scepter

This is not true!

These words echoed in Fanserich's mind over and over again, his usual noble and glamorous appearance was gone, at this moment he fell to the ground, his face was pale, his whole body was in a state of despair, no one would see him if he saw him. Connect with the archbishop in red who is like the proud son of heaven.

"What did you see?" Vanserich heard the pope ask.

He opened his mouth, but found that he couldn't make a sound.

"What did you see?" The Pope asked again, his eyes fixed on him, and the cloudy eyes had focus for the first time.

"I saw..." He found that his voice was a little hoarse, it was completely a temporary loss of voice caused by the huge shock in a short period of time, even if someone told Vanserich that he was the Pope's illegitimate child, the shock brought, It was far less than the shock that this power ring gave him.

"I see." Vanserich, calm down, you are not a poor country boy who has never met, you are a cardinal, and you are the one who will succeed the Pope in the future.

Thinking of this, he dug his fingernails into his palm, forced himself to calm down, and said in a low voice, "The process of your transaction with the monster."

Pope: "Yes, Arthur. This power ring records my contact information with monsters. You can use it to get in touch with the monster plane in the future. They, those lowly creatures, can help you and help the Holy See ascend to a more powerful place. The pinnacle of glory!"

Why should I contact monsters!The noble Holy See, why did the noble priests collude with monsters! !

Fanserich yelled loudly in his heart, and he struggled to squeeze out his voice: "Why did you and..."

"Why do I choose to cooperate with monsters? For the Holy See, do you think this is a shame?" The Pope took his question.

Fanserich was silent.

The pope smiled and didn't blame him: "It may have started a long time ago. I was not the pope at that time, but my position had already been determined by default. If there is no accident, I will take over the scepter of the pope and perform the duties of the pope." The duty of the Pope, at that time, I was just like you, a young man."

His eyes widened, as if going back in time.

"One day, the previous pope called me over, and he wanted to tell me some secrets that only the popes of the past would know. As we all know, in the war where monsters invaded many years ago, the Goddess of Light personally repaired the two positions. The gap between the planes ends up driving the monsters back to their planes."

"Actually, the war was far from over. The Goddess of Light at that time, her divine power was no longer comparable to that of her heyday. Even if she repaired the cracks, she was unable to do what she wanted. In the end, we all know that the goddess has fallen, and everyone is celebrating the death of the monster. Failure, the return of peace. But no one knows that the gap between the planes has not been completely closed, except for the popes of all ages."

"Of course, this crack is not enough to allow the army of monsters to pass through, so it is not a mistake to say that the mainland has returned to safety. After I knew this secret, I once went deep into the dark forest alone, and checked in the direction where the crack was located. As time goes by, the cracked gap will become bigger and bigger. If you want to maintain the status quo, you have to send people to repair it regularly. This is not something that ordinary priests or mages can do. Consuming most of the magic power of a pope. In order to keep the oath and promise to the goddess of light, every pope will try his best to repair the cracks, which is why the life span of the popes before me is not as long as mine."

At the very least, Vanserich was able to listen to the Pope's story with a calm expression.But as the Pope's story got deeper and deeper, the waves in his heart were lifted higher and higher.

"But after the previous pope told me this secret, I didn't want to do that. The Holy See has long opposed the mages, but they can never be eliminated. The countries on the mainland are also starting to move around, and they don't worship the Holy See as much as before. Why should I repair the cracks? , let these people benefit? Doing this will not do any good except for the continued decline of the Holy See, and other people will not be grateful to us for what we have done. Since the goddesses have fallen, why Are we still going to keep the illusory promise?"

"My greatest wish in life is to restore the Holy See to its former glory, and this crack is a great opportunity. Therefore, I did not repair the crack, nor did I tell anyone."

The Pope paused, he was completely lost in memory.

"Sure enough, after several decades, the gap in the plane lost its magic power and began to expand slowly. The monster plane apparently also discovered this secret. They began to tentatively invade Olin Continent and made contact with me. The ring in your hand is what I got when I signed a contract with them in the dark forest. It records the process of the contract. As long as you read the spell I taught you to the ring, you can have a get in touch."

For a moment, Vanserich wanted to take off the ring on his hand and burn it completely with bright flames.However, he did not do that in the end. Instead, he suppressed the impulse in his heart, and asked again and again in an almost questioning tone: "Why did you do this! The invasion of monsters, their goal is all human beings, and the entire Olin Continent." Ah! If they succeed, the entire Olin Continent will..."

Fansherich couldn't continue. He suddenly thought of a possibility and shuddered: "Then, you also expected the invasion of the undead army in the first place?"

