The Lich of Glory Knight Spirit: Moving towards Krimasha!
Chapter 162 - 42: Face to Face (5)

Chapter 162: Chapter 42: Face to Face (5)

The wind blew gently, and light snow began to fall outside the window once again.

The oppressive clouds, like a gigantic stone pressing down on the entire city, made it hard for people to breathe.

Gray and the Holy Father sat quietly, not facing each other but both gazing out the window. Oddly, this was the same balcony where he had met with Anthony III for the first time when he first came to Pearce Cathedral.

A year ago, standing here, Gray had been thrilled to set foot in such a grand cathedral for the first time. A year later, meeting the Holy Father again, his heart had become extraordinarily calm.

"Life has its ups and downs, and so does everything in this world," the Holy Father said, taking a deep breath. "A moment ago, it was sunny, and now, light snow has begun to fall. I once believed that sunlight could always shine upon the earth. Later, I realized that was just a beautiful dream."

"A dream is something we strive to achieve, isn’t it?" Gray asked.

"Yes, we can always pursue our dreams, but the doubt about whether the dream can be realized will always trouble you. *Gradually, as the noise becomes loud enough, as your lifespan approaches its end and the dream remains unfulfilled, you will become lost. You might even start to question your dream. Most people in this world are like that. Having a dream is simple, as long as you dare to imagine. Yet, having a dream is also difficult because nearly everyone, almost the entire world, persuades you to give up your dream. Including your own laziness, greed, and so on. Most people cannot persist. It’s not just a matter of strength. The worst part is, some dreams are not just one person’s dream but everyone’s dream.*"

"So, has the Holy Father given up on his dream?"

Turning his face sideways, the Holy Father spoke softly, "Not given up, but chosen another dream. A dream that, at least in my lifetime, seems achievable."

"But..." Gray asked softly, "Isn’t the greatness of the Church precisely because it has been passed down for ten thousand years, generation after generation, all towards one goal?"

The Holy Father smiled, lowered his head, took a sip of tea, and said softly, "Yesterday, I saw something interesting and brought it for the Holy Knight. I wonder if the Holy Knight has seen it."

As he said this, the Holy Father took out a book and gently pushed it in front of Gray.

Gray glanced at it.

It was "Lich Knight," which was to be expected.

"I knew the previous conversation was just a prelude! This is the key part!" The Black Cat screamed, "Tell him you’ve never seen it! Then take a look and pretend to be furious! Quickly! Quickly—!"

However, Gray did not follow its advice. He said softly, "I’ve read this book. It’s well-written. But I already have a copy."

"Oh, really? Well-written?" The Holy Father nodded, "Then I’ll keep this copy for myself."

"Oh my god! Please, just listen to me for once! He’s testing you, don’t you understand? Do you really want to expose your identity as a lich?" The Black Cat was nearly in tears. In his mind, Vivien and Catherine chose to remain silent.

Gray said softly, "This book is indeed well-written. I suggest the Holy Father read it."

"You’re still talking! You’re still talking!" The Black Cat had already burst into tears.

"Actually, I’ve already read part of it." After a pause, the Holy Father continued, "I wonder, what does the Holy Knight think of the idea of a lich becoming a Holy Knight?"

"I see no problem with it. As long as he is genuinely kind-hearted, it’s a good thing."

"Is that so? A lich becoming a Holy Knight...is a good thing?" Stroking his long beard, the Holy Father let out a long sigh, "I had once thought the same. Are Levi and the others still by your side?"

"Yes."

"They’ve been out for quite a while. They should return to the Church."

"Unfortunately, they cannot go back yet."

"Why not?"

"Because they are not suited to be Holy Knights. A Holy Knight should be kind and righteous, but they cannot even meet that basic standard. They are unfit for the title of Holy Knight."

The Holy Father said softly, "You believe a lich can become a Holy Knight, but those initially nominated by the Church and recognized by the Holy Spirit are unfit, is that right?"

"Yes," Gray answered without hesitation. "A kind-hearted and righteous lich who upholds the virtues of a knight, adheres to the tenets of the Church, and is willing to fight for justice—why shouldn’t he become a Holy Knight? How can someone who cannot even maintain the basic standards of justice and kindness have the right to be a Holy Knight?"

"But, the responsibilities of a Holy Knight are not just those," the Holy Father said softly. "Just as I mentioned before, some dreams belong to everyone, not just one person. Sanctity is such a dream. The Holy Knight bears the duty of guarding the Church and is also the military arm of the Church, the object of reverence for the world, and a model for knights across the continent. He is first a military force, then a symbol, and only then a devout follower. The duties they bear are far greater than their own existence. In the standards you just listed, you missed the most crucial point, and that is loyalty to the Church."

