Xingyue, is Xiaokai also considered Kai?

Domitius had heard Novia talk about Judaism, and in short, while there were good things in Judaism, there weren't many, and in Jerusalem all that was damned.

"roll!"

“Sir, do you not wish to become a sinner of the Lord? If Nova obstructs you, you and Novia will sooner or later be nailed to the shame of Jerusalem. You should know that he has come to this point without me saying more. Only by joining us can you cleanse your sins and receive God’s grace.”

Through the door, Domitius could almost see the speaker's smug expression. The blonde girl couldn't help but grit her teeth in anger at such an insult to someone she respected.

“The child I raised is no disgrace to God; he’s someone even a teacher would praise. You don’t disbelieve me, frankly, you don’t even believe me.” The old man’s stubborn tone carried a determination that he would not yield any further. “What’s wrong? So what if things have come to this? It’s still better than you heartless, hedonistic people. Nothing is spotless; we all inhale dust, but that doesn’t stop him from doing his best. No one can withstand criticism.”

“I know what you’re thinking, but the worst thing you can do is slander, just like how you treated my teacher, Jesus Christ, sixteen years ago.”

The blonde girl glanced at Novia beside her again. The boy remained unchanged, his expression unreadable.

Domitius blinked and lowered his voice slightly: "Teacher, how about I help you out a little later?"

"No need, I can clean up myself—"

However, just as Novia was about to push open the door, it was suddenly flung open from the inside, and a completely unconscious magician, stripped down to only his pants, was thrown to the ground, accompanied by a somewhat aged voice—

"Paul, just go for it with this kind of person! If I weren't so old, I'd use my fists. Why are you saying all that..." The purple-haired old woman who pushed open the door was carrying a cane taller than herself. She then saw Novia and Domitius using magic. "Eh? You are... little Novia?"

In that instant, Domitius saw his teacher's smile rise to an indescribable degree for the first time, as if he were meeting his long-lost mother.

“It’s me, Martha…Big Sister.”

024: 'That Person'

"I believe that Domitius the Younger can become the new saint!"

Because the space behind the church is very large, people usually dine here in the evenings. The furniture and interior decoration are very simple, which complements the old church.

"Really? Can I really do it?"

Perhaps Paul's speech was too shocking, because the blonde girl clenched her fists and looked very nervous.

"Yes, absolutely, in fact, it could have been done a long time ago."

The elderly man who had prepared dinner nodded earnestly, his voice filled with warmth.

"Hmm, but we still need Professor Novia's permission..."

Domitius stubbornly crossed his arms and shook his head firmly.

Novia looked at the old man and the child chatting happily, and it was quite surprising that the future emperor Nero and the Christian missionary got along so well.

After all, in the original history, Christianity was a religion that was quite discriminated against and oppressed in Rome at this time. Ever since Nero falsely accused Christians of being the culprits of the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, the Roman Empire began to openly persecute and massacre believers. Therefore, Nero regarded him as the Antichrist, and Paul died at her hands.

Now, one can only say that Novia is indeed a highly skilled worker; he accomplished in a way that would take hundreds of years to achieve the current situation.

Even the prince would probably say it's good.

Because the two were engrossed in their conversation, the silver-haired boy could only eat his dinner in silence, becoming an observer just like Martha standing to the side.

Martha, a saint from the first century AD who tamed the dragon Tarasque, hosted the Savior with her siblings, witnessed his miracles, was ordained a saint by him, and gained faith under the guidance of his words. She is a beautiful and charismatic young saint.

However, that was when she was young. Now Martha is over fifty years old, and her facial expression is calm and gentle, which is different from the liveliness and vibrancy of her youth. This is because, with age, the tension and flexibility of her facial muscles have decreased.

Novia was once taken care of by them and was forced to learn Iron Fist.

"Sister Martha, is Tarask still with you?"

Novia asked casually.

"It's still here, but it's resting, so it can't come to see you right away."

Martha's smile as she looked at Novia was like that of an elder in the family, conveying a sense of warmth and kindness, reminiscent of a gentleness honed by time, both reliable and approachable.

After the death of Jesus Christ, the young Martha embarked on a journey to the village of Nielrouc in the south of France, where she used her famous iron fist and preaching to completely subdue Tarasque, who was ravaging the village.

Despite being a wicked beast, Martha couldn't abandon this dragon, abandoned by its mother and still only the mind of a child.

