Episode 99

“I heard from His Holiness the Pope. He mentioned that a treaty with the Eastern Roman Empire is in the works and suggested I accompany you…”

“Not accompany, Cardinal. You are to lead the delegation.”

“Me, the leader? I assumed the Prophet would take charge.”

“I’ll assist with mediation, but I hold no official position within the Vatican. It wouldn’t be appropriate for someone like me to sign a treaty on behalf of the Vatican.”

Despite everyone bowing and scraping before the Prophet, they seemed to overlook the fact that I held no official rank within the Church.

As I’m not a clergyman, I can’t be appointed as a bishop, and even if offered, I would never accept such a position.

“Now that you mention it, I had forgotten. But why was I chosen as the representative? Isn’t it customary for a more experienced cardinal to handle such matters?”

“That’s because I strongly recommended you, Cardinal Lothaire.”

I was already aware, thanks to the Pope, that Cardinal Lothaire was somewhat wary of me.

So, while I had offered some lip service to placate Richard when he was acting like a raging bull, it wasn’t enough.

This was an opportunity to bring Lothaire fully into my fold, much like Celestine III.

“You recommended me? Why?”

I had pondered this deeply myself.

Should I follow history and make him Pope, or use my influence to support someone else?

If I couldn’t win over Cardinal Lothaire, the latter would be the right choice.

There was no reason to elevate someone who might become a thorn in my side.

However, if I could secure Lothaire’s allegiance, there was much to gain by supporting his papacy.

He was a proven talent, and I understood his disposition perfectly, making him easy to manage.

The advantages of this were undeniable.

With such a golden opportunity at hand, how could I not seize it?

“The reason I recommended you, Cardinal, is because…”

I lowered my voice and leaned slightly towards Cardinal Lothaire.

“God has anointed you as the next Pope.”

”…?”

The Cardinal’s mouth fell open, clearly not expecting such a statement.

With the current Pope alive and well, talk of a successor was utterly inappropriate.

If this leaked, it could lead to literal ruin.

Cardinal Lothaire took a moment to compose himself before shaking his head vigorously.

“I don’t know where you heard such things, but… I have no such ambitions. It’s slander, pure slander!”

Did he think I was testing him?

“Cardinal, I would never use God’s name to test someone. I’m speaking the truth.”

”…I see. I apologize. I was short-sighted.”

A true clergyman would never invoke God’s name in vain.

Moreover, with the evidence I presented, Cardinal Lothaire had no choice but to take my words at face value.

“But if what you say is true, then… has His Holiness committed some error…?”

“No, not at all. His Holiness has been a faithful servant of God, fulfilling his duties admirably. But as a human, he cannot escape the aging of the flesh, and when the time comes, he will be called to God’s side.”

“I see. So, I am to be his successor…”

As Lothaire accepted the situation, his expression gradually relaxed.

He seemed torn between feeling honored and somber.

It was understandable.

While the passing of the current Pope would be a tragedy for the Vatican, being chosen by God as the next Pope was an immense honor.

Especially for a clergyman who had devoted his life to serving God, the thought of being recognized by the divine must be profoundly moving.

I couldn’t even begin to imagine it.

“Historically, Popes have been elderly. While their faith and service to God earned them the papacy, their reigns were often short. This lack of continuity is a drawback.”

“Indeed, you’re right.”

In the Middle Ages, a Pope reigning for ten years was considered a long tenure.

Many didn’t last five years, and some didn’t even survive a year.

This constant change meant the Vatican was in turmoil with each new Pope, and policies lacked consistency.

Cardinal Lothaire’s rise to become Innocent III in history was partly due to the short reigns of his predecessors.

Especially now, when secular rulers were trying to assert dominance over the Pope, the need for a young, strong Pope was evident.

I elaborated on this inevitable trend.

“As you know, Cardinal, a great upheaval is coming. Secular rulers are sharpening their swords, the Orthodox Church has allied with Catholicism, and Islam is waiting for its chance to rise again.”

Though I didn’t mention it, the descendants of the Blue Wolf stirring in the distant East couldn’t be ignored.

It was a possibility I considered late, but the drastic changes in Khwarezm might have a butterfly effect on the Mongolian steppes.

While it was the worst-case scenario, my policy was always to prepare for the worst rather than the best.

