Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

The campfire burned out, and Father Solje stood up, patting the dust off his clothes.

He turned his head and saw Lai Gou'er and Hope standing behind him, his expression faltering as he realized something.

Lai Gou'er said, "Father, I sent someone to inquire today. The Pope has time to meet you tomorrow morning. Say goodbye to the others and go back to pack up."

Father Solje's expression was indifferent: "No need, it will only increase sadness. Let's just go."

After speaking, he brushed past Lai Gou'er and left ahead of him.

Hope frowned: "I don't think his condition is right. Don't let him cause any problems when he meets the Pope tomorrow."

Lai Gou'er's expression turned serious.

These days with Hope had given him a considerable understanding of the man.

This guy had a carefree personality and indeed didn't seem to lie. He was also a very powerful merchant in the city.

Most importantly, his eyes were incredibly sharp. If he said Father's condition was not right, there was probably a problem.

"What do you mean?"

Hope shook his head slightly: "It's hard to say. I've seen many monks who have just entered the Holy City before. Some of these people are greatly affected after seeing reality, and after being hit, they quickly collude with each other. But Father is different. It's the first time I've seen someone like him."

"I'm afraid he will say something extreme when he sees the Pope, and offend the Pope. That is undoubtedly a capital crime."

That makes sense... He really hadn't thought that Father would dare to offend the Pope.

Looking at his previous pious appearance, the Pope's position in his heart was probably not much different from that of God.

But his recent rapid transformation was really puzzling.

"However... you don't need to worry too much. The probability of this happening is not high. I've been in business for so many years and I'm used to putting the worst outcome first." Hope added, "Besides, I can still get in touch if something happens in the Holy Mountain Temple. I will notify you if there is an accident."

"An upright person will be welcomed everywhere. I think someone in the temple might be willing to help someone like him."

Lai Gou'er was surprised: "Didn't you say that the church is extremely corrupt before?"

Hope gave him a deep look: "At least it wasn't like this before. Even now, internally, many people are dissatisfied with the church's practices, but they are kidnapped by interests. The Pope is already at the pinnacle of power, and everyone dares to be angry but dare not speak out."

"I understand..."

......

That night, Father Solje returned to the hotel, and Lai Gou'er specially arranged for the two to live in the same room.

The two talked a lot, mostly about Da Jing and Peach Blossom County.

Seeing that Solje was normal, Lai Gou'er felt a lot less burdened.

It seems that he was really overthinking it. His mental state is still very good, and there should be no problem seeing the Pope tomorrow.

Until the next morning, looking at the Father who had only washed his face, was still dirty, and had a stubbly beard.

Lai Gou'er reminded: "Father... are you really not going to change your clothes?"

Father Solje shook his head gently: "There's no need. I'm already used to it. The baptism is just a simple ceremony, and then I can leave the Holy City."

Lai Gou'er had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Early the next morning, the two returned to the foot of the Holy Mountain Temple. This time, entering the temple went smoothly.

Except for the guards reminding them a few times, they didn't make things too difficult.

Father Solje entered the temple alone, while Lai Gou'er went straight back to Hope's house.

He already had a comprehensive understanding of the temple.

Perhaps not dealing with it for the time being is a better choice... and then report it to the imperial court for a decision.

Father Solje looked up at the Holy Mountain Temple covered in golden light. The beautiful scene no longer stirred his heart.

He climbed the steps and followed the instructions of the previous guard to the main hall.

Entering the main hall, although the decoration was still solemn, the atmosphere was much more lively.

Many people were walking around in it, with relaxed expressions.

The most eye-catching was a cardinal, holding a wine bottle and leaning against the pillar in front of him, taking a sip from time to time.

Father Solje's eyebrows twitched slightly as he continued to observe his surroundings.

While observing, a waiter suddenly stood in front of him with an unkind expression and questioned: "Father, who let you in dressed like this?"

Father Solje said: "I have come to the Holy Mountain Temple to receive baptism from the Pope and take office as Archbishop. I have already reported it. Please trouble me to report it again."

As he said this, he handed over the letter of appointment.

The waiter took it and looked at it, his expression softened a little: "Wait here for a while, don't walk around."

......

Inside the Pope's study.

The Pope sat behind a large desk, wearing a magnificent crown on his head, about sixty years old, with a sense of majesty.

On both sides, the secretary and the chief justice stood.

And in front of him sat a person, with blond hair and a straight back.

He suddenly stood up respectfully and said: "Thank you, Your Holiness, for your hospitality over the past ten days or so. Now that the contract has been signed, I need to report to His Majesty immediately. The time has been delayed a bit too long."

The Pope nodded, his voice slightly deep: "Go back and tell him that I have been tolerant enough of him. Although the agreement is for two years, I need you to speed up the progress and send all the God's Punishment weapons on the contract to the Holy City within a year and a half. If your manpower is insufficient, I can send people to assist."

The blond man smiled: "His Majesty has already sent two cardinals to station there, so there is no need to send people to assist. Sangak is a bit far from the Holy City, and God's Punishment weapons are not easy to manufacture. It is already a bit difficult to complete within the contract, but I will report the matters you mentioned to His Majesty and strive to send them as soon as possible."

The Pope waved his hand, his expression a little impatient.

When the blond man turned to leave, the Pope raised his hand and instructed: "The first batch of God's Punishment weapons will be delivered in three months. Prepare manpower in advance to study it. Such things cannot always be controlled by outsiders."

The chief justice beside him said: "Your Holiness, those God's Punishment weapons are God-given crafts, we..."

"God-given? Do you believe such nonsense?" The Pope's face was full of disdain.

Just at this moment, the door of the study was knocked.

The waiter then entered and bowed: "Your Holiness, the Archbishop from Fica is preparing to receive your baptism and is now waiting in the hall."

The Pope slowly stood up and said: "Well, go out... In recent years, the situation has become more and more unstable. First Sangak, then the Brotherhood, and local believers gathering to make trouble. None of these things have been resolved well. You must pay attention to the God's Punishment weapons and imitate them as soon as possible."

After speaking, the Pope had already walked out the door.

.....