Today was the day to determine whether Elise was suitable to serve as Cardinal Marcenus’s aide.

At dawn, Elise finished her morning prayers and made her way to the Congregation of Doctrine and Faith, her steps drawing envious stares from other nuns.

“I am Elise, and as of today, I will serve as the Cardinal’s temporary aide. Though I am inexperienced, I will do my utmost to fulfill my duties.”

Elise greeted him with perfect courtesy.

Marcenus slowly scrutinized her.

“At first glance, she’s no different from any ordinary nun.”

There was no trace of sinister energy. The pure aura emanating from her was indistinguishable from the holy power possessed by devout saints.

He began to suspect that the abbess had made some sort of mistake, for she seemed like an entirely unremarkable nun.@@novelbin@@

Still, it was too soon to make any conclusions.

“Well met. The abbess couldn’t praise you enough, claiming there was no one more capable. I have high expectations.”

“I will ensure I do not disappoint you.”

“You understand the duties of the Congregation of Doctrine and Faith, do you not?”

“Yes, I do.”

The Congregation’s responsibilities could be divided into two main categories:

One was the oversight of doctrine and theology.

The other was the investigation and trial of heretics.

It was, depending on interpretation, the most crucial institution for keeping the Church on the righteous path.

“And yet someone like this holds the title of Cardinal?”

As the saying goes, one can see into the depths of water but not the depths of a person’s heart. Marcenus’s eyes couldn’t fool Elise.

His gaze might carry authority, but beneath his mask, she saw not a righteous clergyman upholding justice but a politician hungry for power.

“No wonder he kidnaps innocent children for experiments.”

Someone like him, who should be leading the charge against heresy, was a Cardinal of the Congregation. This Church was doomed.

“Do you have something to say? Your gaze could bore a hole in me.”

You didn't buy this chapter

Buy Now (3 coupons)