Lucas had a feeling about the kind of discussion he and the pope were about to have. The dining room was softly lit by candlelight dancing along the walls, and a long table stretched down the center like a path. The pope sat at the far end, smiling warmly. Lucas took his seat.
Soon, four attendants entered, each carrying something in their hands. Two of them placed plates of sizzling steak in front of the pope and Lucas, while the other two filled tall iron glasses with water.
After a brief wave to dismiss the attendants, the pope raised his hands, smiled, and said with reverence to the goddess,
"Let us begin."
Then he dug into his steak.
Lucas, taking his cue, also began eating. The meal was rich and savory, but as the silence dragged on, a tension slowly crept into the air. The clink of a knife, the rustle of clothing—each sound echoed a little too loudly in the quiet.
Breaking the silence at last, the pope spoke as he cut into his steak.
"So, my child, how was your day? What did you do?"
Lucas smiled after swallowing a mouthful.
"It was very nice. I went to the training ground and met the chief instructor. He was really kind—and I even learned a few things from him!"
The pope looked pleased.
"I'm glad you've taken to him. You'll be spending a lot more time together—he'll be your instructor from tomorrow onward, until you leave this place."
After another bite, he continued.
"I called you here tonight to tell you something important. As per Lady Wisdom's will, you are welcome to stay in the Holy Church until your coming-of-age ceremony. You are not obligated to, but the choice is yours. Also, you will be baptized tomorrow."
Lucas chewed his food slowly, processing the sudden flood of information. At that moment, Hugin swooped down and perched on his left shoulder. The pope's eyes widened in curiosity and surprise.
Noticing the pope's gaze, Lucas quickly explained, gesturing to the bird.
"Apologies for the late introduction—this is Hugin, my holy spirit."
The pope studied Hugin for a moment and then smiled.
"Ah, so this is the manifestation of your will. I can feel the holy power radiating from it… though it is quite different from the spirits granted by our goddess. Perhaps that's due to your god being different from ours."
He paused and tilted his head slightly.
"Hmm… interesting. I believe it's trying to say something. Would you mind translating?"
Lucas blinked, surprised. Hugin had just told him something.
"Yes, Pope Francis. Hugin says my god has permitted me to live and train here until my coming-of-age ceremony. He also said you will be in charge of me until then."
The pope's smile widened. He raised his wine glass high.
"Then I welcome you with joy. I pray I will not disappoint your lord and will do my utmost."
Lucas raised his water cup and nodded.
"Thank you for your kindness. I'll do my best as well."
The warm exchange brightened the room, banishing the earlier tension. Even Hugin was given a small steak of his own by a servant. The evening lightened into easy conversation.
After dinner, Lucas and the pope went their separate ways. While Pope Francis went to prepare for the upcoming baptism, Lucas decided to wander the church courtyard to get some fresh air. Hugin followed closely behind, wings fluttering silently.
As Lucas strolled past the church's fountain, he noticed someone sitting alone on a nearby bench, gazing up at the sky. A boy—young, like him—swinging his feet, lost in thought.
Curious, Lucas walked over. The boy turned at the sound of his footsteps. Their eyes met.
"Hello," Lucas said. "May I ask who you are?"
The boy replied calmly,
"Hello. My name is Nolan. I'm the pope's adoptive grandson. And you?"
Lucas, oddly relieved by the answer, sat beside him.
"I'm Lucas. I'll be living here from now on. I guess… you could call me your brother."
"Hmm… Brother, huh? So you were adopted by the pope too?" Nolan asked in that same quiet, collected voice.
"Let's just say that, yeah," Lucas said, joining him in gazing at the stars. "So, what are you doing out here?"
"Just admiring the beauty of the stars."
Lucas smiled.
"Back in my village, people would create shapes out of the stars—animals, humans. We called them constellations."
He pointed at a grouping of stars.
"That one there is called the Hawk Constellation. It always points east and represents loyalty and brotherhood. Fascinating, right?"
Nolan looked up. "Yes… very fascinating indeed."
Lucas went on to show him several more: a bull symbolizing strength, a hunter symbolizing survival, and others. Eventually, the two began creating their own constellations, laughing and pointing out imaginary creatures in the sky.
High above them, standing on a church balcony, Pope Francis watched the two boys with a gentle smile. Beside him stood Gallagher, the chief instructor.
"Look at them," the pope said fondly. "They get along so well. I'm relieved. I can entrust the future of the Holy Land to them."
Gallagher, also smiling, nodded in agreement as they looked down at the two boys—Lucas and Nolan—sitting side by side under the stars, laughing like brothers.