Chapter 40

40. Meeting Someone

“It’s been a long time, Cardinal Orland.”

“I heard you arrived yesterday. If I had known you were coming, I would have sent someone to greet you.”

“I don’t know if it was rude to show up unexpectedly on a day when there wasn’t even a service.”

“God is always ready to meet you, even if you don’t make an appointment.”

Cardinal Orland replied with a wry smile. He seemed modest, but he was not someone to be underestimated.

Born as the third son of a mediocre count family, Cardinal Orland was a man of great standing who entered the temple at the age of fifteen and became the youngest cardinal at thirty-two.

He wields real power as the Pope’s deputy, and when the Pope falls ill, he takes control of the shrine.

Adelaide was determined to stop him.

“I heard you came to see His Holiness.”

“Yes. Since it’s been a while since I’ve been to the capital, it seemed appropriate to pay my respects to His Holiness first.”

“That’s a truly noble sentiment, but… unfortunately, His Holiness’s health is not good, so I’m not sure if he’ll be able to grant an audience.”

“His Holiness? Has he fallen ill?”

“Yes, he is very old, so if you have something to say, it would be more convenient to convey it through me.”

Since he holds the real power, there is no need to meet the Pope.

From the moment the guards informed Cardinal Orland of her visit instead of the Pope, Adelaide suspected that Cardinal Orland’s influence was even greater than she’d expected.

“How dare I use the Cardinal as a messenger? I’ll just have to set aside a separate day to pay my respect to His Holiness.”

“Ah, that would be fine.”

Cardinal Orland chuckled. He seemed slightly guarded, but he was quite accommodating, knowing that she was the mistress of Elkius.

“Please wait a moment. I will inquire with His Holiness and come back.”

“Please.”

Pausing in front of the pope’s office, Cardinal Orland stepped inside. After some murmuring voices, the door opened again.

“Come in.”

The room smelled strongly of scented candles. The Pope was sitting on the couch. Adelaide bowed.

“I greet Your Holiness, the venerable servant of God.”

“It’s been a long time, Duchess.”

Contrary to Cardinal Orland’s words about his poor health, the Pope was well.

His complexion was a little pale but in good shape for a man of nearly seventy, and his eyes were as expressive as those of a younger man.

“I hear you’ve traveled a long way.”

“Yes. I arrived in the capital yesterday.”

“It must have been a difficult journey.”

“God has been gracious, and the journey was comfortable.”

The Pope nodded kindly. A smile creased his aged face at the sight of an old visitor.

He had just opened his mouth to speak when he turned to Cardinal Orland, who was standing to one side of the room.

“You may leave now.”

“If there’s anything I can assist with…”

“I’ll call you if I need anything.”

“Let me know when you do.”

Cardinal Orland didn’t insist further and left the office. Although he was acting as the pope’s representative, he was not fully trusted.

“So, what business does the Duchess have with this old man?”

“I came to pay my respects since I arrived in the capital. I didn’t make any appointments, thinking it proper to visit Your Holiness first. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“You’re not being rude at all. I am grateful to you for visiting an old man who is nearing the end of his days.”

“Don’t say that. High Priest Dorfman will be sad to hear it.”

“How is Samuel?”

The Pope’s face lit up at the mention of Priest Dorfman.

Since he had personally raised Samuel Dorfman from an orphan to a priest, he couldn’t help but feel attached.

“Yes. The temples of Therminas and Tiflis owe a lot to High Priest Dorfman.”

“I’m glad to hear he’s doing well.”

Adelaide smiled wryly, her voice full of affection.

“High Priest Dorfman is also my benefactor. When I was struggling to adjust to my new surroundings, he comforted me with his divine words.”

“God has recognized the Duchess’s faithfulness.”

“Yes. He is nothing less than an angel sent by God to me.”

Adelaide praised Samuel Dorfmann once again. The Pope’s shoulders rose as if he were being praised.

“Before I left Tiflis, I met with High Priest Dorfman, who asked me to let him know if you were well. He requested that I convey his sincere wishes to you.”

“Why not contact me directly, instead of troubling the Duchess?”

“It was no trouble. He sent several letters, but Your Holiness didn’t respond, so he began to worry if anything was amiss with Your Holiness’s health.”

“Samuel sent letters?”

“Yes. If Your Holiness is well, he will be truly pleased to know.”

Anger quickly flashed across the pope’s face.

Contrary to Adelaide’s words, he had not received a single letter from Samuel in the past two years.

Sometimes he asked Cardinal Orland about Samuel’s well-being, but he was told that he had not heard from him.

