Episode 87

I awoke to the sound of birds chirping.

As the world gradually came into focus, I noticed the bustling activity of people outside the window, busy since dawn.

“Hard at work, aren’t they?”

Given the event scheduled for today, it was only natural. After all, it wasn’t every day that the King of France, the Holy Roman Emperor, and the King of England gathered in one place.

The venue, of course, was my domain, Auvergne. It was the starting point of this affair and the border of three nations, making it an ideal neutral ground, especially since it was the land of the Prophet.

Technically, it was English territory, but most people seemed to regard me as an entity independent of any nation. Richard might find it irksome, but it suited me just fine. It meant my status was now on par with kings.

As evidence, my quarters were swarming with nobles accompanying Philip II and Henry VI.

“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Alfonso II, Count of Provence.”

“The Duke of Burgundy, at your service. I’ve always admired your renown, Prophet.”

“Guillaume II, Count of Ponthieu. It’s an endless honor to meet you, Prophet.”

And so it went.

Especially devout Catholics looked at me with eyes not much different from those they reserved for their kings. Perhaps they even saw me as a more exalted being.

While Richard prepared to expose Philip II’s misdeeds, I subtly asserted my presence among the nobles.

“Prophet, everything is ready.”

The fateful day had finally arrived. After spending the morning in conversation with the nobles, I rose at Fatima’s call.

“Is it that time already? Shall we proceed?”

“Understood.”

“By the way, is this announcement something you helped King Richard with?”

“Not at all. I maintain a neutral stance.”

I adjusted my attire, deftly sidestepping the nobles’ inquiries.

“If I were to take sides, the repercussions would be too great.”

“Indeed.”

“You’re wise, Prophet. But King Richard might feel a bit slighted.”

“I assured him I’d assist in other ways.”

Though I said this, I had already handed over crucial evidence of Philip II’s schemes to Richard. He had no reason to be displeased—if anything, he should be grateful.

Outside, the event venue was teeming with people. They weren’t mingling harmoniously but rather forming distinct groups, creating a tense atmosphere.

“Well, we’ll take our leave now.”

“It was truly a blessing to hear your words, Prophet.”

The nobles who had accompanied me began to drift back to their respective factions.

As planned, I made my way not to the English side but to where the bishops from the Papal States were gathered.

Cardinal Lothaire, upon seeing me, rose with a welcoming smile and a slight bow.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Yes. Thank you for your efforts in traveling to the Papal States. What did His Holiness say?”

“I’ve been authorized to participate in this meeting as the Pope’s representative. I swear by God to make an impartial judgment based on objective evidence.”

“If we succeed, trust in the Church will only grow. I look forward to your efforts.”

Cardinal Lothaire’s smile deepened. He was eager to seize any opportunity to enhance the Church’s influence.

“Prophet, you seem to have a good grasp of the situation. What do you anticipate?”

“Well, it will likely depend on France and the Holy Roman Empire’s reactions.”

“True enough. We just need to observe and judge based on the evidence, so there’s no rush.”

The cardinal replied leisurely, and I nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, a large, ornate table was being set up in the central open space. As Richard, Philip II, and Henry VI took their seats, a hush fell over the crowd.

Cardinal Lothaire’s clear voice rang out as he stood.

“We shall now commence the meeting. First, I extend heartfelt thanks to King Richard I, King Philip II, and Emperor Henry VI for gracing us with their presence. Your noble desire to avoid war surely pleases God.”

Standing beside Cardinal Lothaire, I glanced at the expressions of the three monarchs. Richard, the mastermind behind this gathering, appeared composed, while Henry VI feigned dissatisfaction. He likely knew the truth but maintained his act to prevent the French from suspecting anything amiss.

Meanwhile, Philip II, the target of Richard’s scheme, maintained an inscrutable poker face, a textbook example of composure.

Surveying the assembly, he slowly raised his hand to pose a question.

“I understand that the judgment in this meeting will be made by myself and Cardinal Lothaire. Shall we proceed with the agreed format of taking turns to ask questions? Do either of you have any objections?”

“None.”

“England has likely fabricated evidence, so please scrutinize that aspect thoroughly.”

“You’ll see for yourself whether it’s fabricated.”

