Please Stop The Pope

Chapter 72

The walking path I wanted to show Representative Choi was the outskirts of Ground Zero, where the purification work was nearing completion.

Representative Choi admired the grass that had started to grow among the ruins and exclaimed:

“Busan and Daejeon will have grass growing like this too. It’s truly remarkable. Is this the effect of the Holy Stones?”

“As you can see.”

Top-grade Holy Stones were placed throughout the purification area.

Most of the Holy Stones being mined were redirected to this place. Combined with the divine power emanating from the temple and the strength of the Sacred Tree, the speed of purification was accelerated.

It was estimated that all purification work would be completed within five days.

“If magical contamination can be purified this quickly, nations around the world will be drooling.”

“We’re already negotiating with the Japanese government for a deal.”

“Well, I’m embarrassed about myself.”

“Why so suddenly?”

“When you first said you wouldn’t accept donations, to be honest, I thought it was absurd. I couldn’t imagine a religious group surviving without donations. But as expected, you had a plan all along, Pope Kim.”

At his words, I smirked and replied:

“As you can see, our doctrine is self-sufficiency.”

“I pride myself on having a nose for money, but this feels like it’ll go far beyond self-sufficiency.”

For now, the scale of the church is small enough that it’s manageable, but over time, more money will inevitably be needed.

I nodded at his playful comment with a sly grin.

“I’m thinking of finding someone to manage the church’s finances. Would you be interested in helping, Representative Choi?”

“If you leave it to me, I might spend it all on alcohol.”

“…I wasn’t asking you to handle it personally….”

“I know, I know. Just joking around. A financial manager, huh? Sounds like you need a CFO. Running a foundation or business does require specialized professionals, including someone to handle finances.”

Come to think of it, both Aiden and Representative Choi seem to have intelligence that belies their rugged appearances.

If Aiden is specialized in diplomacy, Representative Choi embodies the role of a true “representative.”

Is the trend these days to hide intelligence rather than strength?

“I happen to know someone suitable. I’ll tell him to visit here soon.”

“There’s no need to feel pressured. You know that, right?”

“He’s the one who showed interest first. His personality aside, his abilities are solid. Meet him yourself and decide.”

The way he smiled while saying that suggested they were close.

A friend? Or family?

If it’s someone Representative Choi vouches for, their skills are probably guaranteed. There’s no reason not to meet them.

Representative Choi burst into hearty laughter and continued:

“After your visit to Japan, it seems like you’ve made up your mind. The Lumen Church is going to take action in earnest, isn’t it?”

“I had many discussions with Ryu Jin-young, an Awakened individual in Japan.”

To be honest, when I first returned to Earth, I thought it would be enough to live comfortably with my family.

I didn’t return to proselytize—I came home to rest.

But when I saw a wyvern flying over the Yanghwa Bridge, I realized that was just wishful thinking.

And from that day, my goal changed.

“The Limen Church will become the strongest shield for my family and my people.”

“The Limen Church isn’t a shield—it’s a fortress.”

“A fortress feels too oppressive and isolated. A shield that anyone can freely enter—that’s better.”

“What if someone hostile crosses the shield?”

“Well, I hope that doesn’t happen.”

I stopped walking briefly. Then, looking at Representative Choi, who had asked the question, I said quietly:

“If such an unfortunate event occurs, we’ll have to set an example to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

At my response, Representative Choi stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“If you set an example preemptively, couldn’t you prevent such unfortunate events from the start?”

“We usually call that a threat, Representative Choi. By the way, what was the business you mentioned earlier?”

“It’s about distribution.”

From sacred relics like blessed bracelets to those that would be produced in the consecration facility in the future.

Representative Choi had brought an answer much faster than I expected.

“My father wants to meet you, Pope Kim.”

“By father, you mean….”

“He’s the chairman of Yuseon Group. Not that I’m bragging because I’m his son, but he’s truly a great person.”

It’s not unusual for me to meet with heads of state, so meeting a conglomerate chairman isn’t anything out of the ordinary.

Still, I instinctively felt a bit hesitant.

“You know that religious leaders should avoid politicians as much as corporate executives, right?”

“You could meet him in secret. Honestly, couldn’t you easily shake off reporters or paparazzi if you wanted to?”

I paused to weigh the pros and cons in my head.

Yuseon Group, huh.

While I plan to maintain a good relationship with the Goblin Guild and Representative Choi, Yuseon Group is a separate matter.

But there’s no need to approach it negatively.

Like our current relationship with the government, a mutually beneficial relationship with businesses is possible.

When there’s a need, we can trade on fair terms.

At least our church is quite open in such matters.

“Fine.”

After a brief deliberation, I nodded and replied.

“When would be a good time?”

“As soon as possible, he said.”

True to the Chairman’s reputation, he seems to be quite decisive.

The Pope of the Limen Church has a duty not only to manage the believers but also to develop the church’s businesses.

This is essential for actively carrying out relief efforts.

In other words, meeting with business people doesn’t go against doctrine.

“It might be better to meet after the Korea-Japan summit concludes, don’t you think?”

“There’ll be many variables in the summit, so I agree.”

“Let him know I’ll visit next week. I’m busy this week.”

At my clear answer, Representative Choi nodded in satisfaction.

Then, with a hearty laugh, he concluded:

“Great! Since our business is successfully concluded, how about a drink to celebrate your return?”

“…Let me remind you once again, avoid the Barbarian at all costs.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m serious.”

When doppelgangers meet, one of them is supposed to die….Ah, in their case, they’d probably just devour each other alive.

Anyway,

I just want to go home and rest.

Take Siyeon and Baekseol and slack off as much as possible.

