25. Deadline (Forty-six)

Panic and astonishment were fleeting, and by the next breath, the elder had regained his composure.

"Oh my, this has turned into a rather interesting diversion,"

The elder clapped his hands, a kindly smile on his face, like a grandparent who had no choice but to respond with a wry smile to his grandchild's mischief.

"Are you trying to ease the awkwardness brought on by my earlier criticism? Indeed, this is an interesting way to divert attention. However, the story you've woven is a bit too much. There's a limit to jesting; otherwise, some might take it seriously."

With a matter-of-fact attitude and a natural smile, onlookers were almost ready to believe that the events were exactly as the Pope described, simply "jokes" and "made-up stories."