Episode 34
The undeniable heart of Western Europe.
Rome, the stronghold of the Western Church, had once again embraced the Pope it had long been at odds with, and was slowly regaining its former vibrancy.
Thanks to its fervent push for the Crusades and genuine efforts to strengthen papal authority, the atmosphere in the Vatican was quite positive.
However, the unexpected death of Frederick I and the subsequent lull in the Third Crusade changed everything.
Under normal circumstances, his death might have been dismissed as an accident, but the current climate was different.
Prophet Edward Marshall had spoken of God’s wrath.
[Christians lost the Holy Land because they were not faithful to God’s word.]
The Vatican had declared its intention to reflect on the sins of Christianity and restore faith before embarking on the Crusade, but the outcome was the opposite.
Secular rulers and nobles began to question whether Frederick I’s death was also a sign of divine anger.
“Does it make sense for the Holy Roman Emperor to drown in water barely deep enough to cover his waist? This must be God’s wrath!”
“The Vatican ignored God’s warning and pushed for the Crusade recklessly, leading to this disaster, didn’t it?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to ask Prophet Marshall again? We need God to tell us if we deserve to hold Jerusalem, so we can fight with peace of mind.”
The notion that this Crusade might not be God’s will began to take root, casting doubt on the entire Third Crusade.
Fighting and dying against the Muslims for God was not frightening, but only if it was believed to be God’s will.
No one wanted to meet a pointless end like Frederick I.
With the situation unfolding this way, Clement III could no longer force the Crusade.
He had no choice but to wait and see for at least two to three more years.
But that didn’t mean he intended to sit idly by.
If the Crusade was postponed, it was an opportunity to strengthen papal authority.
To do that, it was necessary to keep the monarchs of Western Europe in check.
Emperor-elect Henry VI of the Holy Roman Empire, the new King Richard I of England, and Philip II of France.
Even without considering the Iberian Peninsula, there were formidable powers just north of Italy.
Especially Philip II, whose true intentions needed to be understood.
Philip II was undoubtedly a devout protector of Christianity.
No one within the Vatican doubted him, and the Pope did not view him unfavorably.
Yet, his perfection was unsettling.
Perhaps it was just excessive suspicion, but Philip II was not like Marshall or Richard.
“Better to be cautious. If only I had a little more time…”
Clement III winced at the pain as he tried to stretch.
At sixty, his body was not what it used to be, and he felt the decline in health acutely.
He needed to achieve more before passing the burden to his successor.
“Your Holiness, you called for me.”
Lost in thought, Clement III looked up at the voice calling him.
“Ah, you’ve arrived.”
Looking at his nephew, who resembled his younger self, a fond smile spread across his face.
“How have you been? Is Rome treating you well?”
“Yes. Having spent some time here as a child, it’s not hard to adjust. I’m diligently learning from my seniors.”
Clement III’s nephew, Lothaire de Segni, was one of the most knowledgeable among the bishops.
It wasn’t nepotism; he had been brilliant from a young age, studying at the best universities in Rome, Paris, and Bologna.
He was well-versed in theology and law, and his oratory skills moved people deeply.
With his handsome appearance, he had captured the hearts of many women, making him an exceptional talent.
Clement III had no doubt that his nephew would one day succeed him as Pope.
When he elevated the young man, not yet thirty, to the rank of cardinal, there was hardly any opposition.
“I called you for a favor. It might be a bit much to ask since you’ve just arrived in Rome…”
“If it’s your request, I’m prepared to do anything within my power. Please don’t worry.”
“Thank you for saying so. It will be a valuable experience for you.”
The Pope pulled a map of Western Europe closer, pointing to the northwest of the Italian Peninsula.
“As you know, Edward Marshall has become the new Count of Auvergne, located around here. I’d like you to go to Clermont, the center of that region.”
“Do you want me to meet Prophet Marshall? I’ve always wanted to meet him in person.”
When Marshall visited Clement III, Lothaire was studying law in Bologna and hadn’t met him.
For this reason, Clement III cautioned his nephew.
“He seems straightforward and honest, but he’s not foolish. Such straightforward people often don’t act predictably, so you must remain vigilant.”
“Are you asking me to keep an eye on the Prophet? But as a cardinal, won’t my presence make them wary?”
“I hear Richard I plans to establish a university in Auvergne. If you offer to fill a position there, they’ll likely welcome you. As a scholar of theology, wouldn’t Marshall be a fascinating subject of study?”
“Of course. I’m actually quite excited.”