"My concern is that loyalty to the Church does not align with loyalty to the Holy Spirit and sanctity."

"True," the Holy Father answered without hesitation. "Have you heard the story of Alboiseld?"

Gray nodded lightly, "Bishop Anthony III told me about it."

"Every cathedral has a famous painting of Alboiseld, specifically arranged as a reminder for each bishop. Were we not aware that Alboiseld was a righteous and kind-hearted follower? No, to be exact, he was more than just a follower. He was a saint."

Gray was stunned, the soul fire in his eye sockets turning into an exclamation mark.

Looking at the snowy scene outside, the Holy Father sighed faintly and continued, "We all wanted to save him. The Holy Father of that time knelt in the prayer hall for a whole month, fasting and abstaining from water, praying for the Holy Spirit’s protection over him. However, the Holy Spirit kept him alive but refused to help him. When the common people turn into a mob, you should know better than I do what that looks like. Between the common people and his saint, the Holy Spirit chose the common people. Do you now still believe that loyalty to the Church aligns with loyalty to the Holy Spirit and sanctity?"

Gray remained silent.

"If sanctity could be achieved by mere force, we would have accomplished it long ago. There would be no need to wait until now." The Holy Father continued, slowly closing his eyes, "Some say that if a Holy Knight is a lich, he should be exposed. I don’t fully agree with this. Pay attention to my words, ’don’t fully agree,’ not ’don’t agree.’ If a lich becomes a Holy Knight, the revelation of his identity will cause immense damage to the Church and sanctity. This damage, in some ways, is greater than that done by a Holy Knight who lacks pure faith. Allowing a devout lich to become a Holy Knight and, after weighing the pros and cons, letting someone loyal to the Church but lacking pure faith become a Holy Knight are fundamentally the same—they both rely on their strengths. However, when the mask is lifted, both are destined to disappear into the long river of history."

"But, but..." Gray opened his mouth, yet could not find the words to continue. *He refused to be compared to Levi and the others, yet could not deny his identity as a lich. In the eyes of ordinary people, the identity of a lich is indeed far more dangerous than that of a Holy Knight who lacks devout faith. That is the reality. At least for now, it is a reality he cannot change.*

The Holy Father stroked "Lich Knight" on the table and said softly, "Previously, I had many concerns and doubts about you—until I read this book. You were right. This book is indeed well-written. I also hope sanctity is as depicted in the book. Although that is the sanctity of only one Lich Knight, we have reason to believe that if the Lich Knight adheres to his initial intentions and moves forward, he will, at least, make the world change, even if just a little. This matter is particularly contradictory. He can bring about change in the world, but the greater the change, the more enemies he will make. These enemies will try everything to reveal his mask. Once revealed, he will, in turn, cause great damage to the world’s faith. The achievements he originally made will disintegrate in an instant.*

Gray quietly watched the Holy Father, while the Holy Father gazed out at the snowy scene.

The wind blew gently, the white snowflakes still drifting lightly. Blanketing the entire Lion King City in white.

After a long while, the Holy Father spoke softly, "Return Levi and the others to the Church. The Church needs them, even if they may be unworthy. Just as the Church, including myself as the Holy Father, is also unworthy. But in the short term, we need to maintain the situation. As for the rest, I am old and may not live to see the day the mask is lifted and everything turns to ashes. Is that acceptable?"

...

The meeting lasted from morning into the afternoon. The snow had stopped, and the western sky revealed a brilliant sunset.

Gray walked out of Pearce Cathedral step by step. Along the way, every clergyman greeted him.

"How did it go?" Yilin, who was waiting outside the door, hurriedly came to meet him.

Not only Yilin, but also Carl, Camilla, Count Gruglu, and Benedict II. Because the meeting had lasted so long, many had come, waiting for Gray outside.

Gray said softly, "Release Levi and the others."

"Just like that? Nothing else?"

"There is more. The Holy Father has conferred upon me the title of Saint and the rank of Holy Knight. I am to oversee the bishops of all nations."

Immediately, those waiting outside cheered.

"Gray." The Black Cat, nearly exhausted, said from inside Gray’s armor, "This is a great victory, truly. I can’t imagine a better outcome."

"The Holy Father already knows I am a lich."

"Yes. He hinted quite clearly. But he won’t reveal it for the time being, which is a good thing."

"But I still can’t take off my mask."

"True. We should be grateful that the Holy Father still holds sanctity in his heart."

"Most importantly, you have become a Lich Saint! This is even more powerful than just a Lich Knight! The Demon Lord will continue to protect you!" Vivien cheered in Gray’s mind.

Catherine said nothing.

Gray glanced back at the high-hung eight-pointed star banner, remaining silent.

Despite achieving the best possible outcome, a sense of loss still lingered in his heart.