The Pope said calmly: "Yes, the Black Death is not a disease, but a curse. This curse was born out of light magic, and I taught it to monsters. Otherwise, why can only light magic cure the Black Death?"

"No, no!" Fansherich was incoherent in horror, his face contorted, and his speech became very fast, "Why did you do this! In order to deal with the invasion of the undead army, the priests also sacrificed!"

"The sacrifice of all the details is worth it." To him, the Pope's loving voice in the past seemed so cold. "The spread of the Black Death and the invasion of the undead will make people rely on the Holy See again. Sooner or later, they will realize the importance of the Holy See. Those mages will not be able to save them at all. Only the Holy See of Light can save the entire continent."

Fansherich closed his eyes, "Have you ever thought that when the monster army invades in an all-round way, everything will be out of your control? They will not obey your orders, they will eat up the entire continent, even the Holy See, No exception!"

"You don't need to worry about this, my child." The Pope slowly stroked the top of Vaserich's head, just like he did when he was a child. "Although I have reached a temporary agreement with them, this kind of contract is just what each needs. After you become the pope, you will come into contact with and learn the big prophecy, which will be the nemesis of monsters. The day when the army of monsters invades , even those mages with high self-esteem cannot resist, and the one who can save the continent will only be you and the Holy See you lead. Arthur, I believe you will not let me down, right?"

Fansherich tried his best to calm down the agitation in his heart. He really wanted to be angry and yell, but in the end he just said in a dry voice: "No, teacher, I can't do it! I don't want to collude with monsters, noble priest, You shouldn't collude with monsters, that will wipe out the reputation of the Holy See for thousands of years..."

The pope sighed: "Arthur, I don't have time. If possible, I hope that I will finish the dirty work and you will take over the bright work, but it is too late now. You must accept, The heir I am satisfied with is only you from the beginning to the end."

"When the army of monsters invades Olin Continent, of course, you have to stand on the side of humans and fight against those lowly monsters. What's the contradiction? The image of you and the Holy See will always be glorious, never Someone discovered the contract between us and the monster."

Fanserich pursed his lips tightly, and clenched his fists tightly, as if he was going to dig his nails deep into his palm. After a long time, he found his voice: "Yes, teacher, I will To your will. What shall I do?"

"Good boy," the Pope smiled, "You don't need to worry about the crack in the plane. That crack is enough to accommodate the army of monsters. In a few months, the time of the contract will come to an end. By then you We must strive to become the leader of all the forces on the mainland, lead them to fight against monsters together, hold the power of mages and nobles in our hands, and when power is redistributed after the war, the Holy See will once again stand on top of the mainland."

Fanserich asked with difficulty: "...What exactly is the content of the contract, and what constraints will it have on us?"

Facing his heir, the pope didn't hide anything: "It's very simple. At that time, I made an agreement with the high-level monsters that I would help them spread the Black Death, and they would first manipulate and summon the undead to attack human territories. The cunning of monsters is no less than Humans, they never expected the undead to help them occupy the mainland. In fact, it was just a pre-dinner dessert for the army of monsters to attack the mainland, buying time for the official invasion. Alexander, just stay by Yannick Hill's side The priest, he is my eyeliner, he is actually a monster, and his task is to provoke a war between the Charlemagne Empire and the Garter Empire."

Facing the astonished face of Fansherich, he regretfully said: "But unfortunately, he failed. Thanks to Yannick Hill and Simon, the flames of war were extinguished just before the war started. Therefore, I had to temporarily change the plan. , Arthur, after a while, Alfonso VIII may encounter an assassination. If he dies, the Charlemagne Empire will be in chaos. If he does not die, with Alfonso VIII's suspicious character, it is very likely I will suspect the mage, you know, the more chaotic the continent is, the better it will be for us to come out and grasp the whole situation in the future."

"One more thing, the army of monsters will first annex the Principality of Mecklen. You have to send a group of priests to help as soon as possible. If you can't resist the monsters, it doesn't even matter if you let them sacrifice there. This will further shape and consolidate the greatness of the Holy See. image, the world will not have any doubts. As a pope, you know what to do."

Following the pope's words, Vanserich's hands were trembling, but his face still tried to remain calm: "Yes, teacher, I know what to do."

"You swear," said the pope.

Facing the unbelievable eyes of his beloved student, he gave an old and weary smile: "Although you are capable, you are also soft-hearted, Arthur, I know you pity those people and feel that they should not be sacrificed, so you have to I swear, you will not betray my philosophy, and you will resolutely implement what I just said."

"...I swear," if possible, Fanserich almost wanted to escape from this suffocating room, but his rationality restrained his urge to do so. After a long silence, the archbishop in red finally bowed down. own head.

