People in Terra, governing a weird little country

Chapter 230: All destined gifts have already been secretly marked with a price

Picking up the business card left by Mostima on the bench, Ernst took out his cell phone and answered Mostima's call. He soon saw the blue-haired Sakota girl who always wore a hood coming from a distance.

What made Ernst a little bit strange was that the moment he saw Mostima, Andorn, who had not shown any fear even in the debate just now, actually took a half step back involuntarily, and a moment of struggle appeared on his face.

Do they know each other?

Yeah, that makes sense.

If you lie down and sleep in the central garden of San Marceau, you may accidentally encounter a Sakota who is determined to change the world. Although the possibility of such a thing happening is indeed not zero, it is far less reliable than the scenario that "Andon already knew Mostima, and knew from this line that he was in Lateran, so he deliberately waited here in advance to meet him by chance."

However, Ernst was somewhat surprised. He really did not see Andorn's saintly temperament in Mostima. Ernst had never expected that these two people were actually in the same group.

What he didn't expect was that what Mostima said the next second after he walked over overturned his previous guess.

The blue-haired girl put away the cynical smile on her face, her expression cold and slightly alert, and she even stood in front of Ernst, as if she was guarding against something.

She asked coldly: "Andorn, you dare to come back."

Andoen lowered his head slightly, his expression becoming somewhat heavy, but he did not run away. Instead, he answered seriously:

"I'm sorry for what happened back then. But if I were given another chance, I would still do the same thing."

"Just for a... treasure, you hurt the people who trusted you, and you want to let it go with an insincere apology?" Mostima laughed sarcastically.

Andorn was silent for a moment, his eyes sweeping across the sealed box wrapped tightly in black cloth behind Mostima.

Fragments of a giant beast were sleeping there.

If we were to ask who on this earth is the most knowledgeable, apart from the omniscient God promoted by the Lateran Law, it would perhaps be the behemoths that have survived from ancient times to the present.

Andorn did that in order to take away the staff and seek an answer from the giant beast inside. To this end, he attacked Lemion, nearly killing him, and then engaged in a head-on battle with Mostima to snatch the staff.

Unfortunately, his fighting power was not enough and he lost the one-on-one fight. Fiammetta was rushing back, forcing him to withdraw, resulting in a lose-lose situation.

The staff that contained the fragments of the giant beast that he pursued back then now fell into the hands of Mostima.

Andorn sighed, "I mean no harm, Mastema."

Mostima chuckled and suddenly said, "Andorn, do you know what my greatest realization is after leaving Lateran and serving as a messenger for the old man touring Terra?"

It seemed that he had no intention of waiting for Andorn's answer. Mostima answered on his own:

"That is, empathy is actually a shackle for Sakota!"

"Because of empathy, the Sakota people trust each other and feel for each other. We are born to be more friendly, more united, and more cohesive than any other ethnic group."

"But on my first day at the Vatican, I discovered that all the cardinals, musketeers, and the old man himself, without exception, had to learn the first thing, which was to reject empathy and isolate themselves from the empathy network!"

The empathy of the Sakota is a racial gift, but it is not impossible to turn off. In the Fantasy Garden, it has been mentioned many times that because of the old bishop of the monastery himself, empathy has almost no effect. His people cannot feel him, and he cannot feel the emotions of his people.

“I’ve thought about this many times, why.”

"Just like I have thought about what happened that night many times. Why didn't I notice your thoughts in advance? Why didn't Lemion react to your sneak attack? Why until now, when I think about what happened that night, I can't feel the same anger and hatred towards you as I do towards Fiammetta?"

Mastema narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Why? Mastema actually gave the answer in her first words.

Because the shackles of empathy do not allow it.

The law requires the Sakota to be united and friendly, to support each other, and to continue the tribe. And empathy is the shackles imposed on all Sakota by the iron law of "survival".

The halo is not a symbol of holiness. It is the golden hoop that Monkey King wears on his head, the yoke that a prisoner wears around his neck, and the collar that owners wear around their pets’ necks if they want them to be obedient.

The expression on Mostima's face was half self-mockery and half relief:

"To be honest, this is quite chilling. I find it hard to imagine that if I had not been expelled from the Sakota Clan and become a fallen angel, would my thoughts also be subtly influenced by empathy, and would I feel that you are justifiable, and that I don't need to be too harsh on you, and even feel that I should accept you and help you."

"This is no joke."