However, in this era where the Age of Gods has ended, there is no longer any space for the Fantasy Species to live. Fantasy Species like Tarasque should go to the inner part of the world now that the Age of Gods has ended, but it is not yet able to go there on its own.

Martha's proposed method was to separate Tarask's soul from his body, allowing the soul to travel with Martha while the body was buried underground.

Novia knew that the journey of one man and one dragon was aimed at the inner world, but the chances were slim. The end of an era and the traces of time etched on Martha's body ultimately indicated that they would only slowly fade away.

"Little Novia, after we finish eating, I'd like to talk to you, is that alright?"

Novia nodded in response, to which Martha gave her her usual smile.

Not long after dinner, the two of them went up to the steps outside the church. It was already evening, the night was deep and the dew was cold. The sky was vast and beautiful, and the stars seemed much brighter, perhaps because the air was fresh and the surroundings were dark.

"Speaking of which, although neither of you said it, little Novia, you must have heard what Paul said. Actually, everyone thinks the same way, so you can rest assured."

Martha said gently.

Novia was aware of this as well. It was probably because Judaism, which was based in Jerusalem, saw that Christian believers were rapidly growing within the ancient Roman Empire under his influence. Therefore, they wanted to find a few Christian leaders besides themselves and bring Christianity under Judaism's control.

However, it is clear that their slander against Jesus Christ in Jerusalem in 34 AD aroused great hatred among the living elders.

Moreover, given the great achievements their own people have made, they would never let their hard work go to waste. That's probably what they all thought. That's why, when faced with provocative words from others, they were able to say things like, "Nothing is spotless. Everyone inhales dust, but that doesn't stop them from doing a good job. No one can withstand criticism from others," which strongly supported Novia.

“Little Novia, you’ve only been away for three years, and you’re only seventeen now, yet you’ve done so well. Although Paul, Peter, and John haven’t expressed their agreement with what you’ve learned,” Martha quietly closed her eyes, “they actually quite approve of you. In the past few years, everyone who came back to discuss with you after hearing about what you’ve been promoting has spread what you’ve said and has been secretly learning what you’ve said. I’m doing the same. And in my opinion, even if that person were still alive, they would approve of everything you’ve done, little Novia.”

Martha, seemingly reminiscing about the past, spoke of her feelings over the past few years. Unlike Paul and others, she had not only traveled in this region and the surrounding area, but throughout the entire Roman Empire. Therefore, she had personally witnessed the development and treatment of Christianity in recent years. Although she did not understand some of the new doctrines, it did not stop her from being happy for it.

After all, Martha was a saint who never abandoned her faith after the Messiah was executed, and who did not die when she was exiled by the then governor, but instead drifted towards the south of France by God's grace.

Novia knew who Martha was talking about—it was Jesus Christ, one of the saviors in the Type-Moon universe, who carried humanity's sins and evil to heaven. This man traveled along the Sea of ​​Galilee, encountering everyone from saints to villains. In the last week before his death, he even went to Martha's house for a meal and a chat.

"So, after thinking about it, I've decided to give this to you. After all, you're very busy, and I don't know when you'll be back next time."

Martha slowly opened her eyes and handed the staff, which was now taller than herself, to Novia.

The staff looks like a cross, but Novia knows for sure that it has been modified by Marda, probably because she uses a cross as her symbol.

Because what she gave herself was the staff that Jesus Christ once possessed.

025: As we all know, the longer the title, the better!

To be honest, Martha's words and what she gave Novia caused the silver-haired boy to show a surprised expression.

The staff that Jesus possessed during his lifetime is undoubtedly a true relic. It may be inferior in power to the blood-stained Spear of Longinus and the blood-filled Holy Grail, but in terms of its symbolic meaning, it is in no way inferior.

Over the years, Novia had only ever considered the Spear of Longinus and the Holy Grail, never the staff that Martha possessed.

After all, he knew the significance of this cane to the 'Iron Fist Saintess'.

"Is that so strange?" Martha laughed, covering her mouth and waving her other hand. "While this is a very meaningful thing, it doesn't mean it will always belong to me alone. I've always thought that way. I've had it for almost decades since the Lazarus incident, and I guess that's about time. From now on, you can have it. Its value can be demonstrated by you again. After all, that's what that person told me back then—"

"Somewhere in this world, there exists someone like me who affirms your significance. So please, don't forget that."

This wasn't a lie told to explain, it was the absolute truth. With Marta's addition, Novia couldn't help but smile and nodded.