Is he softhearted?No, he is not soft-hearted at all. In the face of political opponents, he can attack them mercilessly, but when the object of calculation is replaced by the entire continent and all human beings, Fanserich feels that this completely subverts his long-standing practice According to the principle, as a noble priest, you can sacrifice a lot of things when necessary, but that does not include faith!

If the noble light can also be mixed with the dirty darkness, then what is the nobleness of the light!

"I swear, I will not betray your philosophy, and I will resolutely implement everything you just said."

Throughout the night, no one knew what the content of this secret talk that could affect the fate of the mainland was.

When it was almost dawn, Adolf and Abel, who had been guarding the room all the time, greeted the tired figure of Vanserich.

"Your Excellency!" the two shouted in unison.

Fanserich looked tired and fell directly on the chair, frightening both Adolf and Abel.

"Your Excellency, His Majesty the Pope..."

Vanserich waved his hand and interrupted him, "Abel, you go to see Yannick Hill now, in person, and ask him to come to see me, as soon as possible."

Abel was a little surprised, not knowing what the Pope had said to him, which made Vaserich change his mind as soon as he came out, and couldn't wait.

Even so, he reacted quickly and wisely chose not to ask: "Yes, Your Excellency."

Adolf still asked a little unwillingly: "Your Excellency, did His Majesty the Pope say something?"

"Don't ask, Adolf, I didn't tell you, it's for your own good." Fanserich glanced at the two, his stern tone softened, "His Majesty the Pope is going to receive all the cardinals, and set a I inherit the matter of the Pope."

This is a good thing!The two were overjoyed, but seeing that there was no joy on Fanserich's face, their ecstasy was also replaced by bewilderment.

What happened in the end?

An hour later, Yannick, who received the invitation from Vanserich, was also surprised.

There is a teleportation magic circle connection between the Central Vatican and the Garter Empire, the location is within the branch church of the Garter Empire, and Yannick is in the Central Academy of Magic, so it is very convenient for the two parties to get in touch.

"May I ask why your Excellency Vanserich wants to see me?" Yannick asked Abel, who was acting as the messenger.

"I don't know too well, but you can ask your Excellency yourself." Abel smiled. He agreed with Vanserich's intention to cooperate with Yannick, so even though Yannick has no power at all, his attitude is very polite .

Yannick soon met Vanserich.

After a simple grooming, the archbishop in red has returned to his former reserved and indifferent appearance. He looks very capable of bluffing people, although he can't bluff Yannick.

"Nice to meet you, Your Excellency Fansherich." The silver-haired priest bowed slightly. He didn't wear the light blue low-level priest's robe today, but a white one with no rank .

No matter what kind of clothes he wears, there is always an amazing feeling.

"I'm glad to meet you too, my old friend." Fanserich's cold mouth slightly opened an arc. "It looks like you're having a good time, or rather, happy?"

"Oh yes, but I still feel a bit regretful that I can't wear that dark green robe." Yannick bluntly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Pope, even though the person in front of him was the Pope's favorite disciple.

"I'm sorry, I know this is unfair to you, but I have no way to change His Majesty's decision," Fansherich said.

Yannick smiled: "It doesn't matter, it has nothing to do with you, but what I'm more curious about is why you suddenly want to summon me? Let me guess, the last time you sent me a letter, Archbishop Robert passed away, yes Is it related to this matter?"

Vanserich laughed too: "Yes, that's why I love talking to you, it's always a pleasure to talk to a smart person who knows himself! What are your thoughts on that news? "

"I don't have any thoughts, Your Excellency. Let me remind you that I'm just a small person now, a small person who has to salute even if I see a low-ranking priest." Yannick narrated calmly, without any intensity or dissatisfaction in his tone.

"Yes, dear Hill, but there are always exceptions to everything." Fansherich seemed not to want to go around in circles, and asked straightforwardly: "Do you want to fill that vacancy and become the Cardinal Archbishop?"

However, Yannick raised his eyebrows and answered him directly: "Yes, I think. But as far as I know, there are many people who want this position, and His Majesty the Pope doesn't like me. Also, what do I need to pay?" ?”

Fansherich looked at him with a low voice: "You just need to convince Archbishop Lahe to stand by my side unswervingly and support me after becoming the archbishop in red. The rest is up to me. do it."

Yannick is very cautious: "Support is inevitable, but I need a bottom line."

Fansherich was silent for a moment: "The bottom line is the law of the Holy See itself. In addition to supporting me as Pope, you only need to give me proper support within the limits of the Holy See's decree."

Yannick was a little surprised by his loose conditions: "That's it?"

