In fact, among the three major annual festivals on the Roland Continent: Summer Festival, New Year, and Qingfeng Festival, the church rarely participates in them, and the only festival that the church participates in is "New Year" According to tradition, when celebrating the New Year, there will be a prayer ceremony hosted by the Pope himself.
As for summer festivals and harvest festivals, generally speaking, the church would not participate. There is a traditional reason for this: According to the church, especially the religiously fanatical Yeni faction, the two festivals, Summer Festival and Qingfeng Festival, have always been regarded as "illegal" in terms of religion!
For fanatical believers, they believe that since the world was created by the goddess, as festivals such as celebrating the harvest or summer festivals, the object of people's gratitude should be the goddess! Instead of being grateful for something.
Especially for the Qingfeng Festival. Historically, the Yeni faction has launched several proposals to ban this festival. Although they all failed, there is no doubt that this also represents the attitude of the church towards this festival.
For example, the traditional items in the Harvest Festival: In order to thank the harvest this year, people will sing and dance around a burning fire pillar-this tradition has been strongly opposed by the Yenis, because this celebration custom originated from Roland. Handed down from before the empire was established. This kind of behavior of dancing against the burning fire pillar is believed to have spread in a certain branch of religion that worshiped fire in the era of various sects before the unification of the mainland.
Since the mainland was unified, the Church of the Goddess of Light has been designated as the state religion and the only legal religion. Then worship in any other form. They should all be banned!
However, the Qingfeng Festival has been preserved. Because, for the vast majority of farmers. Perhaps they are also willing to believe in the goddess. But the annual crop harvest is a matter of life and death. If you can't even take care of your stomach, who has the heart to take care of other things
and. As for the Yeni sect's belief that the ceremony of "dancing around the fire pillar" on the Qingfeng Festival was inherited from a certain Zoroastrianism that has disappeared...but they couldn't provide strong evidence! Is it Zoroastrianism if I like to dance around a pillar of fire? Then there are people who like to sing and drink when they go out to campfires in the wild! Are they all Zoroastrians
The majority of the people attach great importance to the harvest of crops, and as a result, the banning of the celebration of the harvest has been met with great resistance, and finally it was dropped.
However, the church will never show up at this kind of festival celebration—it uses this method to silently express its dissatisfaction.
Therefore, at today's Harvest Festival dinner, His Majesty Pope Paul XVI of the temple suddenly came, which has never happened in hundreds of years. It immediately stunned many people. Of course, there are also some people with a keen sense of smell, guessing if something happened...
During the ceremony, the door of the main hall opened, and Pope Paul XVI was wearing a white robe trimmed with gold. He held a scepter in his hand. Wearing the Pope's crown with a circle on the outside and a square on the inside, he walked in slowly. And behind him, there are two holy knights in silver light armor. Looking at the badges on their chests, they are all eighth-level powerhouses.
When the spiritual leader on the Roland continent walked in. The originally cheerful music stopped abruptly, and then the dancing guests also stopped dancing. Stepped back to the sides. After giving way to the passage in the middle, as the pope walked in step by step, people on both sides bowed and saluted one after another, paying high respect to the spiritual leader of the mainland.
Prince Chen and Du Wei quickly exchanged glances, both of them showed a trace of worry, but Prince Chen quickly stood up, walked down the steps quickly, and then faced Paul XVI. Smiling slightly, he said lightly, "Godfather. Today is the Qingfeng Festival. On such a day, I really didn't expect you to attend."
I heard Prince Chen calling himself "Godfather". There was a vague smile on Paul XVI's old face. He deliberately raised his voice and responded, "My child, because the clergy also have to eat."
Calling "my child" caused a gloomy look in Prince Chen's eyes, but he covered it up in an instant, the smile on his face was flawless, and he reached out to support the Pope, and walked up the hall together with the Pope. up the steps.
And "His Majesty Augustine VI" also stood up—it has to be said that the tailor who had been performing perfectly before tonight finally looked a little cramped.
After all, this kind of scene was not expected to happen in advance!
The old emperor's complexion was obviously not very good-looking, but under Du Wei's eyes, he quickly calmed down, coughed, and said in a slightly hoarse voice: "Welcome, Your Majesty."
"That is my honor, Your Majesty." The Pope smiled lightly.
Soon, the court servants moved a new seat, and placed it next to the throne of His Majesty the Emperor, a little lower—this is also a tradition, and in public, the seats of the emperor and the Pope are generally side by side . The only difference is whose "home court" it is. Today it is in the imperial palace, and the Pope is a guest, so his seat can only be slightly lower than that of the emperor.
