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nAlthough the commotion that happened at the center of the Capital wasn’t huge, the commotion still caught the attention of the civilians.

nResidence of Prince Rostislav.

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nIn the study, an old man was battling a young man in a game of chess, each holding a piece in their hand. The game of chess was like a battlefield as the intensity rose and the killing intent heightened between them.

nFinally, white chess pieces seemed to dwindle in number after shedding layer after layer of defence against the attack from the black chess piece.

nThe old man shook his head helplessly and sighed. “Young Highness, your skill in the game of chess had indeed improved tremendously. I’m no match for you.”

nThe young man whom the old man addressed as “Your Highness” was Prince Rostislav, the second son to the ruler of the Kingdom of Kate. He smiled humbly. “It was just a fluke. I still have many shortcomings that need your guidance.”

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nThe old man shook his head. Although he said nothing, he was still comforted by the young man’s words.

nAt this moment, a knock came from the door of the study.

nThe second prince softly answered, “Come in.”

nA young man clad in the kingdom’s attire for the armored soldier walked in.

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nHe leaned gently towards the second prince and whispered into his ear. The humble smile disappeared from his face. His expression turned stony. But he immediately boxed up the stony emotion, as if nothing happened earlier.

nThe old man stroked his beard and said nothing. Neither was he curious about the news the soldier brought in, as he knew that the young man would tell him if he wanted to.

nAs expected, Prince Rostislav spoke.

n“It was that girl from the Frances family. She caused a slight commotion at the center of the Capital earlier, acting intimately with a man in the public.”

nFrances?

nThe old man thought for a moment, and his expression changed. He asked, “Frances. I recall that you’re…”

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nThe second prince continued his unfinished statement calmly. “That’s right. The daughter of the Frances was betrothed to me.”

nLooking at the calm expression on Prince Rostislav after hearing the news of his fiancée acting intimately with another man in the open, the old man couldn’t help feeling gratified. A great man would not be bothered about trifles.

nWhat he did not know was that Prince Rostislav was clenching his fist under the table, so tight that it hurt.

nEven though he had no affection towards his fiancée, no man could stand hearing their woman being intimate with another man. And she was Heidi, a woman with an impressive figure.

nAlthough hatred filled his heart, none of the emotion showed on his face. “I don’t care how she is now. I won’t care what she does as well, as long as she marries me. I just need the support of the Frances.”

nHe repeated to himself of the same in his heart as he said calmly.

nA woman was just a tool to hold power. As long as he had the support of the Frances, she could do whatever she wanted.

nShe was just my tool!

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nBut he would not let the man escape as well.

nPrince Rostislav instructed. “Run an investigation on the man.”

nHe did not need to be detailed in his instruction. The soldier understood his instruction and who to investigate.

nHe lowered his head and said, “Yes, Your Highness.”

nTime passed by fast. It was already nine o’clock the following morning.

nMonn sent little Elma home ahead of time and waited for the clock to strike nine so that he could arrive at the Holy Cathedral of the Capital on time.

nConference room of the Holy Cathedral.

nThe Supreme Pope was seated on the principal seat on top of the conference hall with his eyes closed as if he was resting.

nBelow the principal seat was Lucius, the leader of the paladins.

nLucius looked at Cardinal Monn and Saintess Ace, who arrived right on the dot at nine in the morning.

nSuspicion rose in his heart. Saintess Ace left for just a few days. Was she corrupted under Cardinal Monn’s influence so soon?

nSaintess Ace looked around the conference room. Only Lucius and the Pope were left in the conference room. She couldn’t help feeling embarrassed.

nIt was all Monn’s fault to drag her along and not letting her come over sooner.

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nIf Monn could read minds, he would have thrown her a disdainful glance, as it was Ace who overslept, and yet she was blaming it all on Monn.

nMonn did not feel the slightest bit of shame over the disbanded conference. He bowed at the Supreme Pope and greeted him, “Your Holiness.”

nAce, who had recovered from her embarrassment, hurriedly bowed to the Supreme Pope and greeted him as well. “Your Holiness.”

nThe Supreme opened his eyes. He said nothing to the two youngsters who arrived late.

nHe knew Monn from his last visit to Saint Servant. He heard of their return at nine as well.

n“It has been long since I met you, Cardinal Monn.”

nThe Supreme Pope looked at Monn and said kindly.

n“Yes, Your Holiness. It has been long indeed. I see that you’re still in high spirits.”

nMonn returned the greeting.

nThe pope smiled kindly and continued. “Cardinal Monn has contributed a lot during this time. I’m having a headache over your merits right now.”

nMonn wanted to tell the Pope to just reward him with money. But he kept quiet after he thought it through. It was his job to complete his task during working hours, as his salary had already compensated him for the task he had done.

nThe pope stroked his beard and continued. “I’ll get someone to build a church in a suitable place after the incidents with the werewolves’ resolve. I would like Cardinal Monn to lead the church as the new Pope.”

nAfter giving it much thought, The Supreme Pope could only come up with this solution. He could not limit Monn to being just a Cardinal with his strength and capability. So, he had no choice but to build a new church and promote Monn as the Pope of the new church.

nMonn gave it a thought and found no issue with the proposed solution of the Supreme Pope. Logically, a Pope should earn a much higher salary compared to a Cardinal. That was all he had in his mind right now.

nAce, who was standing by him, was happy for him. She had never expected Monn to be a Pope at such a young age. He had indeed lived up to her expectation of him.

nLucius sighed, but he was not surprised by Monn’s promotion as the Pope for the new church. Monn had indeed impressed him when they were in the Demonic Beasts Forest. Thus, it was only right for him to be promoted as a Pope.

n“Alright, that would be all from me. You can discuss with the royal family about the werewolves’ attack on the Kingdom of Kate.”

nThe Supreme Pope waved his hand and continued. “The people from the royal family are waiting for you outside. They will bring you to meet the ruler of the kingdom.”

nMonn nodded and turned to leave.

nAce watched him leave. She was worried for him and wanted to follow him to the Kingdom of Kate, but did not know how could she tell him that.

nOn the principal seat, the Supreme Pope looked at Ace and smiled. He said, “If you want to go, then go. Perhaps Cardinal Monn might have little understanding of the situation of the royal family. I’ll feel more at ease if you go with him.”

nAce’s mood instantly lit up. She nodded solemnly, as if she was following orders and was only doing it for the mission.

nShe caught up with Monn soon after and even scolded him for not waiting for her.

nLucius smiled as he looked at the two leaving figures disappearing from his sight, reminiscing his young self.

nThey were both young, and with much to care about in the world.

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