Chapter 7: Meeting in the Library
Julius withdrew his hand, pulling down Rafael’s robe to cover his legs. He placed a warm leather waterbag on his knees and finally covered him with the silver ermine blanket.
Rafael watched him slowly turn down his rolled-up sleeves and smooth out the wrinkles on his clothes. When he was done, the Portia Patriarch picked up the cane that was leaning against the table.
“Empty assumptions are meaningless fantasies.” Julius did not make any definitive denials or promises, but said matter-of-factly, “What kind of answer do you want from me? That I will never betray you? That I will always be loyal to you?”
He suddenly smiled, and his tone became softer than ever before.
“Rafa, you are my student. I taught you politics, history, literature, how to seize the greatest benefits in a struggle… and I also taught you to trust no one.”
Julius looked at the young Pope with a complicated expression, and his voice was as soft as a feather brushing past: “Have you forgotten?”
Such a cold yet realistic warning was almost equivalent to declaring that he was not entirely loyal to Rafael, but this answer, paradoxically, made Rafael feel much more relaxed.
When someone truly wanted to betray, they wouldn’t be so blatant. Julius would certainly use sweet words to seduce his prey. This lord, who had grown up in the intricate intrigues of a great family, had a habit of resorting to any means necessary. Because of this, Rafael was certain that, at least for now, Julius had no intention of harming him.
To people like them, a hurtful truth was far more beautiful than a moving lie.