Saintess - Chapter 53 - X. - Belle Reservoir

Chapter 53

Translator: Yonnee

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X.

The calendar year had shifted, and so too did many other things change.

The news of Pope Andreas’s suicide had deeply shocked everyone. He knew better than anyone of the religious doctrine that suicide would condemn one’s soul to hell, yet he had taken his own life.

This left not only the citizens of the empire but also the clergy and believers with profound doubts about their faith.

Pope Andreas’s death signified many things. What added to the people’s distress was the fact that his death had finally revealed detrimental things in his final will: the deep-seated corruption that had been festering in the church for centuries.

His final will bore a striking resemblance to a confession of sins, where the deceptions surrounding the supposed divine revelations and the witch-hunting rituals were inscribed.

Upon learning the truth, those who first shed tears were the ones who had lost their loved ones, family, friends, and lovers due to the extensive witch hunts.

As the authority of the church hit rock bottom, people thought of one woman.

Agnes, the unjustly accused ‘obscene saintess’.

Those who had once pointed fingers and hurled insults at her now hung their heads in her presence.

In response, Agnes smiled at everyone with a serene face. Her expression revealed no trace of resentment or anger.

How had they been so deceived, their eyes shrouded in such darkness, to brand such a kind and compassionate woman as an immoral saintess?

Tears flowed down the cheeks of everyone, collectively regretting that they had nearly created another victim who would suffer such injustice.

Despite the miraculous end of the long-lasting drought, the people were furious.

They called for religious reform, and the rise of agnostic beliefs and various sects began.

Thus, the church quickly moved to elect a new pope. To their surprise, the most revered figure, Veronica, was chosen as the next pope.

Originally, only cardinals could participate in the papal elections, but the exposure of Pope Andreas’s corruption led to significant religious reforms.

What’s intriguing was that, even though the witch-hunting rituals were proven to be false and it was clear that Veronica herself was equally tainted with falsehoods, nobody mentioned it.

Veronica, too, remained silent on the matter, humbly accepting the weight of the papacy.

* * *

Agnes gave birth to a child.

A boy with blue eyes, resembling Raon.

Agnes went to the grand cathedral in the early morning, and in her arms, the small baby swathed in silk slumbered soundly.

“Agnes!”

Veronica, who had just finished the worship service, greeted Agnes with a warm smile. Agnes, too, welcomed her with a broad smile.

“It’s been a while, Saintess Veronica. Well, now you’re Pope, right? Please forgive my impoliteness, Your Holiness.”

“It’s fine, Agnes. Call me whatever makes you comfortable.”

“I’m thankful that you’ve graciously named the child.”

“No need to thank me. I consider it an honor.”

Veronica gazed affectionately at the sleeping babe, who appeared to inherit half of both his mother and father’s features. The child smiled continuously, as if he were having pleasant dreams.

“Little one, your name is Atys.”

Veronica had chosen the name ‘Atys’ for the child, which meant ‘God’s grace’ in the ancient language.

“Little one, when the world was mired in corruption and darkness, your mother conceived you. At that moment, surprisingly, the world shone with hope. You truly are like a presence akin to God’s grace.”

“What a wonderful name, Your Holiness.”

Agnes was genuinely moved, and tears welled up in her eyes. In turn, Veronica’s eyes also glistened with tears. After all, it was Agnes who had endured the most challenging trials.

“I’m the one who should be grateful, Agnes.”

Veronica gently held Agnes’s hand and kissed the back of it.

“For proving to me that God truly exists.”

Agnes responded with a faint, compassionate smile. Her smile was as tender as a mother’s.

In the future, people would remember Agnes like this: a true saint, who, despite being unjustly labeled as an immoral saintess, willingly accepted a destiny she took up for the sake of the world and all humanity.

Even the most ardent skeptics, those who had been outraged by the corrupt religion, were moved by Agnes—a saint of unparalleled stature, who had even won over the most skeptical.

Regrettably, no one would remember that this beautiful saintess had killed her mother-in-law, and, in the end, her legal husband had also met his demise.

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