Xingyue, is Xiaokai also considered Kai?

"It's probably just a coincidence."

Upon hearing this, Nero casually looked at the rose beside him while glancing at the girl's expression.

After their conversation last night and today, Nero felt that the girl seemed more approachable. She couldn't fathom what Ritsuka, as humanity's last Master and bearing such a heavy responsibility, was thinking. Perhaps she was still growing? Even so, she didn't want to test her indiscriminately and try to elicit any words from her.

However, Nero still keenly noticed one thing: Fujimaru Ritsuka, who was technically his junior sister, was somewhat similar to him, but if he had to say, they were only similar, not the same kind.

"Speaking of which, Your Majesty Nero, it seems that the painting behind you hasn't been passed down to later generations..."

Just then, Mashu asked again.

Roman palaces were typically built of marble and limestone, with colonnades throughout, each column carved with exquisite patterns and historical stories. The ceilings were decorated with frescoes, brightly colored, often depicting scenes from ancient Roman mythology, such as the great deeds of Jupiter, Juno, and other gods…

But that's all in the past. Since Nero became the Roman emperor and the church became the state religion, these contents have been transformed into various saint stories from the Bible. Huge arches and long corridors run through the entire palace, and the floor is covered with patterns depicting biblical stories and saint legends. The exquisite craftsmanship and fervent faith bring every detail to life.

Behind Nero, the painting that should have depicted only the emperor, symbolizing his supreme status, now showed two figures. Moreover, judging from their positions, the blond figure of Nero, the emperor, was not the one in the higher position; rather, it was the silver figure.

If Novia were present, she would surely recognize at a glance that this was a painting of herself and Nero at the triumphant celebration after he led his army to sweep through the Jewish province.

"this is--"

"Mother."

Just as Nero was about to explain, a voice came from outside the door, which instantly made Nero's veins bulge and he glared at the infant Draco being carried in by Novia.

Last night, when Tang Draco transformed into this form in the bath, she was almost startled, but she immediately recognized that it was exactly how she looked when she first met her teacher. She never expected that her future self could change at will.

As for 'mother', Nero simply couldn't stand this wicked term, especially since Draco had used the opposite term many times before.

In fact, Nero, Novia, and Draco hadn't slept all night. If it weren't for Nero's remaining rationality telling her that she still needed to see the two girls brought by her teacher the next day, Ritsuka and Mash probably wouldn't have been able to see Nero today.

However, Draco simply said that since "I" said it, then "I" will go, and I'll stay here with the teacher. This almost made Nero furious, but since things had come to this, that was all that could be done.

"Hey, Novia, what are you holding?"

The first to ask a question was Mashu, who knew nothing about it.

Mother? Who is that blonde girl calling? She looks so much like Emperor Nero, could she be his daughter? Did Nero have children? Historically, wasn't the child of his brother Britannicus, who had converted to Christianity, the one who succeeded Nero to the Roman throne after his disappearance?

If there were a daughter, although she would be a woman, given the current situation in Rome, an empress wouldn't be out of the question... Could it be that she died prematurely?

The naive Mashu was having such wild and imaginative thoughts.

"...And this is—"

Just as Novia was about to say something in a subtle tone.

"Cough cough cough, this is my child, and in a way, an illegitimate daughter..."

After a bout of coughing, Nero quickly regained his regal composure. "She likes your Chaldea advisor very much, so I've asked her to take care of her. It should be fine."

So that's how it is, she's an illegitimate child... Could it be that the fictional Pope Joan gave birth in the street based on this child? But I remember Joan was fictionalized to smear the Pope and attack the faith of the Church, so it can only be said to be a coincidence.

Of course, Mashu had an even bigger question: who was this girl's father? Who would be chosen by Nero, who was both emperor and pope? But she knew it was best to keep such questions to herself.

As for Ritsuka, who learned of this news in the bath last night, she was not very shocked because of the buffer period. She just frowned slightly, carefully looked at Novia who was holding Draco, and occasionally glanced at Nero on the throne.

Well, Ritsuka subconsciously compared Novia, Nero, Draco, and Novia, Hibiki, and Hibiki's mother, and found that the couple in front of her seemed more like a family of three. At the same time, knowing that the child's father was the first Pope Novia, she also had a strange guess.

Could it be that the ancestors of Novia's consultant and Xiaoxiang's mother were actually this illegitimate daughter?

I remember that later the Roman Empire split, and in the end only the Eastern Roman Empire survived until its demise in 1453. Constantine XI was killed in battle, and the remaining members of the royal family were either killed or managed to escape... Oh, I see!

Fujimaru Ritsuka had already imagined a whole drama unfolding in her mind.

When the Eastern Roman Empire fell, the royal family members who managed to escape went on to start their own families. It wasn't until hundreds of years later that Novia's advisor met Hibiki's mother in a romantic sea of ​​flowers. Based on the affinity in their genes, they happily came together and had Hibiki.

