My older sister is a villainous rich girl

Chapter 660 Nobles and Divine Servants

For the Vatican, Tasia's significance undoubtedly far outweighs that of Wayne, a young man who, in the eyes of outsiders, only received an invitation from the higher-ups because of his family background.

Although he was known as a genius in the capital, he was ultimately no match for the favor of the Light Magic.

Devout believers believe that the gaze of the divine guides everything in the world, but His existence transcends the constraints of the mortal realm. He has no physical form and cannot be perceived. Humans can only follow the traces He has left behind and worship the projection He has left on earth.

Under God's silent gaze, the existence of tangible God's chosen ones is naturally the best proof that the ignorant believers can feel God's will and confirm that God is still watching over Him.

Wayne understood the crux of the matter perfectly well and was prepared for the discriminatory treatment from the Papacy, so he didn't bother with them. If he were in a high-ranking position in the Papacy, he would also value Tasia more.

The dormitories arranged for the two were not adjacent; they were located at opposite ends of the corridor bridge, with their doors facing each other across the distance.

"Little White, you should stay in the house and not run around. I will prepare food for you every day before you go out."

In Wayne's dormitory, in front of many outsiders, Wayne gently comforted the dog.

But with his back to everyone, Wayne gave Xiaobai a warning look.

Don't cause me any trouble.

The dog rolled its eyes at him, shook off Wayne's hand, circled around Tasia next to him, sniffed her scent, and then jumped onto the other seat, curled up in a ball, and closed its eyes to rest.

Amused by its serious yet somewhat comical actions, Tasia couldn't help but bend down and pat its head.

"What an adorable child... But why did Wayne insist on bringing Little White with him to the Holy See this time? Such a long journey must be quite a challenge for him too."

"Uh……"

Wayne glanced at Alex and Camille, who were also in the room.

Before he set off, someone had asked him the same question, and at that time, Wayne answered without any shame—"This is my most beloved companion, and I cannot bear to be without it for even a moment!"

But if he were to say it the original time, Tasia would realize in less than a second that he was talking nonsense.

He never had this problem when he was at school.

So Wayne said, not really meaning it, "I just wanted to take it out for a walk. A dog's lifespan is only ten or twenty years. What we experience in the blink of an eye is a lifetime for them. If one day it has to go back to Dog Planet, it can probably brag to its neighbors that it has seen all the wonderful things in the world... uh, a dog."

"Such insights sound just like Wayne's usual style."

Wayne was about to ask what "consistent style" meant, but Tasia, without waiting for his response, continued to press, "If given the chance, Wayne would also like to travel the world, wouldn't you?"

Although it was a question, it sounded very certain, and Wayne subconsciously showed a surprised expression.

How did she know?

"I have thought about it, but it's just something I'm keeping to myself for now."

He is now firmly bound to the identity of [Wayne] by many people and things, and he probably won't have such a luxurious opportunity in the foreseeable future. The world is too vast, and the world he is so immersed in and unwilling to leave is too small. The so-called "traveling the world" is ultimately just a dream, just his wishful thinking about another life full of adventure and freedom.

At this point, Wayne suddenly recalled that the character he created for [Aikos] seemed to be someone who dreamed of one day traveling the world to pursue the pinnacle of the magical world...

His heart skipped a beat, and he stealthily glanced at Thea's retreating figure out of the corner of his eye.

That can't be... Tasia doesn't seem to have noticed anything.

He felt inexplicably guilty.

"Ha, haha, those were just grand pronouncements from my childhood, like wanting to travel the world and become a great hero who saves the world. Sigh, if you hadn't brought it up today, I probably wouldn't even remember having such naive thoughts. It's truly an unbearable memory." Wayne quickly stood up and patted non-existent dust off his knees.

Inside the Vatican, every street within sight is paved with exquisite tiles, and even the dormitories of ordinary apprentices are furnished with luxurious carpets. Sculptures and various buildings are everywhere, clearly indicating that they cost a fortune.

No matter how lofty the ideal or how devout the faith, in order to grow higher and bigger, it must take root deeper and deeper into the earth, and will eventually be confined to the soil in various ways. Even churches that aim to convey God's grace and save the world and are well-regarded among the poor are no exception.

“Let’s go out and explore first, and learn more about the environment of the Holy See! By the way, Camille, is the class division system of the Holy See the same as that of Qingxi Academy?” Wayne changed the subject.

"Ah—" Camille suddenly snapped out of his daze, withdrawing his gaze from Tasia, who had been staring at him as if lost in thought.

She made up her mind.

"They're pretty much the same, except that the academy's graduation exam is for advancing to the next grade, while the Holy See's graduation exam is for advancing to the next rank. But, for most people, advancing to the next rank is not something that can be done overnight."

She used herself as an example: "For instance, although I have been at the Vatican for several years, I am still a novice. Only after successfully completing the graduation exam can I obtain the status of a pastor and be promoted to novice pastor. Next, I need to be sent to various places to participate in internship work. Only after passing the final internship can I be called a full pastor."