Richard’s voice was calm as he countered, prompting Henry VI to click his tongue and turn away slightly.

Good, good. With such convincing performances, Philip II wouldn’t suspect he was caught in a trap.

As the tension between the two kings escalated, Cardinal Lothaire quickly shifted the focus.

“Let us begin with a prayer, hoping this meeting will reveal the truth.”

The meeting proceeded as planned. Witnesses from England and the Holy Roman Empire recounted the events leading up to the current situation.

“As you heard, the treasures were unearthed in the Auvergne domain. Yet, the Holy Roman Empire trespassed into our territory, looting and causing damage.”

“England claims this, but we’ve already refuted it. The treasures were discovered in Provence, legally part of the Holy Roman Empire. Count Alfonso II of Provence even invited neutral scholars to investigate. It’s clear which side is more credible.”

Philip II interjected with a question.

“Roman-era treasures are invaluable. But all treasures have historical significance. Based on that, can’t we deduce where they naturally belong? What did the scholars conclude?”

“Provence was a Roman province known as Gallia Narbonensis since the Republic era. With Celts, Greeks, and Phoenicians residing there, it’s only natural for such treasures to be found.”

“Auvergne’s history and tradition rival Provence’s. In fact, southern Provence became part of Rome later than Auvergne, didn’t it?”

Considering Rome’s long history, Auvergne and Provence were annexed within decades, at most a century apart. Without specific historical figures or artifacts, determining where the treasures were buried is challenging.

Philip II likely asked this question knowing full well the difficulty, aiming to provoke more emotional clashes between Richard and Henry VI.

The exchanges continued, with Richard and Henry VI taking turns. Though the content was familiar, the stark contrast in their claims only heightened the tension.

Unaware it was all a staged performance, the nobles watched the heated debate with bated breath.

Richard, despite his confidence in the evidence, had yet to present it. If things continued, it wouldn’t be surprising if one side stormed out.

Just as the tension peaked, Richard, with a solemn expression, broke his gaze from Henry VI and addressed the assembly.

“As you’ve all witnessed, our positions remain at an impasse. Why is that?”

Though no one answered, Richard continued calmly. He hadn’t expected a response; he was merely setting the stage.

“Initially, I was furious at the Holy Roman Empire’s blatant lies, resolved to go to war. But something nagged at me. Would they really lie so blatantly? No, would they, preparing for the Sicilian campaign, choose this moment to antagonize us?”

“That’s another excuse I tipped them off about.”

Since it made perfect sense, Cardinal Lothaire and even Heinrich VI nodded vigorously in agreement.

“Of course. It’s only logical. Why would we create another enemy when we’re about to embark on a campaign?”

“Then why has everything gotten so tangled? I had a suspicion and decided to investigate quietly.”

Anyone with a guilty conscience would have reacted by now.

I glanced sideways at Philip II, but he remained unusually calm.

In fact, he seemed more intrigued by Richard’s story, as if eager to hear more.

His performance was so convincing, it was almost divine.

But this time, the evidence was undeniable.

Richard met Philip II’s gaze and asked, “Your Majesty, Philip II, now that we’ve come this far, do you have anything to add?”

The implication was clear: deny it, and Richard would reveal everything.

Of course, knowing Richard, even an admission wouldn’t earn forgiveness.

“Do you have nothing to say?”

Why was Richard suddenly targeting Philip II like this?

All eyes, including Cardinal Lothaire’s, turned to Philip II.

He looked up at Richard silently.

Anyone with his intelligence would have a rough idea of the situation by now.

In this checkmate of a situation, Philip II finally…

“Sigh…”

…let out a thin smile.

Richard’s eyes widened as he watched Philip II.

“You’re smiling in this situation… Let’s see if you can still smile after this. Let’s have a calm discussion.”

Richard pulled out the letters from his pocket, the ones I had given him, and slammed them down with a loud thud.

“May I read these aloud for everyone?”

What could be written in those letters to provoke such anger from Richard?

Everyone’s attention was riveted on Richard and Philip II.

Philip II, feeling slightly embarrassed by the attention and the impending fallout, scratched his head…

…and slowly nodded.

“Go ahead.”