I Became The Pope, Now What?

The time had come, the day Sylvester achieved the unachievable. A month passed, and the town’s construction had finished its first phase.

Sylvester had done everything so subtly that no one could realise what even happened. He purposefully only donated clothes that were similar in fashion to the south. Since the skin and facial features were no problem, there was no difference between the people of the south and the north beside the language barrier.

Since learning a new language takes a lot of time, it was impossible to fix it in a month. So the best Sylvester could do was make priests and Bright Mothers from the monastery teach them.

But then there was another problem. The Barbarians were still Barbarians and did not understand strict rules such as ‘you never harm a Bright Mother’.

Sylvester tried his best to make the ceremony as grand as possible to make all the Storst Town dwellers feel welcome and needed. So the entire town was decorated with flowers and various coloured walls. The Barbarians were allowed to make multiple ornaments as long as they didn’t depict their old gods.

After that, Sylvester called for nearby travelling bards to create small events all across the town over the week to make the people feel joy. He also gave a replica of the violin to some of the barbarians who knew how to play music.

Boom!

The fireworks also took to the sky as the morning came, and the sun showered its warmth on the world. The people dressed well, and a lot of food was cooked to be distributed for free. It was more like a festival, likes of which had never been seen before for a simple faith acceptance ceremony.

Lady Aurora being present there was already a blessing for many, but the barbarians didn’t even know about her, so Sylvester was all they looked forward to. But even then, the entire Holy Army stationed in the Duchy, along with the soldiers of the Duchess, had come in their ceremonial armour and silky shining capes to show a magnificent parade.

The barbarians didn’t even know they were being brainwashed, and they cheered the parade with shouts and showers of flowers. It was understandable that they were gullible because an ordinary barbarian didn’t have to worry about politics and learn how the world works.

For them, living in the mountains meant they had a predefined job. Some had to chop wood, some had to go on the hunt, some were builders, and some were farmers. There was no need for anyone to worry about anything other than their job.

“Today! On this auspicious day, when the Season of Solis is just two months away from us, I am delighted to part you with the hymns of Solis and the wisdom that makes us so superior to any other!”

Felix spoke from the stage as a crowd of thousands remained below him. The scent of worship was at its peak as the people, with their shining eyes, expected to see another miracle of the famed Bard of the Lord.

“Repeat after me as the sun shines its warmth upon us. May the Holy Light enlighten us! May the Lord bless us with a great harvest and a gentle river. Hear the sermon as he stands before you, the holy Bard!”

“May the Holy Light enlighten us! May the holy light enlighten us!” The crowd repeated after Felix’s loud shouts. Chief Koruk’s face appeared visibly pained as the man saw his people change sides so fast.

Woosh!

Sylvester suddenly appeared on the well-lit stage with the help of light crystals. It was extremely awkward for Sylvester, but he knew he had to do this. ‘Why do I feel like a superstar from my previous world doing a concert? Just I’m preaching a cult here.’

“Lord Bard!”

“Son of Solis!”

The people shouted and cheered as Sylvester’s magnificent form appeared with a mighty halo behind his head as he sang in the barbarian tongue. Sylvester wore extravagant robes that day instead of the faith’s traditional light golden yellow robes. Today, he wore white silk robes. On top of that was a red scarf with golden embroidery draped on both sides of his shoulders and falling towards his knees. On his head was a mitre of an archpriest, but it was different as gold and gems decorated it.

His right hand was raised to show an immense amount of light. At the same time, with his left hand, he utilised Miraj by making him throw up lots of gold and silver coins towards the people now and then.

a??Welcome to the arms of the true one.

For the days of misery and hunger are gone.

Plenty of harvests and warmth now await all.

All you must do is reply to the Solis’ call.a??

a??We’re all the same, albeit with differences.

Red is in our veins, varied only in senses.

Let this soothing light enter you and set you free.

Hold each other’s hands and sing with me.a??

Sylvester raised his left hand towards the crowd, and Miraj vomited the showering gold on all. It was disgusting for Sylvester as he saw and heard everything, but the people cheered and caught the golden rain.

