024: 『That Person』
"I believe little Domitius could become a new saint!"
As the space behind the church was quite large, dinner was usually held here in the evenings. The furniture and interior decorations were extremely simple, fitting well with the dilapidated little chapel.
"R-really? Could I really?"
Perhaps Paul's statement was too shocking; the golden-haired girl clenched her fists, visibly nervous.
"Yes, absolutely. In fact, you could have long ago."
The old man, having prepared dinner, nodded seriously, his tone kind.
"Mmm, but this still requires Teacher Novia's approval, right...?"
Domitius stubbornly crossed her arms and shook her head firmly.
Novia watched the cheerful exchange between the old and the young. The future emperor Nero and a Christian missionary getting along so harmoniously—however one thought about it, it was astonishing.
After all, in the original history, Christianity was a heavily discriminated against and oppressed religion in Rome at this time. And since Nero falsely accused Christians of causing the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, open persecution and slaughter of believers began within the ancient Roman Empire. Thus, Nero was seen as anti-Christ, and Paul also died by her hand.
Now, one could only say that Novia was not undeserving of being a high-level worker, accomplishing in one lifetime what took centuries, thereby enabling the present situation.
Even the Pigeon Prince would probably approve.
Since the two were engrossed in their own conversation, the silver-haired youth could only silently eat his dinner, much like Martha beside him, becoming mere spectators.
Martha was a first-century saint who tamed the evil dragon Tarasque. Along with her siblings, she hosted the Savior, witnessed His miracles firsthand, was appointed as a saint by Him, and, guided by His words, gained faith. She was a beautiful and radiant holy maiden—
But that was in her youth. Now Martha was in her fifties. Her facial expression was calm and gentle, different from the liveliness and vividness of her younger years—a result of decreased muscle tension and flexibility with age.
In the past, Novia had been under her care and forced to learn... iron fists.
"Elder Sister Martha, is Tarasque still with you?"
Novia asked casually.
"He is. But he's resting now, so he can't come to see you immediately."
Martha's smile as she looked at Novia was like that of a family elder, exuding a warmth and familiarity that spoke of long-honed gentleness, both reliable and approachable.
After Jesus Christ's departure, the young Martha embarked on a journey, arriving at the village of Nerluc in southern France. Using her famous iron fists and preaching from her homeland, she completely subdued Tarasque, which had been plaguing the village.
Though a wicked beast, Martha could not abandon this dragon, abandoned by its mother and with the mind of a child.
However, in this era where the Age of Gods had ended, there was no longer space for Phantasmals to reside. Phantasmals like Tarasque should have gone to the Reverse Side of the World with the end of the Age of Gods, but he was unable to go there on his own.
Martha's method was to separate Tarasque's soul from his body. The soul would travel with her, while the body was buried underground.
Novia knew well that the journey of this person and dragon, aimed at reaching the Reverse Side of the World, was unlikely to succeed. The traces of time passing on Martha's body ultimately indicated only a slow fading.
"Little Novia, after dinner, I'd like to talk with you. Is that alright?"
Novia answered with a nod. Martha responded with her usual smile.
Not long after, dinner ended and was cleaned up. The two went outside to the church steps. It was already night, deep and dew-chilled. The sky was vast and beautiful; perhaps due to the clean air and surrounding darkness, the stars shone much brighter.
"Speaking of which, though neither of you mentioned it, you probably heard what that fellow Paul said, right? Actually, everyone thinks the same way, so you can rest assured."
Martha said gently.
Novia was clear on this point. Likely, seeing the rapid development of Christian believers within the ancient Roman Empire under his influence, the entrenched Judaism in Jerusalem sought to bring Christianity under its wing by contacting the apparent leaders besides himself.
But obviously, their slander against Christ Jesus in Jerusalem in 34 AD filled the surviving elders with immense hatred.
Moreover, their own people had achieved so much; no one would let it go to waste. That's probably what they all thought. Thus, facing others's provocative words, they could strongly support Novia by saying, 'Nothing in this world is spotless; we all breathe in dust. But that doesn't stop him from doing better. No one can withstand others's nitpicking.'
"Little Novia, you've only been away for three years, just seventeen now, yet you've done so excellently. Although Paul, Peter, John... they haven't expressed agreement with all the content you've comprehended." Martha quietly closed her eyes. "But they actually do approve of you. These past years, those who returned to discuss with them after hearing what you preached—they've all propagated according to your meaning, secretly learning what you said. I have too. And in my view, even if that person were still here, he would greatly approve of everything you've done."
Speaking of her feelings over these years as if reminiscing, Martha differed from Paul and the others. She didn't just travel in this region and its surroundings but throughout the entire Roman Empire, so she personally witnessed the development and treatment of Christianity in recent years. Though she didn't fully understand some of the new doctrines, it didn't stop her from being happy for it.
After all, Martha was a saint who never abandoned her faith even after the Savior's execution. Exiled by the then-governor, she did not die but, favored by God, drifted to southern France.
Novia knew who Martha meant by 'that person'—one of the Saviors in the Type-Moon worldview, Christ Jesus, who bore human sin and evil up to heaven. This man roamed around the Sea of Galilee, interacting with saints and sinners alike. Even in his final week before death, he dropped by Martha's house for a meal and a chat.
"So, I thought about it and decided to give this to you. After all, you're busy, and who knows when you'll return next."
Slowly opening her eyes, Martha handed the staff, now taller than herself, into Novia's hands.
The staff resembled a cross in appearance, but Novia clearly knew Martha must have modified it, likely because he used the cross as a symbol.
Because what she gave him was a staff that Christ Jesus had possessed during his lifetime.
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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