Suddenly, Ritsuka felt that this might be against moral principles, especially since they were of the same blood... This had to be stopped—

No, no, what am I thinking? I'm already married and have children, and that was hundreds of years ago. I can't be bound by today's ideas...

"Yes, Mother."

Soon, Draco, who was being held by Novia, licked his lips, grinned mischievously, and continued to tease his past 'self'.

I just love this image of someone who can only suppress their impotent rage, while maintaining a dignified or smiling facade. It's not so much that it's me, but rather that it feels even better because it's me.

"Um, Princess, you and the advisor seem to have a rather close relationship..."

After Novia took her seat, Mash looked at Draco with some confusion, as if she was being hugged by Novia, but it felt like she was the one hugging Novia's neck.

"Hehe, that's natural. My mother is a wise ruler. She will reward her subjects for their efforts. As their 'child,' I will naturally reward and cherish them. I will be more enthusiastic, right, Mingvia... Advisor?"

Draco turned to look at Novia, who was standing right in front of him, and whispered a few words in her ear.

Unlike Nero, who suppressed her anger, Ritsuka smiled as if she understood what those words meant.

It was at this moment that Ritsuka suddenly remembered that during the French Singularity, the shrunken Dragon Witch seemed to be on Novia all the time, just like that. That scene was conveyed to Ritsuka with an unprecedented sense of realism, and things that were previously ambiguous suddenly took shape in the orange-haired girl's mind.

If Alexander, who launched a rebellion under the banner of 'Osiris' in the Egyptian province, were a Servant, then this vast land should also summon Servants to deal with him. But so far, none have appeared before me. Perhaps they have already appeared, but haven't told me yet...

She thought this to herself.

This child, who looks so much like Emperor Nero, could perhaps be the summoned Servant? She's just concealing her presence; maybe she's from the past? If that's the case, it makes sense. I remember when we came to Rome, Dr. Roman said that Emperor Nero's childhood wasn't very happy.

If that's the case, Ritsuka understands why this blond child suddenly became so close to Advisor Novia. It's probably due to his demeanor; after all, although he's a Servant, he's still just a child.

However, that dragon witch rides on Novia's neck 24/7, and this little Servant who seems to be Nero is so close to her... well, I don't really want to see it... But then again, if Advisor Novia became my Demi-Servant... I'd like to be like that too...

In fact, this thought had been echoing in the girl's heart all along.

However, such an idea cannot be presented yet, at least not now.

Fujimaru Ritsuka thought so.

"So, our next step is to help Your Majesty Nero get closer to the 'Osiris' that is suspected to be launched by the Servant Alexander in the Egyptian province."

Ritsuka said, a calm smile on her face.

Who influenced me to become like this? In the girl's heart, she recalled what happened at that shrine that day.

"Ritsuka, is there something you don't want to see?"

Nero suddenly burst out laughing and said something rather cryptic.

"Haha... Indeed, you and I are somewhat alike."

She said this with a smile.

"Yes, if Rome were to encounter a major problem, it would have a significant impact on human history."

"That's right, after all, the Servants that have appeared are not easy for ordinary people to deal with."

"Hum hum……"

Nero laughed again. "What do I have to fear?"

As he spoke, the roses around him seemed to obey the emperor's command and suddenly began to flutter in the palace.

“I am the emperor, Nero and Claudius are the world, I am the pope, and Domitius is the universal supreme priest. So even Alexander the Great, who founded the Alexander Empire, was just a drop of wine in the emperor's cup, and the Greek polytheists were just defeated opponents of the holy pope.”

For a fleeting moment, Ritsuka felt a faint, ethereal scent of blood emanating from Nero. But upon reflection, it made sense; no emperor, even a pope, could be too 'pure'.

"The world chose Rome, the world chose the Pope, so let the remnants of the past stay obediently underground."

Nero waved his hand, glanced at Draco who was still holding Novia and smiling at him, and then his tone became more serious.

“There’s no need to gather a large army; Lucius’s legion is enough. You can all come with me now. Let’s drink our fill, eat our fill, and fill our bellies with delicious food—”

"Could we wait a moment and go tomorrow?"

Just as Nero was confidently shouting, as if he was about to lead everyone away from Rome to the province of Egypt, Novia suddenly raised her hand and said this. Then, in Ritsuka and Mashu's eyes, the emperor, who had been so domineering, suddenly seemed like a different person. Actually, that's not quite right, it's just that his attitude changed very suddenly.

"Oh? Is that so? Well then, I'll do as you say. After all, I'm quite tolerant."

Just like that, Novia didn't even give a reason, and Nero seemed completely unconcerned that his authority as emperor was being ignored. He just agreed so naturally, giving the two of them the feeling that they didn't need to ask what they would eat later, as long as it was made by him. It was such a subtle feeling.

So, after the morning meeting, Novia, having forcefully handed Draco over, took Ritsuka alone to what people in the 21st century would call a pilgrimage for church members to obtain an injunction. The two of them were heading to the last destination of the 'Roman Basilica'.

