Chapter LXXXIV: An Uncertain Alliance  

After meeting with various nobles and Bishop Farnese, we realized we were beginning to gain an advantage over Cardinal Piccolomini, who was starting to lose ground among people from all social situations, especially the nobles who, encouraged by me, began to sever any business ties they had with him.

The next day, I woke up early to begin the various discussions that were to take place before the solemn Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, which I was to lead. I left for the Basilica to meet with the nobles I had spoken with yesterday and with other families who had come and heard about the reforms in the Church.

"We are glad to see you, Your Excellency. The things we have heard are beyond our understanding, but we hope to be able to help you."

"I will explain more after we finish today's Mass and during the sermon. It is indeed a bold idea, but we need such drastic measures," I replied.