The status of the two holy knights brought by the Pope is also very high-in fact, the seats of the two are placed under Du Wei, because the identities of these two people are the current Grand Knight Commanders of the Holy Knights !
After all, after the Hussein rebellion, the Holy Knights no longer had ninth-level knights, and they only relied on eighth-level knights for appearance, which seemed a little shabby.
Prince Chen was sitting beside the Pope, he raised his hand and clapped, the music started again, and the guests below continued to dance.
Afterwards, Prince Chen exchanged a few pleasantries with the Pope in a low voice—these were all insipid words, the only function of which was to attract the Pope's attention and prevent him from having a chance to talk to the old emperor.
And Prince Chen's mind was spinning quickly: at this time, the pope suddenly appeared, what is the intention? !
Sure enough, after a few pleasantries. Paul XVI quickly turned the topic to Augustine VI. He looked at the old emperor and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I heard that you were feeling unwell a few days ago?"
The old emperor hesitated for a moment. Slowly nodded. He said vaguely, "There's nothing left."
"Oh. That's good." Paul XVI smiled lightly: "However, you are the monarch of the empire, and your physical health is related to the fate of the empire. There are some priests with powerful magic in our church. Healing spells of the light department .It should be of some help to your body... Do you want me to send two senior priests to the palace tomorrow. Here you are... "
"No need." Prince Chen suddenly interrupted with a smile: "Father's body has recovered, so there is no need to bother the priest in the temple. And..."
at this time. Prince Chen intentionally glanced at his back—his back. Sitting was an old court magician in a red mage's robe.
This old guy probably only became the head of the court magician after the coup day. Naturally, he is Prince Chen's confidant. He looked about sixty years old, and said indifferently: "Your Majesty, among our court mages, there are naturally people who are good at healing magic. Your Majesty's health problems have always been taken care of by us and the court physicians. I am afraid You don’t need to worry about the church.”
This is a hard word to say. You're welcome.
But the Pope didn't care, he just smiled-whether it was a magician from the Magic Union or a court magician. I have always been somewhat disdainful towards the church. Because the magician thinks: In this world, only the magician is the profession closest to God! As for the church... well, that's just a bunch of magic sticks!
"I'm just expressing my concern." The pope replied with a good temper. Then suddenly began to greet the old emperor.
Among the melodious music, the two supreme leaders of the empire. Just whisper. Talking about some irrelevant "nonsense". It's just that the weather is good today. This year's harvest is good! You look good. Etc., etc…
After a few more words between the two, Prince Chen and Du Wei next to him were obviously a little nervous. Because the tailor Groom could barely answer a few words at the beginning. But at the end, there was already some sweat on his forehead. It was clear that the tailor was a little too nervous when facing the spiritual leader of the mainland.
In the middle, Prince Chen interjected a few words symbolically. It's a pity that the old pope seemed to want to talk to the emperor on purpose, so he deliberately shifted the topic back to the old emperor after a few words.
At this time, there is another very difficult problem:
Originally as planned. At the time of the third dance. The old emperor can announce his exit first.
But now. With the sudden arrival of the Pope, "His Majesty the Emperor" is hard to leave!
After all, as the head of the Temple of Light, the spiritual leader of the mainland, His Majesty the Pope is here, and such a heavyweight guest is sitting in front of you. You are the master, why do you have the nerve to get out of the way first? Emotionally and rationally. Even Augustine VI cannot go! I can only sit here and accompany me!
finally. Du Wei spoke.
Lord Tulip Duke suddenly stood up from his seat and took two steps. Looking at Paul XVI, he smiled and said, "Your Majesty, speaking of it, I haven't seen you for a long time."
Paul XVI narrowed his eyes, looked at Du Wei's eyes, and said with a smile: "Duke Tulip... Ah, I was wrong. It should be my Lord Archbishop of the Northwest Diocese. I heard that it is under your leadership. The Northwest Diocese It's very prosperous now."
Du Wei's heart trembled. Secretly cursed an old fox. These words are clearly meant to remind Du Wei: You still have the status of a bishop of the Northwest Diocese, count it. It's my subordinate!
Although Du Wei didn't care about the status of a bullshit subordinate, he had to admit that throwing such words would easily weaken his aura.
