Under Aiolia's guidance, Matilda and Camus traversed the Zodiac Temples. The long flight of stairs left the mother and son exhausted, but along the way, Matilda gathered some valuable information.
The Zodiac Temples were indeed arranged according to the constellations, and after some analysis, she deduced that each temple was guarded by a Gold Saint. Beyond them lay the Pope's Palace, making the Zodiac Temples the ultimate defensive line of Sanctuary.
She also noticed that most of the temples were unoccupied. Except for the Gemini Temple, Leo Temple, and Sagittarius Temple, the central halls of the others housed golden chests, aligning with the information she had received from Aiolia.
Something interesting happened when they passed through the Aquarius Temple—Camus unexpectedly formed a connection with the Aquarius Gold Cloth. Though he was not yet qualified to wear it, Aiolia was certain that as long as Camus stayed in Sanctuary and trained to become a Saint, he would undoubtedly inherit the Aquarius Gold Cloth in the future.
"No wonder he is favored by Lord Maierin—he has already found the next Aquarius Saint so quickly," Aiolia thought to himself.
Two hours later, taking into account Matilda and Camus' pace, they finally arrived at the Pope's Palace.
"Your Holiness, I have brought them," Aiolia reported.
"Good, you've done well. You may leave," the Pope, Shion, replied.
"Yes, Your Holiness."
Shion turned to Matilda and Camus, his demeanor unexpectedly warm. Given his status, he was not obligated to be so accommodating, but since these individuals had been brought in under Maierin's orders—and considering what had transpired in the Aquarius Temple—he had reasons to be particularly attentive.
"This child must remain in Sanctuary," Shion resolved inwardly.
"Thank you for granting us this audience, Your Holiness. I am Matilda, and this is my son, Camus."
"Welcome, Ms. Matilda. Could you tell me how you came to know Lord Maierin?" Shion asked.
"Of course…"
Under the calming influence of Shion's gentle Cosmos, Matilda's initial distrust faded, and she recounted everything—their family's encounter with Maierin, and how he had ordered Kanon to eliminate numerous elite German soldiers to help them.
"Oh? You mentioned that Lord Maierin also has a child named Deathmask with him?" Shion asked, visibly intrigued.
"Yes, I heard Mr. Maierin call him that."
"So it's two now!"
Anyone brought personally by Maierin must be a gifted individual. If this Camus was a potential candidate for the Aquarius Gold Cloth, then the other child must also have extraordinary potential.
Having just left Sanctuary for a short while, Maierin had already found two promising Gold Saint candidates. How could Shion not be excited?
However, despite his inner delight, he maintained a composed smile.
"So, Ms. Matilda, what are your plans? Will you stay in Sanctuary, or continue to flee?"
Matilda hesitated, contemplating her options.
Despite her short time in Sanctuary, the people she had met and the information she had gathered made it clear that this place was unlike Sebastian Shaw's research facility or HYDRA's strongholds. Sanctuary was peaceful, honest, and warm—a true safe haven amid Europe's war-torn chaos.
But she also understood that they had been brought here because of Camus. Sanctuary wanted him to become a Saint.
She did not want that. No mother would willingly send her child into danger.
Forget the devastating Holy Wars Aiolia had mentioned—even facing enemy soldiers, local gangs, or street thugs was risk enough. She did not want Camus to live a life of constant battle, no matter how powerful he became.
But if Camus did not become a Saint, would they still be allowed to stay in Sanctuary?
Sensing his mother's hesitation, Camus stepped forward. "Your Holiness, may I become a Saint?"
"Camus!" Matilda gasped. She had been wracking her brain for a way to convince Shion to let them stay without forcing Camus to become a Saint, but now her son had just volunteered!
Matilda was shocked, and Shion was equally surprised. From his earlier conversation with Aiolia, he knew Camus understood that being a Saint was dangerous. Yet, the boy still chose this path.
"Child, why do you wish to become a Saint?" Shion asked.
"Because… that man said I'm not strong enough to protect my parents. I want to become stronger so that no one can harm them."
He hesitated before adding, "And… when we passed a temple, that golden chest called out to me. I heard a voice telling me that I must claim it."
Shion's smile widened.
A child with the will to protect his family was already demonstrating the virtues of compassion and courage. And the fact that he resonated with the Aquarius Gold Cloth? That was the mark of a destined Saint.
"But being a Saint means facing danger and always being prepared to sacrifice yourself. Are you afraid?" Shion asked.
"I'm not afraid!" Camus answered firmly.
"Hahaha, good child." Shion patted his head before turning to Matilda. "Ms. Matilda, I understand your concerns. Let's not rush the decision. Settle down in Sanctuary first, and once your husband recovers, we can discuss this further."
"Thank you, Your Holiness." The Pope had not forced Camus into immediate training, nor had he ordered them to leave. This gave them time—time to think, to prepare, and most importantly, to survive.
"You're welcome. Aiolia."
"Yes, Your Holiness?" Aiolia stepped forward.
"Take them to their quarters."
"Yes, Your Holiness."
Matilda and Camus bowed before following Aiolia out.
Aiolia escorted them to their lodgings at the foot of the mountain, providing food and clothing.
"The accommodations are simple, but please bear with it. Lord Alex has already made arrangements with the local government—soon, people will come to renovate this place."
He handed Matilda a token.
"This is your pass for entering and leaving Sanctuary. Without it, the barriers surrounding this land will block your way. You may leave, but no outsiders may enter."
"Thank you. This is more than enough." The house was old, and utilities were absent, but at least it was safe.
"If you need anything, let me know. I have to resume my patrols." Aiolia turned to leave when Camus called out to him.
"Hey."
"What is it?" Aiolia turned back.
"You're Aiolia?"
"Yes."
"I'm Camus. I will become a Gold Saint. And I won't lose to you."
Aiolia was momentarily taken aback before smirking. "Good. I'll be waiting."
Meanwhile, Kanon returned to France.
"Everything settled?" Maierin asked.
"Uh… yes? I think?" Kanon hesitated.
"'Think?'" Maierin gave him a knowing look.
"My apologies, Lord Maierin. As your guardian, I couldn't stay too long. I entrusted them to Aiolia, and I believe His Holiness the Pope will arrange everything properly."
"You're too reckless. Learn from your brother and Aiolos—be more composed," Maierin chided, flicking Kanon's forehead.
"Yes, Lord Maierin." Kanon winced, rubbing his forehead. He glanced sideways and caught Deathmask smirking at him. Narrowing his eyes, he fired a Lightspeed Punch, leaving a lump on Deathmask's forehead.
"OW! That was a sneak attack!" Deathmask cried.
Ignoring him, Kanon whistled nonchalantly.
Maierin shook his head with a chuckle. These two still need a lot of guidance.
"Lord Maierin, what's our next move?" Kanon asked.
"Did you remember their energy signatures?"
Kanon's expression turned serious. "I did."
"Two groups. I will handle the trio personally. As for the larger group… eradicate every HYDRA base in this country."
"Yes." Kanon's smirk returned, now cold and lethal.
This was what he respected most about Maierin—kind to allies, ruthless to enemies.
HYDRA and Sebastian Shaw had always been on Maierin's hit list. Since they had made their move, it was time for Maierin to teach them a lesson.