Chapter 84

84. The Whole Story (1)

Four days later, Adelaide boarded a carriage bound for the capital. Countess Changeling and Roella were bitterly disappointed, but they had to hurry their departure after the stay extended beyond the planned time.

“Why not rest a few more days before leaving? You’re leaving after all the hardship.”

“It’s no hardship. I owe you a lot, Countess.”

“I couldn’t even treat you properly. Please come back next time.”

“I will. Take care of yourself. Thank you so much.”

At Adelaide’s farewell, the Countess patted her back.

“Take care of yourself, and if you ever need a place to turn to, don’t hesitate to come south, okay?”

“Yes.”

The implication was that even if Callion became a failed traitor, the South would protect them both to the end. Adelaide returned the favor with a wry smile and turned to Roella.

“Thank you, Lady Roella.”

“Don’t mention it. I wish I could go with you… Please be careful, Your Grace.”

Roella Changeling waved back with a wistful look. Roella had wanted to go with them to the capital, but due to Lord Changeling’s concerns about the potential turmoil in the capital, she stayed in the south.

Adelaide whispered quietly in Roella’s ear.

“I’ll deliver the letter as soon as I arrive.”

“Thank you.”

Roella smiled shyly, remembering that last night she had entrusted a carefully written letter to Martin Owens to deliver to him. Adelaide squeezed her hand, then released it and headed for the carriage.

Lord Changeling, mounted on horseback, waved to the countess.

“Goodbye, then, Hina.”

“Farewell, Gordon.”

“Take care.”

After saying their goodbyes, the group rode out of the castle, waved goodbye by the Southerners.

The journey up was uneventful. It took twenty days to travel south, but only fifteen days to return.

As they neared the capital, the weather turned from summer to fall.

“Let’s stop here today and rest.”

The group decided to spend the night in a village three days from the capital. It was a place Lord Changeling often stopped at on his way up the capital.

The inn they found, recommended by Hayward Changeling for its excellent beer, was oddly empty.

“Welcome.”

The innkeeper greeted me from behind the counter. The normally bustling hall was empty. Changeling cocked his head and opened his mouth.

“Do you have any vacant rooms?”

“They’re all empty, so feel free to use any.”

“Then I’ll rent the whole inn for the night. You can start by preparing a meal. I’ll have a beer and…….”

“I’m sorry, but we don’t sell alcohol.”

At the innkeeper’s reply, Changeling asked again, disappointed.

“Have you run out of liquor?”

The innkeeper shook his head and replied gloomily.

“Don’t you know, His Holiness the Pope has passed away and there is a prohibition on alcohol.”

“……!”

⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Upon hearing the news of the Pope’s sudden passing, Callion and his team immediately headed to the capital.

The capital was in mourning. The soldiers guarding the gates were dressed in black armor, and a black flag was draped over the central shrine.

Unsure whether to go to the temple or the palace, Callion headed for the mansion first, heeding Adelaide’s advice that it was never too late to learn more and make a move.

When he arrived at the townhouse, he was greeted by Lucid.

“Good evening, Your Grace.”

“Lucid, is it true that the Holy Pope has died?”

“Yes. You already knew.”

“To die so suddenly, was he ill?”

“Cardinal Orland assassinated His Holiness.”

“What?”

⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Immediately after Callion left for the south, a council of cardinals was convened at the temple under the direction of the Pope.

Nineteen of the twenty priests who had been ordained cardinals were present, with the exception of Samuel Dorfman.

It was highly unusual for a council to be convened, as most cardinals not affiliated with the central temple stayed in their local temples, not the institution.

“What has the Holy Pope called us for?”

“Well, I don’t know.”

The cardinals were puzzled by the unprecedented summons, not even knowing why they had been called. The elderly cardinal turned to Cardinal Orland and asked.

“Cardinal Orland, do you know what is going on?”

“I haven’t heard anything either.”

Cardinal Orland replied with a bitter taste in his mouth.

Until recently, he was one of the most influential people, trusted by the Pope. All documents requiring approval and grants sent to each temple went through his hands, and it was also his responsibility to oversee the major and minor affairs of the temple.

However, at some point, the Pope retracted the authority he had given him, leaving him powerless and marginalized. The fact that he didn’t even know the agenda of today’s meeting proved it.

“I’m worried that something significant might have happened.”

