PARALLEL MEMORY

"Sir Jester, I have been wanting to speak with you."

He said, his voice deep and resonant. His eyes looked as if he could see through everything and nothing could hide from him.

Zero raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. He waited for the Pope to continue.

"First of all, I want to thank you for saving our Saintess and Holy Knights from the Devil Contractors. I have received reports from Captain Zain and without you, it seemed that they would have been dead."

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Zero nodded, acknowledging the Pope's gratitude.

He was not comfortable dealing with the Pope because of his life experiences where the Pope was the main person casting and telling everyone that he was the devil and hunting him down. That Pope was a hypocrite man, using the name of god to do what he pleases.

And the Angels were also supporting such a man. That's why he has bad memories of the Pope and doesn't really want to make a good impression.

However, even though he was skeptical because of that, it didn't mean that he didn't know that the Pope in front of him was different from the Pope he was dealing with in another world.

He could feel the sincerity in the Pope's words and he seemed to have a different personality than the Pope that is in his memories.

The Pope's expression softened, and he leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze still fixed on Zero.

"I genuinely appreciate your efforts in saving our Saintess and Holy Knights, and I want to express my gratitude by offering you a reward of your choosing."

Zero raised an eyebrow, surprised by the Pope's offer. He had not expected such a gesture. From this, it could be seen that the Pope indeed appreciates Saintesses and Holy Knights, unlike Cardinal Hildred.

Cardinal Hildred argued that I don't have good manners even though I saved their precious Holy Knights and Saintess.

If someone had saved my loved one, even if I was a god, I would show a good attitude even if the savior showed me bad manners.

From this one could easily guess that Cardinal Hildred doesn't care about Saintess Amelia's life. Although it doesn't mean that she is necessarily a traitor, she was one of the candidates.

Zero took a moment to ponder, thinking about what he truly desired. However, the church was incapable of providing what he wanted. For now, what he needed was a good artifact.

He has some Rank-A and Rank-S artifacts, but what he would like is a Rank-SS artifact and that was very rare. So rare that it could count on one hand. And the church would hardly have such artifacts. 𝙗𝙚𝙙𝒏𝙤𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝒎

Even if they had, they wouldn't have given it to him. Even though he saved Saintess Amelia and many Holy Knights, the Pope might consider giving him such an artifact as a reward. However, other high-ranking members wouldn't allow it.

For decisions such as giving precious treasure like Rank-SS artifacts, it would need the approval of other high-ranking members as well. That's why he knew that he would not get what he wanted.

As for Art, Churches have only high-ranking healing Art and not much combat Art. The only Art is the one that Holy Knights use which is only at Level-5.

After a moment of contemplation, Zero spoke up.

"Your Holiness, I appreciate your kind offer. However, there is no need as I saved Saintess Amelia because I wanted to. She saved my life previously and I was only paying her back."

Zero replied.

The Pope looked taken aback by Zero's response, his brows furrowing slightly. He seemed genuinely surprised by Zero's refusal of the reward.

"But Sir Jester, it is customary for us to show our gratitude to those who have rendered us a great service."

The Pope said, his tone earnest.

"I understand your sentiments, but you have not only saved the Saintess but also many Holy Knights. For that, I need to provide you with a reward."

"I appreciate your offer. But I don't need anything."

"You don't need anything? Or do you want everything?"

Cardinal Hildred said, sneering. The Pope frowned at Cardinal Hildred but didn't say anything. He doesn't want to be disrespectful to the Cardinal. But he is indeed not pleased with her attitude.

"Even if you give me everything, I don't want it."

Zero replied to the Cardinal.

"Humph! You seemed to be ignorant about the Church's power. There is nothing in this world more powerful than the Church. We can fulfill any desire you might have. Anyway, tell us what you want quickly."

Cardinal Hildred said. She was already not liking Jester/Zero but after this short confrontation, she was sure that she hates Jester/Zero more than the Saintess.

"Since it seems rude after the Cardinal said so. I would then like to ask for a Rank-SS artifact as my reward."

Zero said casually. His tone was as if asking to give him cabbage.

"What?"

Cardinal Hildred shouted in surprise. Saintess Amelia also looked at Zero in surprise. The Pope also looked surprised by what Zero was asking.

"You asked me what I desire. I want a Rank-SS artifact. It seems that I lack one, so I want to ask whether the Church could provide me with one."

Zero said calmly.

"Y-you! You are mad! Rank-SS artifact? Even if we had such treasure, we would never give it to someone like you."

Cardinal Hildred said angrily. She was sure that Jester was making fun of her. Lack a Rank-SS artifact? 99.99999999999999999% of the population lacks that.

"Wasn't it you who told me that the Church is very powerful and it can fulfill all my desires?"

"Your desire is too much. Who would ask for Rank-SS as a reward?"

"Me!"

Zero replied. Cardinal Hildred seemed angered and surprised by Zero's shamelessness.

"Sir Jester as much as we appreciate your services, a Rank-SS artifact is a significant request."

The Pope said, his tone cautious. Judging by the Pope's words, it seems that the Church indeed has a Rank-SS artifact.

Zero was a little surprised but didn't think it was abnormal as the Church is one of the most influential organizations in the world.

"And even if I gave you the Rank-SS Artifact, you would not be able to wield it. The item is specifically for the Saintess. Other than her, no one would be able to use it."

The Pope said.