64: The Pope's surprise visit

The man in the mirror had a handsome face, with sleek, black hair swaying over a pristine forehead.

He possessed deep blue eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips.

From afar, one might be reminded of the proud marble sculptures in the plaza, holding exquisite scepters and representing the ideal of masculine beauty.

However, upon closer inspection, there was no hint of shallowness.

Simply put, Arthur was one of those fortunate individuals, young and handsome, whose good looks alone were enough to please others.

He turned in front of the mirror and asked his little maid, Vanka, “How is it, Vanka? Are the clothes my mother sent respectable enough?”

Vanka had been completely captivated and only snapped out of her daze when she heard his voice, nodding repeatedly in a hurry.

“These clothes are truly troublesome to put on, and troublesome to move in. They’re really uncomfortable.”

Just thinking about having to wear this outfit for the entire dedication ceremony and then attend the evening banquet, Arthur couldn’t help but groan inwardly.

This was his last day in Wolf Den City.

He had no time for other trivial matters and could only devote all his energy to the dedication ceremony.

At that time, he would face a large number of nobles, wealthy merchants, clergymen… and have to socialize with these individuals of varying temperaments.

“Is the carriage ready?” Arthur asked.

“It’s ready, My Lord. It’s almost time. Shall we depart now?” Vanka replied respectfully.

Arthur nodded, about to step out of the room, but suddenly stopped, turned around, and asked, “Has the Mayor come looking for you?”

Vanka shook her head and replied, “No, My Lord. Are you worried about the clothes?”

“Yes. Oh, never mind. They’re second-hand clothes anyway, not worth much. Let’s go.”

They hadn’t gone far when Anna hurried after them.

Upon seeing Arthur, her eyes lit up, and she couldn’t help but tease, “You look like forbidden fruit right now. Everyone would want a bite.”

“Your way of complimenting people is truly unique. Is Mother looking for me?”

“Yes, she invites you to ride in the same carriage as her.”

Arthur pondered for a moment, then agreed.

He instructed his little maid, “Have Newt drive the carriage and follow behind.”

On the way to the stables, Arthur opened his daily intel to check it.

[Wow~ Golden Legend!] Please go to the New Temple to receive a blessing.

[Green Intel] Cicinius, the Pope of the Mother Earth Church, has secretly arrived in Wolf Den City and will attend the temple’s dedication ceremony.

[White Intel] Richard Glamorgan is no longer favored by the gods.

[White Intel] The nobles of the Evil Wolf Earl’s territory are uneasy due to recent events, and their loyalty to the family has decreased.

[White Intel] The remnants of the Longfeather Mercenary Group, Jessica Hughes, and the former berserker soldiers have increased their favorability towards you.

When Arthur opened his eyes that morning, he saw the exaggeratedly worded golden intel.

His first reaction was that it truly lived up to its golden status, simple and direct in its content.

Although he wasn't clear what the so-called blessing actually was, judging by the fanfare, it surely wouldn't be bad.

As for the other intel, apart from the news of Pope Cicinius’s arrival, the rest didn't seem as critical for now.

For the dedication of the New Temple, the Evil Wolf Family had invited Pope Cicinius from the Harvest Estate in central Amn.

However, he had declined and appointed the Cardinal of Esputa to attend on his behalf.

Unexpectedly, the Pope had come secretly, which surely implied a hidden agenda, though it was unclear whether this was a blessing or a misfortune.

-----------------

As soon as Arthur got into the carriage, his mother, Matilda, quickly closed the door and asked in a low voice, “My son, do you know that Lord Onu has arrived?”

Onu was Shanteya’s respectful address for the highest priest, often used among devout church followers and clergy.

Ordinary people were accustomed to calling him the Pope or the Great Shepherd.

Arthur shook his head, showing surprise, “Didn’t that Lord decline the invitation?”

“That’s what’s so perplexing,” Matilda’s voice was filled with unease. “Lord Onu and his retinue arrived in the early hours of the morning.

“He went straight to the New Temple upon arrival and even stated that he would participate in the entire dedication ceremony.

“But he didn’t mention a single word about the purpose of his visit.

“Oh, with so much happening recently, I always feel unsettled, worried that something might go wrong.”

Arthur comforted her, “You have built such a magnificent temple for the Mother Earth Church.

“They should be grateful to you; what could possibly go wrong?”

The Countess sighed, worriedly speculating, “I’m worried it’s about Richard.

“You see, both the Evil Wolf Family and my family have always been devout followers of Mother Earth.

“But Richard… earth mother above, how could he go and believe in that mad god?

“I’m afraid Lord Onu has come to reprimand him, and if Richard’s church membership is revoked publicly,

“Then the reputation of the Evil Wolf Family will be ruined.”

His mother’s worries were not unfounded, but Arthur felt it was unlikely.

He analyzed, “It’s only been two days since Richard’s incident. Even if the Pope heard the news, he couldn’t have arrived so quickly.

“I think he must be here for something else. You shouldn’t worry too much.”

Matilda took out a handkerchief, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes: “Poor Richard.

“How could he do such a foolish thing?

“No matter how wrong your father was, he is still your father.

“Patricide is an act of great rebellion.”

At this point, she sighed repeatedly.

“Have you gone to see him?” she asked Arthur.

Arthur shook his head.

“I have,” Matilda said. “He’s been rambling, practically no different from being insane.”

“Did Father say how he would deal with him?” Arthur asked.

The Countess’s expression was sorrowful: “He said he would imprison Richard forever.

“And that it was the best outcome for him.”

Arthur had originally thought his father would make an example of Richard, but he hadn’t expected him to still want to spare his life.

However, doing so would inevitably cause suspicion among the nobles below.

At this, he could only lightly pat his mother’s hand in comfort.

-----------------

The dedication ceremony was presided over by Bishop Gutierrez.

The Pope’s sudden visit completely disrupted all arrangements.

Everyone’s gaze was almost entirely drawn to this religious leader who had once wielded immense power in Amn.

Arthur was no exception; he subtly observed Cicinius, who was seated in the front row.

This elderly man, nearing fifty, was dressed in the Mother Earth Church’s distinctive white ceremonial robe with green embellishments.

Though not tall, he was quite robust.

His skin was dark, like that of farmers who worked long hours in the fields.

The Evil Wolf Earl and the Cardinal of Esputa were seated on his left and right sides, respectively.

The Evil Wolf Earl and the Cardinal of Esputa were seated on his two sides.

The three conversed in low, rapid tones until Gutierrez took the stage to announce the start of the ceremony, at which point they stopped talking.

Today, the regional bishop was dressed in splendid ceremonial attire, yet the Pope’s presence made him appear exceptionally reserved.

The originally lengthy speech was significantly shortened, and the ceremony quickly moved into the blessing segment.

Guests rose one after another, approaching in order of their status to receive the Bishop’s blessing.