“……!”
The one called upon clung to the ceremonial altar as if it were his last bastion and spoke.
“T-Thesilid Argent.”
“…….”
Reed did not respond.
He had long since built up a resistance to his old name. Even if the one addressing him was his godfather, it made no difference.
To a transcendent who had forsaken both god and the world, human conventions held no sway.
Watching Reed approach slowly, as if savoring the fear, Vesalius agonized fiercely.
There was no trace of the obedient paladin in the man before him. It was clear that shouting commands as he once did would be futile.
Yet, he could not afford to lose his dignity and authority as Pope. That was all he had left to wield.
Thus, Vesalius made what he believed to be the best choice.
“R-Return to the embrace of God, Thesilid Argent!”
“…….”
“‘Strict Order and Goodness’ has prepared a paradise for you. It is not too late. End your wandering and return to the path of salvation!”
Reed’s reaction to this solemn entreaty was cold.
“Salvation?”
The word, filtered through his lips, was laden with distortion.
He had…