He had a smile on his face, but he cursed several times in his heart before continuing: "Thanks to you, the development of the Northwest Diocese is not bad. However, something happened a while ago, and I still blame myself." After all, in my jurisdiction, some people pretended to be the identity of the Holy Knights to bluff and deceive... Alas, fortunately, I captured and executed them all, but after all, I was the one who failed to manage the Northwest Diocese, and I feel really ashamed."
As he said, Du Wei looked up at Paul XVI with infinitely sincere eyes and a pure forty-five-degree angle: "Your Majesty! I decided that after returning to the imperial capital this time, I must go to the temple and face the goddess of light. It’s like making a good confession, and praying to the goddess to forgive my sins... and please agree to my request!”
When Paul XVI heard this, the muscles in the corners of his eyes trembled imperceptibly, and he gritted his teeth secretly...
Hundreds of people! Those are hundreds of reserve members of the most elite Angel Legion! He was slaughtered by the guy in front of him chopping melons and cutting vegetables! !
However, Jiang is old and spicy after all. The Pope took a deep breath, and his voice became more and more kind: "Du Wei, my Lord Bishop Rudolf, please don't take it to heart! Such things are often impossible. Avoid it. Moreover, I think you have no merit in this matter, and I have ordered a reward for your behavior. I think, if the bishops of various dioceses in the mainland can devote themselves to the teaching affairs like you, then our church It will definitely be more prosperous.”
After a pause, the Pope suddenly changed his subject: "I heard that the northwest region is not very stable, because of its remote location, there are often some "wanted criminals" and the like who flee there. Sigh... you are not only The bishop of the church is also the duke of the empire, and the lord of the northwest, and the important task of maintaining the peace of the place is also on your shoulders, and you have worked hard."
Du Wei laughed dryly, looking at the old fox in front of him, he couldn't help thinking: What are you pulling! If I hadn't saved your life back then, you would be sleeping in a coffin now! Is there still a chance to sit on this throne and cause trouble for me! snort!
At this time, Paul XVI had already turned his head away. Probably after speaking a few words with Du Wei, his heart was filled with anger. He didn't dare to say anything to Du Wei, for fear that if he continued speaking, he would lose control of his heart. I'm angry.
He looked at His Majesty Augustine VI and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, in fact, I came here suddenly today because I have something to ask you."
Groom immediately glanced at Prince Chen, and then said "hmm", he seemed a little surprised, but fortunately, in a hurry, he made a gesture of reaching out his hand to support his chin to conceal his emotional fluctuations, and said slowly : "What is your Majesty trying to say?"
Paul XVI smiled slightly: "Is this the announcement about the "No. 1 Martial Arts Tournament in the World" just announced today that shocked the entire imperial capital?"
After hearing this, Du Wei and Prince Chen glanced at each other at the same time, and couldn't help but think in their hearts: Could it be that I had a false alarm? The news of the old emperor's death has not been leaked, and the pope didn't come for this matter, but for the world's number one martial arts tournament
This time, before Groom could speak, Prince Chen had already spoken first, and he immediately said: "Your Majesty, I'm afraid Father is not very clear about this matter. In fact, this matter was proposed by Duke Tulip. I also approve of the martial arts of the people of Roland Mainland. I just don’t know why His Majesty the Pope is interested in this matter?”
Although he already recognized Paul XVI as the godfather, after calling "Godfather" in the opening scene, Prince Chen still called him "Your Majesty the Pope".
When Paul XVI heard the words, he glanced at Du Wei with a smile: "Oh, it was the Duke Tulip who proposed it! This matter is indeed a whimsical idea. There has never been such an official martial arts tournament in the mainland for thousands of years. It's the Duke of Tulip. He suddenly came up with such an interesting idea."
Prince Chen smiled: "Is this an idea? Although the Duke of Tulip came up with it, I have already entrusted the specific matters to the Mainland Knights Association. I think. In terms of identity, the Knights Association handles this kind of thing .Should be the most suitable."
paused. He asked again: "Your Majesty, are you here for this matter today? I really didn't expect that you would be interested in this kind of matter, Your Majesty."
Paul XVI laughed, and a gleam flashed in his cloudy eyes: "It's not that I'm interested. I'm old. Besides, I'm not a warrior. It's just that. The people who are interested are those in our church. How many knights!"
talking. He turned his eyes to the knight commanders of the two holy knight orders sitting below, and then gave Du Wei a meaningful look: "Master Tulip Duke, it doesn't matter what the martial arts tournament is. But this "Number One in the World" "The name of the place is really eye-catching! You see, although they are knights in the church, "holy knights" are also knights. "Isn't it interesting to be called such a title?"
