The Pope's Strange Visit

Father Demetri played the part of a sycophant when he met with the Pope. He kept his head lowered so as to hide his expression; a task made easier since the arrogant man was seated up on his throne once more.

He decided that being transparent about his fears was the safest course of action. The last thing he wanted was for the sly tongued demon who led the church the way a crime lord led his syndicate to suspect him more than he already did.

I'd rather control what he thinks of me than allow suspicions of insubordination to further fester in his mind. Leading the second faction already means he's watching my every move. 

Demetri gritted his teeth as he remembered those select moments in the last fifteen years when he was forced to kill with his own hands because of the spies and assassins the Pope had planted to hunt his shadow.

He even had to assign guards to protect his family.

Although the idea of dying did not bother him so much, he worried about the fate of his loved ones. He refused the allow the Pope to utilize them as a bargaining chip.

And I know he will. So far he hasn't, but if he managed to kidnap them...either I submit or all their heads would roll.

If only I had more power. If only the Goddess had given me the power to challenge this man. I don't know where he got his magic from, but I know he's lying about it being a blessing from the Goddess.

I still remember when he returned from the fountain, he was very sulky and broody. Then he disappeared for another 3 weeks claiming to need more time in isolation to pray for cleansing, but he didn't go back up to the mountains. Instead, he went to Lake Joan.

The place where Saintess Joan was killed after her defeat of the Demon Lord.

And he returned, invigorated. 

With very powerful magic.

What took place at Lake Joan? Why was he so secretive when he was there? Why didn't the spies I sent to observe him return with a report? Did he kill them? Probably. But for what reason? What did they see that he could not bear to get back to the church?

And why did his close bond with Duchess Moniqua begin to falter shortly after he returned? Why did she die under such strange circumstances only a month later?

Demetri suddenly remembered the frightened expression which the beautiful Duchess had on her face during her last visit to the central church. Though she had tried to level her expression with smiles and laughter, he could sense that she was very nervous and in a hurry to leave.

Some of the other priests had also noticed her anxiety.

When one of the Bishops from the second faction had inquired the Pope about Duchess Moniqua's fear, he had informed them that the poor lady was feeling very sick as he had just told her of a revelation he had received while they were reading scripture and praying together in the Ceremonial Hall.

Lady Moniqua was pregnant once again, but this time with a child who may be too feeble to survive.

They all nodded their heads and clasped their hands together in sympathy. Such heartbreaking news. For any mother. The Pope instructed them all to beseech the Goddess to change her fate and grant her a healthy child. He also forbade any gossip about such a sensitive matter.

They all bowed before the Holy Father, feeling such admiration and pride over the fact that they were led by such a kind hearted and benevolent man. 

Father Demetri was not impressed. He hated how persuasive the Pope was. He knew the man was lying through his teeth about Duchess Moniqua's strange behavior.

And as for the vision about her potential miscarriage, why would the Goddess tell him that? What significant impact did that have in the prosperity of the Elysium empire? Goddess Kartara does not engage in the private matters of citizens! Regardless of whether they're commoners or nobles. Her messages to the Pope are always warnings or announcements of events which will impact the nation as a whole?

This man is now making up revelations! Did he just utter such painful and completely false news to the Duchess? For what purpose?

Is he trying to hide the nature of their interaction behind closed doors?

Demetri contemplated reaching out to Duchess Moniqua and inquiring her firsthand, but then that would arouse the Pope's suspicions. As he was considering covertly sending her a letter, his attention was diverted by his sister suddenly falling very sick. She had consumed some poisoned wine which she had purchased from a random man at the market.

Demetri knew the Pope had struck his first blow to his family. He took an immediate leave from the church and was gone for three weeks. After ensuring his sister's health was restored, he warned her and his parents to be extra careful from now on. 

Upon returning to the church, he saw that the bastard born little sister of the Empress was walking arm in arm with the Pope.

Since when has Lady Tyren ever had such a close relationship with Pope Matthew?