Episode 93
“So, you’re saying the Prophet has agreed to their request?”
The Cardinal of Rotair, who had rushed over as soon as the nobles left, asked with a hint of curiosity. It was yet another reminder that the church was keeping a close eye on the power struggles unfolding across various nations.
“Their situation was dire, so I had no choice but to accept.”
“But isn’t that against King Richard’s wishes? Surely, you don’t intend to oppose His Majesty?”
“Of course not. My role is purely as a mediator. However, if it turns out the assassins who attacked His Majesty were acting on the nobles’ orders, that changes things.”
When I first heard about the assassination attempt, my initial thought was that it might be a ploy by Richard himself. It would make sense if he orchestrated an attack on himself to justify cracking down harder on the nobles.
Alternatively, it could be a scheme by other nobles to eliminate those opposing the king. There are always those who would benefit from such chaos.
But soon, I realized both scenarios were unlikely.
“Given your presence, Prophet, I doubt anyone in this country would be foolish enough to stage such a charade.”
“Indeed.”
In different circumstances, both possibilities would need consideration. However, the recent exposure of a similar plot by France had already spread far and wide. The rumor that Richard managed to resolve it thanks to my intervention was well-known.
With such a belief firmly rooted across Europe, who would dare to attempt such a foolish act?
“Our assessment is that the assassination attempt was a reaction to His Majesty’s aggressive tactics. The culprits were found to be from families His Majesty had targeted, weren’t they?”
“True, but we can’t jump to conclusions. His Majesty seems intent on escalating the situation, which understandably makes the nobles uneasy.”
“That’s why they’ve asked you to mediate… But you know, this could become a highly sensitive issue if not handled carefully. Even His Holiness the Pope is concerned.”
I understood the Cardinal’s worries. If mishandled, Richard might perceive the church as siding with the nobles to curb royal power. Given Richard’s temperament, he would never yield to the church, which would be a headache for the Pope.
However, if navigated correctly, the church could position itself as a skillful mediator.
“Cardinal, when I last spoke with His Holiness, he expressed concern about the monarchy becoming excessively powerful.”
“Well…”
“What do you think, Cardinal? Do you believe it’s right for a king to wield absolute power like the emperors of ancient Rome, being treated almost as a deity?”
“Of course not. I believe an ideal society is one where the king acts as a king, the nobles as nobles, and the church as the church.”
Ask any church leader, and they’d give the same answer. Especially someone like Cardinal Rotair, who harbors ambitions of becoming the next Pope. He wouldn’t want, nor would he tolerate, the monarchy becoming too powerful.
He simply doesn’t want to provoke Richard, who is currently riding high.
“Balance is crucial, as you said, Cardinal. That’s why the church must maintain its role as a stabilizing force. If things continue as they are, the Angevin Empire will become a monarchy where the King of England holds all power. Naturally, the church’s influence would diminish.”
“So, you’re suggesting we support the nobles to maintain balance. Is that feasible?”
“For the sake of the church, we must make it feasible. While royal authority is a divine right, it doesn’t mean one can do as they please. Excessive power breeds arrogance, and arrogance leads to downfall.”
My plausible reasoning seemed to brighten Cardinal Rotair’s expression.
“If your resolve is that firm, Prophet, we will trust and follow you. Indeed, unchecked royal power isn’t biblically sound. And if anyone can reason with His Majesty, it’s you.”
Ultimately, even those considered future papal candidates are part of the establishment. And the establishment fears losing its power above all else. Provide them with a suitable excuse and justification, and they’ll follow, pretending otherwise.
People’s thoughts remain the same, now and then. It’s a bitter truth, but one I must exploit.
With the support of the nobles and the church, I set out to demonstrate my intentions to them.
If you want safety, come to the Auvergne territory and submit. That’s the path to survival.
The nobles, having received my assurance, spread out to rally others in similar situations, naturally making me their focal point.
Thus, I needed to act in a way that aligned with their expectations.
I requested a private audience with Richard, who was aggressively expanding the royal domain from the capital.
Richard didn’t avoid the meeting, and the nobles, hopeful that the king’s unchecked power would finally be reined in, felt a sense of relief.
In the midst of this precarious power struggle, I found myself face-to-face with a visibly agitated Richard.
“How could you do this?”
“What do you mean, Your Majesty?”