Vanserich laughed: "Yes, that's it. Let's put it this way, dear Hill, every vote of the Cardinal Archbishop is important, and I can't let it fall into Gustav's hands, so The support of you and Rah is very important to me, and you should not think that it is easy to persuade Rah who is neutral."

Yannick nodded: "Deal."

His Majesty the Pope has not appeared in front of people for a whole month, but this time he suddenly wants to summon all the cardinals, which will inevitably make people speculate.

But no matter what, everyone gathered in the Privy Chamber of the Central Holy See according to the Pope's order, waiting for the arrival of His Majesty the Pope.

There are twelve seats on both sides of the long table, except for the seat of the Pope at one end of the long table, there are two empty seats.

One is Archbishop Robert, who has passed away, and the other is Archbishop Gustav.

The latter, on behalf of the Holy See, went to attend the Second Continental League Conference, but has not yet returned.

His Majesty the Pope didn't even mean to wait for his return.

The door is open.

His Majesty the Pope finally appeared, and with the support of the attendant priest, he put the scepter on the ground and walked in slowly.

Everyone noticed that the pope's footsteps were a bit slow, and his face was older than before. Even the hand holding the scepter was covered with wrinkles at some point.

He is old.

This awareness arises in everyone's heart.

This cognition makes them even more inexplicable, because in the eyes of many people, the Pope seems to never grow old. He has experienced too many people and things, and he is almost becoming a symbol of the mainland. .

Everyone stood up and bowed to welcome His Majesty the Pope.

After the Pope took his seat, he stretched out his hand and pressed it, and then everyone sat down again.

However, when the old man spoke, he still did not lose the majesty of the past.

"I invite all of you to come here today. There is a very important matter that needs your witness." He said slowly, looking around at everyone.

Wherever they looked, the archbishops in red lowered their heads and did not look directly at him to show their respect.

"I hope that the candidate for the next pope can be decided today. Otherwise, after my death, if this matter triggers turmoil in the Holy See, it will be my crime. Arthur Fansherich's ability is very outstanding. During the period of Archbishop Yi, his performance was obvious to all, so I nominate him as the next pope, do you agree or not?"

Although he was asking for everyone's opinions, the indisputability in his words showed His Majesty's determination to win. In fact, everyone had already been mentally prepared for this candidate, and none of them looked very surprised.

In contrast, Vanserich, who was sitting in the first position on the pope's right hand, had a much calmer expression and did not show much joy.

"I have no objection. With His Excellency Vanserich's ability and qualifications, it is right for him to serve as Pope." The speaker was Hogan, a supporter of His Majesty the Pope, and also a strong supporter of Vanserich. It's no surprise that he's vocal in his support.

However, before the others could speak, the door was opened again, and the movement of the person who came was a bit rough, so that the door slammed into both sides forcefully, making a loud bang.

"What's right and what's wrong?" Gustav strode in, with obvious mockery on his face. "Your Majesty the Pope, what you have done is really out of style. You secretly held a meeting of archbishops while I was away, trying to support the next Pope? It's hard to believe that this is what a Pope did!"

The archbishops who supported Gustav all sat up straight the moment they saw him appear, excited.

Hogan stood up and accused loudly: "Gustav, how could you be so rude to His Majesty!"

Gustav didn't even look at him, and pointed at him with his staff. Hogan was caught off guard, his whole body was lifted up, hit the pillar behind him, and fell into a coma.

Everyone was in an uproar!

It's not that Hogan's ability is too weak, but no one expected that Gustav would directly attack a cardinal in front of the Pope. This was originally not allowed, and Hogan himself did not expect !

The scene suddenly became chaotic, and quickly divided into three factions, Vaserich and others who quickly stood beside His Majesty the Pope to protect him, those who supported Gustav, and those who were neutral.

The fight between the archbishops in red was such a serious matter. The knights stood at the door and did not dare to come in, waiting for His Majesty's order.

However, the Pope did not let them in to maintain order, but ordered the gate to be closed again.

As long as Gustav is not insane, he will not continue to attack the Pope.

And he really wasn't, he just wanted to frighten others, and express his strong dissatisfaction to the Pope by the way.

"Gustav, do you want to seek rebellion?" the pope asked slowly.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, Hogan is so rude. I just taught him a little lesson. You must know that even if he is also an archbishop, his qualifications are the lowest. How can he be so rude to me?" Staff said apologetic words, but there was not much sincerity on his face.

"So you can be rude to His Majesty!" Fansherich asked in a deep voice.

Gustav smiled and said, "That's because His Majesty violated the regulations first. According to the Holy See's decree, before all the cardinals are present, the Pope elected is invalid. Robert is dead, and I'm not here, is it? Your Majesty is dying, have you forgotten such a simple law?"