Time Travel? Rebirth? I Win This Time!

Three months later, on Mike Bai's 13th birthday, he finally received the gift that Otto had longed for the most.

Archbishop Bethlehem smiled as he handed over a scroll. It was the letter of absolution, personally signed by His Holiness, the Pope.

"In the name of the All-Knowing, All-Powerful Holy Father, Otto Adler, Knight, and his wife, Eve Adler, have bowed in humble reverence before the servants of the Lord, repenting and praying for the forgiveness of their sins. Through sword, word, or heart, they have gained the blessing and merit of the saints, and on the Day of Judgment, they shall be granted the Lord's mercy and ascend to Heaven. — Alexander III."

Otto, once the epitome of stoic strength, was overwhelmed with emotion as he held the letter. For six years, he had woken up in the dead of night from nightmares, haunted by visions of his beautiful and kind wife suffering in the flames of Hell.

But now, this letter, signed by the Pope himself, confirmed that the Church would use the merit of the saints to atone for both him and his wife. Otto almost believed he was dreaming. It took him a long moment before he could accept the scroll, and immediately, he knelt, facing northwest toward Eve's final resting place.

With trembling hands, Otto kissed the cross his wife had left behind, reflecting on their happy life together. Tears glistened in his eyes.

"Eve, I will return home soon. Our family will live together happily in Heaven," he whispered.

Seeing Otto cry and smile in such a bittersweet mix, Mike Bai could only sigh. This was the power of religion, he mused.

But as Mike Bai looked at the scroll in his own hands, he asked the archbishop, "Archbishop, why do I have one too?"

Mike Bai's own letter of absolution was identical to Otto's, save for the name.

"Child," the Archbishop said with a kindly, wine-saturated smile, "Your deeds in protecting the faithful and defeating Saladin have reached the ears of the Pope. This letter is a gift specifically for you."

Mike Bai couldn't help but think, This doesn't help me at all! He would have preferred a few thousand gold nomis instead.

Still, he feigned surprise and gratitude, offering a pouch containing 200 gold nomis.

"And this!" The Archbishop took a sword from his attendant. The sword's scabbard was intricately adorned with golden threads, and its hilt was inlaid with three jewels—two blue and one red—along with a large counterweight.

"This is the Holy Sword containing the relic of Saint George!" the Archbishop said solemnly, handing it to Mike Bai. "His Holiness hopes you will defend the faithful as Saint George did, becoming a hero who slays dragons."

Mike Bai immediately knelt, his attitude turning serious. He took the "Holy Sword" reverently. This was no mere letter—it was a weapon, gilded with gold and silver.

The Archbishop made the sign of the cross. "May the Lord bless you, Mike Bai." After completing the ceremony, the Archbishop sat down, leaving the space for the others.

Sir Everet, a knight in the company, stepped forward with a solemn expression and addressed Otto. "Sir Otto, my brother, this may be the last time I call you that. I come now to deliver an order from the Grand Commander."

Otto's expression shifted to one of curiosity as he guessed what was happening.

"This is a letter of exemption from service," Sir Everet said, admiration clear in his voice. "In recognition of your excellent performance during the Battle of Yabo River and considering your pilgrimage to the Holy Land is now complete, your service to the Order is officially concluded."

He paused, looking enviously at the absolution letter in Otto's hands.

"You've completed your service to the Order. Congratulations, Sir Otto!" Sir Everet smiled broadly as he handed over the document, throwing a playful sign toward Mike Bai.

Mike Bai, feeling generous, returned the gesture with a "3."

"By the way, I almost forgot to mention," Sir Everet added, "You may keep your armor and sword as a token of your service."

"I am honored to have served alongside you in the name of the Lord," Sir Everet said, patting Otto's shoulder.

"Likewise," Otto replied, his face tinged with melancholy despite the celebratory moment.

"Take care, Otto."

"You too, Everet."

Although they hadn't shared many words, they had fought under the same banner, side by side, and their bond ran deep.

After bidding Otto farewell, Sir Everet approached Mike Bai.

"Baron Mike Bai, considering your selfless support of the Order and your excellent relationship with us," Sir Everet said as he took out a small wooden box and opened it carefully.

Inside, resting on blue velvet, lay a bronze ring adorned with the Order's crest.

"This ring signifies that you are a friend of the Order. You will be treated with honor at any of the Order's branches," Sir Everet explained. With a knowing smile, he added, "You will also enjoy a discount on remittance services."

Mike Bai, now realizing that these knights were also bankers, nodded. The Templar Order's branches were scattered across the Christian world, and with this ring, he could deposit money and exchange it for notes that could be redeemed elsewhere. Of course, the Order charged for this service.

Looking at the bronze ring in his hand, Mike Bai couldn't help but think that these religious knights were business-savvy. This ring was essentially a VIP bank card. He wondered if the silver and gold VIP rings would come next.

The grand celebrations were about to begin. After bidding farewell to the Archbishop and Sir Everet, Mike Bai declared a huge banquet.

Buckets of wine, which were usually reserved for special occasions, were poured freely, and dozens of sheep were roasted whole. The entire estate came alive with merrymaking.

William and Harold, bare-chested and flexing their muscles, competed in arm-wrestling as the children, including Dogo and Adile, gathered around, shouting their admiration.

Padric, holding a cup of wine, wore a tipsy grin as he gazed flirtatiously at a maid who passed by.

Two cups clinked together as Hamo and Demol toasted.

The chef presented a giant cake shaped like a castle, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall. Anna, especially, couldn't contain her excitement as she danced around it.

Otto and Mike Bai sat together at the head of the table, raising their glasses in a toast to their guests.

Amid the festivities, a slightly tipsy Mike Bai slurred, "Uncle Otto, can we go home now?"

"We can. Let's go home!" Otto smiled, a nostalgic gleam in his eyes.

"Uh, home..." Mike Bai, feeling a bit dazed, reached out and grabbed the hand of a nearby servant.

"Sassan, will you come home with me?"