Chapter 244: The Papal Residence*
New chapter of The Demon King is out! (1/2 chapters)
Pope Pilato II sat in his office chair at the papal residence, gazing out the window. His birth name was Verdandio Deora Galganelli, and he had chosen the rare name Pilato for his papal title. He disliked the common names like Petris XIII or Orteus XVIII.
Pilato, known for his fervent appeals for retrials, had saved the life of Isus in Pentas when he was a magistrate, later sanctified. He was revered as a patron saint of lawyers, judges, and wrongful prisoners, though he was not a direct disciple of Isus. Records outside the canon mention a Pentas magistrate receiving baptism, which led to the official view associating it with Pilato.
Due to his remarkable deeds, he was a popular saint. However, he disliked having what could be considered a flaw, hence his unpopular papal name. Nonetheless, Verdandio, who had risen through the ranks of the Pontifical Judicial Department, had a strong preference for Saint Pilato, so he chose his name as pope. In his 18 years as pope, he had never been criticized or disadvantaged.
Pope Pilato II, now 63, sat in his chair in the study, feeling melancholic. Naturally, the time to end his duties had passed, and he remained here for a distressing task. His nephew, the son of his unworthy younger brother, was returning. Pilato II had stayed to welcome him.
Negotiations with the Albio Republic’s envoy had decided on a staggering sum of 4 million Ilfis gold coins as ransom. Though exorbitant for a non-royal’s ransom, the wealthy Papal States treasury could afford it. Since appointing Epitaph Palazzo as Grand Marshal, Pope Pilato II had no choice but to pay the ransom.
*Knock, knock*
Someone knocked on the door.
“Your Holiness, Epitaph Palazzo is here.” (??)