After receiving Gao Ying's affirmative reply, Gregory smiled and continued, "Hero-sama, as the savior of our Tewatti, you cannot stay in the Holy See forever. I've prepared a residence for you in the Holy Capital. Later, I'll send someone to show it to you."

"However, living outside the Holy See means security must be prioritized."

"Hero-sama, you lack self-defense capability right now. You need reliable guards—chosen with utmost care, truly one in a million, impeccable in both strength and character."

Gregory turned to Gao Ying, his murky eyes holding a trace of inquiry. "Hero-sama, I heard you wish for Novice Knight Rodrika to serve as your guard?"

Gao Ying noticed Rodrika behind him tense visibly under the Pope's gaze. The old man even stressed "novice," subtly reminding him of her lowly status.

Gao Ying nodded. "I believe Knight Rodrika, in strength and character, is fully capable."

The Pope's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Gao Ying. Then he nodded and declared loudly, "Novice Knight Radel, attend!"

Rodrika froze for a moment, stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and saluted. "I am here, Your Holiness."

The Pope gazed intently at her, his resonant voice echoing through the Papal Hall like a divine decree. "I hereby grant you the title of Holy Knight. The Hero's safety concerns the continent's survival. Protect Hero-sama with all your might—at any cost!"

Rodrika's bright eyes flickered. She lowered her head, accepting the command, and swore solemnly, "I will not fail Your Holiness's expectations."

Promoted from novice knight to Holy Knight in one leap—skipping ranks—this reward was immense.

Silphiel had already briefed the Pope. This was a small reward for Rodrika, hinting that loyal service might restore her family's honor.

Carrot and stick—that was Silphiel's strategy.

Gregory chuckled softly, his gaze deepening. "Knight Radel, the incident with your father years ago caused an uproar. Many whispered about you to me, but I always believed you differed from him—"

Rodrika's lavender pupils contracted slightly. Her chest heaved, but she suppressed her emotions and stayed silent.

The Pope paused, his voice sighing. "All these years, you've likely resented me. Why, with your strength, were you only a novice knight?"

"It was the Church's test. Six years passed—your devotion, faith, strength unchanged. You gave the perfect answer."

"I believe you need not worry about the future."

Smiling like a benevolent elder, the Pope added, "Go protect the Hero. As a saint's descendant, you won't disgrace that name."

Silphiel narrowed her eyes, almost smiling. His words sounded heartfelt, easily winning favor.

But listening closely, it was clear: Rodrika now had value. This excused six years of isolation and torment, drawing her closer to the Church.

This old man truly deserved his title—spouting lies with righteous indignation, unfazed.

A test from the Holy See? Hmph.

Silphiel thought, in wickedness, Your Holiness outshines me. This student is in awe.

"Thank you, Your Holiness!" Rodrika replied, her expression genuinely moved. Her face looked almost "innocent," unreadable to Silphiel.

Could this woman's overly simple nature explain surviving six years of persecution in the Holy See? A normal person would have broken long ago. But if she faked it—that would be terrifying. Silphiel saw nothing yet and let it go.

With the Pope's decree, bishops, priests, and knights present congratulated Rodrika.

Silphiel smiled, seizing the moment. "Congratulations, Holy Knight Rodrika. I trust your strength, but Hero-sama lives outside the Holy See. For safety, more guards are needed."

His Holiness followed her lead. "Then, Silphiel, do you have candidates?"

Silphiel clapped her hands and announced, "You three, enter now. You belong to the Hero from today."

A side door opened. Three girls in maid uniforms walked to the Papal throne and knelt on one knee.

"Sister Elise, Stella, and Sophia—"

"We pay our respects to Your Holiness!"

The Pope nodded for them to rise. They stood and faced Gao Ying.

Silphiel glanced at the maids, smiling at Gao Ying. "Gao Ying, you met Elise and Sophia earlier. What do you think?"

Gao Ying gazed at them. They gazed back, eyes brimming with excitement.

Gao Ying nodded. "I remember your names. I'll trouble you with my care from now on."

Elise and the others saluted, thrilled. "Serving as your attendants, Hero-sama, is our honor."

As the Hero's guards and maids, they had clean backgrounds, Divine Court training, and formidable combat skills. The Pope had no objections.

This arrangement pleased everyone—the Pope, Silphiel, Gao Ying, and the maids.

Next, they discussed the Hero's teachers. For Divine Art, Holy Maiden Silphiel would instruct. For combat skills, the Emperor recommended a border warrior. For magic, Silphiel proposed the Sage of Stars, a scholar from a magical authority.

The Papal Hall meeting ended. The Pope assigned knights to escort Gao Ying to his new residence.

Silphiel, Rodrika, and Gao Ying shared a carriage. With only left and right seats, Gao Ying chose to sit beside Silphiel after a moment's thought.

This made the Holy Maiden's lips curl into a faint smile.

Silphiel might not have realized it, but her attitude toward Gao Ying had shifted in this short time.

Laughter filled the journey. Soon, the carriage stopped. Silphiel lifted the curtain, stared at the grand mansion, and froze. She glanced at Rodrika—just as expected, the knight's expression had locked in place, two clear tears streaming down her face.

Her lips trembled, fighting back a breakdown.

Gao Ying frowned. "Rodrika, what's wrong?"

Silphiel sighed softly, smiling. "This mansion the Pope granted you... is Rodrika's home."

She turned, beaming. "Rodrika, welcome home."

Rodrika wiped her tears, nodding. "Yes. I'm finally back."

Silphiel marveled inwardly. In tactics, Your Holiness truly excels—this goodwill move even moved her.

This mansion was the Radel family's home. After Bishop Radel's "betrayal," his family faced brutal purges, and the Holy See confiscated the estate.

Silphiel stood at the entrance, clapping her hands together. "To celebrate Gao Ying's new home and Sister Rodrika's return, I'll cook dinner tonight."

She looked at Elise and the others. "Come help me in the kitchen."