Somebody Stop the Pope – 249



Episode 249

81. A new phase

1.

The step Baek Myeong-gyo took was quite embarrassing for us.

“Those Baekmyeong-gyo guys really aren’t helpful at all. They even bought swimsuits to wear at the beach but what? Calling them up during vacation is too much!”

“It’s an emergency.”

“I know. That’s why I’m angry at those Baekmyeonggyo guys.”

A sudden meeting of executives.

All the key leaders of the order including Archbishop Leo Luna of Laparte gathered together.

Related people such as Mr. Min-su and Advisor Park Ji-won were excluded from the call.

It was the same reason as Inwook.

This is because it was a matter of denomination versus denomination and faith versus faith.

Still there was one person who did not belong to any religious denomination who attended the meeting.

“Then let me briefly explain the situation.”

It was Director Kim of the Ability Management Department.

“Baekmyunggyo has officially conveyed its position to our government. Baekmyunggyo sincerely apologizes for its past cooperation with Jeon Gak-ryeon and will do its utmost to help the people of the Republic of Korea. This was their official statement.”

Baek Myeong-gyo stood on the same side as Jeon Gak-ryeon and pressured the government.

Because of that the relationship with the government was not good but they were the first to take a humble stance.

“The Baekmyeong Church’s influence is spreading rapidly with the active support of the Chinese government. I think the Limen Church is aware of this.”

To summarize the current situation in China it is as follows.

In northern China there is a Baekmyeonggyo.

In southern China the Limen sect.

Most of the major cities have been liberated from the Purifiers and the Chinese government has banned all religions from proselytizing while allowing our religious order to intervene.

It was also a much more advanced judgment than ours which was to guarantee religious freedom only in Shanghai and its surrounding areas.

It wasn’t that difficult to see the Chinese government’s calculations hidden within it.

“It sounds like they’re trying to reduce the influence of the Limen sect through the Baekmyeonggyo.”

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Lee Jae-yong.

The Chinese government decided to use the traditional military strategy of catching barbarians as barbarians.

There is a justification for this.

The pretext to treat all religions equally.

Director Kim nodded at my words.

“That’s right. The number of followers of the Limen Sect is increasing in northern China but they can’t keep up with the Baekmyung Sect. There are many places where relief work is being done in the name of the Baekmyung Sect and according to my source public opinion in China is also very favorable.”

“It’s natural to like someone who lends a helping hand when times are tough. We are the same.”

It was the same reason why southern China gave full support to the Limen sect.

I nodded slowly and Director Kim continued his story.

“I just wonder about one thing. I don’t know why they want to come here. They’ve already established themselves in northern China. Why would they come to South Korea which has a small population…?”

“There is one.”

“…What is it?”

“They are coming here targeting our church.”

Baek Myeong-gyo has truly shown his teeth.

The moment the Purifier’s influence was virtually confined to the mountainous regions of western China we and the Baekmyeong Sect were forced to check each other.

How can those who worship the ancient gods and we who worship Limen mix?

From the beginning their relationship could be considered as bad as their relationship with the Purifier.

With the common enemy gone that relationship was once again becoming a priority.

I took a deep breath and quietly asked Director Kim.

“I think the government’s official position will also be important.”

Director Kim’s expression darkened at my words.

“It’s hard for me to say this but… we have no legal basis to stop their missionary work. The opposition party is also making a strong voice to accept them.”

“Why?”

“The opinion is that only then can we check the monopoly of the Limen Church. The President has already discussed this with the opposition party leader but they seem to have already decided on a keynote.”

He is protected by the opposition party.

It seemed as if Baek Myeong-gyo had already prepared the opposition party in advance.

“In addition it seems that the number of Baekmyeonggyo believers in the country is already increasing at a rapid rate. Applications to build temples are already coming in from local areas.”

“…If it’s a temple?”

“They say this is the place where the god of Baekmyeonggyo is worshipped.”

“I guess you’re thinking of digging in quickly because you think this is the time.”

Now that negative public opinion has been created about the Limen Church Baekmyeong Church is making a bold move.

This is not going to work out.

Originally we were planning to take the battlefield against Baekmyeonggyo to China but instead Baekmyeonggyo is invading our home ground.

It seemed as if we had already finished the preliminary work while we were still waging war in China.

It was somehow quiet.

“If the government blocks Baek Myeong-gyo’s access….”

“That is something the opposition party will like. The opposition party will try to sway public opinion by claiming a connection between the government and the Limen Church. If that happens the Limen Church will also suffer a blow so it is a fight where neither the opposition party nor the Baekmyeong Church has anything to lose.”

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“Things have been going so well so far.”

A path without hardship or adversity.

It seems that a real obstacle has appeared on the way.

“It’s a one-sided battle.”

This time they got a big hit. It was also the price they paid for allowing those guys to grease the opposition politicians and quietly increase their followers in the country.

I was so busy preparing for war that I didn’t really have a clue.

Most of the Inquisitors were investigating information in China which created some information gaps.

I took a deep breath and looked around at the executives.

“Anyone have any good ideas?”

None of the executives answered my question.