".....I see."

The night sky was high and far, and under the moonlight, Novia took a deep breath and unconsciously touched the cane that Martha was holding in her hand.

The story of Lazarus refers to the time when Martha's brother died of illness, and Jesus personally raised him from the dead in her presence.

After that, Jesus gave Martha his own staff and expected her to behave in a manner befitting a saint.

For Martha, this was everything she had as a girl, something she firmly believed would last forever.

Now, Martha not only transformed it into the shape of a cross symbolizing the deceased person, but also personally presented it to Novia as a gift.

This is the savior's approval and entrustment! If I were to hold the staff used by Jesus, the savior of the Type-Moon universe, wouldn't I already be the 'real deal'? And could I add it to weapon crafting? No, forget about that, there's really no need...

Ultimately, this was something Martha had used for many years, and Novia felt it was best to make good use of it. It would be nice to carry it on her body as an ornament in the future. Moreover, this was a relic imbued with the aura of the Prince of Pigeon, so there were simply too many things it could be used for.

Once Christianity is successfully made the state religion of Rome, we can use this relic as a starting point to establish the Eighth Mystery Society, which collects and manages relic artifacts.

According to Novia's understanding over the years, in the current Mediterranean religious world, since a unified church has not yet been established as it would later, most religious institutions consist of only one entity: a monastery.

As for the Burial Agency, it seems to be connected with Judaism in Jerusalem, but it only deals with the creatures known as Dead Apostles that have frequently appeared in the magical world since 20 AD, and nothing else.

"Seventeen years have passed since that person left, and you, Novia, are seventeen years old now. Time really flies. Speaking of which, we all think that you are quite capable for your young age."

Martha looked up at the starry sky as if reminiscing about the past, and said with emotion.

"Really? That's great."

Novia smiled sincerely. Although he usually wore a smile and it was hard to tell what he was happy about, this smile was undoubtedly genuine and not a pretense.

Seventeen years had passed since Jesus' crucifixion, and Novia was seventeen years old in ancient Rome. It was probably a coincidence that Novia traveled to this place at such a time. On a certain day in 33 AD, on Mount Calvary in Jerusalem, at three o'clock in the afternoon, the Savior suffered and ascended to heaven bearing the sins of mankind.

Paul, who witnessed Jesus' execution, found Novia, who had traveled through time and was in her infancy, on his way down the mountain. He took her back and raised her, which was extremely fortunate for Novia, who was trying to accomplish her own purpose.

Historically, Paul was passionate about the law in his early years and even persecuted Christians. However, he later repented after witnessing the deeds of Jesus. In order to spread the word about his teacher, he abandoned his privileges as a Roman citizen and his high social status, and devoted himself to spreading Christianity.

Although he was not one of Jesus' twelve direct disciples, through his preaching and writing, he established churches everywhere and spread the gospel throughout the Mediterranean region, which ultimately changed the religious beliefs and philosophies around the Mediterranean basin. Therefore, he is also known as the apostle of the Gentiles.

However, Martha's unintentional remark reminded Novia of something: she could make a big deal out of this coincidence in the future. After all, this was the Type-Moon universe, and she had come to ancient Rome to have a means of self-protection in the face of a potential danger that might come two thousand years from now.

After dealing with the main obstacles such as the Senate, Agrippina, Claudius, Jerusalem, and Judaism, he then spread rumors throughout the Roman Empire that he actually had a great relationship with God, that he was an incarnation or a shadow of God.

Later, we can add titles such as: Successor of Jesus Christ, One who correctly understands the Lord's will, Head of God's servants, Leader of the Kingdom on Earth, Mediator of strife, Forerunner of the world, Counter of all things, One whose faith in the Lord is inexhaustible...

"It's getting late, I need to rest now, little Novia, you should rest early too."

Martha, who was fifty years old, walked away slowly. Her voice was always gentle, and in this night, it was this gentleness that seeped into every inch of Novia's body more deeply than the cold weather.

Therefore, the silver-haired boy nodded again in response to her persuasion.

Because of Martha's unexpected delight, Novia has now devised a plan for a new 'miracle' to occur in Jerusalem a year from now, ensuring that the burial authorities will not interfere, since the label of 'heretics' was bestowed by 'God'...

Marda in her youth.jpg

026: The lingering unease in my heart

Life in Antioch was vastly different from life in Rome. For Domitius, who had lived in Rome since childhood, the biggest difference was the passage of time.