It has survived for two thousand years—

The Basilica of St. Novia, the Apostolic Basilica.

Chapter 364 Fate is a fan of Nuo.

The Apostolic Basilica, in ecclesiastical terminology, is a title bestowed upon a church that possesses a special status.

In the 21st century, there are still thousands of apostolic basilicas in the world, among which are the supernumerary apostolic basilicas that serve as papal basilicas. There are five supernumerary basilicas in the Diocese of Rome. Although the Basilica of Sant'Novia is a supernumerary basilica, it is often referred to as the 'super-patriarchal basilica' to indicate its supreme status.

As noon approached, sunlight streamed into the square, shimmering the stone facade with a warm glow. Romans gathered in twos and threes, chatting excitedly, gazing at the towering dome with awe.

The full and official name of the Basilica of St. Novia is “Apostolic Basilica of St. Novia the Romans”, “General Apostolic Basilica of St. Novia the Baptist, the Holy Savior of the Romans”, and “Stadium of the Bishops of Rome”.

At this moment, the hall that would later be known by such a name was not yet completed. The roses, which were designated by the emperor, grew along the walls. If an ordinary person saw it, they would probably think that the church's high skylights could add a touch of history to the spacious interior.

Of these, only one was Saint Paul, who had recently traveled to the province of Egypt and was temporarily replacing Saint Peter.

An elderly man sat alone at one end of a bench, his eyes closed silently like a kind and devout person. He looked as if he were pondering or sleeping. If left unattended, he might just turn into stone.

"excuse me."

The sudden sound made São Paulo look up. Two people had appeared at the entrance without him noticing. He slowly got up and walked over step by step.

Although theoretically entry into the Grand Basilica requires the Pope's permission, there is no such rule at present, since the Church in the first century is in a state of disrepair.

"Welcome, both of you—"

The dry sound echoed inside the church. When Paul could clearly see that the visitors were an orange-haired girl and a silver-haired youth in disguise, he suddenly paused. "Ahem, what brings you two here?"

Suddenly, his voice became steady, but as before, it was like that of a kind old man.

Fujimaru Ritsuka knows people with this kind of voice; whether they are elderly people in nursing homes or elderly people she meets by chance, they all have this kind of tone.

"Actually, we are..."

Ritsuka hesitated, glancing at Novia beside her, wondering why he had suddenly brought her to the Saint Novia Temple.

"May the person next to me come and have a look around?"

Paul responded with a nod, to which Novia responded with a smile.

Therefore, even if Ritsuka wanted to leave now, she couldn't. So she could only watch as Novia led her to accompany the old man in a very 'simple' prayer, which was much simpler and less time-consuming than in later generations.

"Would you like to sit down for a while?"

Paul pointed to the bench he had just sat on and, without waiting for their reply, sat down at the other end of the bench.

"Speaking of which, I sense a familiar aura about this lady. Could it be that she has been in contact with Martha before?"

"Eh eh eh?"

Upon hearing this, Ritsuka was somewhat at a loss. She had naturally met Martha in France and received the cane as a gift.

"Take it out."

Just then, Novia whispered to Ritsuka, and the girl subconsciously took it out. However, Paul did not take it, but just squinted at it and then smiled with a big smile.

“This was a gift from my teacher to Martha, which she later gave to the Pope as a relic, and it was eventually buried on Mount Calvary. How did you get it?”

Paul's words instantly made Ritsuka understand a lot. At the same time, she was also wondering if Chaldea could summon the first pope who shared the same name as Novia if they used this as a holy relic. That would be a tremendous force.

As of now, Chaldea's Servants are only Mash, Novia, and Leonardo da Vinci. They were originally planned to be summoned after the French campaign, but for some reason, it was shelved until after the Roman campaign.

But the most pressing matter was figuring out how to respond to the old man. After all, the burning of humanity and the destruction of the world should be quite difficult for ancient people, especially the elderly, to explain. But before Ritsuka could come up with a suitable response, Novia replied.

"Just like the previous two."

"Oh, is it so."

Paul didn't press further, "But the people who received this staff are a saint and a pope, so what will this little girl become? Have you thought about that yourself?"

"...I don't know, I only just found out what this thing is."

Ritsuka didn't look at Paul. She looked ahead and answered, her voice filled with confusion and her tone weak, as if she had just woken up from a dream in Fuyuki where her family and the world were burning.

Of course, although he is here to save humanity and is humanity's last master, and has already gone through the events in France and encountered many things, he still feels that he succeeded not by his own efforts, but by the concerted efforts of everyone.

"It's very simple. Things don't happen more than three times. It's already been spread to three people, so the fourth one is the first one. Therefore, Ritsuka is our savior."

The girl, who had been so listless just moments before, was instantly jolted awake by Novia's words.

Like a fish out of water, she clapped her hands and looked at Paul across from her.

"Yes, I'm yours—"

Ritsuka, who had been following Novia's lead, quickly shut her mouth and lowered her head to hide her blushing face after realizing something.