"So complicated?" Wayne exclaimed in surprise. "How many years would it take to become a cardinal?"

He asked the question purely out of curiosity.

But Alex, standing to the side, couldn't hold back any longer; he was very dissatisfied with Wayne's nonchalant tone.

"Hmph, do you think that just anyone can become a cardinal? Anyone who is promoted to cardinal must make real contributions. The cardinals must first nominate him, then the tribunal will conduct a joint review, and finally His Holiness the Pope will personally confer the honor. Every cardinal is one of His Holiness the Pope's most trusted and relied-upon people."

Noticing his pride, Wayne raised an eyebrow and deliberately contradicted him: "Oh? But the noble conferment of titles in the Kingdom of Lornes also follows these procedures, and every noble is one of His Majesty the King's most trusted and relied-upon people. It seems that the difference between the Papacy and the capital is not that great."

"You!" Alex shouted angrily, as if he had been deeply insulted. "Don't compare those insect-like creatures to servants of God. The Vatican doesn't have any of you so-called nobles who lie in the lap of fame and fortune, living a life of debauchery!"

The two men were instantly on the verge of exchanging blows, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense.

Tasia realized she could no longer test Wayne and let out a barely audible sigh.

Chapter 661 The Disparity of Reality

Ultimately, this hastily assembled team broke up on bad terms.

Alex firmly stated that he disdained associating with a nobleman who leeched off commoners, and with a nonchalant air, he turned and left. Wayne, watching his earnest performance, merely sneered.

Whether he genuinely believed it or was merely putting on an act for others, the money used to build this so-called "heaven on earth" for the Vatican didn't come from thin air. The Vatican's exquisite and luxurious decorations and architecture, its branches and personnel throughout the continent—which of these didn't require financial support?

The Holy See, which wields immense influence across numerous countries on the continent, is involved in far more complex transactions of money and power than Qingxi Academy.

Where there are people, there is conflict. Gods may be without desires, but those who speak on their behalf are not.

There was a minor unpleasant incident, but fortunately Camille didn't mind the conflict between Wayne and Alex too much. She still thoughtfully acted as a tour guide for him and Tasia, showing them around the place.

"Camille, you are such a kind and honest person! Thank you for your hospitality."

Wayne thanked her very politely.

Honestly, when they visited Qingxi Academy, I never treated them with such care; I always just went through the motions and left immediately.

However, this girl not only did not think that she had been perfunctory in her dealings with the Vatican exchange group, but also kept a close eye on her situation throughout the trip and repeatedly stepped in to help her out of difficult situations.

This is just...too kind.

Wayne reflected for a second and realized that he still seemed to have room for improvement in his interpersonal skills.

Camille paused for a moment upon hearing this, and her response seemed somewhat reluctant. "It's nothing, it's what I should do."

“No, no, no, there’s no such thing as ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ in this world. Doing good for others should be appreciated, and there’s no need to refuse. If you have time, Tasia and I will treat you to a meal in return… Oh, no, it seems like the church serves communal meals, and you can’t order your own food.” Wayne’s disappointment was evident.

Tasia thought there was another way: "But it shouldn't be too difficult to find an opportunity to borrow the baking tools privately, right? Why don't we make some desserts and cookies together and give them to Camille?"

"Baking..."

Although there are special dessert classes at the academy, and it's not like Wayne is completely clueless, isn't it just making a fool of himself to make it with Tasia?

“I do like desserts…” Camille finally couldn’t help but ask, “But, Tasia, are you and Wayne very close?”

She didn't have the courage to look at the two people's expressions, so she had no way of observing their first reaction when they heard the question.

After a two-second pause where the air seemed to freeze, Wayne replied in a very natural tone, "Of course we're close! Tasia, Chris, and I are all very good friends."

"but--"

But Tasia is a commoner, isn't she?

If it were as if the young master and lady of a duke's family, living in a fairy tale, could so easily become "very good friends" with a commoner girl—

So, what about me back then, when I tried every means to get close to them because I thought I was of lowly status but failed?

She tried hard to hide her unusual reaction, but her hand, hanging by her side, was already clenched into a fist.

……

It's ridiculous! This guy, who usually acts arrogantly and domineeringly because of his family background, and who even brings a dog to the holy place in the hearts of believers just to humiliate ordinary people like himself who can only learn step by step, is protected by the divinists, including the so-called rising star, Tasia. They would rather trample on the bottom line and reputation of the Holy See than help him commit such evil deeds.

Alex grew increasingly angry, and in a fit of rage, he kicked a nearby tree trunk, causing several leaves to fall from the tall tree.

He admitted that he was indeed not talented enough in magical studies. But, just because of that, should he stand by and watch the future of the Papacy slide into the abyss of sycophancy towards the nobles? He absolutely could not allow it!

