### Chapter 5: That Familiar Wet Warmth
August 1, 1186
The sky was as clear as a polished mirror, not a cloud in sight.
Emerald City seemed more bustling than ever.
In the heart of the city, the majestic Saint Mariette Cathedral was surrounded by a massive throng at the grand applause square. Looking around, people in simple tunics and grand, fancy attire were crammed together, filling every possible inch of space in the square. The crowd extended into the streets and alleys connected to the square, all eagerly craning their necks to see the solemn building that loomed in the distance, waiting for the moment to arrive.
“Has the ceremony started?” someone in the crowd asked.
“No idea, can’t see!”
“Why are you in such a hurry? Just wait for the bell to ring; that’s when the new Hero will meet us.”
Yes, the people of Nalanda knew that a new Pope Knight would soon be born here. The Pope had arrived in Emerald City a few days ago, preparing for the upcoming knight ceremony for the soon-to-be hero.
Such sacred moments are rare! Not only would one get to see the unattainable Hero, but it was also a chance to catch a glimpse of the Pope. If lucky, one might even get to feel the divine grace of the Pope—now that’s something to brag about for generations!
“I heard this hero took down a monster from the Abyss all on their own.”
“Correction, it wasn’t just one; it was a whole swarm! A while back in the Woolwood Forest of Westland, there was a village nearby—it’s nothing but ruins now.”
“How do you know that?”
“I have a thing for reading the weekly reports. It was in the Church’s newsletter just the other day. They said if it weren’t for the Hero acting quickly, we’d probably experience the Valen disaster all over again from two years ago!”
“Oh my gosh, that sounds terrifying! No wonder they’re rushing to hold the ceremony—they’re celebrating a great hero who saved all of Silgaya…”
“Thank the Holy Church for their blessings; may God protect us…”
Soon enough, hymns began ringing out from the church.
Inside the grand hall, surrounded by numerous clerics and nuns singing, a girl in a white robe walked toward the high platform.
She secretly pouted.
Carlos had disturbed her sweet dreams early in the morning, forced her to listen to a bunch of nonsense, and then badgered her into wearing a complicated, ugly robe. As if that wasn’t enough, they even made her put on makeup! After catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she realized she looked like some festive decoration. She’d been sulking ever since, still pouting and full of grievances.
She initially thought the ceremony would just be a simple walk-through, but hearing the ruckus outside the church made her realize she had underestimated the significance of the Pope Knight.
She didn’t expect it would be this troublesome.
Reluctantly, she stepped closer to the platform and tilted her head up to look at Angel.
The man stood tall and regal. Dressed in a splendid pure white ceremonial robe and adorned with an exquisite high crown, he radiated a daunting majesty, far removed from the slovenly image she had seen yesterday. She could scarcely believe he was the same person.
Well, at least he finally looked the part of a Pope.
With that in mind, she stuck her tongue out at him, making a childish pout.
The move was instinctive, and only afterward did she realize how silly she’d acted, like some little girl throwing a tantrum.
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
Angel pretended not to notice her antics and lightly rested his hand on her head, his expression grave as he spoke slowly.
“Silvya… cough, lady, chosen by God’s people.”
She raised an eyebrow at this.
This guy… didn’t remember my last name, did he? Isn’t it supposed to be Miss Rabishixemos at times like this? Come on, be more reliable!
She shot him a scornful glance.
Of course, Angel couldn’t react at that moment, his expression unchanged as he continued.
“I, Angel Joseph Adrian John the Eleventh, in accordance with God’s will, here in this holy place, bestow upon you the title of Pope Knight.”
At this point, two nuns stepped forward to help remove her long robe while carefully taking the pristine cloak from Angel’s hands to drape over her.
The style was identical to Carlos’s—this was the standard Pope Knight outfit.
After wearing the cloak, the nuns stepped back. Angel then personally fastened a beautifully crafted golden emblem onto her, engraved with a blooming flower that matched the pale golden flower on the back of her cloak.
She stared at the sparkling emblem on her chest, momentarily lost in thought. Carlos had told her that the flower was called Iris, a symbol of justice and courage, and also the name of the first Pope Knight. The significance of this flower was the very reason for the Pope Knight’s existence, and only the Pope Knight could proudly wear the emblem engraved with Iris.
“…Little Black Charcoal, now, turn around and smile.”
The sudden whisper startled her back to reality. She looked up at Angel, who still wore a smile as he gazed ahead, but she noticed the slight twitch in his jaw that screamed “I’m grinding my teeth.”
She immediately perked up and turned to the church congregation, pulling off an awkward yet polite smile.
Clap clap clap—
The applause thundered on endlessly.
