The moment Fiammetta mentioned her codename, she couldn't help but pause for a split second, as if she were extremely reluctant to utter it.
Truth be told, if circumstances permitted, she truly wanted to fly back to Laterano right now and smash the fluorescent light tubes over the Pope's head with her shield. Why did her codename have to be this embarrassing? Every single mission, that old man would give her a codename she didn't even want to say out loud—and she... had no choice but to accept!
"Welcome, Shimmering Vigil... cough... Messenger."
Wei Yenwu welcomed the Laterano messenger with due grace, though even he found it hard to keep a straight face at that bizarre codename. He was almost worried he might suddenly burst into laughter while saying it. Was that codename actually chosen seriously? It felt like the "bad taste" behind the name outweighed its actual meaning. He really didn't understand the mindset of the Laterano people...
It seemed that Fiammetta wasn't the only one who felt there was something wrong with the name. Any normal person would find such a title difficult to say.
"The specific reason I invited you here today, Messenger, is primarily to inquire about the detailed background of a certain individual."
Wei Yenwu extended a hand, inviting Fiammetta to sit and talk. He waited until she was settled before posing his question, his eyes fixed intently on her. Simultaneously, he handed her two photographs showing the clear faces of Lemuen and Jeanne.
Regarding Jeanne, Wei Yenwu still couldn't quite grasp the girl's true background. To make the correct decisions for Lungmen, he needed to gauge Laterano's stance. Before him sat a messenger directly under the Pope. If anyone in Lungmen could represent Laterano's attitude, this Liberi certainly had a seat at the table.
Fiammetta took the photos. She naturally understood that the person the Chief wanted to investigate wouldn't be her own captain. Therefore, his target was the Saint alone.
"I do have some understanding of these two. One is a former dear friend of mine, and the other... is presumably the person whose identity you wish to know?"
Fiammetta looked at Wei Yenwu with a smile. Wei Yenwu nodded solemnly, confirming that he was indeed after information on Jeanne.
"Miss Jeanne's identity... if she does not wish to speak of it herself, even I can only choose to keep it a secret. I can only say that her status is of paramount importance to all of Laterano. Any situation concerning her must be reported immediately to the Pope for a decision."
Fiammetta's expression was extremely serious as she spoke. This matter was too important to let the man across from her think she was joking. For now, because of Jeanne's own wishes, Laterano would not publicly declare her status as the Saint; they would only respond to external inquiries by stating her identity is classified but critically important.
"I see... no wonder your side went as far as bringing out a weapon as dangerous as a revolver cannon to protect this lady. It almost seems like an 'at-any-cost' approach."
Wei Yenwu's words sounded like a mumble to himself, but he was subtly probing: exactly how far would Laterano go to protect Jeanne?
Truly, the question of "how much a nation would do for one person" was a point of absurdity that most people couldn't fathom. If anyone else were here, they would likely wonder: what kind of person could make an entire nation revolve around them? To the point of supporting their actions unconditionally?
"Regarding the fact that Lemuen entered Lungmen and even used a revolver cannon without prior notification, I express my deepest apologies. It was a weapon she was forced to choose to ensure the success of her guard mission."
Hearing the words "revolver cannon," Fiammetta realized something must have happened to the Saint. It seemed the situation had been dire enough that her captain had no choice but to use such a devastating weapon. She knew her captain's style well; any scenario where she was forced to use that "grand killer" was definitely not optimistic. Danger must have been imminent.
However, judging by Wei Yenwu's tone, the matter had been settled properly. With that thought, the heart that had just leaped into Fiammetta's throat settled back down. As for her apology? It was merely a polite formality. Even if the other side opposed the weapon, she wasn't about to go find Lemuen and confiscate it.
"Haha, it isn't a particularly grave matter. We trust Laterano's judgment regarding weapon users; surely you wouldn't arrange for a dangerous person to handle such equipment."
Wei Yenwu acted as though he didn't care at all about the violation of Lungmen law, breezily moving past the topic. He knew perfectly well that the probability of getting Fiammetta to confiscate Lemuen's revolver cannon was effectively zero. Rather than dwelling on it, it was better to skip it. He wouldn't express opposition or approval—as long as no major chaos ensued, he would pretend he didn't know.
"I am truly grateful for Chief Wei's broad-mindedness. In that case, I'll be direct with you: Laterano's protection of Miss Jeanne is limitless. If necessary, we are prepared to expend everything Laterano has for her."
Though Fiammetta's tone didn't change, her words confirmed Wei Yenwu's suspicions. It appeared that Jeanne's status might even exceed that of the Pope himself. He had never heard of Laterano telling anyone they would provide unconditional protection for an individual—not even for the Pope. If one were to be suspicious, one could even take Fiammetta's words as a threat—an extremely serious one.
"I have some inkling of that. She seems to have a special significance to your Laterano, and her Originium Arts are quite miraculous... they can actually affect the Sankta!"
Saying this, Wei Yenwu handed over a tablet. On it were several trending news items from Lungmen:
Explosion on the Highway: Witnesses report strange flashes of light!
Mass Abnormalities among Sankta in Lungmen: Halos significantly brightened, many entering a dazed state.
The Nefarious Penguin Logistics involved in another car accident: Facing charges of fatigued driving and driving without a license...
Fiammetta noticed these events happened at almost exactly the same time! The gap between them wasn't even five minutes. No wonder the Chief of Lungmen was paying attention!
"I am not entirely sure about that. As the reports say, those affected were all of the Sankta race. As a Liberi, I don't know the reason behind it."
Even as the Pope's messenger with a devout faith, she was not Sankta and could not perceive these things; it was a matter of racial connection. Therefore, she truly couldn't "react" to Jeanne using her Noble Phantasm. Naturally, she didn't know what those who shared the same faith saw when Jeanne activated that power.
"I see. An ability that only affects the Sankta?"
Hearing Fiammetta's words, Wei Yenwu felt he understood a bit more. His biggest worry was how many races Jeanne could affect and what the effect was. If she could only influence the Sankta, his internal concerns could be eased slightly.
"Given the situation, we will dispatch professional personnel to provide secret protection for these two during their future activities. I hope this won't be misconstrued as spying on Laterano's secrets."
Wei Yenwu's best course of action was either to control their movements or provide protection. This way, if Jeanne truly encountered danger, he could prevent malicious actors from using the incident to attack Lungmen or cause friction between Lungmen and Laterano.
"You would need to obtain Jeanne's approval for that. Her visit here involves no Laterano secrets. As long as she has no objections, it will be fine."