"Andoen, think about how you are being treated now. You attacked your companions with a gun, but the law did not bring you down. You are a son of God recognized by him. The Pope's Office symbolically issued a warrant for your arrest, but the notary office never actually sent an executor to track you down. You are constantly being forgotten in everyone's memory. You are obviously not dead, but you are being beautified as if you were put through a filter."

"This may not be what you think, but it is happening all over Rutland."

Mostima hadn't said anything else yet, and this was the last thing she wanted to get involved in.

That was Lemion.

Remiaoan was seriously injured in the sneak attack, and her body functions were damaged. Even with the treatment of the magical Terra Originium medical technology, several years have passed, but she still shows no signs of waking up, which shows how seriously she was injured at the time.

And just as Mostima had just said, when Andon launched the sneak attack, there wasn't even a hint of malice in his heart that could be detected by the two of them.

Lemion was knocked down by a "good intention bullet". She had no chance to witness the subsequent exchange of fire between Mostima and Andorn, nor did she have the chance to witness the fall of Mostima. She knew nothing about Fiammetta's anger. She might not even have any sense of reality - she was resting and resting, and suddenly she was knocked down, slept for several years, and when she woke up, everyone was broken up.

Mostima couldn't even be sure what attitude Remyan would have towards Andorn when he woke up.

If you are angry, it is natural; if you are indifferent, it is excusable; if you forgive...

It was difficult for Mostima to think deeply whether the notorious "Silent Lemion" was really so tolerant and generous to Andone, or whether it was the influence of empathy.

Mostima broke free from this shackle by shattering the halo through his fall, but Remyon did not.

If the worst happens, Fiammetta will inevitably have a quarrel with Lemion, and it will be difficult for her to take sides. This may further intensify Fiammetta's emotions.

She has wanted to blow up Andorn for a long time. If Lemiaoan tries to stop her, how aggrieved will Fiammetta be?

As Mostima finished speaking, Andorn's expression gradually became serious.

He was not angry at Mostima's words. On the contrary, he finally noticed something strange.

Yeah, that's not rational!

He injured Remyanmar but did not fall from heaven. He was wanted by Lateran but had never been properly hunted down. He even lurked in the city of Lateran for such a long time without revealing any flaws.

Is he so good at hiding? Or do the patrolling Sakota, the notary office, and the cavalry really not want to capture him?

What is the definition of a "sinner" in Lateran? Does it refer to the fallen angel whose halo dimmed and shattered in order to protect his companions, or does it refer to the Sakota who did something wrong but whose halo is still as bright as before?

What on earth is the god who holds the Law thinking? What is he planning? What is the so-called Sakota, a race with halos on their heads, wings on their backs, and the ability to use guns?

Andon had always wondered why Sakota was born different, with so many peculiarities, and was incompatible with the other races on earth.

But now, he had another problem.

If we acknowledge this difference, then what did Sakota, who was born different, pay for this difference?

Andorn took another step forward, and this time, his voice even had a hint of urgency.

After realizing the abnormality of his own example, the abnormality of Sakota, and the abnormality of the law, he could no longer allow himself to be confused like this!

He looked at Ernst, who was frowning and seemed to be lost in thought, and called out loudly:

"Mr. Ernst, please take me to the Pope's Chamber! Please take me there now!"

Chapter 231 This is the collision of two roads

Lateran, Papal Hall.

The musketeer guarding the door knocked on his helmet, looking exhausted:

"I didn't expect to have to go to work today. The Pope always said he was uneasy and he even strengthened the defenses. I don't know what he was thinking."

The musketeer standing on the other side of the gate jokingly replied:

"Don't complain, Patrizione. You have it easy. You have a good granddaughter at home. What about us?"

“Hahahahahaha.” The musketeer called Patrizione narrowed his eyes and smiled when he heard this. He seemed to be very proud of his granddaughter. He couldn’t help but show off, “Fiammetta is a good child. She makes me worry less!”

As he spoke, he seemed to have thought of something and smacked his lips. "I just don't know what happened to her these past two days. She often leaves early and comes back late, and she's not with Mostima. When I asked her what happened, she refused to tell me."

The gossiping urge of the cavalryman was aroused instantly, and he quickly leaned over and whispered:

"Is he in love? Is Fiammetta that old now?"

Patrizión frowned and reached for the revolver hanging diagonally on his waist.

The lancer broke out in a cold sweat upon seeing this, and waved his hands while retreating repeatedly: "That's not necessary, that's not necessary, I was just joking. That kid Fiammetta always said he wanted to inherit your legacy and become a Papal Knight, but now he might be training somewhere."

