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nSylvester’s actions during the race reaped him the sweetest fruits he could expect. Before the competition, the old Bishops had some jealousy, and once Sylvester made fun of them, there was annoyance. But after the recent events, all Sylvester could smell was the scent of worship, hope and happiness.

nSylvester had successfully planted his image in their minds as the true Bard of the Lord, who should be respected and followed around. After all, no matter what, Sylvester was higher ranked than all of the old men, so they had to accept that there was a lot of merit behind Sylvester’s rank.

nNot to mention, it was no secret that Sylvester was denied a justified promotion by the council. So, the accumulation of all that resulted in the perfect situation that Sylvester exploited now.

n“Lord Bard, do you have any understanding of the ‘Article 5A’ of the Holy Law of Light? It says, ‘Creating hindrance in the work of a clergyman is a punishable offence.’ But it never implied what crime is seen as a hindrance, or what punishment is to be given for a level of hindrance.” Bishop Tobias Smith, a fellow trainee, asked.

nIt had been more than a week since the training started, and it was less physical and had more to do with laws, regulations and understanding the duties of a higher clergyman.

nAs Sylvester was someone who had forced himself to learn all he could about the church since he arrived in the Holy Land as a baby, he had an edge in theoretical knowledge, which he exploited to appear sagely.

n“I do remember the entire Holy Law of Light book and all the precedence-setting cases. As far as I understand, this law is purposefully kept vague because the definition of hindrance can change from time to time. A hindrance may not always be an act with negative intentions, after all. As for the punishment, it’s left to the Judge’s discretion, but the silent rule is to only charge some minor fine unless the crime is too severe.” Sylvester explained in detail through his personal experiences.

n“What about the Law of Non-Interference? That the church will not interfere in day to day work of nobility? Where do we draw the line and intervene?” Bishop Anderson Willis asked.

nSylvester responded much more confidently in that regard, as he had plenty of experience. “I’ve personally revoked this law many times under the orders of Saint Wazir. Recently, I went to help the Duchy of Iceling, which was, in a way, us meddling in noble affairs. However, the law was automatically revoked since the danger was not limited to the Duchy only.

n“Similarly, on my first assignment, I was ordered to initiate Article sixty-six on Count Ranthburg and given temporary command as Cardinal Suprima. Because the Count’s crimes against Bright Mothers were so heinous, the law was automatically revoked.” Sylvester explained.

nMany heads bobbed around him as they all remembered the news from that time.

n“The memory is still fresh. It’s rare to find a Count facing Article sixty-six.” A Bishop said.

nSadly for Sylvester, that action was his life’s turning point, as he was tricked into presiding over the crimes there so he may attract Shadow Knight’s interest, which did happen and left him injured and in pain.

n‘Saint Seer… I need to get rid of him.’ Sylvester reminded himself of the goal again.

nEventually, Sylvester ended up being someone akin to a mentor to all the Bishops there. Of course, he didn’t know everything, but his real world, physical experiences in battles and unravelling plots were a treasure trove for others.

nSylvester was the man who uncovered the dangerous plots of the famed greatest spy in the world, the Shadow of Masan. So in that sense, Sylvester was no less impressive than that famous spy.

nIn a one month period, Sylvester formed a great bond with all the newly appointed Bishops. He was able to bring them under his fold with all sorts of underhanded, enticing offers. He showed them that there was a lot of value in staying on his good side, as he enjoyed close relationships with the kings Gracia, Riveria and Highland; above that, he was a personal student of the Pope.

nSylvester was, in a way, one of the most influential men in Sol, but nobody knew it, and that was Sylvester’s advantage.

nOnce everyone got used to working, their time passed much more quickly, and before they even knew it, all the Bishops stood in a large hall in the Administration building taking their oath and getting their Bishop Mitre to put on their heads.

nBut Sylvester didn’t get to participate in that ceremony as his rank was much higher, and his promotion was much more special. So, it was organised inside the Pope’s Palace, right inside the Pope’s office.

nToo many influential people were invited to the ceremony. The Pope, the entire Sanctum Council; Tenth Guardian of Light, the headmaster; Inquisitor High Lord; Aurora; Second Guardian Bloodrain and Eighth Guardian Faithwalker, were present.

nOf course, Sylvester’s close aide and Xavia were present too, and they couldn’t be more proud of him. Especially Sir Dolorem, as the man felt extreme pride develop in his chest. He remembered the promise Sylverster had made to become the Pope as early as possible. Now, that promise had started to truly seem like a possibility.

n“Sylvester Maximilian!” The Pope called Sylvester’s name.

