Episode 49
I’m someone who likes to be thoroughly prepared.
I don’t plan for every little thing that might happen, but I can’t rest easy unless I’ve got the major events mapped out in advance.
This has been my nature since my days as a renowned gamer known worldwide.
When piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, once you complete the edges, the inner pieces often fall into place without much effort.
Life is often similar.
I’ve laid the groundwork to make the next Pope my puppet and to ally with the Knights Templar.
Of course, this is just the beginning.
Since I’m already at the Vatican, I plan to make the most of it before returning to my domain.
With Cardinal Orsini, who has decided to be my loyal follower, I toured various parts of the Vatican.
The Pope believes Orsini is showing me around Rome under the guise of keeping an eye on me, so there’s no suspicion.
Taking advantage of this, we’re openly discussing how to effectively take control of the Vatican.
“So, does Pope Clement III still doubt me?”
“Yes. Even today, he insisted I inform him if you say anything unusual.”
“He’s so busy doubting everyone around him that… never mind, let’s leave it at that.”
“By the way, do you plan to stay here for a while longer?”
“Yes, I intend to stay for a few months to closely examine the Vatican’s organization with you. I’m not so inflexible as to leave all the burden on you alone, so rest assured.”
Cardinal Orsini’s face noticeably brightened.
In truth, by deciding to follow my orders, Cardinal Orsini has made quite a commitment.
If I were to just throw orders around carelessly, he might end up being remembered as the worst Pope in history during his early reign.
In fact, that’s likely what would happen.
No matter how good your hand is, if you play it poorly, you’ll end up losing everything.
To avoid such a foolish outcome, it’s crucial to lay the groundwork now.
Of course, my main intention is to instill the belief that following my guidance will be more beneficial.
“With your help, I’ll feel more secure. But what should I report to His Holiness?”
“Tell him that the Holy Roman Emperor plans to hold a coronation in Rome around Easter, and that I wish to contribute to that historic event. He’ll be pleased to hear that.”
“Understood. But according to your prophecy, His Holiness won’t be attending the coronation, will he?”
“Yes. Placing the crown on Heinrich VI as the Holy Roman Emperor will be your role as the next Pope. You should start preparing yourself mentally.”
Though it was a lighthearted joke, Cardinal Orsini’s expression was hard to read—was he laughing or crying?
“But what about the Holy Roman Empire? How should we handle that?”
“The Holy Roman Empire… I’m not sure yet. I’ll need to pray on it.”
In truth, I plan to meet the Emperor directly and decide on a course of action afterward, so I’m deliberately holding back.
The Holy Roman Empire, though it becomes a mere shadow of its former self after the Middle Ages, is no pushover right now.
Given the feudal era, the lack of centralization in the Holy Roman Empire isn’t a glaring issue.
Thanks to Frederick I elevating imperial power to near its peak, the actual power they can wield is formidable.
In terms of sheer national strength, the Holy Roman Empire is undoubtedly the strongest in Europe right now.
How I leverage this will either smooth my path or present unexpected challenges.
“What is the current perception within the Vatican?”
“Well… it’s hard to say definitively. Pope Clement III sought Frederick I’s help while subtly keeping him in check. The Holy Roman side must have been aware of this.”
“I know. That’s why they tried to pressure Rome from both the north and south by involving Sicily.”
“Exactly. Even though they agreed to form the Third Crusade, the sudden death of the former Emperor left us uncertain about the current Emperor’s intentions.”
So, Clement III plans to use the coronation to gauge Heinrich VI’s character and intentions.
A sensible and expected choice.
Especially for someone as suspicious as Clement III, who would want to see and speak with him directly before making a judgment.
And even then, he’d probably suspect the Emperor of acting.
“How are the preparations for the coronation going?”
“Everything is proceeding smoothly. Heinrich VI has requested the ceremony be as grand as possible to showcase his majesty.”
“In that case, may I ask a favor?”
“Of course.”
Cardinal Orsini is unaware, but once he ascends to the papacy, Heinrich VI will see the Vatican as easy prey.
While the Pope may adopt a conciliatory stance, Heinrich VI will exploit the situation, pressuring the Pope and seizing control.
It’s a well-known historical betrayal, and while others in this world might not know, I’m well aware.
I know what tactics will be used, what schemes will be devised, and how obstacles will be encountered.
Since I haven’t yet intervened with the Holy Roman Empire, the historical flow is likely to proceed as it originally did.
