Free Web NovelChapter 1552: Chapter 1546: A Simple Inquiry
What exactly is the content of the trial for the candidate for the priesthood of the Holy Seat?
As the gray silhouette appeared before his eyes.
Ronald wasn’t afraid, nor did he immediately step forward.
He was thinking.
Is this a test for understanding spells, a test for faith’s devotion, or perhaps a test of character?
About what he was about to face next.
In an instant, many possible conjectures flashed through Ronald’s mind, with countless coping strategies.
"Child, come over here."
At this time, the gray silhouette spoke.
He waved to Ronald with a gentle and kind tone, much like an elder calling to his grandchild.
In response, Ronald raised an eyebrow.
The emotion embedded in this sentence assured him that the figure wasn’t a mechanized spell program, but rather an intelligent individual with a personality.
Some of the clever tricks he originally prepared to deal with spells seemed useless now.
He sighed inwardly.
Ronald had no choice but to walk towards him.
Upon reaching the gray silhouette, Ronald noticed that the figure had a human appearance, but his specific features were shrouded in a mist, making it hard to see clearly.
Except for a hint of goodwill conveyed through his vague demeanor.
Without the support of spell abilities, Ronald could hardly analyze any extra information.
"Child, come, sit down."
At this moment, the gray silhouette extended an invitation. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
After entering the Cathedral of the Holy Grace, the first thing encountered was a rather wide corridor.
The gray figure greeted with a single-hand gesture in the air, and a chair appeared behind Ronald, signaling him to sit.
Naturally, Ronald did not refuse, and the figure continued to reassure him:
"As a candidate for this session’s priesthood, I know you must feel anxious and nervous. But you needn’t overthink it, this is just a simple inquiry. Just answer my questions honestly."
Ronald pretended to nod vigorously in nervousness:
"Yes, I understand!"
The gray figure spoke no more and directly began his question:
"What do you think of the story in the Mongolian Holy Scripture, where the Shepherd releases the demon? Was his action grievously sinful?"
As it happened, Ronald had spent a long time in the church library.
He had read quite a few classic stories, and this one fell within his knowledge, so he quickly nodded and replied:
"I don’t think his actions were grievously sinful!"
"The innocent Shepherd was deceived and did not know he was releasing a demon; in his view, he was simply helping a stranger, which is undoubtedly a good deed!"
The gray figure questioned:
"He indeed was unaware of the truth, but releasing the demon is an unequivocal fact!"
Ronald was resolute in his opinion:
"I believe that—those deceived, especially the righteous, should not bear the blame."
"..."
The gray-robed figure pondered for a moment.
Several seconds later, he spoke again:
"Child, with such an attitude, it may not be fitting to lead the witch hunters."
Hearing this hint of refusal, Ronald smiled slightly.
This kind of exchange did not intimidate him at all, and he calmly responded to the viewpoint:
"The witch hunters represent the church’s authority, and in certain situations, such authority is naturally necessary; however, at the same time, the church should also exhibit compassion towards people, achieving both simultaneously."
"Hmm..." The gray figure nodded slightly.
He did not directly express his view on Ronald’s reply, but instead concluded this topic and moved to the next section:
"Then regarding Saint De Lisi’s experiences on the twenty-fourth day in the De Lisi Book, what are your views?"
"..."
Ronald suddenly felt at a loss.
The story involved in the previous question happened to be something he had come across in the church’s documents, so he could naturally answer fluently.
But this one...
He was utterly clueless, with no information at all.
Speaking rashly could only lead to mistakes, so he could only use rhetoric to deal with the new question:
"Which aspect of it are you asking my opinion on?"
"..."
The gray figure fell into silence, evidently not expecting Ronald to ask such a question.
And this action served as a reminder to Ronald.
—His response had a problem.
The matter being queried clearly had a very evident causative link on a certain level, and asking about it should have pointed to a specific direction for an answer.
Yet, his probing phrase did not align with the question.
Ronald’s problem had already been exposed.
But his expression showed no fear; on the contrary, he continued speaking composedly, seeking to mend the situation before the figure issued a rebuke:
"I believe one shouldn’t judge a matter solely by its appearance but also delve deeply into the philosophy it embodies. Personal views will always contain a partial aspect and can never perfectly capture the richness of reality. What do you think?"
Ronald’s remedy worked.
Though somewhat far-fetched.
Yet the gray figure never imagined that sitting before him was an impostor utterly unfamiliar with the church’s classics.
After all, this was a solemn ceremony for the church to select candidates for the priesthood!
How could an outsider possibly infiltrate it?
Moreover, in his reconnaissance magic, there was no lie detected in Ronald’s speech.
Therefore, based on the prior exchange, he was convinced that this was Ronald’s genuine thought.
Hence, he even began to commend:
"Child, your mind is agile, able to view matters from multiple perspectives, which is quite commendable."
"In that case, let’s skip this question for now."
"Let’s discuss the fourteenth Pope Mandak and his reforms during his tenure in the church."
"..."
Oops!
Again, something he knew nothing about!
Faced with two consecutive inquiries that left him clueless, Ronald even felt a cold sweat seem to trickle down his back.
But as things stood.
He could only bite the bullet and use rhetoric bravely to forge ahead:
"I... I think times are always changing, environments are as well. An organization that remains unchanged in a perpetually changing environment will inevitably decline. And if reforms are made—though the outcome of policy changes can vary for better or worse, the act of making a change itself is already an extremely courageous choice." freeweɓnovel.cѳm
"..."
"Huh?" The gray figure’s tone was filled with confusion.
The previous question was successfully muddled through.
Now Ronald’s response sounded perfect.
But the problem was— the fourteenth Pope made changes during an extremely prosperous period, allocating funds for the renovation of the old town in the Holy See.
At that time, some criticized him for extravagance.
But over time, future generations enjoyed the benefits of an advanced city and naturally began to praise this pope.
He mentioned this, originally intending to ease Ronald’s anxious demeanor with the question.
Never would he have expected such a response!
The blurred gaze beneath the gray robe quietly fixated on Ronald.
The two stared at each other for a moment, before the silhouette finally spoke:
"Avoiding direct answers, but with insightful ideas, and simultaneously possessing advanced rhetorical skills..."
"Who exactly are you?"
