[Notre Dame de Paris] Papal Way

The hall slowly fell silent.

Claude said this, obviously with bad intentions.Even though his expression and voice are beyond reproach, as if he is a stranger who doesn't know Ace Su, who just asks such a question out of a question in his heart, but the people sitting in this hall may be Intellectually, they are inferior to some scholars, but they are all good at conspiracy.A simple question, a combination of a few words, and a subtle pause in tone can make them start to think about it, and then extend more meanings.

Besides, it doesn't matter what is said, who brings what people say... that's what matters.

——The messenger sent by the Heavenly Father to save the world, the Holy Son who generously bestowed on the Holy See to save the disaster...?It didn't sound like a problem, but instead, Ace's idea of ​​deliberately guiding others was brought up clearly.But some things, if said too bluntly, will lose their original meaning.

Ace narrowed his eyes slightly, and slowly landed on the ground, and the light spots that formed the wings behind him dissipated.He looked at Claude and smiled slowly.

Retreat to advance?It is indeed a way.If Ace admits Claude now, it is tantamount to giving up the previous atmosphere.He really wants to create such an image, but his purpose is to make everyone believe that he is the only savior of the Holy See, so it is only natural for him to become Pope.But it's one thing to create an impression, and quite another to make it happen.If Ace admits Claude's statement, it is equivalent to putting himself in the position of "angel" and "holy son", and the concepts of these two are transcendent... In other words, if you admit Saying this sentence is equivalent to Ace personally separating himself from the Pope's position.No matter how many things he does, the results will be laughed at by the Holy See and the next Pope.

And if he didn't admit it, it would be tantamount to denying the image he created just now, denying that he has a solution to the plague.

Admitting is not, not admitting is not, Claude's simple sentence puts people in a dilemma.

Ace was not the only one who thought of this trick. Sixtus IV, Rovere and others were aware of the trap hidden in this sentence.The Pope's face darkened, and he looked at Claude sullenly: "Who are you, Bishop?"

Claude bowed, and said neither humble nor overbearing: "Don Claude Frollo, the host of Notre Dame de Paris."

"I think he has the character of a cardinal, so I recommend him to be the new cardinal together with Cardinal Rovere," Cardinal Xibo said hastily.He gradually recalled what Claude said before. Although it is not clear who Ace is, if the other party is really a messenger sent by God, he will definitely not sit and watch the Holy See continue to be so materialistic. His own interests will also suffer considerable losses, which he can still see clearly.

Sixtus IV's face suddenly became extremely ugly: "When can the appointment of a cardinal be achieved beyond the pope!?"

Cardinal is actually another name for cardinal, because cardinals often wear red clothes and red hats.This position is above all bishops and archbishops, and the power is very important. It is often directly appointed by the pope himself, and he has the qualifications to elect the pope.

However, from the beginning of its establishment until now, the number of cardinals has hardly exceeded thirty.The Holy See is a big piece of fat, which is already a tacit thing in everyone's heart.For the major families in Europe, this position obviously has more monks and less meat, and the division is not enough to fill the gaps between the teeth.In history, there have been cases where the Pope who sells his position and nobility sent someone to assassinate the reigning cardinal in order to choose a vacant seat for the candidate he liked. However, even so, the market was completely in short supply.After all, as the only position that can elect the pope, the number of cardinals is too tight.

Therefore, in order to successfully intervene in the Holy See to obtain a high position and safeguard their own interests, some cardinals outside the establishment came into being.They also obtained the consent of the pope to ascend to the throne, and they also have their own jurisdiction. Wearing red clothes can show their prestige, but they are not as powerful as the orthodox cardinals, and they cannot participate in the election of the pope.After all, the number of cardinals is there, and this part of the cardinals just appeared under the name of coincidence.However, they are often regarded as the reserve army of cardinals. If there are vacancies for cardinals, they will be the first to fill them.

Sixtus IV, who made his fortune by buying and selling holy relics and priesthood, turned a blind eye to this situation.He consciously controlled the number of these people, but did not prohibit such a situation.In the past｜He also signed many such appointment letters, but he never thought that his nephew would join forces with outsiders to stab Lou Zi at such a time!

He had indeed discovered the alliance between Rovere and Sibo, but he had never realized Rovere's true ambitions, but it was only because the other party began to contact the possible successor in advance when he was still in office, which made him Some benefits have been lost, and I feel unhappy about it.However, today Rovere and Sibo stood in front of him together, announcing that they had appointed a new cardinal, undoubtedly expressing their attitude very clearly and showing their fangs—he was determined to fight with him. The pope is against him, pushing Sibo to this supreme position!

Rovere looked very calm, or rather, he had already expected that he and his uncle would have such a tit-for-tat day.It's just that tearing up face in front of the public is different from falling out in private after all.He dodged the pope's question, leaving it to Seabo to answer.Xibo raised his head triumphantly, and said arrogantly: "Don't we have the right to nominate new partners? Bishop Frollo is a very pious and prestigious person among the people. I think he has the potential to become a cardinal." potential. Should the post of Cardinal become vacant, I would recommend him for our new membership. Any objections?"

Sixtus IV's face was livid.Xibo's party members began to shout without losing the opportunity: "I have no opinion, we think you are right."

The hall became chaotic again, and the dignified atmosphere created just now was swept away.Although most people have not spoken out yet conservatively, some people have already begun to talk about it.

There was a sneer on Ace's lips, and he sat down on the head again, tapping the armrest with his fingers.The slightly dull voice was not very loud, but it made the whole hall quiet again strangely, and everyone's eyes involuntarily focused on him.

"So," Ace lowered his eyes slightly, with an unpredictable expression, "Bishop Xibo means that if there is a vacant cardinal position now, would you recommend Claude for the position?"

