years.

“Pope Gregory, could this be the scheme of the Szellem bloodbornes?”

Fabio, deputy Commander of the Judgment Knights, asked seriously.

Gregory XII sighed.

“Just a suspicion. Recently, bloodbornes across the continent have been very active. The Chief Judge and I believe there might be internal issues within the bloodbornes. There are rumors that an ancient myth among the bloodbornes has revived.”

An ancient bloodborne myth has revived!

The priests and knights’ faces changed.

“A bloodborne myth has revived? Could it be… the rumors from the Crescent Diocese a few years ago were true?!”

“So… isn’t that referring to the…”

“Careful! This attack was aimed at Her Holiness!”

“But the bloodbornes are not united. Perhaps…”

The priests discussed in whispers, with some casting glances at Charlotte, even some of the Cardinals were hesitant.

Charlotte squinted her eyes.

She knew what rumors they were referring to. It was likely the phenomena she caused when she ascended to Demigod status a few years ago.

Though the Holy Court couldn’t find concrete evidence, the Crescent Diocese reported the phenomena to the Holy Court, suggesting a “resurrection of an Evil God.”

The Blood Demon Cult also added to the chaos by spreading information about “God Nyx.”

According to Charlotte’s deductions, although there hadn’t been any open confrontation, the Holy Court’s high-ranking officials were likely aware of the existence of a Demigod referred to as “God Nyx” in the Starfall Kingdom, probably a Bloodborne Demigod.

This is why the Holy Court invited Charlotte to observe the ceremony, to probe her.

Gregory XII was indeed skilled. He initially discussed internal traitors but swiftly redirected the conversation to bloodborne infiltration and internal conflicts, subtly implicating Charlotte.

After all, everyone knew that Charlotte controlled the church’s branch in the Starfall Kingdom.

“Whether this is the work of bloodbornes requires further investigation. I hope Pope Gregory will allow me to participate in the interrogation. I also want to know which forces dare act in front of the Holy Court and before the Gods.”

Charlotte said calmly.

Hearing this, many priests regained their composure.

Indeed, they had just witnessed the “Holy Light Manifestation.”

The “Holy Light Manifestation” is proof of divine favor, appearing only when divine oracles are issued, representing the gaze of the Creator, Harald.

To induce the “Light of Glory” and even cause the phenomenon of “Revival of All Things” associated with the power of creation, the Holiness’ identity must be genuine, as the Holy Court’s Saintess.

Thinking this, the priests who had been murmuring earlier now felt guilty.

God above!

Even the Gods had personally bestowed blessings. They should not doubt Her Holiness’ identity!

Gregory XII remained composed.

He nodded in agreement.

“Her Holiness is right. Today’s incident likely involves a clash of myths. The power of myths is beyond our mortal comprehension, mysterious and unpredictable. We must be cautious.”

“However, the interrogation should be left to the Heresy Inquisition. It is a place where light and darkness coexist, often requiring special methods that should not be exposed to the light of day, sullying the holy vision of our Lord.”

He then turned to the Chief Judge Francesco with a solemn expression.

“Chief Judge, please do your utmost to uncover the forces behind these fallen ones!”

“Of course, Pope Gregory, all for our Lord!”

The Chief Judge replied solemnly. He then looked at the Judgment Knights and said coldly.

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“Take these traitors away!”

The Judgment Knights saluted and then escorted the Legendary prisoners and the rebellious knights away.

“Your Holiness…”

Gregory XII turned to Charlotte again, sincerely saying,

“You traveled far to the Holy Capital and faced today’s events. It is my failure.”

“Rest assured, regarding this turmoil, I will provide you with a satisfactory explanation!”

With that, Gregory XII made a gesture of invitation, smiling slightly.

“You must be tired from your journey and today’s scare. The Holy Court has prepared the best rooms and most comfortable baths for you, with royal chefs from the Crescent Kingdom ready to serve. Please proceed to the Holy Palace for rest.”

Hearing Gregory XII’s words, Charlotte’s gaze deepened.

She looked at him intently, then smiled slightly.

“In that case, I thank Pope Gregory for the hospitality.”