However, investigating this was challenging, as the Mongolian steppes were only accessible through Khwarezm and Western Xia.

Even using the Assassins in Syria wouldn’t yield easy information.

I had instructed merchants to gather intelligence from Western Xia, but it would take at least a year.

And even then, there was no guarantee of accuracy, but what choice did I have?

With physical limitations, I had to keep a vigilant eye on the surrounding situation.

“Therefore, Cardinal, you must become the new Pope and maintain stability during the impending chaos. God has revealed His will for a reason.”

“To be entrusted with such a grave mission… I am truly grateful.”

The Cardinal bowed deeply, overwhelmed with emotion.

“You believe that papal authority should stand above royal power, don’t you, Cardinal? I trust you understand the significance of God choosing you.”

“Yes. If maintaining the Church’s authority is my cross to bear, I will gladly accept it.”

“This journey to the Eastern Roman Empire will be the first step. I hope you will continue to support me, as I will do my utmost to support you.”

“Of course. I will dedicate everything to fulfilling the mission God has given me!”

Yes, that’s exactly the answer I wanted.

With everything laid out, Cardinal Lothaire would never doubt me.

In fact, he might already be reflecting on his previous doubts as a sign of his own irreverence.

“Actually… Prophet, I’ve harbored vague suspicions. I wondered if you were using the Vatican for some ulterior motive…”

Look at that.

The confessions have already begun.

I nodded with a benevolent expression.

“Is that so? If even you, Cardinal, felt that way, there must have been something amiss in my actions. Please let me know, and I will reflect deeply and correct it.”

“No, no. It was just my own short-sightedness. I am truly sorry. I was swayed by Satan and failed to trust you.”

“Christ said that even the doubt of Thomas was precious. While faith without seeing is more blessed, faith after seeing is also valuable. Since everything has worked out, the future is what matters.”

“Thank you for saying so. Ah, this might be a sensitive question, but may I ask?”

When I nodded casually, the hesitant Cardinal spoke cautiously.

“In this era of great turmoil, wouldn’t you, Prophet, be the best person to maintain stability? If you joined the Vatican and became Pope, wouldn’t everything be resolved?”

“Hmm…”

“The Orthodox Church would naturally be absorbed into the Vatican, and secular kings wouldn’t dare challenge a Pope who hears God’s voice. While marriage would be annulled, who would dare suggest divorce to someone like you? In other words, all problems would be naturally resolved… Have you ever prayed about this?”

Sharp, indeed.

As Lothaire suggested, the most straightforward way for Catholicism to assert dominance would be for me to become a clergyman.

It’s not that I hadn’t considered it.

Honestly, with my current reputation and the support of the current Pope, becoming the next Pope wouldn’t be difficult.

But I quickly dismissed the idea, and as I mentioned earlier, I have no intention of becoming a clergyman.

In the distant future, when the Vatican and the Orthodox Church are fully united and even Islam is under their umbrella…

Unless I can have both, it’s a different story.

Being tied to the title of Pope right now would only serve to define my limitations.

Titles and positions grant immense power, but they also impose boundaries.

The King of England is, after all, the King of England, and the King of France is the King of France.

And the Pope of the Catholic Church is the Pope of the “Catholic” Church.

The reason I can currently act as a bridge between the Vatican and the Orthodox Church, and balance the secular monarchs, is precisely because I am in a third-party position.

If I were to do this as the Pope, it would not be about uniting with the Orthodox Church but absorbing it, not about negotiating with kings but overpowering them.

Implementing policies from the perspective of the involved party means exactly that.

So why would I willingly shackle myself with the chains of being the head of the Catholic Church?

My lack of ambition for the throne of the Eastern Roman Emperor is for a similar reason.

If the day ever comes when I wear the crown of the Pope, it will be when the title of Pope transcends not just Catholicism but Christianity itself.

So, for now, I’ll leave the half-baked title of “Catholic” Pope to you.

“If becoming Pope and building the Church on a rock is your cross to bear, then resolving the conflicts of various groups as a third party is the duty God has given me. I am content with my current position and wish to live a life loyal to the words God has bestowed upon me.”

Having persuaded the next Pope, it’s as if the Catholic Church is already in my grasp.

Is the Orthodox Church next?

I poured a drink for Cardinal Lothaire, who was moved by my convincing words.