As I brushed off Representative Choi, who tried to cling to me until the end, I let out a long sigh.

Today, when I get home, I won’t do anything.

Nothing at all.

My determination to leave work immediately crumbled quickly, and I ended up staying at the temple to handle various tasks.

Finally, at 10 p.m., I managed to return home.

Nyaaaah—

Baekseol greeted me as I entered.

Like a long-lost family member, she rubbed her face against my leg. It was almost absurd how adorable a divine beast could be.

“Brother, you’re back?”

“Big Brother!”

In-wook and Siyeon also came to the door to welcome me warmly.

“Brother! Where’s my gift?”

“Well, the Japanese Prime Minister said he’d give me an island next week. Will that do?”

“Did you ask for one with lots of flowers?”

“Of course.”

“Great!”

Siyeon might not understand the true value of an island gift….

“Then let’s build a resort there and make lots of money, Big Brother! Like with marine leisure facilities and stuff!”

“…What?”

“We’re rich now! Hehe!”

…She seems to understand the value of the gift far too well—so much so that it’s unsettling.

Siyeon showed off in front of me for a while before taking Baekseol and heading to her room.

Watching her retreat, In-wook spoke to me cautiously.

“Do you think she’d accept an investment?”

“What investment?”

“For building the resort. I’ve saved up a fair bit, you know? I could even take out a loan if necessary to invest….”

Why do all my siblings seem abnormal?

After giving In-wook a light smack on the back, I grabbed a piece of bread from the dining table and said:

“Family doesn’t do money deals.”

“Then what about my gift?”

“Check your account.”

In response to my words, In-wook quickly looked at his smartphone, then turned to me with tears welling up in his eyes.

“Ten million won? Hyung!”

“It’s a special bonus for managing MyTube well. Our church is pretty strict when it comes to financial matters.”

“I’ll keep working hard! Hyung, is there anything you want to eat? If we’ve got the ingredients, I’ll cook it for you!”

Indeed, there’s nothing like money to strengthen family bonds.

I chuckled as I watched In-wook, now burning with enthusiasm.

“Is MyTube management going well?”

“We surpassed 1 million subscribers a while ago, and at this rate, we’ll hit 10 million within half a year. Overseas traffic has surged, and especially since the day before yesterday, Japanese viewers have been pouring in. Oh, right, Hyung. We have a fan café now.”

“A fan café?”

“It’s not that surprising, right? You saved Korea and Japan so it makes sense.”

I’d already felt it earlier at the airport, but it seemed my popularity had grown significantly.

For the record, reporters and crowds had even gathered in front of our house.

I was seriously considering moving to a more secure location—both for my family’s sake and to avoid bothering our apartment neighbors.

“By the way, Hyung, are you only planning to upload worship and sermon videos on the official Limen channel?”

“Not at all. The main purpose is communication, so we’ll probably add a few other types of content.”

“I’ve got a great idea—want to hear it?”

With his motivation fueled, In-wook’s passion was blazing.

It was a good change.

“Let’s hear it.”

“Okay, so here’s what I’m thinking…”

I smiled contentedly as I listened to In-wook’s ideas for quite a while.

It really was true: spending the evening at home with family was the most comforting way to end the day.

8.

“Aiden, are you saying that the Black Pope will be of sufficient help to us?”

“I’m telling you, yes. Plus, he’s already at odds with the Purifiers—that group of deranged villains. He’s perfect for us. Trust me, Boss.”

“Is it because of their involvement in the Korean Abilities Bureau bombing?”

“Magic stones. Kim Siwoo already knows about them. I told you, that guy isn’t your average cult leader.”

Aiden Howard lay on a sunbed by the beach, taking a sip of whiskey.

He wiped his lips and continued.

“I’m serious. That guy’s the real deal. Unlike the Western Pope, the Eastern Pope is a complete maniac. Get it?”

“The Western Pope?”

“You know, the old man in the Vatican. Oh, wait—is he still around?”

“…The Vatican hasn’t fallen, Aiden. Their power has weakened, that’s all. Still, the term ‘Eastern Pope’ is fitting. And as for the word ‘maniac,’ wouldn’t that suit you better?”

“A gentleman being called a maniac—how rude, even for you, Boss.”

A sigh echoed through the tablet PC speaker. Moments later, a more composed voice resumed.

“China is mobilizing awakened forces toward the Yalu River. It’s not just a training exercise.”

“Are they planning to forcibly occupy North Korea?”

“There’s a possibility that the South Korean government will seriously discuss advancing northward. Despite everything, it’s a fact that North Korea is rich in resources like magic stones. With an Irregular on their side, South Korea won’t sit still.”

Magic stones and other otherworldly minerals are currently among Earth’s most valuable strategic resources.

Though Aiden was a returnee, he wasn’t naive about such power dynamics.

“All right, so what’s my role?”

“One item on the agenda for the upcoming Korea-Japan summit. As soon as the discussions are announced, head to the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command.”

“Good news to my ears. What about in Korea?”

“Further instructions will follow. Until then, continue building rapport with Kim Siwoo. I’ll also provide intel on the villains within South Korea. Many are connected to the Purifiers. That’s all.”

– The call has ended.

After the call, Aiden set the whiskey bottle down and stood up.

Stretching leisurely under the blazing sun, he smiled as he soaked in the heat.

“Korea, huh.”

He recalled the crazy pope he had met not long ago.

That lunatic who mercilessly hurled spears—utterly terrifying.

But precisely because of that, it was exciting.

Madness attracts madness, after all.

“This is going to be fun.”

Aiden licked his lips and began walking.

At that moment, another headache for Kim Siwoo was born.