"Hush, be serious!" Patrizione glared at him and then winked at him.

The musketeers then noticed three people walking not far away.

Mostima was an old acquaintance of both of them. She was a rare fallen angel in Lateran and the Pope often summoned her. Most importantly, Patrizione's adopted granddaughter, Fiammetta, was always by her side. The two used to be teammates in a team, but now they had a relationship of guardian and ward, and together they served as special envoys of the Messenger of Nations directly representing the Pope.

It is worth mentioning that Patrizione was also one of the code-makers of Operation Fiammetta.

Live and play until old age, never lose the childishness, and like to play pranks, which is very characteristic of Ratlanzakota.

Apart from Mostima, the identities of the other two are worth noting.

Ernst Shivaash, the leader of Kjerag, who had just arrived in Lateran and met with the Pope, was a powerful man, according to the Pope, and his greatest characteristic was his steadiness.

And the person next to him...

"Grandpa Patrizión." Mostima suddenly spoke, stopped Patrizión from raising his revolver with a smile, and shook his head slightly.

Patrizione frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled.

Andorn and Patrizione certainly knew this Sakota. Back then, the four-man team consisting of him, Lemion, Mostima and Fiammetta was once considered the rising star of the new generation of Sakota. Who would have thought that an ordinary mission of "cleaning up the Sarkaz camp" would directly tear this rising star apart.

Fiammetta was the only person who was not injured in the whole incident, but she was the saddest one. Patrizione remembered very clearly the scene when Lemion was pushed into the emergency room and fell into a coma, when Mostima grew blasphemous horns on his head, his halo dimmed, his wings shattered, and when he was summoned to the Pope's Hall by Evangelista XI, Fiammetta returned home alone.

She burned all the things related to the four-member team in her home and sat alone in the courtyard, staring at the fire. Under the light of the fire, her eyes were red and swollen, and she kept mumbling to herself, "Why didn't I get here earlier?"

She is the one who blames herself the most of all.

Patrizión was not a man without temper. If he were not a lancer who could not run around Terra like a notary executor, he would have applied to leave Lateran and hunt down Andorn himself long ago!

How could a grandfather see his granddaughter so sad?

It would have been fine if he hadn't seen this guy, but now this guy actually dared to appear in front of him in public. As a musketeer, he could just use the Great Compassionate and Merciful Wheel-Turning Gun Bodhisattva to perform a ritual to liberate Andone in the city, and there would be no problem.

What, will cause one to fall from heaven because of this?

Patrizione didn't care.

Sakota is casual. Respecting the law is important. The duties of the cavalry are important. Maintaining stability and not resorting to lynching are also important.

But some things stand out above others.

But Mostima stopped him at this moment and said softly, "Grandpa Patrizione, Andoen is here to see His Holiness the Pope."

He didn't call him "old man". This was Mostima's respect for Evangelista XI in front of the Pope's Chamber.

Of course, when we meet, we may revert to the old name.

"Looking for His Holiness the Pope?" Patrizión's eyes flashed, he put down his revolver, and asked in a businesslike manner, "Do you have a summons or a pass?"

"Didn't we bring it here?"

Mostima moved aside, revealing Ernst.

Ernst nodded slightly: "I have something important to discuss with His Holiness the Pope."

Patrizión was silent for a moment and did not answer. The musketeers on the other side had already turned around and entered the Pope's Hall to look for Evangelista XI.

During the short wait, Andorn stepped forward and bowed deeply to Patrizione:

"terribly sorry."

"You should apologize directly to Fiammetta, not to me. You didn't offend me." Patrizión said coldly.

Andorn's mouth showed a hint of bitterness, and he nodded:

"I will."

Although the result of meeting Fiammetta would inevitably be that she would "blow his mother up with a cannon", this was also something he should accept.

Because this is the most normal reaction.

After realizing that empathy might have pitfalls and that Sakota's will might be affected by it, Andoan could no longer accept those understandings and goodwills with ease.

What he needs is not the twisted forgiveness granted by the law, but the redemption of his own heart.

He even felt a real disgust towards the law that did this. Human independent will is the most precious thing, how could it be...blasphemed in this way?

A moment later, the musketeer who had entered the Pope's Hall earlier opened the door, leaned out half of his body, and whispered:

"The Pope's reception room is waiting for you three."

...............

The Pope's Chamber, reception room.