Chapter 159 - 39: Face to Face (2) (Second Update)
The arrival of the Holy Father, at any time and in any country, was a significant event. It was even more significant than the ascension of a new king. On one hand, there was only one Holy Father on the entire continent, but there were twenty-three countries. On the other hand, a person who became the Holy Father was usually already over seventy or even eighty years old, making it difficult for them to undertake long journeys like an expedition. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, the Holy Father would not leave the Vatican. Moreover, traveling with seventeen cardinals and a thousand Temple Knights was unprecedented in the past thousand years.
Though Gray had tried his best to make the most grandiose arrangements he could think of, the impoverished state of Isaac couldn’t support a remarkable celebration. Gray did not permit extravagant spending at this time either. The entire welcome ceremony looked grand in scale, but in reality, it was only because there were many attendees with big names. The money spent was far less than what Benedict II had spent for Gray back then.
Of course, compared to the upcoming negotiations, crucial to the entire continent, this minor issue naturally didn’t concern anyone.
After circling around Lion King City once, the carriage arrived at Pearce Cathedral.
Out of courtesy, Gray had given over the entire Pearce Cathedral to the Holy Father, the seventeen cardinals who were traveling with him, and other clergy members. The Temple Knights had tightly secured the entire Pearce Cathedral, not allowing even a fly to enter.
"Food and all daily necessities are prepared. Please, the Holy Father and the bishops, feel free to help yourselves," Gray said.
"No need," a cardinal said softly, "The Holy Father will not use anything from outside. We have prepared everything ourselves."
"Then please, as you wish," Gray bowed respectfully, "May I ask, when will the formal meeting take place? This evening?"
The Holy Father stood quietly, his back to Gray, looking up at the majestic statue in Pearce Cathedral.
The cardinal standing between the Holy Father and Gray continued, "It will be tomorrow, of course. The Holy Father needs to rest tonight, not everyone can be tireless like your Silver Moon Knights."
"I understand," Gray bowed once more, "If there’s anything else, please feel free to command."