Claude?Rovere frowned slightly, becoming vigilant.From the beginning to the present, Ace has always used the last name when addressing others, why did he call Claude by the first name?And he and Claude seem to know each other... Judging by Claude's appearance, they are clearly in a state of hostility, so why did Ace suddenly ask such a question?

He didn't think for too long before Ace gave the answer.The black-haired young man sat on the top of his head, his slightly lowered eyelids and the curvature of his lips formed a half-smile expression, and his voice was as flat as if he was talking about a very ordinary thing: "——then, Cardinal Rovere is now abdicating because he is unable to fulfill his duties. The candidate proposed by Cardinal Sibo before, after my judgment, I think is very suitable for this position. The vacant cardinal position will be taken by Bishop Frollo."

Claude's pupils shrank instantly.Ace glanced at him, put his fingers to his lips playfully, and blew.Retreat to advance?Who wouldn't use it?

Claude sat down without saying a word.He tried to push Ace into a dilemma, but in the end he fell into someone else's trap.His goal was only Ace, but Ace dealt with him, Rovere and Sibo with one stone.

Rovere and Sibo already knew that he and Ace knew each other, and the way Ace called his name just now also confirmed the intimacy of the two of them.Even though this is nothing, under his impetus, Rovere and Sibo have already made their position clear, standing on the opposite side with Ace... Sibo may not be aware of anything, but Rovere is aware of it He wants to replace Xibo. All previous actions will be regarded as provocations by Rovere, and he will probably sell it backhand to Xibo. Ten years of hard work have been wasted like this...

His position as cardinal was just a verbal promise from Rovere, but it was not implemented. In other words, it was an empty title that was not recognized by anyone.Ace and the Pope are in the same camp, and the Pope has the power to appoint and dismiss cardinals. Rovere lost the position of cardinal because of him, and there will be a relationship between Sibo and him who proposed that this matter fell into the trap of Ace. Discord arises.If Claude agrees to the appointment now, he will be attacked by Sibo and Rovere at the same time, but the appointment does not know when it will be implemented; if he opposes the appointment, it is tantamount to pushing Sibo into the fire pit , denying Xibo's praise and praise just now, so it is not impossible for Xibo to lose the position of cardinal again.

No opposition, no approval, lost Rovere's support and was feared by Sibo... Rovere, who lost the position of cardinal, may part ways with Sibo because of losing the value of use, but the skinny A camel is bigger than a horse. It is quite easy for Rovere to deal with an outsider with a weak foundation like Claude... If he does not follow the trend and accept the protection of Ace, it may be difficult for him to save his life in the end .

Claude, who is full of conspiracy theories and has very little experience in political struggles, has never seen such a light-handed way of handling things, let alone how to deal with it... But can he just let him give up the previous ten years of hard work, Do you accept the asylum of a 16-year-old boy in embarrassment? ?

... absolutely impossible!

Rovere looked very gloomy, and Sibo was even more sullen.He looked at Claude, hoping that Claude would say something, but Claude's actions broke his expectations.It is better to say something to save it than not to say it. Rovere is the biggest supporter of Seabo's position. If he loses this effective support, it is still difficult to say how many votes Seabo will get in the pope election.

He had no choice but to say: "However, Cardinal Rovere has served in this position for many years and has a high prestige among the people. I think his ability is fully qualified for this duty..."

Ace glanced at Claude's clenched hands, and had to sigh that he chose the wrong teammate.Shibo is really stupid. At this time, we should firmly grasp what Claude said just now, condemn Ace as an angel, and should not interfere in the affairs of the world. No matter how bad it is, we must try to position his identity in the In the position of being cut off from the secular world, why can't you open which pot and which pot to lift?

He laughed softly: "Oh? Does His Majesty the Pope think so too?"

Knowing the elegant meaning of the string song, Sixtus IV immediately said: "No, I think Bishop Rovere did some very incompetent things during his tenure. He is no longer qualified for this position."

Ace raised his eyebrows: "So, who is the right candidate?"

"I think Bishop Frollo is a suitable candidate."

Eston tapped his scepter, stood up, and looked around: "Then, let Bishop Frollo become the new Cardinal, and take over all the dioceses and duties of Cardinal Rovere from now on. Does anyone have any objections? ?”

Everyone looked at each other in blank dismay, no one would be stupid enough to speak out at this time.And Claude raised his head suddenly, staring at Ace - if it was just to get Rovere to leave, he could still find a way to restore the relationship he had worked so hard for, but now, Ace directly took the cardinal's The position was given to him! ...

This piece of hot potato has completely fallen into Claude's hands, and he has no way to refuse, nor can he refuse.Rovere's murderous gaze fell on Claude fiercely, but Claude could only choose to bear it and bear the consequences of opposing Rovere and Sibo.Even if the title of cardinal is a sugar-coated poison, he has to choose to swallow it... because he is 35 years old this year, even with a beard, it is difficult for this too young face to appear in the world｜ too long.If you want to become the pope, you must first become a cardinal, and now this position has been sent to him by Ace...

Claude almost gritted his teeth.The diocese that is not under control, the title that no one recognizes and supports, the hostility between two cardinals and even more people... He once used blood gimmicks to prevent Ace from entering the Holy See, and tried to use the title of "Holy Son" to split Ace The relationship between Si and the power of the Holy See is now that he has been abolished by the title of "cardinal" over the past ten years of hard work. It is as difficult as heaven to get more than half of the votes to become Pope!

... Esmeralda!

A few syllables bounced between Claude's lips and teeth, and disappeared into the air without a sound.He looked up at Ace, clenched his fists, and slowly pulled a stiff smile on his cold face.

He will not give up.

...Only this position must be obtained...Only this position, he will not give up!