Episode 185

The recruitment process went off without a hitch, just as expected.

The Assassins from Syria and Alamut were practically begging to be chosen, so much so that it became a matter of selecting the most suitable candidates from among them.

“It has been my lifelong dream to take on a mission from the Apostle!”

“Last time, you entrusted a mission to Syria! Please, give us Alamut a chance! We will prove ourselves!”

“They say those who have tasted meat know how to savor it best. Trust us, who have handled countless missions under the Apostle!”

While the debate over who was the favored disciple had died down, the rush of Assassins eager to be part of the plan showed no signs of stopping.

“Most of the tasks are safe, but a few might be slightly dangerous. Are you sure you’re okay with that? Think it over carefully…”

“If it’s dangerous, that’s exactly what we desire!”

“To die carrying out the Apostle’s orders is martyrdom! The gates of paradise open wide for martyrs… Apostle! I beg you, grant me that perilous mission!”

I thought exaggerating the danger might deter them, but it only fueled their enthusiasm.

When Philip II heard about this, he nearly fell over laughing, clutching his stomach.

“So, you’re saying there are so many volunteers that it’s taking time just to sort through them.”

“Exactly. The more, the merrier, so it’s a positive sign.”

“Muslims, like Christians, have a strong desire to reach paradise, and the Assassins are almost fanatical, so it’s no surprise. Oh, and they call it paradise, not heaven, right?”

“Heaven or paradise, they’re both ideal afterlives. There are some differences, but those are cultural nuances.”

“But if we hold a council later, we’ll have to address those minor differences, won’t we?”

Though Islam and Christianity share many similarities, strict scrutiny reveals numerous differences, even regarding heaven.

In Christianity, there’s no marriage in heaven, but in Islam, one lives with an eternal partner. Some even believe that those who achieve a noble jihad are granted 72 virgins, a belief found in the Hadith, not the Quran, yet widely accepted.

As Philip II pointed out, these differences could become points of contention.

“Indeed, ignoring these issues until after the war might lead to complications. But focusing too much on details could also be…”

I paused, sensing something off, and looked intently at Philip II.

Since when did he start using such formal language with me?

“Your Majesty, have you always spoken to me like this?”

“Why the surprise? Soon… no, you’ve already risen to the most esteemed position, surpassing even the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and Islam. How could a mere secular ruler like me address you casually? You might find it uncomfortable, but you’ll have to get used to it.”

It felt like he was teasing me, yet half-serious, which made it all the more confusing.

Or maybe he was both.

“Being called the most esteemed in the world is quite overwhelming.”

“Overwhelming? You’ve practically secured the papacy, and as the emperor’s son-in-law, the next leader of the Orthodox Church will naturally be you. Plus, you’ve claimed the title of the Apostle in Islam. You’re more than worthy of such praise.”

“The war isn’t even over yet. Isn’t that a bit premature? It’s like filling up on soup before the main course.”

“No, it’s a future that will inevitably come. I thought I’d wait until the war ended, but there’s no need. Just look at the Prophet’s words; the picture is clear.”

“The words I just spoke?”

I was planning to discuss this anyway, and Philip II took the bait at the perfect moment.

Islam would bow if I declared my intent, but I was still cautious about Christianity, as I wasn’t entirely sure of their stance.

I wanted to gauge their reaction, but Europe was too far away.

“Prominent figures in Islam are arguing over who is closest to the Prophet and who is the true disciple. That fact alone shows the Prophet’s current stature. Considering why Islam split into Sunni and Shia, the Prophet might cause an even greater upheaval.”

“I’ve thought the same. But the issue isn’t Islam right now. Reliable sources say Christianity is also embroiled in similar disputes. Have you heard anything?”

If such conflicts were happening within the Crusaders, it might be time to intervene.

If left unchecked, this could grow into a malignant tumor, spreading throughout the body.

After barely mending the religious rift, are they now fighting among themselves?

I’d rather blow it all up myself than let it fester.

“Ah, so you’ve heard, Prophet. I was about to tell you. But even I only recently learned of it, so your information network is impressive. You must have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Not quite, just bits and pieces reaching me. If I knew more, I wouldn’t have asked Your Majesty. So, is this really happening within Christianity? Surely not among the Crusaders?”

“Not within the Crusaders. If it were, you or I would have known immediately. From what I’ve heard, the Holy Roman Empire and the Papacy are the ones in turmoil. Of course, it’s not like there haven’t been whispers among the Crusaders, but it’s more of a joke than anything serious.”