This small town stands in the northeast of the Mediterranean Sea, a place of poverty that can be seen everywhere. There are no beautiful gardens, no elegant halls, no hotels with doormen. Only the aroma of the day's food wafts through the neighborhood, fed animals yawn lazily, the distant barking of a dog comes from somewhere, and young children laugh and play loudly. Everything seems to be right next to you.

Although she only stayed for two days, she felt that time passed very quickly. The blonde girl also gradually learned that in addition to her teacher Novia, her great-teacher Paul, and Saint Martha, there were eleven other apostles.

The eleven apostles were the disciples of Jesus, the Son of God, whom Novia preached, but they all seemed to highly regard Paul.

Domitius thought so because Paul showed the young girl a letter written to him by a man named Peter.

She also asked her teacher where these people were now, and Novia replied somewhat perfunctorily that she would have the chance to see them in the future.

Since Novia had said so, Domitius naturally wouldn't say anything more. To her, Novia's current status was far higher than hers, and since she was Novia's disciple and her headache had been relieved, she had to obey her both morally and logically.

Ever since the blonde girl was given to Novia for baptism and became her disciple by her mother Agrippina, Domitius rarely saw Agrippina. This was not because her freedom to meet was restricted, but because her mother was busy with court affairs to share the burden with Emperor Claudius.

Domitius could accept the fact that his mother wanted to do something and he himself had become a commodity in the transaction.

Because her father came from a noble family but was notorious for his cruelty and debauchery, and her mother, Agrippina the Younger, was also a member of the royal family, she was naturally cunning.

When she was three years old, her father died from excessive indulgence. The Roman Emperor Caligula then stripped her of her inheritance and exiled her, as he had attempted to seduce her sister Agrippina but failed and planned to assassinate her. This left the young girl penniless for a time…

Fortunately, he was adopted by his aunt, which saved him from ending up on the streets. But his situation was predictable. He was lucky not to be killed, and the hardship of living was self-evident.

A year later, the tyrannical Caligula was assassinated, and the blonde girl's fate began to reverse instantly. The newly enthroned Emperor Claudius, Caligula's uncle, decisively ordered the return of all the confiscated inheritance to her, and her mother Agrippina was also restored to her honor after successfully returning to Rome.

But Agrippina was no pushover. Not long after her return, she completely captivated the richest man in Rome at the time, and they had a grand and lavish wedding. Then, she subtly persuaded him to agree to take her child and raise it with him.

As a result, within a few years, the richest man's wealth was completely plundered by Agrippina the Younger, and a large portion of his assets ended up in Domitius's name. Of course, the richest man also died.

Domitius knew perfectly well that his mother was no good, and he had a pretty good idea of ​​why his mother had entered the palace and what he needed to do.

Over the years, there have been people who have helped her and greeted her, as well as those who have taken advantage of her misfortune and were only interested in getting ahead. The entire Roman court has always been filled with infighting, which is even more pronounced when it comes to achieving one's own interests. The open and covert conflicts are as commonplace as the chirping of birds in the early morning.

Therefore, Domitius was not surprised when he learned that his mother had arranged for him to be baptized by Novia; this was not unusual for Rome.

In the ancient Roman Empire, a twelve-year-old child was of marriageable age, and the person involved had no choice but to passively accept the arrangement. Therefore, she thought that baptism was a euphemism for sexual transactions, only to find out the next day that she was wrong.

Domitius himself was puzzled. He was of no value to Novia except for his body, so why would he agree to such an unfavorable deal with his mother? Foolish? Impossible. Someone who could rise from nothing to such a position at such a young age couldn't be a random fool...

She had never been able to understand this point. Even if she really wanted to find a disciple, Novia was so young that she could easily adopt a baby and raise it from a young age, instead of finding someone like her who was already capable of independent thinking. It was extremely unwise, not to mention that her own mother, HIA, was no pushover.

Although Domitius remained puzzled, it did not prevent the blonde girl from holding her teacher in high esteem.

This is probably because when she was young, she was homeless and had to rely on the help of the people to survive until she was adopted by her relatives. Therefore, she genuinely loves the people whose names she doesn't know. Hence, she holds Novia, who is revered by the people, and the daily experiences she had with him.

However, although the girl didn't seem to mind any of it, she still felt uneasy.

In the Roman court, everyone was embroiled in intricate power struggles and schemes.

For example, a marriage between children is not possible if there is not enough mutual benefit between the parents.