323 The Hero and the Pope

The younger sister’s rampage has settled down—more or less. It’s about time we treated Yamada-kun, don’t you think?

There’s a pool of blood spreading on the floor.

“—!”

Yamada-kun’s knee buckles and collapses.

He can no longer stand—excessive blood loss.

Moreover, the sword embedded in his abdomen has destabilized his posture, tearing the flesh further with each movement.

The sword piercing his shoulder—presumably from Oshima-kun—has been pulled free, but that side has still suffered a deep gash through the shoulder muscle.

Even with a high stat total as a Hero, injuries still cause damage—and damage can lead to death.

If Yamada-kun dies here, is this the bad end for the younger sister’s route?

Or the Oshima-kun route?

A dual-route shōra-jō end?

“Elder Brother!?”

“Shun!”

Yamada-kun, kneeling, nearly collapsed onto the ground. His younger sister caught him.

Reston, who had just moments ago been slashing at Yamada-kun with a sword, dropped the blade and hastily began constructing a healing spell.

Hmm.

But this wound… perhaps not quite enough for full recovery?

At best, Reston’s magic alone might prevent death, but the injury would likely remain.

Healing magic is not infallible.

A miracle spell, however, could mend nearly any wound if the subject survives death.

Ah well.

It would be unpleasant to leave Yamada-kun with a permanent scar. Best to intervene.

"Shiro-sama. Allow me to handle this."

I thought this, but a voice制止ed me.

Turning, I saw the Pope entering the room, accompanied by several women.

Ah. So he chose to appear now.

“Who?”

Daisaka-kun, alert to the sudden arrival of the group.

Well, actually, it was us who arrived via translocation—though it felt sudden to them.

This is the central sanctuary of the Divine Word Church, the Holy Arelus Church-State.

The one protecting my younger sister was not the Empire—but this faction.

The kingdom of Yamada-kun’s homeland, located just beyond the mountains.

My younger sister was right there, so close—this realization.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am the fifty-seventh Pope of the Divine Word Church, Dustin LXI. Please, keep me in mind henceforth.”

“Pope of the Divine Word Church!?”

Daisaka-kun, visibly startled—whether by the unexpected magnitude of the figure or the sudden appearance of an unforeseen entity—reacted with extreme surprise.

But the shock lasted only an instant. While continuing to treat Yamada-kun, he directed a guarded gaze toward the Pope.

The way he glanced at the sword tossed aside—clearly on high alert.

Then again, the Church of Divine Word did publicly declare Natsume-kun as the Hero and set the stage for framing Yamada-kun.

According to the teacher’s understanding, the puppet master behind Natsume-kun was the Church of Divine Word—the ultimate administrator hidden even behind that.

Hmm?

But isn’t that, in a way, correct?

It’s mostly my fault. The Church of Divine Word cooperated.

“Rest assured. I am here only to assist with treatment. With the Elves extinct, we have no reason to oppose you.”

The Pope offered a gentle smile—calm, affable.

Appearance-wise, a harmless elder.

The atmosphere he exuded was likewise tranquil, refined, gentlemanly.

An aura that unconditionally put people at ease.

Not because he possessed such a skill.

Rather, a technique honed over decades through the role of Pope.

After all, his insides are far from what he appears to be.

Yamada-kun was bewildered by the Pope’s unblemished aura.

In that moment, the women the Pope had brought with him moved swiftly toward Yamada-kun, deploying healing magic.

Without granting either the younger sister or Yamada-kun time to interfere, they completed the treatment on the wound in Yamada-kun’s shoulder.

Ah.

Remarkably rapid construction and coordination of the technique.

Each individual’s power was vastly inferior to Yamada-kun’s, yet by collaborating to construct a single spell, they amplified its effect significantly.

They were likely candidates for Saintess.

Hasebe had been the leading contender, but the Pope would not neglect the cultivation of others.

“I will draw the sword.”

“That is my duty.”

One of the Saintess candidates reached toward the sword still embedded in Yamada-kun’s abdomen, but Yamada-kun blocked her.

“Shun, just hold on a moment?”

Oshima-kun withdrew the sword, and Yamada-kun groaned.

Immediately, a healing spell was cast.

Hmm.

I observed the treatment, subtly reinforcing Oshima-kun’s technique to ensure no scars remained on Yamada-kun.

That will do.

Once the treatment was largely complete, the female Saintess candidates stepped back from Yamada-kun and took position behind the Pope.

"...First, thank you for your assistance with the treatment."

"Please, no need for thanks. This does not even begin to atone for my sins."

Oshima-kun spoke reluctantly, yet still offered gratitude. The Pope replied with an expression of deep regret.

Does he truly feel remorse?

I cannot tell what is in the Pope’s mind.

In truth, his presence here is inexplicable.

He had no need to appear at all.

Had he not appeared here, even if the upper ranks had remained under Nagami’s influence, the Church of the Divine Word could have maintained its facade.

Some high-ranking members might have lost their heads—but the damage would have been minor compared to shattering the Church’s prestige.

Reputation would inevitably decline, but as long as blame was placed entirely on Nagami, there would still be room for recovery.

Yet now that the Pope, the Church’s supreme leader, has shown his face here, that option is no longer viable.

Anyone who sees the Pope alongside me—the true mastermind behind Nagami—will understand immediately.

The Church did not serve Nagami. It acted of its own volition, cooperating with me.

Evidence enough: Oshima fixes his gaze between me and the Pope, narrowing his eyes with a grim expression.

That is the look of someone who has grasped too much.

I had planned to calm my younger sister’s outburst and immediately return via transfer to the elven village.

What is this—why are you showing up now?

“Closure,”

The Pope murmured, as if reading my thoughts.

“God’s Word Church has ended.”

Then came the shocking declaration.