I will store your luggage."
Before entering, we were searched.
I guess they were looking for weapons to confiscate.
From my favorite knife, to my scrolls, I had to leave everything behind.
However, my armor itself wasn't considered a weapon, so I didn't have to undress.
Cliff didn't say anything, probably because he trusts me.
In good faith, I also deposited my left gauntlet with the mana absorbing stone and my right gauntlet equipped with the shotgun.
The center of the building was like a labyrinth.
There weren't any straight passageways, every passage was curved.
Moreover, because the passages are all painted white, it's hard to discern what's ahead.
Naturally, this is the heart of the Milis religious community.
Just like a fortress, it was probably designed to withstand enemy attacks.
Following Cliff's swift pace, we quickly arrived at the Pope's office.
The office was guarded by two knights and protected by a barrier.
"I'll tell you now, you won't be able to use magic past this barrier."
"Yes."
The barrier must be at least saint or king ranked.
I wonder if these knights can match saint or king ranked skills.
I'm not sure, they might just be here to buy time in the event of a battle.
"Your eminence, greetings."
Cliff's grandfather Harry Grimoire, on the other side of the transparent barrier.
He looked like the good-natured old man I imagined from the letter.
He had a long white beard, and wore bishop-like robes with gold embroidery.
"Yes, thank you."
His voice was powerful like Sauros, but not sharp like Reida.
He had the aura of an exceptional person.
But, he seemed to be conscientious of his own power.
I see, so this is the Pope, I understand, something...
It wasn't his aura, it was his hat.[1][2]
Just kidding.
"Allow me to introduce Rudeus Greyrat.
We studied together at the Ranoa magic university, he was my kouhai.
His talent for magic surpasses my own, he is an extremely skilled person.
Because of our longstanding association, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce him to your eminence."
As Cliff made my introductions, the Pope slowly nodded with a gentle expression.
I should probably handle any further explanations.
Cliff introduced me as a friend, the rest is up to me.
We discussed this last night.