Chapter 352: Cardinal Carsius’s Plan
In another part of the church, there is a luxurious room designated for the archbishop to work or engage in private activities. Inside this room, a middle-aged man with blonde hair sits at his desk with a dignified posture. A white robe with a dark yellow sash draped over his left shoulder signifies his status as a cardinal of the church.
He is Cardinal Carsius Vilanix, a man with a great reputation within the church. Due to his frequent interactions with other members and his generosity in offering gifts, he is popular among the members, including high-ranking ones.
At this time, he was not alone in the room; two other men, dressed in the same robe and sash as him, accompanied him. They were also cardinals, but they primarily served as his supporters in his bid to lead the next pope.
One of them was a middle-aged man with brown hair, a small beard, and sharp eyes, sitting on a sofa not far from Cardinal Carsius’s desk. The other one was also middle-aged, with black hair and a neatly separated mustache resting above his lips.
"How is it, Cardinal Darius? Is there any movement from the Paladin?" Cardinal Carsius asked the brown-haired man.
"No. According to my spy stationed near the Paladin Knights’ barracks, there has been no movement, especially from Arthur. In my opinion, he seems to be in seclusion, likely preparing to break through to the Emperor stage. I haven’t seen any sign of him for more than two weeks," Cardinal Darius said with a smile.
"Why do you seem so worried about Sir Arthur movement? He can’t do much if the heavens appear to be on our side. With His Holiness suddenly falling ill, your path to becoming the next pope is practically unobstructed," said the black-haired cardinal.
"That is true, Cardinal Will, but we must still consider the voices of the other faction and the Saintess’s decision. We can’t simply force our way forward while ignoring proper procedure. I fear that my sudden rise might attract unnecessary trouble for me or even the church as a whole," Cardinal Carsius said in a firm tone.
"You don’t have to sound so pessimistic. With the support we have, I believe that the other side, or even Her Holiness, will have no choice but to react and decide accordingly. After all, if they go against the trend, it won’t be good for the unity of the church," Cardinal Darius said.
"Yes, I think so too. You need to be more optimistic—your path is already bright ahead," Cardinal Will added.
Cardinal Carsius sighed, closing his eyes as if deep in thought before slowly opening them again.