Capítulo 183: [Chapter 183] Pope Election
The election of the new Pope was the most important event that Ulverby could hold following the death of the former Pope.
It wasn't just a matter of being elected by a simple majority vote. To ascend to the papacy, an individual needed the agreement of over two-thirds of the former acolytes, without any factional disputes or controversies about conspiracies or heresies. In theory, any priest could become Pope, so sometimes unexpected individuals were chosen.
The Lily Palace had tightly closed its doors, and outsiders speculated on who the acolytes were pushing for inside. Surprisingly, the name on the lips of Ulverby citizens was unanimous.
Ren Fayel.
"Grand Pope Sen was truly a wonderful person, ah! Things were better when he was around. He was very humble and unassuming."
"Acolyte Ren resembles him so much."
"Yes. The Fayel family has been a lineage of deep loyalty for generations, but unfortunately, there are no other descendants left. It would be great if Acolyte Ren was selected."
Neris and Kledwin did not leave the small temple that Ren borrowed to avoid drawing attention from the nobles who had come to witness Omnius's funeral. However, they did not miss the news brought by Talfryn from outside.
They analyzed the direction of the Pope vote based on more information than the average citizens knew.
"Omnius's eldest son is a fool, but the younger one is ambitious. He was groomed into the priesthood and rose to a high position, so there are quite a few followers who would support him if Acolyte Ren is selected as the next Pope. Those followers won't easily back down now that they've come this far."
It was difficult for an illegitimate child to rise to a high priestly position, but if they were adopted into another family and made to appear problem-free on the surface, it was possible. Of course, everyone around knew who the child really was, but once the paperwork was in order, there was no place to catch them legally.
"Do it if you can. Now that you're coming to follow in Omnius's footsteps, you need to continue the bankrupt Pope finances."
"You can't suddenly boost the finances just because of Ren Fayel."
"Ren senior argues that the entire reliquary construction plan was flawed, so he can dismiss all those who were involved in the construction plan during the previous administration. They can't do that because those people are their main supporters."
"You might hear evaluations like 'cutting off the tail.'"
"Omnius has personal wealth. If Ren senior were to take over, he would distribute it all. He doesn't want the Pope seat for the sake of having that wealth."
Different from those demanding the Pope seat like an inheritance from their father.
Kledwin, who was looking at Neris's face, smiled softly.
"My wife is too smart. I can't even argue back because her compliments about other men are so well-founded."
Neris's cheeks turned slightly red.
She was well aware that once she started a debate, she tended to get too involved. Even in her previous life, Abelus used to complain about that.
She would try to win over her husband even though she had nothing special. That's why she felt unloved by her husband.
Kledwin didn't think he would speak in a mean way like Abelus. However, he also had the freedom not to prefer a spouse who made him too tired.
Even if the marriage would eventually end, he wanted to do his best during that time. It was awkward if the other person was already tired of this side.
Sensing a bit of hesitation, Kledwin raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Why?"
"Um, if I speak too strongly and it makes you uncomfortable, please tell me quickly. I just speak what I think is right, but you might not like it..."
Kledwin gazed at Neris for a moment in silence. Then he spoke abruptly.
"My wife can say anything. Your words weren't too strong, but even if you were just forcing it due to nerves, it's okay. If it's the right thing that helps me, there's no need to question it. It doesn't make sense for the person closest to you not to express their opinion."
Neris's face turned even redder.
Listening and watching, it was hard to understand why she had doubted that this person would think like Abelus. She nodded, unsure of what to do.
"Got it. Thank you."
"The teapot is empty. Just wait a moment. I'll bring some hot water."
Neris and Kledwin were alone in Neris's small room as they conversed. Kledwin took the teapot that Neris had just finished and left to get hot water.
Neris glanced at the vase she had placed at the head of her bed. Inside the vase was a small branch of flowers that Kledwin had picked for her in the morning.
The tiny yellow flower buds clustered on the branch were just starting to bloom, a fresh green color. The weather was already warm here, and with spring approaching, there were occasional glimpses of flower buds in the courtyard.
"How fascinating."
The flowers picked by her beloved man never failed to captivate her.
Neris felt a mix of pain and tenderness from the flowers. As a bride-to-be preparing for the wedding, she had been somewhat indifferent, but suddenly she realized how naturally and well he was treating her. He had always been good to her, but now it felt different.
It was incredibly intimate.
However, he didn't look awkward at all.
If she had been the kind of person who could fully accept him and love him wholeheartedly as she had imagined before, what would she be thinking now? Lately, Neris had been pondering such thoughts often.
'How should love be?'
I love you. I love you. I love you.
Even if she said it three times in a row in her heart, the emotion didn't feel the least bit false or superficial. But she...
After loving, she didn't know what to do next.
Ren said he loved her. And he said that if she had any requests, she could just talk to him, and that would be enough. He revered her and had laid everything at her feet when she asked.
It was definitely a kind of love.
She thought her love was a bit different. She couldn't show everything to Kledwin yet. She hoped he would be happy, but she couldn't entrust him with her revenge. She had considered telling him everything about her past, but she always choked up.
Simply being with him made her heart ache.
'Is it just about hugging and kissing? Is that love? Is it about giving everything without seeking revenge?'
Then what was fundamentally different now? Besides physical touch.
