LIGHTNOVELWORLD On the first floor of the Sun Cathedral, there was a spacious area that could be used for classes.
In front, there was a podium, and the seating arrangement was a tiered structure that rose higher at the back, resembling a typical university auditorium.
It looked just like a common lecture hall, but the facilities were quite luxurious.
The sound system consisted of high-end equipment that transmitted the voice of anyone holding the microphone clearly and without noise.
The seats were plush and comfortable, and the sturdy writing supports that could be pulled out from the armrests were incredibly durable.
This place, where the investment was obvious in many ways, was set up by the Burning Association Korean Branch to educate new believers.
“Wow, they’re really generous.”
My gratitude towards the Burning Association, which generously donated the entire building yet again today, was growing.
At this level, it seemed like the place was practically built just to be presented to me.
Anyway.
Hwang In-goo was planning to teach doctrines and rules in this auditorium while slowly instilling Haoran’s ideology.
Of course, it had never been used for that purpose even once. I had suppressed them before they could even carry out proper proselytizing.
But if we just left the place unused, it would be too wasteful, so we were thinking of putting it to good use.
“How does this look?”
At my words, Kelaout, who was examining the auditorium closely, smiled brightly.
“I like it. We can hold good classes here.”
“I think so too.”
“I’m feeling motivated. I might have to resurrect all the content I had trimmed down so it doesn’t stretch too long.”
It was already quite long, and now they want to make it longer.
If I were to attend the class, I would have regretted it, but since I wasn’t, I was just pleased.
“Please do so. We should give it our all each time to ensure no one has any regrets later. The Sun and the Archbishop would want you to pour all your passion and abilities into it as well.”
“That’s right.”
“And I want that too.”
I met the Archbishop’s gaze, pretending to be devout.
“I hope everyone in the order values etiquette more than they currently do and maintains their dignity with at least basic knowledge.”
I didn’t say this because I wasn’t attending.
I wished everyone who served the Sun would at least have the minimum level of dignity. After all, isn’t everyone too laid-back right now?
Currently, our order had more of an atmosphere like ‘Friends of Eluke’ than a religious organization, but it couldn’t stay like this forever.
The direction I envision for the order is a collective of members with sufficient faith and broad knowledge.
So, starting now, we had to thoroughly educate everyone to plant the sunlight in their hearts.
“It’s definitely the early days of the order, so there are many deficiencies.”
Kelaout nodded and then spoke firmly.
“After my class, the members will surely realize their mistakes and move towards the right path.”
“I look forward to it.”
Thus, a future-oriented conversation between the Pope and the Archbishop continued.
→ [Icle]: What kind of liberal arts class is this…
A message from the Evil God’s minion appeared before my eyes.
But the background color of the screen was pink. Maybe this was the chatroom that Young Dragon mentioned including the Archbishop.
Soon, Icle sent another telepathic message.
→ [Icle]: Why would I attend that?
→ [Icle]: You think a bunch of troublemakers will become model students just because of one class?
→ [Icle]: Everyone’s so naive.
→ [Icle]: Anyway, I’m not going, just so you know.
“…….”
Is it just me that finds this bothersome?
It felt too presumptuous for someone who’s not even the Evil God, just a minion.
“Icle, this child is being quite rude.”
Perhaps thinking the same thing as me, Kelaout narrowed his eyes.
He then slowly stroked his beard and sent a telepathic message.
→ [Archbishop]: Guardian Dragon, please capture all the attendees today. Especially if you can bring Icle, I will grant the privilege of only needing to attend half of the class.
Are they really going to use Young Dragon as a go-between?
That was a brilliant strategy. There’s no way Icle would refuse.
→ [Magician Genius Guardian Dragon]: Oh.
As expected, Hekatrith reacted predictably.
→ [Magician Genius Guardian Dragon]: Wait ten minutes!
→ [Icle]: Nope, I won’t get caught~.
→ [Magician Genius Guardian Dragon]: Aren’t you heading out the building towards Seoul?
→ [Icle]: ??
→ [Icle]: What? How did you find me even with my powers sealed?
← [Pope]: I’ve been listening well lately, so I released about half.
→ [Magician Genius Guardian Dragon]: I’ve regained just enough power to easily capture a mere minion.
→ [Magician Genius Guardian Dragon]: Just you wait.
Thanks to the active cooperation of the Guardian Dragon, we would save the hassle of capturing the attendees ourselves.
“By the way, will you really grant that privilege?”