In many ways, this trip to Rome is a pivotal moment, a chance for me to soar even higher.
“When Heinrich VI arrives in Rome, please arrange for me to meet with him privately.”
Cardinal Orsini nodded silently, and we discussed how he should consolidate power once he becomes Pope.
As time passed, in the last week of March, just before April, Clement III acknowledged Heinrich VI’s coronation but also recognized Tancred as the King of Sicily to counterbalance the Emperor.
Amidst exchanging barbed letters with the Emperor, the Pope, feeling extreme fatigue, lay down to rest.
And he never rose again.
The Pope’s death was shocking, but the process to elect the next Pope began swiftly.
Such a significant position couldn’t remain vacant for long, especially with major events lined up.
As predicted, Cardinal Orsini was chosen as the next Pope.
Upon his election, the newly named Pope Celestine III secretly summoned me and pledged his loyalty once more.
“I will never doubt that you are truly God’s representative. I will follow any command without question, so please grant me the honor of sharing in God’s words.”
“Thank you for your trust. Let’s work together to make this world a true paradise.”
“Yes. And I’ve already arranged what you requested. Heinrich VI is very interested in meeting you, so I’ve scheduled it for his first day in Rome.”
I was prepared to remind him if he’d forgotten, but thankfully, there was no need for that.
I hadn’t expected much from Celestine III, given his historical reputation, but he proved surprisingly efficient.
Perhaps it’s the difference between being disciplined and not.
It seems that once you gain experience, you tend to relax, a universal truth across time and cultures.
His posture, tense like a fresh recruit, was quite pleasing to see.
Within the Vatican, the new Pope was quickly praised for his diligence and passion, akin to a young priest.
Though I knew the truth, it seemed others saw him that way.
Thanks to this, the Vatican swiftly recovered from the shock of the previous Pope’s passing and prepared to welcome the Holy Roman Emperor.
Though in the future, it would be mocked as neither holy, Roman, nor an empire, the situation was different now.
The young Emperor Heinrich VI, a perfect fit for the title “King of Rome,” entered the cathedral with the ease of visiting his own home.
After gracefully handling the formalities, as the Pope had hinted, Heinrich VI immediately summoned me to his residence.
“I’ve heard much about you. I’ve always wanted to meet you, and now that the opportunity has come, I’m quite pleased.”
“Edward Marshall, Count of Auvergne, at your service, Your Imperial Majesty of the Holy Roman Empire. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“I can only thank you for your kindness.”
“Hahaha, there’s no need for such formality. Strictly speaking, you’re not my vassal, and this is the Vatican, closer to God than anywhere else. Here, you might be more esteemed than I am.”
“Even Christ said to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. I believe a true religious person respects both religious and secular rules. Your Majesty deserves such respect simply by your presence.”
My flattery, which had even charmed Richard I, brought a natural smile to Heinrich VI’s lips.
Simple compliments only provide superficial satisfaction. In this era, the most effective flattery is to back it up with scripture.
“It feels different hearing it from you, especially on the eve of my coronation. It feels almost like destiny.”
“They say a king is born to his fate. I believe Your Majesty can follow in the great footsteps of your predecessor.”
“Hahaha! You’re really laying it on thick. But thank you for the words. With all the domestic and international turmoil, my mind has been a bit troubled. Your words give me confidence.”
I returned Heinrich VI’s ceremonial smile with one of my own.
The reason he sought me out was hinted at in his words. The Holy Roman Empire was in a bit of disarray, unlike during the reign of Emperor Frederick I.
Heinrich VI had inherited a robust imperial authority from his father, so ascending the throne was no issue. However, in Sicily, the illegitimate Tancred had seized power, opposing the Holy Roman Empire, and the family rival, the Lionheart, had returned from exile in England.
It wasn’t an immediate crisis, but it was an unsettling situation that couldn’t be ignored.
“If Your Majesty focuses on strengthening the church as the King of Rome, the issues you’re facing will naturally resolve.”
When I scratched where it itched, as if I knew everything, Heinrich VI immediately reacted.
“Is it possible that I might hear one of the famous prophecies of the seer Marshall?”
Heinrich VI’s life could be summarized as one of dramatic highs and lows, governed by fortune and misfortune. I intended to amplify that fortune even more dramatically.
Whether it would turn out for the better or worse would depend on his future choices.