”Ding—” “Ding—” “Ding—”
The deep, resonant church bells echoed through the air. Upon hearing that sound, which had haunted her thoughts, her little hands trembled instinctively.
Then, as if responding to a universal call, she felt a familiar wet warmth between her legs.
In an instant, her smile froze.
“May God bless us.” Angel said dignifiedly.
“May God bless us,” she echoed, glancing up at the ceiling where vivid stone carvings depicted lively scenes and tiny figures staring at her with what seemed like MMP expressions.
May God bless, indeed. Heh.
Her period, the infamous “Aunt Flo,” decided to make a dramatic entrance at this holy moment—oh, how fitting!
…Didn’t they say girls usually feel some signs before their Aunt Flo arrives? Like mood swings or discomfort?
Why! Am I! Totally! Oblivious?!
It hadn’t even been a month! I thought I had at least a couple more days before my unexpected visitor… Had I been cranky this morning because of this!?
I considered making a break for it, but the ceremony was still far from over. Next, Angel would lead her up to the third floor, through a long corridor, and finally to the terrace at the end, where she would greet the waiting throngs.
It was the most painful journey of her life. All the way, she squeezed her legs tightly together, waddling like a clueless little duck, fearful that even the slightest movement might result in an embarrassing leak. Thankfully, this time she at least wore a panty liner, unlike the last time when she had nothing to hide behind. At such a critical moment, it provided a fleeting bit of relief, though she wasn’t sure how much longer it would last, given the flow.
Come on, dear underpants, I believe in you to help me through this crisis.
Angel walked beside her with a plastered artificial smile, thanks to his oversized cloak; he was oblivious to her predicament.
Of course, she wasn’t about to let him find out. If he knew, it wouldn’t be about embarrassment anymore, and he would likely do something utterly unexpected.
After all, you couldn’t judge this guy’s thought process by normal human standards.
The journey itself wasn’t long, but it felt like a century. The slippery sensation between her legs was becoming more pronounced.
Finally nearing the terrace, she quickly pulled the hood over her head.
If she accidentally embarrassed herself at this crucial moment… it would be embarrassing for the newly minted Pope Knight, not for Silvya!
“Why are you covering your face?” Angel whispered, reaching out to pull her hood down.
“Mind your business!” she hissed, lowering her voice to keep the nuns behind them from hearing, as she clutched the hood desperately. Angel tugged a couple of times but couldn’t pull it off, and seeing as public image prevented him from getting into a squabble with her, he could only mutter “little ostrich” under his breath and let it go.
“Look, look, they’re coming out!”
“Oh wow—Pope! Pope Knight!”
“May God bless!”
The crowd erupted into absolute chaos at their appearance, and Angel raised both hands to quiet them.
“It is an honor; God has bestowed us with new hope. Today, we welcome a mere 16-year-old Pope Knight!”
“16! Oh my gosh!”
“He’s just a kid!”
The crowd practically exploded with chatter. Angel had to signal for silence once again so he could continue his speech.
“This is the blessing God has granted us, a moment that deserves to be remembered in history! As God’s people, we should all be honored by this…”
She couldn’t focus on anything he said after that. The liner was getting wetter, and she felt she could barely hold on any longer. Sweat dripped down her forehead as her mind raced with the desperate thought of wanting this to end, fast.
It’s okay, no one’s going to notice. She reassured herself.
Last night she had stayed in a room on the third floor of the church, not far from the terrace, and there was a package in her room with pads sewn by her grandma. Once this is over, she’d dart back to her room—she’d be fine!
“…Now, let us welcome our young Pope Knight, Miss Silvya to speak!”
No, she absolutely could not run—just walk slowly. She could feel that thing ready to make its escape! And rushing might alert Angel to something… Huh? Why was Angel so quiet? Was he done?
She lifted her head, puzzled.
“Y-You’re up, you little idiot—”
That gritting voice rose again. Before she could process it, a sudden shove from Angel sent the dazed her stumbling forward, taking two unsteady steps.
Ahhhhhh—it’s coming, it’s coming—darn you, Angel!
She squeezed her legs tight and dared not move. At that moment, she even entertained murderous thoughts.
Why was she still being asked to speak? Her mind was a blank, she couldn’t concentrate—what was she supposed to say?
“Uh…”
In her panic, she emitted a sound.
Huh?
Angel looked confused.
“Uh—”
The citizens below gazed up at her with hopeful eyes.
“Ahchoo—”
She sneezed loudly, followed by a sniffle.
“…”
The entire scene fell eerily silent, as if someone had hit the mute button.
…Oh no, in her nervousness, a sneeze caused her to realize something was flowing down her leg.