Suddenly remembering something, he turned and strode quickly toward the Cardinals' House.

Inside the Cardinals' House.

This is the highest decision-making body of the Papacy; all orders, even papal decrees, must be issued with the permission of the Cardinals.

There are twenty-one cardinals, but only thirteen reside permanently in the Papacy and handle its daily affairs. The remaining eight are assigned to various important dioceses. In addition, there are several cardinals-elect. Although cardinals-elect also hold the status of cardinals, they do not have seats in the College of Cardinals, nor do they enjoy rights such as papal election.

In one of the unassuming rooms, Smith was giving a private report to the Vatican's Secretary of State on his mission.

"The power struggle in the Kingdom of Saint Loens is currently very intense. The king and the nobles often clash, and there are undercurrents between them, but they are only maintaining a superficial calm. In addition, Crown Prince Richard is about to come of age and has always been well-known and loved by the outside world. He will soon join this game of gladiatorial combat as an influential force."

In addition to his regular briefing, Smith also shared his observations and assessments of the situation in Lornes.

“Over the years, the St. Loons Cathedral has developed remarkably well under the leadership of Bishop Willard, not only cultivating good relations with the nobility but also wielding considerable influence among the common people and in remote areas.” He glanced at the Director of General Affairs, who was standing by the window gazing into the distance. “However, Bishop Willard does not wish for the Church to participate in the royal power struggles and has entrusted me to convey his opinion.”

The Vatican's Secretary General was a stern-faced old man. Although the years had etched deep wrinkles on his face, one could still tell from his overall demeanor that he must have been a handsome and dashing man in his youth.

"He's still as naive as ever." The head of general affairs said in a low voice, his tone unreadable.

“Willard has always been like this, but otherwise he wouldn’t be able to fully dedicate himself to the church’s work,” Smith said.

"You admire him?"

Bishop Smith took a deep breath, seemingly lost in a memory for a moment, before replying, "Of course."

“I have mentored many people. Although I have spent a lot of time with some of them and only met them briefly in large classes, he is a very good kid. I knew that from the first time I saw him.”

He wanted to say something more, but then there was a gentle knock on the door.

Smith frowned, a look of displeasure on his face. Although it was just a regular temporary meeting room rather than a private office, and he hadn't instructed anyone to guard the door, generally speaking, no one would dare to barge in and disturb him.

"Is Mr. Smith inside? I have something very important to report." A young man's voice came from outside the door.

He was about to explode and give him a dressing down when the head of general affairs stopped him: "Let him in."

Chapter 662 I'm Just a Dog

As the conference room door opened, a nervous-looking Alex appeared behind it.

The Cardinals' House is not a place where just anyone can come and go as they please. Getting to this point has been more difficult than he imagined, but... he believes that his choice was not wrong.

Especially when he saw that the Vatican's Secretary General was also present.

He quickly composed himself and strode forward to bow.

"I am deeply apprehensive about interrupting your conversation, sirs. This was not my intention. However, a very important discovery has made me extremely uneasy, and I believe it is imperative to inform Lord Smith as soon as possible. I dare not delay even for a moment."

As he recited his prepared lines, Alex quickly glanced at the situation in the conference room, his brain working at top speed.

The fact that the head of general affairs was not sitting in the head seat, but rather standing by the window in a more relaxed manner, indicates that their previous conversation was not very formal, or at least that the head of general affairs himself did not take it very seriously.

On the wooden table in the center of the room sat a dark brown, old-fashioned briefcase, a longtime companion to Bishop Smith. The documents inside were neatly arranged, suggesting that they had finished what they were about to say.

The advantage lies with me!

Seeing his shifty gaze, Smith frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "Weren't you just walking with Wayne Wincher and Tasia?"

Alex paused upon hearing this, then said with a serious expression, "That's right, what I need to report concerns those two."

……

late at night.

Using the faint magical light, Wayne drew out the places he had passed through during the day and the places he had learned about from others on paper.

Each functional area is clearly categorized, with each person fulfilling their duties in an orderly manner. The entire Papacy resembles a small town, and one's own place is merely an insignificant little dot within it.

Although there is only one main path to the summit, for a mountain of sufficient size, the path is never the problem. The only problem is whether some kind of restriction has been set up halfway up.

No, it should be said that there must be some kind of limitation.

Otherwise, wouldn't the Vatican's ban be rendered meaningless?

He suddenly looked at the dog beside him, his tone sweet and ingratiating: "Little White~ Bye-bye~ I know that in this world, you are my closest and most unconditional friend, and when I'm in danger, only you will help me without holding a grudge~"

The dog, who was lying on the table watching him write and draw, showed a look of disgust in its eyes.

Wayne tossed the pen aside, picked up the dog, grabbed its paw, and pressed it onto the spot marked with a five-pointed star.

"See this? This is where we are right now."

Then he moved the dog's paw, placing it sideways onto a building marked the House of Cardinals.