章 200: Meeting with the enemy (2)

The sun's golden rays bathed the landscape in a warm embrace, casting long shadows as if nature itself held its breath in expectation of the outcome.

Suddenly, a murmur of excitement rippled through the papal delegation. Cardinal Riccardo peered out of the carriage window, his eyes widening at the sight that greeted him. Riding at the head of a distinguished retinue was the youthful King Conrad. A mere 15 years old, it was reported, yet seeing it now, he realized that the king was a truly young boy, yet bearing an air of regal authority.

Conrad's golden hair, tousled by the wind, glinted like spun gold in the sunlight. His deep blue eyes, brimming with determination, seemed to hold the wisdom of someone far beyond his years, or was it just pure ambition? The cardinal did not know. Riccardo couldn't help but be struck by the king's youthful appearance, contrasted with the weight of responsibility that rested on his shoulders.