“That’s news to me. Why is that?”

“Because of King Richard. No matter the argument, it only benefits him. Who would be foolish enough to emphasize their relationship with the Prophet?”

Now that I think about it, that’s true.

In Islam, many could claim ties to me, but within the Crusaders, there was no such thing.

No one could match Richard in personal closeness, familiarity, or recognition of the Prophet.

If Richard were the type to leverage that for his own gain, it might be different, but he wasn’t, so there was no cause for conflict.

But why are the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire in such a frenzy?

Perhaps it’s time for a major shake-up.

“Let’s hear it. What exactly are they fighting over?”

“I only know the basics, but it’s obvious. The Papacy feels threatened. Especially the younger clergy, who are expressing significant anxiety.”

“Young bishops, huh…”

“The older ones, honestly, have little to worry about. By the time the war ends and the great changes begin, most will be with God.”

Such statements would cause an uproar if leaked, but they’re not entirely wrong.

Unlike nobles, clergy have no heirs.

Even if they have hidden children, they can’t openly pass on their positions, so it’s irrelevant.

Thus, unless directly affected, they rarely voice opinions, especially against someone with religious authority like me.

But the young ones with their futures ahead of them are a different story.

“Are they worried I’ll return to Europe and start a reformation that sweeps them away?”

“Not to that extent. But everyone knows the current Pope can’t refuse the Prophet’s words and is merely a rubber stamp. And it’s clear that the next Pope will be the Prophet or someone he appoints.”

Until now, they’ve been turning a blind eye, but as Philip II said, it’s obvious to anyone with sense.

Even if I don’t make it explicit, it’s normal for them to feel uneasy or deferential.

That’s how the world works.

“So what do these young bishops want? Surely they don’t wish for me to become a martyr during the war?”

“If anyone dares to speak such blasphemy, they’ll be excommunicated on the spot. Opinions are divided. Some want to secure a promise from the Prophet not to disrupt the Vatican’s order, while others see such demands as irreverent and insist we follow the Prophet’s lead without question. These people often flaunt their connections to the Prophet or align themselves with those who do. I predict that by the time the war ends and we return to the Vatican, the latter group will have ousted the former.”

This must be what they mean by a shocking and chaotic collaboration.

It’s disheartening to see those who should be the most devout splintering into factions at the first whiff of change, each trying to consolidate power.

“That’s the Vatican for you. But what’s causing the chaos in the Holy Roman Empire?”

“It’s simple. Everyone knows Emperor Heinrich VI harbors ambitions to bind the empire to his family. But as the situation unfolds, they’re starting to realize this isn’t just idle talk. If he defeats Khwarezm and forms an unprecedented alliance with the Ayyubids through the Crusades, creating history that seems straight out of the Book of Revelation, and wins? Who could stop the Holy Roman Empire from becoming a Hohenstaufen domain? Especially since Emperor Heinrich VI is fighting alongside the Prophet. The princes must fear that once the war ends, he’ll return with the Prophet and swallow the empire whole.”

The notion that Heinrich VI is using the Crusades to monopolize the empire’s succession is already widespread.

Until now, the odds seemed fifty-fifty, but as it becomes more likely, the anxiety is palpable.

“So the princes are restless. I get that. But what do they expect me to do? Are they sending letters asking me not to recognize Emperor Heinrich VI?”

“Sending something official would only incur the emperor’s wrath. No, they’re divided and fighting among themselves. Some argue that even a prophet shouldn’t meddle in politics, while others say the tide of history is inevitable. The latter are likely jockeying for positions, but the most intriguing is the third faction.”

“If Your Majesty finds it intriguing, I can’t help but feel uneasy… What is it?”

“They’re suggesting that if the Prophet’s lineage could be integrated into one of the powerful noble families, it might prevent the Hohenstaufens from monopolizing the throne. Since the Prophet has no children, there’s talk of bringing in a cousin. It’s quite a novel idea, isn’t it?”

Wow… this is truly an interesting and bizarre situation.

The smile on Philip II’s face, as if he’s watching an entertaining drama, only adds to my irritation.

I thought once we dealt with the Mongols, my worries would be over, but this has been a rude awakening.

Fine, if they want to split into factions and fight, let them. We’ll see what happens after the war.

Now, what did Moses do in times like these?