Du Wei immediately glanced at the two holy knights, sure enough. These two middle-aged knights had a dignified expression on their faces. Obviously, he is very concerned about this martial arts competition—especially the title of Number One in the World!
The holy knight sitting on the left. The skin on the face is a bit dark. Hearing this, he stood up. Take two steps forward. After bowing and saluting. Shen Sheng said: "Your Majesty! Your Royal Highness! Your Excellency the Duke of Tulip! Our holy knights are also knights! And as warriors, we also have the dignity of warriors! This is the world's number one martial arts tournament. If we can't let our holy knights participate... Humph, If someone finally wins the championship of the conference, he can be crowned the title of number one in the world. And the title of the number one warrior in the mainland bestowed by the regent himself... If others don't know, I'm afraid they really think he is fighting It’s invincible all over the continent! Especially in the imperial capital! Who doesn’t know the glory of the Holy Knights! But if this happens, those who know will understand that our Holy Knights didn’t participate! But those who don’t know that even we are holy Knights are not as good as others!"
After Du Wei listened, he smiled and glanced at the holy knight. He suddenly said, "Uh... Your Excellency. Excuse me, but are you..."
The black-faced knight blushed. Only then whispered: "My name is Stegel. I am currently the Grand Knight Commander of the Holy Knights of the Temple of Light!"
After Du Wei's reminder, this guy realized his faux pas—when facing His Majesty the Emperor of the mainland. It's just too rude to talk rashly without even reporting your identity.
Du Wei asked again with a smile: "So, both of you are interested in participating in this martial arts tournament?"
Another eighth-level holy knight stood up immediately, and bowed to the emperor on the throne: "Your Majesty, my name is Randall. I am currently the Grand Knight Commander of the Holy Knights of the Temple of Light! I also request to get your majesty." With your permission, participate in this conference! And... "
"What else?" Prince Chen said lightly.
"Also, we hope that the judgment of this conference will be authoritative and fair!" This Randall looked a little more cunning than that reckless black-faced Stegel, looking squarely into Prince Chen's eyes, slowly Said: "Since it is competing for the honor of the first place in the mainland, how can it be child's play! I personally feel that... the strength of the Knights Association alone may not be able to undertake the important task of judging such a significant competition!"
Prince Chen sneered twice, and was thinking about how to refute - but what the other party said was quite reasonable. After all, everyone knows about the decline of the Knights Association. In terms of the authority of the judgment, the weight of the Knights Association is indeed a little weaker.
at this time. After Du Wei coughed twice. Attracting the eyes of everyone, he achieved his goal. Then he said, "Your Excellency, Knight Randall, what kind of judgment do you think is fair and authoritative?"
At this time, Pope Paul XVI suddenly said with a warm smile: "Since it is a matter of contending for the title of the number one warrior in this continent, which concerns the dignity of the empire, then I personally suggest that I should trouble His Majesty the Emperor!" He smiled profoundly The appearance of the test: "Your Majesty, you are unparalleled in martial arts. In the past, you personally led the army to fight in the Northwest. Moreover, you are also a warrior. I don't think anyone is more authoritative than you." !"
paused. Looking at Prince Chen who was about to speak, the old Pope smiled slyly: "It's just a pity, Your Highness Chen, although you are the regent king, it's a pity that you are a magician. This time the martial arts tournament. But you can't Come to judge."
Prince Chen frowned even more.
Du Wei was also on guard!
How to say it. Speaking of the old emperor again? After all, he knew the Pope. Still don't know
Intentionally or unintentionally
Du Wei snorted, and immediately retorted: "Your Majesty, I don't think such a suggestion is appropriate."
"Oh?" The Pope glanced at Du Wei.
Du Wei has a plan in mind. Just about to speak with eloquence.
And at this time. Just now, they have been sitting on the ground next to each other, whispering to each other. There are two children who don't know what to discuss with each other in a low voice: Prince Charlie and Princess Karina. The two children suddenly stopped talking. Just when Du Wei had just finished speaking this sentence. Prince Charlie suddenly coughed twice, then stood up.
On the face of ten years old. Although still a little immature. But his expression was very calm: "Your Majesty. Father... I think what Grand Duke Tulip said is right. It is inappropriate to do this!"
Prince Chen was slightly taken aback. Looking at the son whom he regarded as his successor, he suddenly spoke. And look calm and calm. I couldn't help but feel a little joy in my heart. Smiling: "Charlie. What do you want to say?"