He had tried to quell his resentment by thinking that Samuel was too busy with his ministry in distant and dangerous places, but looking back, he wondered if it was just Cardinal Orland’s scheme.

His clenched fist trembled. He couldn’t suppress his anger at being treated like an old man in the back room when he had been on equal footing with the Emperor.

Adelaide fanned the growing flames.

“It’s such a waste for him to be in the borderlands. With his abilities, he could do plenty in the capital.”

“……Mmm.”

“By the way, I heard on the way to the capital that His Majesty has pushed the slums out.”

“Yes. I pleaded with the Emperor that it was a bad idea, but he insisted.”

“It’s a shame, because the people who were pushed out are begging around the capital…… and I don’t think Your Holiness will be able to take care of them.”

Adelaide said it coyly. The elderly pope easily recognized the meaning behind her words.

“God’s grace should know no bounds.”

The intent was clear; the rest was up to the pope. Adelaide pulled out the last pouch she had brought.

“What is this?”

“It’s something I prepared while pondering how to repay God’s grace. Please accept it without refusal.”

The Pope opened the pouch. Inside was a solid gold statue of an angel.

“All the expenses of the temple are used for the benefit of the believers, so there should be something dedicated solely to God.”

“I will remember your faithfulness.”

“I am honored to hear such good words from Your Holiness.”

Adelaide bowed respectfully. The Pope, having examined the purse, put it in a drawer under the table and stood up.

“I must be going.”

“It has been a pleasure to have you here.”

“I, for one, was grateful for your time.”

“I hope we will have occasion to see each other again in the near future.”

Adelaide was escorted out of the office by the Pope. If the Pope moves as expected, he will soon bring Samuel Dorfman to the capital.

Samuel Dorfman was the Pope’s confidant and a check on Cardinal Orland. If he came, Cardinal Orland wouldn’t be able to manipulate the temple as freely as he does now.

And that means one of Elkius’ main sources of funding will be cut off.

“Did the conversation go well?”

Cardinal Orland was waiting for her as she exited the office. Adelaide nodded nonchalantly.

“I heard many insightful words thanks to you, Cardinal.”

“Are you returning now?”

“I would like to make a brief stop at the imperial cemetery.”

“You may do so, and I will escort you.”

Cardinal Orland graciously replied and led the way.

The imperial cemetery was behind the temple. After a short walk through the patronage, they came to the entrance of the cemetery.

“It’s the Emperor’s memorial service soon, so I had it tended a few days ago.”

“The memorial service will be held here?”

“Yes, and I have the honor of officiating.”

“I’m excited to hear that the Cardinal is officiating.”

When they reached the entrance to the cemetery, Adelaide pulled out a pouch. It was the same pouch he’d handed to the Pope.

“Thank you for showing me around. I’ll be back soon, so don’t worry about it.”

“Please take your time.”

Cardinal Orland took the pouch and turned away. Adelaide waited until he was out of sight before entering the cemetery.

The cemetery that held the remains of the royal family was large but deserted. Unlike the regular cemeteries that mourners frequented, it seemed more lonely with limited access.

Adelaide walked past the tomb of the first emperor and stood before a small tomb in the far corner.

[ Here Lies Roland Howard ]

The simple tombstone bore only four words of remembrance. Adelaide took the flowers Margaret was holding and set them down in front of the grave.

“Whose grave is this?”

Margaret, who had remained silent the entire time, asked curiously.

“The eldest son of Duke Howard.”

“The only son of the Duke of Howard who…… disappeared as a child?”

“Yes.”

“Were you close to him? The Duchess of Howard didn’t like you-.”

Margaret, who was babbling, abruptly stopped herself, realizing her mistake. Adelaide turned away as if she hadn’t heard.

“We’re done here. Let’s go back.”

“Yes.”

Margaret hurriedly walked ahead. Adelaide followed her out of the cemetery.

As they approached the temple, two women disembarked from the carriage that had just arrived. The noble lady got off the carriage, supported by a young woman, and frowned when she saw Adelaide.

Adelaide bowed politely.

“It’s been a long time, Duchess Howard, Lady Lephisto.”

“Shayla, bring the saline solution. I’ve seen something dirty, so I need to wash my eyes.”

“Godmother.”

Shayla, stunned by the outburst, tugged on Duchess Howard’s arm.

“Please refrain from saying such things, and let’s go inside.”

At Shayla’s urging, the Duchess of Howard clicked her tongue and stalked away. Adelaide, who had endured the humiliation in silence, raised her bowed head.

“…Let’s go.”