“After all I’ve done for you, you side with the nobles who slander me? This is betrayal!”
Our king, genuinely aggrieved, pounded his chest in frustration.
“If I truly intended to betray you, would I act so openly? I’d have secretly allied with France or the Holy Roman Empire.”
“Or maybe you find it more advantageous to rally the nobles here!”
Richard seemed genuinely furious. From his perspective, it must feel like a massive speed bump suddenly appeared in his path.
“Your Majesty, it’s a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding? Then are you saying the rumors about you siding with Count Lamarche to save his life are false? Why did you request this audience?”
“As you said, I do intend to ask for the Count’s life to be spared.”
“Ah, finally some truth. In my book, that’s betrayal. How can a prophet, who hears God’s words, repay kindness with treachery?”
“Repaying kindness with treachery? I’d call it gratitude.”
“Gratitude? Is stabbing someone in the back considered gratitude now?”
Richard’s fists trembled with anger. It seemed he agreed to this meeting just to vent his frustrations.
I had anticipated such a reaction from the start. The fact that he didn’t challenge me to a duel upon seeing me was a testament to his restraint.
“How do you perceive the recent assassination attempt, Your Majesty?”
“It was a despicable act!”
“Some suggest it was a ploy by you to eliminate the nobles.”
“What? A ploy? Surely you don’t believe that? You can tell it’s not true, can’t you?”
Seeing his genuine indignation, I was convinced. Richard, having witnessed my abilities firsthand, would have confessed and sought my help if it were his doing. Pretending ignorance wasn’t an option.
Now, I just needed to steer the conversation appropriately.
“Of course, I know you’re innocent, Your Majesty. But you must realize that, to some extent, you brought this upon yourself.”
”…”
“This time, it was a clumsy attempt, but what about next time? If you continue to annex noble lands and revoke titles, more will harbor grudges.”
Richard’s power is formidable, making direct opposition unlikely. However, the greatest fear of any ruler is assassination. No matter how strong Richard is, he can’t defend against poison or a knife in the back. He’s only human, after all.
“So… you’re advising me to stop?”
“No. Advising Your Majesty is beyond my place. Frankly, I think your direction isn’t wrong.”
Richard’s previously sour expression twitched slightly at my cryptic remark.
“The direction isn’t wrong?”
“Yes. Strengthening royal authority is a natural progression for a developing nation. History proves this. Even France is gradually moving in that direction.”
This wasn’t mere flattery but a statement of fact. In an era lacking advanced technology, centralization strengthens regional control and enhances administrative efficiency. While absolute monarchy has its drawbacks, it’s an undeniable historical trend.
No one could deny it.
“However, Your Majesty, you’re making too many enemies right now. At this rate, you’ll inevitably hit a wall.”
I don’t expect you to be as cunning and sophisticated as Philip II. But Richard’s current approach is like trying to row a boat by digging into the riverbed with the oar. It might work for a moment, but more often than not, the oar will break or the boat will capsize.
“And what does that have to do with you representing the nobles?”
“Every situation needs a buffer. If I serve as a focal point, the nobles will have something to rely on, and they won’t act out unnecessarily.”
“So, you’re saying you’ll pretend to side with the nobles but actually support me from behind the scenes?”
“Exactly. In truth, a strong monarchy stabilizes the country, and a stable country allows the church to focus on its mission. Strengthening the monarchy aligns with God’s will.”
If Cardinal Lothaire heard this, he’d probably clutch his chest, but Richard’s face lit up as if he hadn’t been fuming just moments ago.
“Hahaha! I see. So that’s your grand plan.”
“Yes. I’ll manage the nobles and guide them in the direction you desire. In return, Your Majesty should pretend to ease up on them. They’ll believe their wishes have been fulfilled and let their guard down.”
“And meanwhile, I can gradually gain the upper hand. I apologize for misunderstanding you. I had no idea you had such profound intentions…”
“Not at all. It was a thought that came to me during prayer. Perhaps God granted me this wisdom out of compassion for Your Majesty.”
I had prepared several backup plans in case our opinions clashed, but it seems they won’t be necessary.
I smiled back at Richard, who was grinning as if he owned the world, and gave a slight nod.
With this, Richard will follow my lead completely, and the nobles will firmly believe I’m on their side.
This is how you play both sides.