Because they also knew what the situation was like now.

In the current situation it is impossible to push out Baek Myeong-gyo again.

Because even if you push away you have much more to lose than to gain.

In the end there is only one choice we have to make.

“Let’s accept it.”

Since it had come to this there was no choice but to accept it.

The front that was intended to be limited to China has ended up expanding to South Korea.

You have to accept what you have to accept.

That way we can plan for the future.

Director Kim bowed his head slightly at my words.

“All right.”

“I will speak to the President personally by phone.”

“yes.”

Now that it’s come to this we have to start over from scratch.

South Korea is no longer the rabbit we caught.

It’s time to start competing again.

I put my hand on my head and sighed deeply.

“Let’s all make plans assuming that Baekmyeonggyo will enter the domestic market.”

Leo raised his hand at my words.

“Your Majesty what kind of cases should we assume? So….”

“We need to make plans that take into account even the possibility of armed conflict occurring within the country.”

“All right.”

It would be the worst case scenario if it happened in Korea but there was nothing I could do.

Because it was my job to be prepared for all eventualities.

I felt like drinking soju today.

“It looks like I’ll be working overtime for the time being.”

“Haaah.”

“Hmm.”

Sighs and groans erupted from all over the office.

2.

After the emergency meeting ended I immediately called President Seo Shin-woo.

-It’s been a long time since I’ve heard your voice Pope Kim Si-woo.

President Seo Shin-woo greeted me cheerfully on the other end of the phone.

But judging from the tiredness mixed in his voice his condition didn’t seem very good.

“Your voice sounds tired.”

-The opposition party is also very opposed these days and I have a lot of concerns. Thank you for your concern.

“I should come and visit you sometime soon and give you my blessings but I haven’t been feeling well lately.”

-Haha… I can’t leave my office these days either. Oh did you hear about the Baek Myeong-gyo incident from Director Kim?

“yes.”

President Seo sighed deeply on the other end of the phone at my answer.

-I’m sorry it turned out that way. It’s something I should have taken care of more carefully…

“It’s not the President’s fault. It’s okay. From now on it’s our problem to solve.”

They will continue to persistently dig into the relationship between the government and our church.

That’s why it was necessary to keep some distance from the government for the time being.

In that situation it would have been difficult for both of us.

“The issue of the Chinese civil war has already been discussed within the church.”

-What conclusion did you reach?

“It is a ceasefire. The Limen Sect will temporarily halt the war in order to stabilize the liberated areas and reorganize its forces. With Xi’an and Nanjing having fallen the immediate threat has been resolved.”

The president let out a small sigh at my words.

-Currently the factions in northern and southern China are sharply divided. Which side would you like South Korea to support?

“Was it a matter of choice?”

-That’s about it now.

“I would appreciate it if you could focus on the Shanghai side.”

-No problem.

China is virtually on the verge of division.

Compared to 10 years ago the positions of China and South Korea appear to have reversed.

-Your Holiness may I ask you one thing?

“As much as you want.”

-Is the reason Baekmyeonggyo wants to return to South Korea solely because of the Limen sect?

I couldn’t answer that question easily.

It was clear that they were coming in to check us but there must have been other reasons as well.

“I think that’s something we need to continue looking into.”

-What would happen to South Korea if they really let those ancient gods descend upon this land?

I had previously told that story separately to President Seo.

Ancient Gods and Baekmyeonggyo.

About the beings behind the incidents and accidents happening all over the world right now.

I held my breath for a moment at that question then answered in a low voice.

“Only those who follow them will remain.”

-What if I don’t follow?

“If you don’t accept the new order you will meet your end.”

My answer was met with another loud sigh from the other end of the phone.

-… So many things have happened since the opening of Dimension but it still doesn’t feel real. Monsters gods and for politicians who have to face reality… it’s such a tough world.

“I agree.”

That’s all for now.

-I will invite you to Sejong soon. I would like to talk about the details then.

“I will come to you anytime you call me.”

The call with the President ended and I put the phone down on the desk.

And then he wiped his face with both hands.

“ha.”

I thought I had been working hard but why does it seem like the difficulty level is increasing as I go on?

No matter how much I do it seems like there is no end to it.

“Cheer up Master.”

Before I knew it Snow White came up to me and rubbed her head against mine.

I nodded while stroking Snow White’s head.

“That’s right. But Snow White.”

“huh?”

“How are you protecting your family and keeping them here?”

“Don’t worry. I’ve attached a clone to you.”

“…Now you can use clones too?”

“Of course. Last time Limen-sama came and gave me new abilities!”

The last time Limen appeared he hugged Snow White and stroked her a lot and I remembered that.

I used to envy Snow White.

Did you awaken a new ability then?

“Siyeon Inwook’s grandmother. Don’t worry I can protect you all by myself.”

That’s nice to hear.

You can protect your entire family through your clone… Still Snow White has definitely paid for all the food she has raised for this guy.

I continued to stroke the guy’s fur and said

“It’s going to get harder from now on. Are you okay?”

“I’m always okay! Just trust me Master.”

“okay.”

A violent storm was brewing towards us.

Our Pope please stop this