Neris's eyes slightly blurred as she looked at the flowers, but Kledwin returned promptly. He lifted the heavy teapot like a feather and poured fragrant tea into Neris's cup again.
"I have some news."
"What news?"
"It seems Viscount Barom has made contact with the Imperial Knights. With Omnius dead, it seems they think they have no choice but to use direct methods."
The subject was omitted in the following sentence, but Neris could understand perfectly.
Kemil.
Neris also knew that Kemil had contacted Omnius. The financial officer had informed Ren, who then informed Neris.
Initially, Kemil, who had intended to take Neris with him in connection to Omnius, would now realize that it was impossible. He had been stalling for time to get money, but now that Omnius was dead, it was no longer an option.
While the Imperial Palace would likely send condolences for the sudden death of the Pope, they would send someone from the Emperor's side, not Kemil. Especially since the Emperor, who had discovered the dead Silver Moon in his courtyard, would not restrict Kemil's external activities.
Therefore, as Kemil, there was an incentive to join forces with a new ally and use more direct methods.
Neris's gaze sharpened. Kledwin sat in front of her and smiled.
"What should we do, my lady? It would be troublesome if the Imperial Knights barged in before the food is served."
The protection of Neris, who had been shielded from the ruthless hand of the royal family so far despite the false accusation of murder by a high noble, was due to the desires of the Elendria family. However, that shield had now been discarded.
"Yes. I need to find him before I become a duchess, so he'll probably try to kill me quickly this time."
One of the reasons Neris could be dragged into such a ruthless situation was that her status was much lower than that of a Tifian Marquis. However, things would change once she became a duchess.
It was not a grave sin for a high noble to kill their subordinate. Of course, there would be an investigation, but the treatment during the trial would be completely different.
"If Viscount Barom is similar to Omnius, he won't just waste time. They already know that Ren and I are close. Even if it's late, they'll pass through the city gates tomorrow."
"Until then, we'll have to wait for the outcome of the vote."
Neris stood up and approached the small window of the room. She looked out towards the Lily Palace in the distance.
It was all a matter of time.
If Kemil's subordinates came before the wedding, Neris would be helplessly taken away. And Kledwin would dare to be caught by the royal family under the pretext of abducting a criminal privately.
But if they came after the wedding.
As a formal duchess, she would comply with the investigation as she pleased. Who would dare say anything?
The sound of a clear bell rang in her mind.
The sound of "charang... charang... charang..." echoed incessantly, filling the entire Pope Decree.
It meant a new Pope had been elected.
Joy lit up the faces of people walking the streets. The pure reputation of the new Pope seemed to be about to change their lives completely, as if it would happen right away.
Amidst the rejoicing crowd, the knights marching expressionlessly stood out. They were not holy knights, yet they wore armor and carried weapons.
In this sacred time, why would anyone exude such an unsettling atmosphere in the Pope Decree, of all places? The proud citizens of Ulverby made way for them but calmly observed the direction they were heading.
A man led dozens of armed knights. Excitement, anticipation, and malice distorted the faces of around fifty men in their fifties.
The citizens recognized him. Viscount Barom. He was very close to the former Pope Omnius and could even have been his son-in-law.
"Surround them! Don't let a single ant escape!"
The knights surrounded the small temple where Ren, the faithful and humble acolyte, had recently stayed. Observant citizens of Ulverby recalled that noble guests of Ren, who were very noble and had come from afar, were staying there.
The people living around there were, to put it nicely, quite ordinary. Yet, these noble guests joined in the dawn prayers together. When someone mustered the courage to offer blessings, they smiled and nodded graciously.
Speaking ill of the deceased Omnius was inviting trouble, as he was no longer alive. Instead, public opinion turned particularly negative towards Viscount Barom. This was due to all the blame being shifted to him, including Omnius's wrongdoings.
The citizens' eyes turned hostile.
Viscount Barom was not pleased to find commoners surrounding him, eyeing him with suspicion. Cold sweat ran down his back.
"I just need to handle this matter well."
The news that the hypocrite Ren Fayel had become the Pope had spread. However, it wasn't solely his own doing.
Ever since Ren received his first priestly ordination and began to shine, he had received help all along the way. From retired elders of long ago to timely assistance from various sources, it had all contributed to his rise.
Receiving a secret message from the royal family, Viscount Barom finally learned who had secretly aided Ren.
That damned Duke Maindland. How dare he meddle in the affairs of the City of God.
Now, as he prepared to face the citizens as the Pope, he knew that... But if his own benefactor turned against him, Ren wouldn't last long.
Would there be anything more humiliating for a young noble than having his bride stolen from under his nose? Despite going out of his way to help, Ren had been so preoccupied with the Pope election that he hadn't even arranged the wedding. No matter how forgiving the Duke was, their relationship was bound to deteriorate.
Viscount Barom took a deep breath and shouted, "Go in and bring the blonde woman! Kill her if she resists! There are few who can protect her inside! Your Grace need not worry about any offense! What we want are sinners against the royal family!"
"Yes!"
The knights poured into the temple like a rushing stream, following the prearranged plan. Feeling the impolite gazes of the commoners, Viscount Barom spat on the ground.
Shortly after, Viscount Barom's knight commander rushed out of the temple with a pale face.
"Sir, Viscount! The temple is empty! There's no one inside!"
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