As soon as the old priest finished speaking, the door opened. The Pope entered the conference room, supported by a young priest.

The priests, who were quick to recognize the purpose of the meeting by his sickly coloring, immediately understood.

“Thank you for gathering despite your busy schedules.”

Not having the energy to sit for long, the Pope got straight to the point.

“As you can see, my health is failing, and it is no longer possible for me to fulfill my papal duties, so I have decided to lay down my heavy burden.”

“How serious is your illness? Have you seen a doctor?”

“It’s unnecessary. The Lord is calling me to His side, and isn’t that a joyous occasion?”

The cardinals bowed their heads in unison at the pope’s answer.

“I have summoned you today to receive your recommendations for the next Pope.”

“…….”

“If you have a suitable candidate, do not hesitate to speak up.”Everyone was hesitant to speak, glancing at each other, but a few cast fleeting looks at Cardinal Orlando without making any formal recommendations.

Feeling a surge of betrayal, Cardinal Orlando clenched his fist. Despite his recent estrangement from the Pope, he believed he was the most suitable candidate for the next Pope.

Hadn’t he served as the Pope’s deputy and even provided special funds? Now he was being looked down upon by an old man who was about to die.

“You don’t have anyone to recommend?”

In response to the Pope’s question, the young priest at the head of the table raised his hand cautiously.

“Perhaps…… Cardinal Orland, who has been His Holiness’s deputy for so long, would be best suited to fulfill the papal duties.”

“Hmm.”

The Pope, seemingly unimpressed, cleared his throat, prompting the old priest beside him to voice a contrary opinion.

“The Pope is not merely an administrator. The most important quality is the ability to empathize with the people.”

“Isn’t it compulsory to join the Imperial Council when you become Pope? And since you’re also an advisor to the Emperor, I think you should have good political sense.”

“If someone has great political acumen, why are they a priest instead of a politician? Shouldn’t a priest focus on serving God rather than meddling in politics?”

“Please don’t misunderstand. That’s not what I meant…”

“Enough.”

As the debate heated up, the Pope intervened. Glancing at Cardinal Orlando, the Pope asked again.

“Is there another candidate?”

The burly priest raised his hand. It was Cardinal Obland, the first Southerner to be elevated to the cardinalate.

“How about Cardinal Dorfman?”

“Cardinal Dorfman hasn’t been a cardinal for less than a year, has he?”

“He’s only been a cardinal for a short time, but he’s been ordained a priest for over 30 years, so I think he’s quite capable of being pope.”

Supporting Cardinal Obland’s recommendation, the old priest who opposed Cardinal Orlando chimed in.

“I, too, think Cardinal Dorfman is the right man for the job; who else is so trusted among the people?”

“That’s true, and he was the only one who risked his life to help them when the poor and the guards clashed not long ago.”

“I don’t think his short history as a cardinal will be a problem, since he’s been preaching for so long in a place as inhospitable as the Temple of Therminas.”

There were voices here and there in favor of Samuel Dorfman. Cardinal Orland’s face flushed red.

Cardinal Orland didn’t know it, but most cardinals were receiving support from Adelaide. Of course, her support was only a donation in the name of helping the development of the temple, and she did not ask for her support for Cardinal Dorfmann.

But given the fact that the Duke of Tiflis had been the first to speak to Samuel Dorfman at the last party, the events of the recent storming of the capital by the poor, and her connections in Tiflis, it was clear what her investment was for.

The Pope, who had been listening, looked around the room and asked.

“Why is Cardinal Dorfman nowhere to be seen?”

The young priest who was assisting the Pope answered cautiously.

“Cardinal Dorfman has gone to the Marquisate of Alberden with the poor. He intends to help them settle there.”

“He’s doing his duty as a priest.”

A brief smile appeared on the Pope’s otherwise sickly face, a stark contrast to his reaction when Cardinal Orlando was recommended.

“If you have anyone else to recommend, say so.”

The Pope asked for a third candidate, but he didn’t need another, knowing that his mind was set on one man.

“How about we vote after confirming the candidates’ willingness?”

“I think that would be a good idea.”

“Cardinal Orland, are you willing to serve as pope?”

“……I have many shortcomings, but if God calls me, I will do my duty.”

“Very well. We only need to confirm Cardinal Dorfman’s willingness. Summon him as soon as possible.”