n“May the Holy Light Enlighten us.” Sylvester stepped towards the Pope in a militaristic manner, stiffly and formally.

nWhile the rest of the crowd witnessed the ceremony from the side, the Pope stood in the open area of his office. Pope’s assistant, Gunter, was beside the Pope with a tray holding the majestic mitre of an Archbishop.

nThe mitre was a simple piece of cloth, but the power behind it was immense. Made of fine silk and cotton, its insides were red velvet, while the outer parts were white, with many embroideries done over it with threads made of gold to give beautiful patterns.

nMeanwhile, Sylvester’s gowns were a little different this time. Now, he was allowed to wear more regal gowns fitting for his standing. However, Sylvester decided only to change it slightly.

nHe kept the gown white, while the small cape around his shoulders was red as usual. The difference was in the embroidery over his white robes, which now consisted of golden threads woven in ways to form patterns. It was subtle, but the nobles would appreciate it, knowing the cost of such embroidery.

nThe Pope called Sylvester closer. “Salute to Solis and repeat the oath after me.”

nSylvester crossed his arms on his chest and repeated. “I, Sylvester Maxmilian, take the oath in the name of Solis in front of all those who witness. I will, to the best of my ability, work towards the upkeep of the faith of Solis.

n“I will, even if death calls upon me, maintain the honour of the faith of Solis and fight those who dishonour the true lord. I swear to protect the weak, to preach the faith, and bring sinners the wrath — I swear to be the beacon of light and show the misguided ones the proper path.

n“Accept my vow, the true lord, may you keep my words in your heavenly record. If I sin, I ask not to be ignored, and if I hold myself to virtue, bless all around me with reward — Amen!”

nThe vows were meant to establish that one had given up their personal desires and that their life was devoted to the service to the church. 𝗼𝐯𝗹．𝐞𝘁

nAll heads bowed for a second following the vows, and then the Pope moved while announcing. “Sylvester Maximilian, I officially appoint you as Archbishop of the Church of Solis. You are the youngest in history to attain this rank, but your deeds are such that to ignore you became a sin in itself. Congratulations and may the Holy Light enlighten you.”

nSylvester lowered himself and let the Pope place the Mitre on his head. After that, he saluted the Pope respectfully and then all the witnesses who had come to see the ceremony.

n‘Finally! Things will become much bigger now, but much riskier simultaneously. I smell increased jealousy from Faithwalker, while Inquisitor High Lord smells of utter rage and worship. These people, I must win them all over, or else, I will not only be ruling over a mere shadow of the church.’

nSylvester diligently sensed the emotions of all those present. The headmaster of the School of Dawn was proud, and Lady Aurora was utterly excited. The most shocking, however, was the Second Guardian of Light, the Bloodrain.

n‘Why is he inducing so much scent of worship and hope towards me? And… Is this love I faintly smell?’

nThe people in the room were a mystery, for sure. Sylvester could solve most of them with the scents, but some were hard to decode.

n‘Saint Seer seems to be feeling good about me, but his days are numbered. Saint Wazir is fine… The Sanctum Council appears to hold no negative thoughts about me.’ Sylvester analysed everyone because the occasion served as the best opportunity.

nPat!

nThe Pope slapped Sylvester’s shoulder. “Young Bard, I heard you have called for a congregation of Bards. It’s a good step, and I approve of it. They have started gathering near your house outside the Holy Land, so organise them. I shall pay a visit tomorrow evening — personally.”

n‘Yes!!!’ Sylvester roared in elation inside. ‘With the Pope coming, all those Bards will hold me in an even higher position. My words will become Faith’s words!’

nSylvester bowed his head. “Thank you, your holiness. I will rush there and manage the situation.”

nWith that, the ceremony came to an end. There was no tradition of holding any feasts after a promotion as that cost money and would send the wrong message. So instead, a clergyman was expected to donate money to the poor after the promotion.

n“Your grace, shall we go?” Felix cheekily asked once the room became devoid of any Guardian or Cardinal.

n“Assistant Felix, go and prepare my carriage, please.” Sylvester acted the part and annoyed Felix.

n“Max…” Xavia whispered in a low breath and looked at the majestic tall mitre on Sylvester’s head. “You look… handsome with it.”

nSylvester chuckled and took the mitre off to put it on Xavia’s head. “Oh… You look even better.”

n“No!” Xavia panicked and pushed the mitre back. “Women are not allowed to hold such ranks.”

n‘One day, I will change that too, mum.’ Sylvester thought and started to devise a plan for the bards.

n‘I should do something for them. With them in my palm, I will have the greatest spy and sabotage organisation. But I hope there are no grumpy old dunces among them.’

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