episode_0086

I replaced my worn-out equipment, went sightseeing, and bought delicious things for Lycia.

Although I had various plans in mind for what to do at the Papal Palace, I had to prioritize for now.

“Is this seal… the Kanosa Change Badge?”

“Yes, that’s right. Do you need anything else for identification?”

“No, I’ve checked it thoroughly. What business do you have at the Papal Palace?”

“I wish to see His Holiness. I’ve already sent a request, so is it possible to arrange a meeting as soon as possible?”

“His Holiness is currently very busy. Of course, I will convey your message, but please be aware that he hasn’t been receiving many guests lately. There may not be a positive response.”

The priest who greeted us at the entrance of the Papal Palace said this and ushered us out.

While entering the city went smoothly, meeting the most important person was proving to be difficult.

If he had said this only to our group, it would have been discriminatory, but since the same reception was given to everyone, it could be considered fair and consistent in this sense.

I thought we wouldn’t be able to meet him right away, but it seemed like it would take longer than expected.

Being close by, I could hear those who had expressed their intention to visit earlier failing to enter and gathering to discuss among themselves.

“Wait a moment, I thought that face looked familiar. Did they send someone from there too? They’ve been claiming neutrality all this time.”

“They just want to inquire about His Holiness’ intentions. Let’s not read too much into it.”

“Hmm, I suppose you’re right…”

Regardless of whether there were any connections to the inner court, the Papal Palace was a battleground for various factions.

It was a fact that could be easily discerned from the conversations around.

The Emperor’s spokesperson and the complaints of his supporters. Envoys sent by the rebel Duke Rudolf, along with the uneasy questions from nobles, including the Kanosa Viscount who had maintained neutrality.

Those who were already aware knew that the closed doors of the Papal Palace were bustling with guests from all corners of the Empire.

We retraced our steps over the human-made barrier and returned to the path we had taken to get here.

As we entered the bustling streets of the Papal Palace, which showcased the scale and grandeur of the city, I couldn’t help but feel the tension tightly wound beneath the surface.

The atmosphere was uneasy. At least, even if there were those who supported this, it seemed that maintaining neutrality was the best position to take.

Even though we had distanced ourselves somewhat from the chaotic Papal Palace, snippets of unsettling conversations could still be heard.

Upon reaching the prepared lodging, the Viscount stopped in his tracks.

With a bitter expression, he turned back towards me and said, “There’s nothing we can do but wait a little. His Holiness will eventually seek us out. Let’s each go about our tasks in the meantime.”

“Understood, my lord. Please call upon me when needed.”

The Viscount seemed to believe he could still stop this.

Although it didn’t seem likely, I chose to remain silent instead of outright denying it. My mind was already overwhelmed, and there was no need to add more worries at the moment.

The Kanosa Viscount returned to his room to rest for a while.

After a long journey to find the Pope, he must have been exhausted.

I also returned to my assigned room.

Since it was uncertain what would happen after showing my face to the Pope, Lycia, who had been left to rest in the room, was still there when I entered. The girl who had been guarding the armor, weapons, and money I had left behind looked up as I walked in.

It seemed as if the armor was weighing heavily in the hands, as if it were a burden that was being carried. Since it was going to be changed soon anyway, it didn’t seem necessary.

“Ah, Raven. How did the mission go?”

“Is there any other reason for me to come back this early? I couldn’t even set foot in the Papal Palace.”

“Well, it did seem like it would turn out that way. So, are we just going to wait from now on?”

“Since the master said so, I should do the same. So, in the meantime, I thought I might take a look around the Papal Palace.”

“Are you going out now?”

“If it’s too tiring, you can rest more. There’s no need to rush, as the problem doesn’t seem like it will be resolved quickly. Why, do you want to take a break today?”

“No, I’m fine. Shall we go see the new equipment today then?”

The girl, who had put down the armor and stood up from her seat, grabbed my hand.

And as she led me out onto the street, a voice I had heard somewhere before echoed from behind.

“Lycia?”

Turning my head, I saw the princess accompanied by a priest standing there.

*****

The marble palace at the center of the Papal Palace.

The throne placed there was meant for only one among millions of believers.

An elderly priest was sweeping the beard on top of it. His face seemed calm at first glance, but upon closer inspection, his eyes were trembling.

