Only God

In the ceremony, under the gaze of all, Bishop Denis blessed the city, blessed the common folk, and also blessed the Emperor who ruled Danschel. Shouts of all kinds filled every corner of the city during this boisterous event.

Bishop Denis raised his hand to the crowd, sending his blessings to them. The feeling of being praised by thousands was exhilarating—ah, it was indeed a beautiful day. If only he could visit Meloslo's home tonight, that persistent lady would surely bestow upon him the most ardent of kisses; this was the happiness that God intended to grant him.

Amidst the bustling throng, Bishop Denis saw some tenants jostling to the front, waving and cheering at him, which made him exceptionally pleased. He knew these tenants were farmers from the Church's estates, and also from his own private land. Once today was over, he would reduce their taxes—oh, how merciful he was.

"It is precisely because I have been an exemplar of the True Believers that I can enjoy such happiness today,"

thought Bishop Denis cheerfully in his heart:

"Those who hold resentment against me constantly complain without cause, saying I bring them suffering. Little do they know, I am sharpening them with hardship, turning them into exemplars of the True Believers! Giving them all a chance to enjoy the happiness I experience today!"

At this moment, Bishop Denis was no longer troubled by that question.

If sin could bring greater happiness, then what use was virtue?

Bishop Denis already had a definitive answer in his heart—present virtue was but for the sake of grasping happiness with sin in the future!

Boarding the carriage, Bishop Denis received the Governor's Peace Kiss. His face was full of benevolence towards the enthusiastic crowd, but his mind had already drifted to his mistress, Meloslo.

At this time, the Church had not yet prohibited the Clergy from marrying, but there were constraints on the marriages of the Clergy, such as not allowing Priests to marry within three years of their ordination, or the rule that, should a Clergy member's spouse pass away, they should remain chaste for life.

Bishop Denis's wife had died over a decade ago, and due to the regulations, even though he had long forgotten his wife's face, he still prayed for her annually, kissing the pendant that his wife had given him. Of course, in addition to praying for his wife, he also secretly prayed for his mistress, Meloslo.

The fervent crowd surrounded the carriage, all deceived by Bishop Denis's good reputation. Some were excessively fanatical, to the point of jumping onto the carriage, clinging to the windows, and kissing the back of Bishop Denis's hand.

However, Bishop Denis grew weary of it—he was old now, and the passion came and went quickly. He no longer found joy in the crowd's cheers, but felt a sincere annoyance.

Thus, he ordered the Governor to leave the street as soon as possible, allowing him to breathe some fresh air in the gardens of the Governor's Mansion.

That evening, Bishop Denis received a warm reception at the Governor's Mansion. Compelled by power, everyone, despite understanding his character, displayed a face of respect, offering all sorts of precious gifts.

An ivory-carved ring, a sapphire necklace, a roll of fine silver thread, gold and silver goblets... the guests offered various attentions to the regional Bishop, and obtained light blessings from his plump lips.

Bishop Denis's mistress, Meloslo, was invited to the banquet at the Governor's Mansion, where in the back garden, Bishop Denis greedily claimed her kisses, his hands indiscreetly roaming.

Meloslo seemed unable to bear his reek of alcohol and pushed him away.

"How could you push me away! God, why did she push me away!" A drunken Bishop Denis said angrily:

"My wife pushed me away like this, and that's why she's dead."

Meloslo, frightened and pale, grabbed the pendant around Bishop Denis's neck (the one given by his wife), and asked angrily:

"Only God knows why you would say such a thing—are you out of your mind?!"

As the words fell, Bishop Denis suddenly sobered up and quickly slapped his own face several times.

Late into the night during the banquet, Bishop Denis had to excuse himself—he had to preside over morning prayers tomorrow and couldn't stay too late at the Governor's Mansion.

Sitting in the carriage, Bishop Denis couldn't help but feel secretly relieved that no one other than Meloslo had heard his drunken talk.

When Bishop Denis got out of the carriage in front of the Grand Cathedral, a Monk hurried over to him.

"What has happened?"

asked Bishop Denis.

"Good Priest, there's someone who refuses to leave. He says he must confess to you today or he won't have peace for a single day..."

From the Monk's words, Bishop Denis learned that after today's ceremony ended, a True Believer came to the Grand Cathedral, waited from the afternoon up until late at night, and refused to leave.

"Such a pious person, let him go to the confessional,"

said Bishop Denis, in a good temper today.

Hearing a confession wouldn't take much time.

Soon the Monk informed Bishop Denis that everything was ready. By this time, Bishop Denis had not yet changed out of his Vestment robe; he loved these luxurious garments so much that he wore them even at the Governor's banquet after the service had concluded.

He was led by the Monk into the dark confessional. He sat down, took a deep breath, and spoke with a compassionate tone towards the carved window grille:

"My child, I know you have waited for a long time."