Chapter 268 - 267. Vile Intentions (2)
"I agree to your proposal, Your Holiness," I replied, my voice carrying no hint of resistance.
The child’s head jerked up, his wide, frightened eyes darting to me, but I continued. "However," I added, my tone steady and unyielding, "I believe it would be far too dangerous for the Saint to accompany you to the Holy Place, especially now that the Holy Lake has vanished."
"Pardon, but-" the Pope spoke up and I continued interrupting him.
"I felt the Holy presence in the lake, Your Holiness so, it’s only right for myself to be there to investigate what had transpired in that place." I explained.
The Pope’s brows twitched, the subtle movement betraying his displeasure. He measured me carefully before speaking, "But, Saintess, you have been around people, so, you might be able to reassure their safety. The Saint is still young for that,"
I allowed myself a soft smile, one laced with feigned consideration. "I understand, but he has to start somewhere right? Besides, I’ll be worried all the while about our Saint here," I said as I looked once at the child tenderly.
"I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened to him,"
The Pope’s smile thinned, his patience clearly wearing, though his words remained pleasant.
"Please don’t be worried, Saintess. I can understand that you’ve grown attached to the Saint but, he shall be safe with me and the Templar knights."
I maintained my serene expression, though my thoughts simmered beneath the surface. I knew the kind of man the Pope was. It was only his position that kept him alive. Were it not for his standing, I would have already ripped the deceit from his flesh and left him to answer for his crimes.
"Very well, then," the Pope concluded, his gaze sharp and calculating. "Saintess, you will investigate the Holy Place, while I and the Saint will address the townspeople to reassure them."