After observing him for a moment, the chancellor spoke up.

“The actions of the neutral lords have been concerning. Shouldn’t we try to appease them a little?”

“No, no. That won’t do.”

“Your Majesty?”

The chancellor, who was asking him questions, was no longer present.

The Pope, lost in his own world, was searching for something. It was the satisfaction, power, and pride he once had.

The Pope had his own thoughts as well.

If asked which side he supported, in truth, as the Pope, he could only say that he supported no one.

The previous emperor had constantly grabbed him by the hair and barked at him, and the emperor established by the rebels would eventually oppose him as well.

Moreover, didn’t he once make an emperor kneel and apologize with just a word?

Although he ultimately bowed down in the end, the exhilarating feeling from that time had not left his mind even after several years.

It was with this kind of thinking that he made his decision.

“The empire is in chaos like never before. Now is the opportunity to strengthen the power of the Papacy.”

“Excommunicate the emperor. To remind him that the authority of the Pope is superior to that of the emperor, it is necessary to show him again and engrave it in his memory.”

Although it was said in a roundabout way, it could be summarized in one sentence: to kill each other.

To gnaw at each other’s flesh as much as possible, and to make everyone bow down in front of the church as before.

The Pope continued to list a few more complaints afterwards, but the chancellor listening to them on the side heard them with one ear and let them out the other.

In the end, it wasn’t much different even if he simplified it.

“These people who lie as easily as they eat rice, it’s disgusting to see them only speak up at times like this.”

In other words, it was a statement about why the standards were so strict only for me.

Well, he was the Pope, so of course he had to be strict.

Who would care if a shepherd in the countryside changed his words and lied like eating rice? But if it was the Pope, the weight of power and position should be carried appropriately.

Although the chancellor under the dais thought this way to himself, he didn’t dare to speak his mind out loud.

He knew that if he provoked the Pope, who had recently developed paranoia and even delusions of persecution, he would face a terrible fate.

Naturally, the documents and matters to be delivered to the Pope would have to take a back seat.

“This is not the time to be excluded, as it was only accumulating dust and taking up space on the bookshelf.”

“Visitor request.”

“Again? Don’t you know how things are going these days? Leave it for later to handle. What is the status of the requester?”

“It’s a request from Count Kanosa.”

“Hmm… It seems somewhat important, but for now, let’s put it on hold.”

Unlike the snobbish nobles, merchants, and ordinary pilgrims, a request from a Count could enjoy the honor of reaching the Pope’s doorstep.

But that honor only went so far. The quickly rising report left behind the final barrier of the Pope’s personal will and sank, leaving no choice but to make way for the Imperial envoy’s requested audience.

And so, everyone’s schedules to visit the Papal Palace were thrown into disarray.

It was not limited to just Lavenn and the Count, but also to the envoy sent by the Emperor, who boasted the greatest authority under the sky, even if a flaw appeared.

Fast forward a week.

Bishop Gilberto and Princess Heine arrived at the Papal Palace before anyone else.

It was only natural, as they headed straight to their destination without taking any detours.

Yet, they ended up facing a fate no different from the others.

“His Holiness is currently busy. He seems to insist on that, but what will you do?”

“For now, let’s wait. How long will he continue to ignore us?”

But Heine had forgotten one fact, that the Pope had a record of making even the Emperor wait for three days and nights on thin ice.

What was initially expected to last a day or two stretched out like a rubber band.

With nothing else to do, wandering the streets and occasionally meeting with friendly nobles to gossip became the only remaining task.

Although they couldn’t openly criticize in the Pope’s courtyard, they could subtly touch on the absurdity and anger shared by everyone.

And so, as they walked the streets today to pass the time, they unexpectedly ran into a familiar face.

They had said they would see each other later, but they never expected to actually meet. Thinking they would quickly handle their business and return to the university, they had not anticipated staying at the Papal Palace longer than expected.

“Lycia?”

“Oh, Your Highness. It’s unexpected to meet you here.”

“And Count Lavenn is here too. Nice to see you.”

“I hope you have been well, Your Highness. It seems like it’s been a while since we last met.”

Meeting an acquaintance in a place that was no different from enemy territory. Since they didn’t need to engage in complicated conversations like the nobles, Heine greeted warmly.

And beside her, Gilberto, as if remembering something, let out a small sigh, “Ah.”