Chapter XXXV: The King's Birthday  

After returning home from the royal palace, I had dinner with Cesare and Marcus. I was deeply pensive, which worried the two of them.

"Antonio, are you alright?" Cesare asked.

"What? Oh, yes... I'm fine, I guess..."

"What do you mean, 'I guess'? Are you alright or not?"

"I'm fine... I'm just tired... I'll go rest. Good night."

What could be on my mind that I'm so pensive? There are times when even I can't understand myself, but for it to happen so suddenly? Oh, wait... Tomorrow is Gabriel's birthday... What can I say, I need to get him a gift or something, right?

In fact, I have an idea... I went downstairs. Cesare and Marcus were still eating and discussing the schedule for Sunday, which will be Pentecost Sunday. Interesting, but I have a more important matter.

"Cesare, can you help me with something?"

"Tell me... How can I be of service?"

"You know, only the Pope can grant the title of 'Roman patrician,' right?"