Although Vatican City is just a small country, it holds profound influence across the entire world.
Despite its tiny area and population of less than a thousand, it's a true nation within a nation.
Standing before him now was the most famous structure of all—St. Peter's Basilica.
Along the tree-lined avenue leading to this sacred site in the hearts of devout Catholics worldwide, crowds of tourists bustled about, many snapping photos with their cameras.
This was perfectly normal.
Though Vatican City is officially a country, it's far too small. The entirety of its national revenue depends on tourism and land rentals.
"Even though Sirzechs said all that, as a devil, I still managed to sneak in so brazenly."
Vitan, dressed in an outfit no different from the average person, sat upright and openly on a bench set along the tree-lined avenue.
He wore a pair of black sunglasses and held a freshly bought ice cream in his hand.
Many clergymen and priests, with crosses hanging on their chests and Bibles in their hands, patrolled past Vitan—but not a single one realized that the "tourist" seated calmly on the bench was, in fact, a pure-blood devil inheriting the bloodline of the former Demon King.
In truth, this wasn't anything worth being shocked about.
The Way of Transformation was an ability inherently granted to those who inherited the blood of the devil Asmodeus. While it wasn't possible to deceive reality itself as the true Red Dragon Emperor could by turning illusions and dreams into reality, hiding his devilish essence completely wasn't at all difficult for Vitan.
He casually shifted his posture, and the bustling crowd was reflected in the lenses of his sunglasses.
Suddenly, Vitan lowered his crossed legs and casually tossed his half-eaten ice cream into a trash bin.
He deftly weaved through the dense crowd and stopped in front of a young girl.
"Hello! Is there something I can help you with?"
The girl was petite, appearing to be about high school age.
She wore a white ceremonial robe adorned with golden thread and solemn crosses at the edges, and atop her head was a ceremonial crown.
Her long golden hair cascaded down like a galaxy of light.
Although her face looked youthful, it was exquisitely beautiful, and the gentle smile on her face seemed pure and holy—perfectly matching both her appearance and the aura she radiated.
Just like the holiness she outwardly displayed, the girl's heart was equally kind.
Thus, when Vitan suddenly stood before her, the girl didn't overthink it. Instead, she patiently inquired, thinking he might be in some kind of trouble.
—The Saintess, Asia Argento!
"Apologies. I'm a newly converted Catholic, and this is my first time visiting here. I was wondering if such a holy nun might be willing to show me around a little."
Removing his sunglasses, Vitan revealed his deep, dark eyes. A soft smile curved on his lips as he placed a hand over his chest and made a flawless noble's bow.
Vitan was right here—inviting Saintess Asia to be his guide!
"This is something I should do as a nun. You don't need to be so formal with me."
Flustered, Asia quickly returned a bow of her own, and the veil on her head nearly slipped off due to her hurried movement.
The Vatican is the oldest museum in the world, expanded almost in tandem with St. Peter's Basilica and steeped in profound history.
"This painting is the most famous one—The Last Judgment!"
"It depicts scenes of Heaven, Earth, and Hell from top to bottom. At the center is the great Lord, just and eternally merciful to mankind..."
Asia spoke enthusiastically, introducing many of the Vatican Museum's exhibits. At the same time, she occasionally glanced worriedly at the young man beside her who was intently observing an oil painting.
"Is something wrong, Miss Asia?"
The clear voice that had been ringing in his ears like a songbird suddenly paused, prompting Vitan to look at her curiously.
Entering St. Peter's Basilica directly wasn't an option. Even with his powerful concealment abilities, the holy barrier laid down by angels would make it far too easy to slip up.
Due to its heavy historical atmosphere and the high number of tourists, the area wasn't patrolled by combat-focused exorcists.
Thus, this location was the most ideal for approaching the Church's Saintess.
"Sorry, Mr. Vitan. I seem to have gotten a bit too carried away talking. I completely forgot I was supposed to be guiding you."
Asia quickly apologized, her cheeks reddening.
As a nun, her favorite activity—besides praying to the Lord—was visiting this museum to observe ancient artifacts and famous paintings.
She felt that doing so was a way of learning history and understanding past cultures, helping to fill in the gaps in her limited knowledge.
That was why she had gotten so excited upon entering.
"It's fine. I can tell how much you love this place, Miss Asia. Hearing your passionate explanations, I feel like I'm starting to experience the beauty you're describing myself."
Vitan gently placed his hand on the golden-haired girl's head. Feeling the warmth of his palm, Asia's face immediately flushed red—she had never had such close contact with the opposite sex before.
"U-Um…"
Although she wasn't used to this kind of gesture, the gentle-hearted girl didn't resist in the slightest.
First, she didn't really know how to reject others.
Second, Vitan's kind words had warmed her heart. Despite her poor hosting, he had accepted her with gentleness and didn't blame her at all.
"Let's head upstairs then. The Disputation of the Sacrament is another priceless masterpiece worth seeing!"
As she felt the warm hand leave her head, Asia found herself strangely reluctant to let it go.
This unfamiliar feeling deepened the blush on her face, especially since she had little experience when it came to emotions like these.
"Hmm…"
"Although I really wanted to visit the museum with you, Asia, I suddenly remembered that I have something urgent to take care of, so I won't be able to continue our trip today."
"I see—"
A trace of disappointment inevitably appeared on Asia's face.
But soon, that look of regret vanished, replaced once more with a sacred and warm smile.
"Then, Mr. Vitan, you should go quickly and handle your important matters! You can always visit the museum another time."
"Mm, then can I ask Miss Asia to guide me again next time?"
A broad hand once again rested on top of Asia's head, but Vitan's eyes slightly narrowed, as if he was observing something intently.
However, lost in the sudden whirlpool of happiness, Asia didn't notice Vitan's expression at all.
Her small head remained beneath his palm.
"Then it's a promise! You can come directly to the church to find me anytime—I'm always available!"