The little prince seemed to be encouraged. Although the immature voice is not loud. But the words are clear. He bowed to the Pope first, and then slowly said: "Your Majesty. Father... grandfather is the emperor of the empire! As the emperor of the empire, he maintains the majesty and authority of the empire! And what is the status of the emperor?" Noble. How can you be judged by others casually!"
That Randall immediately retorted: "Your Highness. It is because of His Majesty's noble status. If it is used as a judgment, it can highlight its authority!"
Charlie smiled. He looked at the holy knight in front of him, and said slowly: "Your Excellency, Grand Knight Commander. I would like to ask you a question first: what about this tournament. The number of judges. Is there only one person?"
"This... Naturally, there can't be only one person. To be fair and objective, I think there should be several authoritative judges to come together..."
"That's it!" Little Prince Charlie's expression turned cold, and he interrupted the other party's words without politeness, and said coldly: "Your Excellency, Grand Knight Commander! Don't you dare to despise the emperor of the empire? It's still in your eyes. Don't take it Does the royal family care about it?"
Randall froze for a moment. Although it was only a small ten-year-old boy's accusation. But the other party is the prince after all. And in front of him is the Regent. How could he bear such an accusation? Quickly said: "Of course not! How could I have that kind of thought!"
"But you suggested that His Majesty the Emperor be the judge, and at the same time, you think that the judge needs several people to be the judge! Hmph, Your Excellency the Knight Commander! What kind of status is my grandfather! How can the majestic Emperor of the Empire be on a par with others!! On this continent .Who is qualified to sit on an equal footing with the emperor?!"
Randall was speechless for a moment.
indeed. If you get a few judges. One of them is the emperor... Isn't that tantamount to admitting, and several other judges. Qualified to be tied with the emperor
What a sin!
Du Wei's face was also a little surprised. Because what this little prince Charlie said was exactly what he wanted to say just now!
At the age of a young boy of ten years old, he was able to do so in just a moment. To be able to find such a loophole in the other party's words... It's not easy!
Paul XVI looked at this calm young man, couldn't help sighing in his heart, and couldn't help thinking: Why can the Augustine family produce so many young talents? This Prince Chen is like this, how old is his son. There is such quick wit! But in my church, it's all a bunch of... alas.
Although he sighed in his heart, the pope smiled slightly. Wen Yan said: "Your Highness, in fact, this is not difficult to solve. I think we only need to make some adjustments to the judging, such as setting up a judging group. His Majesty the Emperor will serve as the chairman of the judging group. That will be fine."
Unexpectedly, this proposal. Prince Charlie had already thought of it. He bowed to the Pope and smiled, "Your Majesty, this is the second problem I just thought of!"
The little prince smiled calmly: "Because my grandfather is the emperor of the empire, I think he is absolutely not suitable for judging work! This is not a question of authority, but of status!"
The Pope frowned: "The competition for the title of the number one warrior in the mainland is also contested by knights... The status of knights is noble, and this kind of competition will not insult the status of His Majesty the Emperor."
Who knew that Prince Charles laughed: "Your Majesty, you are not a knight, nor a nobleman. So I am not surprised that you have such wrong ideas."
"Bold!" Prince Chen's face immediately changed. He reprimanded him, but there was a flash of appreciation in his eyes.
"Presumptuous!!" The two holy knights next to him also shouted.
Little Prince Charlie bowed his head to his father and said, "Yes, Father."
But then he turned his head and said coldly to the two holy knights: "What did you just say!"
Two majestic eighth-level knights, the Grand Knight Commander of the Holy Knights, seemed to be stunned for a moment when facing such a ten-year-old boy.
Then I saw little Prince Charlie coldly said: "You are the ones who are presumptuous!! Two knights, I think you have forgotten your identities! I ask you to remember that this is the palace! And my identity I am a child of the royal family, the grandson of His Majesty the Emperor, and the son of the Regent of the Empire. I also have the title of Marquis of the Palace, and I am also an officially conferred prince! I must remind you two that I am a noble! I am a noble Nobles! What are your identities! When are "commoners" qualified to reprimand nobles? I ask you to remember! Before you reprimand others, think about your own status!"
After hearing this, Du Wei couldn't help applauding in his heart. Looking at this little Prince Charlie, he suddenly couldn't help thinking: Damn it! Could this be the legendary aura of dominance? Domineering at a young age
But Du Wei didn't notice that Princess Karina who was sitting next to her was covering her mouth and giggling, her eyes were full of complacent and weird things...