At only 30 years old, Philip was remarkably young to hold the position of Pope. However, the title is determined by the name granted by God upon reaching adulthood.
There are three possible names for a future Pope, and the highest-ranking of them is "Petro," which Philip had received.
“I wonder what Lady Lena is doing all day. She must be terribly bored, staying holed up in the palace with nothing to do,” I commented while sipping tea.
Philip sighed, then looked up and gave me a faint smile.
“Talking with you lightens my mood, Lady Lindol. I’m sorry for burdening you with my complaints when I’m the one who sought your assistance.
At this rate, it’s hard to tell which one of us is the Pope.”
“If our conversation has eased your mind even a little, then I am honored.”
If there were a ranking for "most overburdened person," Philip would undoubtedly take first place.
The Church, eager for the Saint to perform exorcisms, and the royal family, inexplicably refusing to send her back to the Church, had placed him in a most exhausting predicament.
Even imagining it was tiring.
“By the way, I’ve been wondering—how exactly does an exorcism work? I tried researching it in the library, but I couldn’t find any records or explanations.”
“Oh, you should come to the Church. As the crown prince’s fiancée, you’re entitled to know.”
Curious about exorcisms, I had brought up the subject, expecting the usual evasive answers. Surprisingly, Philip agreed without hesitation.
“Thank you very much.”
Yes! I had been dying to learn about it. I couldn’t wait for the day I’d visit the Church.
As I daydreamed about it, the mansion suddenly erupted in chaos.
“E-excuse me! Urgent messages have arrived from both the royal palace and the Church!”
One of my maids entered to deliver the news, only to be interrupted as messengers from both places practically burst into the room.
“Forgive my intrusion, Your Holiness! Please, we need your help!”
“Your Holiness! A demon! A demon has appeared in the royal palace!”
“What?!”
The shocking news had both Philip and me jumping to our feet.
“Philip, you are welcome to use our family’s horses.”
“Thank you! I’ll head to the palace immediately. Send word to the priests near the palace as well!”
“Understood!”
“Philip, I will accompany you. These are my family’s horses, and my presence will prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings.”
No one would likely misunderstand, but I made up an excuse anyway. Surprisingly, Philip agreed without question. He was clearly too tired to think straight.
With that, the four of us rushed to the palace.
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