“Sometimes, lies for the sake of education are whiter and more precious than the truth.”
“I figured as much.”
Poor Hekatrith.
→ [Magician Genius Guardian Dragon]: Got it!! I caught Icle!
Soon, the young dragon who didn’t know the truth announced that he had caught a problem child.
It was someone else’s business, unrelated to me.
‘Should I start moving soon?’
It would soon be time for class to begin, and I felt I should leave before that.
I gave a slight bow and farewell with a graceful motion that Kelaout would appreciate.
“Then, I will be in the Pope’s Rest Area. If you need my assistance, feel free to call me.”
While the liberal arts and character development class was proceeding, I planned to take a break.
I would sit on a massage chair, watch Tribe live broadcasts, and interact with the viewers enduring their struggles through chat.
If I got bored, I could have some leisurely tea time alone. Or a stroll with the kids wouldn’t be so bad either.
As I was coming up with different relaxation plans, that was when it happened.
“What are you saying? You should obviously attend, Pope.”
“…….”
…Why should I?
In shock, I found myself involuntarily taking steps back.
But Kelaout continued speaking calmly.
“The Pope is more noble and graceful than anyone in the order, but you shouldn’t neglect learning. The Pope is not someone who can settle down. Just as the holy sun rises every day to dispel the darkness on the ground, the Pope must always strive to clear the dust and shadows in their heart.”
After that, Kelaout directed Yao, who was standing behind him.
“Top Holy Knight. Please respectfully seat the Pope in the central front row.”
“As you command!”
With a noticeably brighter expression, Yao quickly approached me. Then he pointed to the seat as if escorting me.
“Come on, let’s go.”
“…….”
I looked at Kelaout one last time, holding onto my last bit of hope. My gaze was full of pitiful emotion.
But the stern Archbishop merely stared at me with his one good eye and spoke.
“If you don’t want to hear this, you may leave. But in that case, I will offer private lessons, so you must set aside personal time.”
“…I will attend.”
“Good choice.”
In the end, I ended up sitting in the best spot where the podium was most visible.
Yao, who sat next to me on my left, whispered softly.
“Pope, this is your karma.”
It was true, but I didn’t want to admit it.
“I was considering whether to attend or not anyway, but the Archbishop helped me make up my mind. Since it’s come to this, I’ll have to give it my all. My heart is already racing with anticipation.”
“…….”
“Yao, make sure you listen well. There will be a test later.”
“That’s really shocking.”
Yao shook his head vigorously.
For some reason, I felt victorious and smiled faintly.
But soon after, I closed my eyes with a troubled mind.
‘How do I endure this?’
A mental stamina test awaited me, and I absolutely mustn’t fall asleep.
*
The preparations to start the class were complete about 30 minutes after I had taken my seat.
“Thank you all for coming.”
Kelaout, standing at the podium, briefly scanned the audience and smiled kindly.
“More people than I expected have attended. I believe this makes the occasion even more meaningful.”
Quite a number of people were present for this class.
The troublemakers I had planned to gather were all brought here by Young Dragon and forcibly seated, among which Jo Ha-jin had come voluntarily, even choosing the front row. Apparently, my previous discussion with Kelaout had left an impression on him.
On the other hand, there were also other attendees I had invited personally.
National Intelligence Service agent Hainha and his junior Ko Jeong-su.
The Dark Elf Wip and robot Kim Ji-yeon, who came voluntarily upon hearing the news.
Priestess Reeve, who decided to attend because I argued that she should as she was going to become a saint.
I even brought along Hwang In-goo and the zealots from the Burning Association Korean Branch whom I had locked up in the underground bunker, tying them up and seating them.
As a result, many of the seats were filled.
Perhaps moved by this fact, Kelaout displayed a smile rarely seen on his usual disposition.
“It seems the Sun has shined its light on us. I believe today will be unforgettable for us.”
It also felt like I wouldn’t be able to forget the content of the class that I was about to hear for quite some time.
‘…O Sun, grant me transcendent patience.’
As I silently offered my earnest prayer, Seo-yoon, in charge of filming, spoke up.
“Then, let’s begin. Pope, please look at the camera in front of you and greet the viewers briefly.”
“Understood.”
Soon, the broadcast started, and I delivered the greeting I had prepared in advance.
“Hello everyone. We are about to have a truly beneficial lecture today. Please listen until the end. Those who watch all the way to the end will receive various benefits, so don’t miss out.”
Good things should be enjoyed with as many people as possible.