“While I say this, there’s no need to be overly cautious of Marshall. It would be beneficial for us to nurture him as a counterbalance to the kings of England and France.”
Lothaire, one of the brightest minds in the Vatican, immediately grasped the Pope’s intentions.
The presence of an apostle who could hear God’s words was an invaluable asset to the Church.
Even the current Crusade had been complicated by a single word from Marshall years ago.
Conversely, if they could control Marshall to align with their intentions, it would greatly enhance papal authority.
“I feel a bit guilty about using the Prophet, but my presence could also benefit them, so it’s mutually beneficial.”
“Exactly. With your experience at the universities of Paris and Bologna, Auvergne’s university will flourish. And if I issue a papal bull recognizing the university, it will be even more significant.”
Considering that even the University of Paris hadn’t received a papal bull, this was a tremendous privilege.
Lothaire nodded with a mix of tension and excitement, smiling.
“I won’t betray your expectations. You can count on me.”
“Good. I’ll draft the papal bull for Marshall, and once it’s ready, head to the County of Auvergne.”
The authority and power of the Pope were bestowed by God.
Until the day he could command all secular rulers as his subjects, he would not stop.
Clement III watched his nephew leave the room with satisfaction and resumed his prayers.
The establishment of the university progressed more smoothly than I had anticipated.
There was a brief debate over the name, but it was decided to emphasize my connection by naming it Auvergne University.
Some suggested calling it Marshall University outright, but that seemed too blatant, so it was dismissed.
In any case, when Richard I openly announced that he would provide benefits and support to the university’s members, it garnered significant attention.
Unexpectedly, the Pope also promised to send a papal bull recognizing Auvergne University, causing a stir in both the Angevin Empire and France.
I didn’t need to speculate on their intentions, as Cardinal Lothaire, who brought the papal bull, didn’t bother to hide his.
“So, you’re asking to be appointed as the university’s administrator?”
“Yes. Whether it’s canon law or theology, it doesn’t matter. I wish to stay here and contribute to the noble cause of the Count of Auvergne.”
I never mentioned my intentions, yet he speaks of noble causes.
It seemed Clement III had been quietly plotting this move.
It’s easy to deduce that they intend to insert their man to monitor our activities.
Or perhaps they aim to sway me or manipulate Richard.
Whatever their plans, it’s clear their intentions aren’t purely benevolent, but I have nothing to lose.
Leveraging the Pope’s connections and influence could accelerate the university’s growth beyond my initial plans.
Besides, with only a year left to live, whatever schemes they concoct won’t affect us in the slightest.
The real person to watch out for was the one who brought the papal decree.
I needed to think carefully about how to make use of this young cardinal, who seemed to have a close relationship with the Pope.
His name was Cardinal Lothaire, if I remembered correctly… but my memory was a bit hazy. I couldn’t possibly know the names of all the cardinals, so it was understandable.
However, if his name sounded familiar, it meant he was someone of some renown. Given his youthful appearance, around thirty, I had a hunch about him.
I put on a friendly smile and extended my hand.
“It is truly an honor to have you here, Cardinal. It seems you have a close relationship with His Holiness, given that he sent you personally…”
Cardinal Lothaire shook my hand and nodded casually.
“Yes, His Holiness is like an uncle to me. He has always supported my studies in Paris and Bologna. He advised me that working with you here in Auvergne would greatly benefit my growth.”
“I see. That is very reassuring.”
The nephew of Pope Clement III and a young cardinal. With this information, I could easily identify the young man before me.
Innocent III.
This young man would one day become a towering figure of the era, leading the church to its zenith with the phrase, “The Pope is the sun, and the Emperor is the moon.”
Being elected Pope at the young age of 36 was a testament to his abilities and power.
For a moment, I debated whether to cut him off or not, but the decision didn’t take long.
I tightened my grip on Cardinal Lothaire’s hand and shook it slowly.
“Let us work together to fulfill the Lord’s will. I am eager to share the revelations I’ve received with you. Please lend us your wisdom for the sake of our people.”
“I hope to be greatly blessed by your words, Prophet. You have my full commitment.”
“Shall we get started then? Let me show you the projects I plan to undertake first.”
Whatever his intentions for coming here, the church had no choice but to support me for now. So, I intended to take full advantage of it.
The church gaining more authority than the king was, in fact, beneficial to me at this moment.
And so, hiding our true intentions, we walked forward together, promising a rosy future.
Yes, you’ve come at the perfect time. I think we can both benefit from this.