025: As Everyone Knows, Titles Should Naturally Be as Long as Possible!
Frankly, Martha's words and what she gave Novia caused the silver-haired youth's face to show a surprised expression.
A staff used by Jesus during his lifetime—this was undoubtedly a genuine holy relic. Perhaps in terms of power, it was inferior to the blood-stained Lance of Longinus or the Holy Grail containing blood, but in terms of symbolic meaning, it was not lacking at all.
Over so many years, Novia had only contemplated the Lance of Longinus and the Holy Grail. He hadn't thought about claiming the staff Martha possessed.
After all, he knew the important meaning this staff held for this 'Iron Fist Saint.'
"Is that strange?" Martha smiled, covering her mouth with one hand and waving the other. "Though it's a meaningful object, it doesn't mean it must belong only to me forever. I've always thought that way. Since the Lazarus incident, I've held it for decades. It's about time. From now on, you hold it. Its value can be manifested anew through you. After all, that's what that person said to me back then—"
"'Somewhere in this world, there exists a Me who affirms your meaning. So please, do not forget this.'"
This wasn't a lie told for explanation's sake; it was genuine truth. With Martha's added words, Novia couldn't help but smile and nod.
"...I understand."
The night sky was high and distant. Under the moonlight, Novia relaxed and took a deep breath, unconsciously touching the staff Martha had placed in his hand.
The Lazarus incident referred to when Martha's brother died of illness, and Jesus personally resurrected him before her.
Afterwards, Jesus bestowed his own staff upon Martha, expecting her to conduct herself in a manner befitting a saint.
For Martha, this was the entirety of her youth, something she firmly believed would exist forever.
And now, Martha not only modified it into the form of a cross symbolizing the departed one but also personally gifted it to Novia.
This was the Savior's recognition and entrustment! Holding this staff used by the Type-Moon Savior Jesus—didn't that make him utterly the 'real deal'? And could it be added to forge a weapon? No, better not; actually, it wasn't necessary...
Ultimately, this was something Martha had used for many years. Novia felt he should use it properly. Carrying it on his back as an ornament in the future would be good too. And this was a holy relic imbued with the Pigeon Prince's aura —there were so many potential applications.
Once Christianity successfully became the Roman state religion, he could completely use this holy relic as a starting point to establish the Eighth Sacrament organization for retrieving and managing holy relics.
From Novia's understanding over the years, in the current Mediterranean religious world, since they hadn't united to form the Holy Church as they would later, most religious institutions consisted only of monasteries.
As for the Burial Agency, it seemed connected to Judaism in Jerusalem but only dealt with the beings known as Dead Apostles, which frequently appeared in the world of magecraft starting around 20 AD. Beyond that, they had no involvement.
"Seventeen years have passed in a flash since that person left, and you, little Novia, are also seventeen. Time truly flies. Speaking of which, we all think you, so young, are really quite capable."
As if reminiscing, Martha looked up at the starry sky, speaking with emotion.
"Is that so? That's wonderful."
Novia smiled sincerely. Though his face often wore a smile, one never knew what he was happy about. But now it was undoubtedly genuine, not the disguised kind.
Seventeen years had passed since the Passion of Jesus, and Novia's age in ancient Rome was seventeen. This was probably due to the coincidence of Novia's arrival here. It was on a certain day in 33 AD, at Golgotha in Jerusalem, at three in the afternoon, that the Savior bore human sin and ascended to heaven.
After witnessing Jesus' execution, Paul found the transmigrated infant Novia while descending the mountain and brought him back to raise. Incredibly fortunate for Novia, given his goals.
Historically, Paul was initially zealous for the Law and persecuted Christians. But later, witnessing Jesus' deeds, he repented. To spread his Teacher's teachings, he abandoned his privileges as a Roman citizen and high social status, devoting himself to preaching Christianity.
Though not one of Jesus' direct twelve apostles, through his missionary work and writings, establishing churches everywhere, he spread the gospel across the Mediterranean coast, ultimately changing the religious beliefs and philosophy around the Mediterranean basin. Hence, he was also called the Apostle to the Gentiles.
However, Martha's unintentional remark reminded Novia of something: in the future, he could make use of this coincidence. After all, this was the Type-Moon worldview, and he came to ancient Rome precisely to gain some self-preservation strength against possible dangers two thousand years later.
After dealing with the main obstacles—the Senate, Agrippina, Claudius, Jerusalem, Judaism—he could widely promote within the Roman Empire that he actually had a significant connection with the Lord, as an incarnation or shadow, perhaps?
Later, he could create titles like: Heir of Christ Jesus, Correct Interpreter of the Lord's Will, First Among the Lord's Servants, Leader of the Earthly Kingdom, Mediator of Conflicts, Guide of the Mortal Realm, Counter of All Things, One of Infinite Faith in the Lord...
"It's getting late. I should rest. You should rest early too, little Novia."
Martha slowly departed. At fifty, her voice always sounded soft. In this night, more than the cold climate, this softness seeped deeper into every inch of Novia's being.
Thus, to her urging, the silver-haired youth nodded again.
Due to this unexpected delight from Martha, Novia had already conceived how to stage a new 'miracle' in Jerusalem a year later. And this way, the Burial Agency definitely wouldn't interfere, since the label of 'heresy' would be bestowed by 'God'...
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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