In the Name of Empress

Chapter 725 403: However Much You Want, I'll Give! (Part 3)

But Christine mistakenly thought that in his heart she held the same status as his beloved wives.

It truly was a beautiful misunderstanding.

Though it was a misunderstanding, Roland wouldn't explain.

How could he possibly explain, directly saying don't get me wrong, you're much worse than my wife?

The words aren't wrong, but saying it outright is a bit foolish.

Fortunately, Christine is the Pope, the future Goddess of Light he plans to support, insulated from emotions; let's consider those previous words an accident.

Roland didn't continue the topic, but instead bid farewell to Christine.

Christine suddenly grasped his shoulder and softly said, "Close your eyes."

Wait, what is she planning to do?

Roland felt inexplicably uneasy, but he trusted Christine wouldn't hurt him, so he obediently closed his eyes.

A pain inexplicably came from his left arm, and he couldn't help but open his eyes to look, only to see several wounds on his left wrist, revealing fine tooth marks.

"This is a punishment for your lack of discretion. Off you go."

Roland was somewhat speechless.

Isn't she self-proclaimed as an old woman, yet still acts like a teenage girl.

Bite then; after all, it won't...

Roland felt the divine energy surging at the wound site, knowing this was a blessing that must be transmitted through blood, his heart warmed slightly.

"Thank you."

"Don't say these useless words, I heard there are many fun things in the Netherworld's black market, if you're inclined, bring me back a gift."

Christine forcefully pushed Roland out of the Prayer Room.

She had to do that, if she waited a bit longer, the blush rising on her face would be seen.

The dignified Pope, blushing because of a few words, truly embarrassing.

Inside the Prayer Room, empty and desolate, only the beautiful Holy Father's urgent breaths and pounding heartbeat remained.

Christine didn't recite any scriptures; she knew that any recitation now would be futile.

Only one thought lingered in her mind, whispering like the Devil.

If she failed to be selected as Saintess back then, and Roland expressed his feelings to her, would she accept?

Between Roland and her faith, which is more important?

She couldn't think of any reason to refuse, even feeling a bit expectant. She didn't even want to ponder deeply which was more important, Roland or faith.

After an unknown amount of time, her frantic heart finally calmed, and her breathing gradually became steady.

She didn't have to answer that question, because this world has no "what if," only results.

She could now answer the second question.

Faith is faith, Roland is Roland, both equally important.

Unfortunately, there's inevitably some conflict between them...

Wait, Christine's eyes suddenly lit up, discovering a blind spot.

Who stipulated that women serving as Saintess, Bishop, and Pope must remain chaste? When did it start?

She was curious.

She now possessed the highest authority, having the power to peruse all archival records and could trace the origin.

Trying hard to suppress her excited steps, she approached the highest secret level archive.

The curator naturally did not dare stop her, only feeling somewhat surprised.

Entering the archive room, Christine went to the biographical zone to review the previous Saintesses of Divine Court's history.

The first Saintess lived her entire life unmarried.

The second Saintess lived her entire life unmarried.

The third Saintess was unmarried but had two children.

Although many parts of the record are subtly worded, even claiming both children were adopted, Christine still found the loophole within these records.

Clearly, these two children were the biological children of the third Saintess.

Because the debate between the Saintess and the Pope about whether clergy could marry and have children was recorded.

The debate was lengthy, roughly arguing whether what isn't forbidden by the scripture can be done versus what isn't authorized by the scripture cannot be done.

The final result was clearly the Saintess won.

She not only became the next Pope, but the subsequent Saintesses also all became wives of some Emperor or Nobility after reaching a certain age.

Until a few hundred years ago, the notion that Saintesses must remain pure in body was restored.

So Saintesses can marry and have partners?

Christine's fingertips trembled slightly, her eyes a bit dazed, even slightly scared.

If Roland said those previous words now, would she lose her composure in an instant?

She didn't know, nor did she dare know.