When all the changes upon her body finally subsided, Mostima had returned to the form she was most familiar with—the appearance of the Sankta she once was.
And, just as before, Mostima regained the Sankta Empathy. Even without looking at the expressions of those around her, she could sense exactly how stunned everyone was by this turn of events. Cases of a Sankta becoming a Fallen Sankta were not unheard of to this group, but a Fallen Sankta turning back into a Sankta? This was something they were truly witnessing for the first time.
Despite knowing it was somewhat impolite to stare, everyone couldn't help but steal curious glances at Mostima below, wanting to see if there were any specific, unique changes. For a moment, Mostima felt like a patient surrounded by a group of doctors—or perhaps a giant panda in a zoo? It was that kind of feeling; while she understood why they were looking, it certainly didn't feel great.
In the past, Mostima likely wouldn't have cared about such things. But since reclaiming her Sankta identity, it seemed her emotional system had become a bit more active than before.
"Alright, alright! Since it has succeeded, stop staring at her! Such behavior is quite rude, isn't it?"
Seeing the situation, the Pope stepped in to stop the curious onlookers. Although these people had no ill intentions, staring like that was indeed inappropriate. Upon hearing the old man's words, the group immediately snapped out of it. Many wore embarrassed expressions, nodding apologetically to Mostima. Shortly after, they rose and began to depart; the events of today were so miraculous that they needed time to process their thoughts.
When Jeanne and Mostima left the room, they found the Pope waiting for them in the outer corridor. He looked at the restored Mostima and immediately offered his congratulations:
"First, I must congratulate you, Mostima. Congratulations on clearing the injustice from your name and restoring your identity as a Sankta. This is the Patron Firearm that was confiscated from you previously; remember to go back and complete the formal application for it."
The Pope pulled a Patron Firearm from his pocket and handed it to Mostima. It appeared to be a submachine-gun type, the very first Patron Firearm she had received upon reaching adulthood. This was why the old man had been waiting; for a Sankta, their first Patron Firearm held immense significance. Usually, the approval process for such things is incredibly tedious—especially for someone like Mostima whose weapon had been confiscated—and getting it back would normally take quite a while.
The old gentleman had clearly used a "backdoor" to deliver the weapon to her early. Of course, the necessary paperwork would still need to be filed eventually.
"Thank you for your mercy, Your Holiness."
Mostima accepted the weapon she knew so well, her fingers tracing the frame. She checked to see if it had aged or worn down during the many years they had been apart. Despite her claims of not caring about such things, it was only when it was back in her hands that she realized just how much weight it held in her heart. This was something she had used for years; no matter what, there was an emotional bond. How could she truly be indifferent to its existence?
"Very well, you may head back first. Oh, and remember to record any changes in your body. It would be best to find a doctor for a check-up during this time."
The Pope offered his thoughtful advice. After thanking him, Mostima took her leave, leaving only the Pope and Jeanne in the hall.
"From the look of you, it seems you intend to head back soon? You won't stay a while longer?"
The Pope seemed to see right through Jeanne's thoughts of preparing for her return, and he naturally wanted to persuade her to stay. After all, he could only truly feel at ease about their Saint's safety when she remained within Laterano. Even though he knew that, given the child's abilities, she could live well anywhere, he had already come to view her as one of their own. He didn't want her taking such massive risks wandering the world alone.
He knew she would eventually return to that snowy plain in Ursus, but he felt it was worth trying to convince her otherwise.
"It's not that urgent. I just intend to finish what needs to be done first. That way, when I'm enjoying myself later, I won't have those matters weighing on my mind."
In truth, Jeanne didn't plan to leave immediately. Talulah didn't need her for the time being, so she figured she might as well walk around here a bit more. However, she didn't give a direct answer to the Pope's invitation to stay. She knew deep down that this place wasn't quite the right fit for her. While it was beautiful and perfect for living, the current Jeanne had no intention of settling down for a long period.
Perhaps in a few years, once her drive to "do something" had passed, she might choose to come here and live as an ordinary resident.
The Pope understood she had no intention of staying and shook his head with a touch of regret. He truly wanted her here.
"That really is a pity. But going out to see the world is a good thing. There are some things you must do while you are young; once you are old, it will be too late for everything."
The old man looked up at the bright sun hanging high in the sky, speaking with a hint of lament. Once, he too had been a young man who hoped to carve out a career in the outside world. Unfortunately, the environment at the time hadn't allowed it. Now, in his "half-buried-in-the-earth" state, no matter what he wanted to do, he lacked the strength.
"However, if you ever feel tired out there, coming here to rest is also quite good. At the very least, Laterano will always welcome your return."
He knew this child had her own ideas. Perhaps one day, when she wanted to return, she simply would.
"I previously intended to introduce your identity to all of Laterano. After all, the people have only heard rumors of a 'Saintess,' and never showing your face isn't quite right, is it?"
The moment she heard him suggest introducing her to the public, Jeanne immediately shook her head in refusal. From the bottom of her heart, she disliked the idea of crowds of people addressing her as "Saintess." She quickly declined his kindness.
"I don't really care about titles. Compared to being a Saintess, I'd rather be an ordinary person. Besides, if people eventually discover that someone from Laterano is in an Infected organization, it will cause controversy for you."
Jeanne was worried that if the name Reunion became known across the continent, finding a Saintess of Laterano among them would bring trouble to the country. Even if Laterano didn't mind, it would still have an impact. She couldn't drag them down with her.
But from the Pope's expression, it was clear he still hoped to announce her status. It wasn't just because of who she was, but because of the countless miracles she had brought. If her identity wasn't publicized, he feared someone might take the opportunity to impersonate the Saintess and deceive the uninformed public.
As for appearing in an Infected organization? That might affect Laterano's reputation on the continent slightly, but Laterano didn't care about such things. Moreover, the Pope believed that any organization she belonged to would never become a group that relied solely on violence. How could a person full of mercy live within an organization committing such atrocities?
And so, the somewhat unwilling Pope continued to try and persuade the stubborn Jeanne, indicating that Laterano truly wished for the people to know of their Saint's existence.
He had a bit of a selfish motive; he wanted to tie Jeanne more closely to Laterano. But the problem was that her range of activity was far beyond their reach. No matter how devout they were, they don't exactly have enough military force to go to war with Ursus just to secure a patch of snow in the heart of their territory for Jeanne. Back when they first found out about Jeanne, safely escorting her out of Ursus was feasible. But trying to take over a territory of Ursus is a different matter.
Under the old man's constant persuasion, Jeanne seemed to waver slightly. But she didn't give him an immediate answer, only stating that she would go back and think it over carefully before making a decision.