Chapter 4: Julius Portia
Having received a report from the gatekeeper, the eldest son of Cardinal Tondolo hurried out from the hall to greet the Pope. He was a young man a few years older than Rafael, the next Count of Clement after Tondolo. He had the same long brown curly hair as his father and a longer neck than most people, so he was nicknamed “Sir Goose” by the gossipers.
“Your Holiness…”
Sir Goose… No, Little Tondolo lowered his head and saluted Rafael, taking this opportunity to hide the surprise and panic on his face.
Why did Sistine suddenly come here? On the day of his coronation… He should have been at the banquet enjoying the admiration of the crowd, instead of coming to the Palazzo Riccardi quietly to visit a dying old man, especially tonight…
Little Tondolo’s meager brain, perched atop his spindly neck, strained to dredge up any useful thoughts. Thinking of the group of people who were now in the reception room and a certain rumor that had been making the rounds among the nobles of Florence, he felt a buzzing pain in his head.
“Holy Father, it is an honor to have you here…” His social grace faltered before it was fully formed. The Pope’s piercing violet eyes turned around and his emotionless gaze fell on him. For a moment, Little Tondolo felt as though he was being watched by a serpent.
Fortunately, this sight only lasted for a moment. By the time Little Tondolo dared to look again, the young Pope’s expression was still calm and gentle.
“I heard that Cardinal Tondolo was gravely ill, so I came to visit him. He once taught me at the Florentine Seminary. I regret that I cannot share today’s glory with him.” Rafael’s tone was calm, but his steps were firm as he strode past Little Tondolo, giving him no chance to obstruct his path.
“Wait a moment—Holy Father!” Seeing the Pope sweep past him like a gust of wind, little Tondolo was startled. “Please allow me to lead the way. Father’s bedroom is in -“