Chapter 360: The Situation While He Is in Seclusion
"For events that occurred while you were cultivating. First, regarding our church, that traitor Carsius has gone missing. Worse, he took several high-grade artifacts from our secret vault," Pope Claudius said with irritated voice, causing Aldrian to raise his eyebrows. It seemed Cardinal Carsius had boldly abandoned everything and fled on his own, essentially revealing his true nature to others.
"But the event that has truly shocked many and was completely unexpected is the situation in the Atria Empire."
"The Atria Empire?"
"Yes. It appears that one of the princes launched a coup. As of now, the Atria Empire is still embroiled in a civil war. The coup succeeded in dethroning the emperor and seizing the capital, but some nobles have risen in rebellion, leading to the ongoing conflict."
Aldrian truly did not expect this. He frowned, feeling a sudden wave of irritation. With the prophesied time approaching, there were still those blinded by greed and power, so much so that they would plunge an empire into chaos. At a time when unity was needed most, they instead wasted their resources fighting for control.
However, as he thought more deeply, he realized he didn’t truly understand the situation in the Atria Empire. He had no way of knowing who was in the right or wrong. Suppressing his initial judgment, he decided to investigate further.
"Your Holiness, excuse me, but I need to hear the details in a more private setting," Aldrian said.
Before anyone could react, they all vanished and in an instant, they reappeared inside the Pope’s chamber. Pope Claudius was stunned—this was the first time he had ever been forcibly teleported. He hadn’t been able to resist or even react; one moment, he was outside, and the next, he was here without doing anything at all.
The Pope could only sigh before explaining the situation in the Atria Empire to Aldrian.
Four months after Aldrian entered seclusion, the second prince of the Atria Empire had suddenly launched a coup. With the backing of several high-ranking noble families, his faction swiftly seized the capital before any opposing forces could react.
The coup had been a complete surprise. No faction within the empire had anticipated such a bold and radical move from the second prince. Even more concerning was the emperor’s lack of response, raising doubts about his condition.