Chapter 140

Chapter 140

"I suspect you can read minds—how could you say my words before I did?" Ning Chan stared at Kane in shock, thinking that given his personality, he didn’t seem like the type to give up power easily. Why would he want to be stepping down so young?

"What? You want to find someone else to be the Pope? Who else is even worthy of that title besides you right now?" Kane was momentarily stunned by Ning Chan’s words before shaking his head in disagreement.

Ning Chan held his position because he truly had the capability. If they searched for a replacement, could they really find someone like him? Most likely, they’d only end up with imposters.

"No, I want to make the role of the Pope symbolic—divested of its authority, retaining only its ceremonial function. More like a performance, where someone with outstanding character, knowledge, and demeanor plays the part."

Ning Chan had considered abolishing religion outright to prevent anyone from exploiting such a position for personal gain. But he realized banning it wasn't the answer. Rather than letting one religion collapse and countless bizarre ones emerge, it was better to preserve this established religious institution. At least it was under official control, with strict and compliant selection criteria for clergy, preventing major chaos.

Moreover, its history was worth preserving—a reminder of the past, ensuring future generations understood how ignorant people once were and what changes had led to their current enlightenment.

Looking over the proposal Ning Chan had drafted, Kane found his approach theoretically sound.

Previously, Ning Chan had already intended to split the Church’s responsibilities—separating normal religious activities from medical, educational, and aid-related work. Now, according to his plan, the Church would retain only ceremonial activities like prayers, hymns, and worship, while other functions would be independently managed by the authorities.

Ning Chan wasn’t just a figurehead—he had made real, immense contributions. To many, he was as radiant as the sun. If he stepped down, would the people accept it?

But if this was Ning Chan’s choice, Kane would support it. The more time he spent with Ning Chan, the more he understood that he was a man, not a god—someone with emotions, strengths, and weariness. If stepping down would bring him ease and happiness, then so be it.

Whatever he decided, Kane would simply wait to see if there was any way he could assist.

"Will you handle this yourself, or do you want my help?" As he spoke, Kane felt a surge of excitement. If Ning Chan had fewer responsibilities, would that mean more time for him?

As someone bound by love—barely restraining his madness—Kane harbored countless dark thoughts, though he refused to act on them toward his beloved.

Seeing others gaze at Ning Chan with worship and fervor filled him with disgust, as if a priceless treasure were being coveted. And those who troubled Ning Chan with trivial matters—didn’t they have brains of their own? Why did they have to take up his time?

Sometimes, he even overheard people calling him "husband" or "wife" when referring to Ning Chan. Did they not have partners of their own? Why covet what wasn’t theirs?

A reborn and jealous man in this life, Kane’s mind brimmed with treasonous, violent thoughts. Only Ning Chan’s willingness to "feed the beast" and indulge his delusions kept him sane, maintaining the appearance of a righteous and wise king.

Consider this: if Ning Chan had rejected Kane’s confession, what would have become of him?

Perhaps the scenario from their earlier escape room—the one titled *Marriage*—would have played out in reality. Though given Ning Chan’s abilities, Kane’s chances of forcing anything were slim. But a "madman" denied might have turned his torment on those around his beloved—or on himself—until death silenced him.

Now, though? He’d probably just use jealousy as an excuse to extract more favors from Ning Chan. After all, this man had spoiled him, coaxing him into willingly tempering his nature to become the "good person" he loved.

Unaware of Kane’s secret delight, Ning Chan pressed a hand to his knit brows, smoothing it gently. "Leave this to me. If you interfere, people might think I was forced out by you, and that would only implicate you needlessly."

Ning Chan could already foresee the impact of his decision. This was something he had to handle alone—bringing Kane into it would only complicate matters.

Kane wanted to say he didn’t care about others’ opinions, but seeing Ning Chan’s resolve, he swallowed his words.

Noticing Kane’s hesitation, Ning Chan trailed his fingers down to tap the bridge of his nose. "And you? Why do you have such thoughts?"

Kane caught Ning Chan’s fingertip, lifting it to press a kiss against the knuckle. "I won’t have heirs, nor do I intend to let those incompetent royals take the throne. So I’m considering whether to seek out some bright children now, nurture them, and eventually choose the most capable—someone who can inherit our ideals—to become king."

There was another reason Kane left unspoken: the sooner he trained a successor, the sooner he could abdicate and accompany Ning Chan wherever he pleased.

Life was short. Call him unambitious, call him lovesick—Kane refused to let onerous duties consume most of his life, only to regret when older that time had slipped away before he could create enough cherished memories with his beloved.

As for the security that power offered? Compared to love, it meant nothing. He could always play the "vulnerable partner" and let Chan protect him. Chan was so capable—Kane could offer support from the sidelines, then repay him with devotion.

Ning Chan considered Kane’s idea, growing increasingly uneasy. "The candidate pool would be too limited. And people change—placing them in such an environment could turn a fair evaluation into a ruthless competition. Promising them too much too soon might lead them astray in the pursuit of power."

Kane didn’t care how those beneath him schemed. To secure the throne, one needed the courage and wit to face all manner of challenges. Besides, the path to power had never been peaceful—whatever they became in the struggle was their own choice.

But explaining this to Ning Chan was pointless. Clearly, he disapproved, and Kane wasn’t about to argue and spoil the moment.

"You’re right. Not every child can be as fortunate as I was—to meet you and, with your guidance, find their way. Without strong willpower, too many temptations could lead them astray. But I can’t stay in this position forever. Eventually, a successor must be chosen. How should we arrange this properly? Do you have any suggestions?"