Chapter 69

6/8

The sound of footsteps echoed, thud, thud.

"...What a splendid cell, isn't it?"

With a sarcastic tone, I muttered, and Rudy, who was walking a step behind me, laughed.

"Well, it is where the Pope is being held. It can't be the same as for commoners, can it?"

"...It's that kind of thinking that led to this situation, you know."

I gave the order to the soldiers by the door to open it. The Pope, currently under house arrest, is living in this special cell under the watch of the guards.

"...Who is it... Ah, you...!"

The Pope's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of me. His expression was so amusing that I couldn't help but feel a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

"...It's been a while, Pope Vilmos Lutacia. Or rather, you're no longer the Pope, are you..."

I know my smile is malicious, but the thought that I can finally get rid of one of the festering sores is incredibly satisfying.

"...Prince Alfred!! Why are you here?"

"...Why? Because you called me, didn't you?"

At my question, Vilmos finally seemed to realize something and took a deep breath to calm himself.

"Empress Elria and the Marquis of Mararea conspired with you, and if this matter wasn't resolved... Yes, I had no choice but to come out. My influence and theirs are evenly matched... In terms of power in the capital, they have a slight edge. If they had the Church on their side, they wouldn't have been able to act so secretly. They must have seen this and proposed an alliance to you, and even set up the Duke of Armenia to be a hindrance. ...Well, the result was that they not only failed to bring me out but were defeated by the Duke's daughter, so they probably aren't satisfied with the outcome."

"...I, I was only used by Empress Elria. Please, Prince Alfred, have mercy..."

His words made me burst out laughing. It was just too funny.

Vilmos looked at me as if I were a madman, clearly flustered.

"...You were played, weren't you? Were you told to say that?"

"No, no way. I never said such a thing to Empress Elria..."

"Wrong."

I know my voice sounds cold, but it seems to have the desired effect.

"...Huh?"

"It's that merchant. What did he say... Yes, Divan, that's right."

Vilmos's face drained of color. ...To show such a reaction, he must have survived in the Church, a place full of different kinds of monsters, quite well.

"...Why..."

"Being used by Elria and the Marquis of Mararea... It's a plausible explanation. But you should have easily imagined this outcome before you allied with them. ...So, why did you still ally with them? It would be more natural to think that there was a more beneficial offer from elsewhere, wouldn't it?"

"..."

Vilmos's mouth opened and closed, as if he were searching for words, but nothing came out.

"Your goal from the beginning wasn't just to bring down Iris. Well, if you could bring her down, that would be a bonus. ...More importantly, to immobilize Duke Louis de Armenia, even temporarily, to focus the nation's attention on that issue, making it easier for Divan and his group to move. And to slow down the domestic circulation of the House of Armenia. ...In return, you wanted the recognition of your religion in that country, or perhaps the governance of this country... I don't know. No, I'm not asking for an answer."

"If you knew all this, why..."

"Why? I've been waiting for this opportunity to get rid of a festering sore like you. As long as I can crush your plans, that's all that matters. Thank you for self-destructing. I appreciate it."

Vilmos's face contorted in a way that was almost comical.

"...I'll make a decision later. Until then, enjoy your comfortable room."

After saying what needed to be said, I left the room with Rudy. Vilmos was shouting something behind us, but it was just noise. I was glad we left at that moment.

"...You've been quite active, Prince Alfred."

Rudy chuckled as he spoke.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to infiltrate an organization that has been protected by faith. I couldn't let it go to waste, could I?"

"No, that's not what I meant. It's about helping Iris."

...You didn't get swept away, did you?

"Well, yeah. I had her take the lead. I'll give her the support she deserves."

"You could have used that incident to weaken the House of Armenia, but you chose to help her..."

"...What? Is there a problem with that?"

"No, nothing. With this, you've also gained the House of Armenia. In the future, those who serve the neutral king will likely join our side due to your actions."

Indeed, I've heard that those who claim to be neutral and serve the king are now reaching out to me.

"...Most importantly, as her cousin. I truly appreciate your help for her."

"...It's not something you need to thank me for."