Not only the barbarians but Sylvester’s allies were also shocked. Felix, Gabriel, Lady Aurora or Sir Dolorem, none of them knew that Sylvester had space-magic-related abilities. So, their jaws also remained hung open.

a??O’ Solis, God of Light, so divine,

Your radiance shines so bright and fine,

With every beam, you bring us peace,

And grant us comfort and release.a??

a??O’ Solis, how your light doth shine,

With every beam, you make us thine,

And though the shadows may come near,

With you, our hearts have nought to fear.a??

a??O’ Solis, you are our steadfast guide,

Your light illuminates both far and wide,

And though the storms of life may rage,

With you, we are forever safe.a??

As Sylvester came to the end of his long hymn, the people had entered a trance-like state and sang alongside him with no care. Months of light brainwashing, followed by months of direct propaganda and then the many gifts. Sylvester, the master spy of his time, knew very well how to bring down a nation, or win over one.

a??So let us sing and raise our voices.

In honour of the God of Light,

O’ Solis, we praise your name,

For Your blessings will forever remain.a??

More than two hundred thousand people of the Storst faction, all barbarians, converted to the faith of Solis. In a few months, Sylvester solved one of the two greatest problems for the Church for the past few centuries. All he had to do was use the disadvantage to his advantage — Brain instead of muscles — food instead of a blade. 𝒃𝒆𝙣𝒐𝒗𝙚𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎

As the ceremony slowly ended, the people were no longer barbarians. They were just people. Every household was given a large symbol of the church to hang in their house, as well as a book about Solis written in the Barbarian language. Sylvester had asked someone to translate it a long time ago. But, using magical means, only a hundred books could be copied.

Still, that was enough for the town as they would hear the book recital every week in the town’s square. Even the traders who will eventually enter the town will be secretly tasked with spreading the faith of Solis.

In his whole song or speech, Sylvester never denounced the five mountain goddesses. On the contrary, he reckoned the five would eventually be forgotten as the people moved on.

“Lord Bard!”

“Lord Bard!”

The crowd cheered as Sylvester walked down the stage and poured some light on the people with his palm. The warm sensation it always left behind made the people tear up, as they felt a miracle touch them. In their eyes, Sylvester was no less than a demi-god.

From early morning to late evening, Sylvester went to everyone who had just accepted Solis and spoke personally, reassuring them that good days were ahead. It meant a lot for the ordinary people who used to think that the southern people were pompous and too prideful.

Eventually, as the sun completely hid away and the night fell, Sylvester felt tired from speaking all day. So he retreated to the new monastery in Storst Town. There, he found all of the prominent guests of the day eating and talking with smiles all over them.

‘I guess I’ve succeeded this time. But only time will tell if my actions will bring long-lasting benefits to me or doom to my future plans.’

He walked over to Chief Koruk. “So, what’s our decision now? Will you continue to be a believer in mountain goddesses?”

“I will.” The man instantly replied. “But, I will also accept Solis, for my people believe in him. I live for my people, so their goodwill is important to me.”

Sylvester didn’t say anything as he sensed some conflicted scents from the man. So, he shifted to meeting with the big team that helped him over the months.

Bam!

But Felix clenched Sylvester’s arm and dragged him to a corner where Aurora and Gabriel were waiting.

“Since when? How?” Felix questioned hastily.

“What?”

“The space magic! How did you learn it? When?” Gabriel added, looking as excited as Felix.

Aurora didn’t even wait and caught both of Sylvester’s shoulders and looked him in the eye. “Light Magic, a perfect harmony of all elements, good head, supreme talent, and now space magic? How? When did you learn it?”

Sylvester awkwardly looked away toward Miraj, who was lazily sitting under a table and devouring a banana.

“I… I just found out about this when I went to save Felix. I was very desperate, and in that moment of need, I found this ability. I can store things in an invisible place and retrieve them whenever I want.” Sylvester confessed as he knew this revelation would make his life easier in the future.

Aurora’s eyes shined bright. “How much can you store?”

Sylvester shrugged and lied. “I don’t know. I’ve only stored food, gold and clothes until now. So there has got to be some upper limit to it.”

Bam!

Gabriel slapped his back. “My brother, can you store some items for me?”

Felix did the same. “Max, I need you to come with me to my family castle and take everything valuable. I’m going to bankrupt my father.”

“…”

Sylvester knew there was more, so he glanced at Lady Aurora.

She smugly smiled and let him go. “Do you have any idea how rare space magic is? As I respect this magic, my request isn’t big — I just want you to store my carriage.”

“…”

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