Immediately after my rather convincing speech and the Cardinals' shouts of joy at the prospect of a profitable endeavor with minimal funds, I headed toward our room. I needed a moment of peace before putting into action everything I had in mind.
As I was walking to Cesare's and my room, I felt an unbearable pain in my chest, so intense that I struggled to hide it. I could feel my heart—which theoretically shouldn't even beat—nearly failing me altogether. I had looked death in the eye many times, and while I wasn't afraid, I couldn't deny the pain.
"Antonio, are you alright?" Cesare asked, noticing my labored breathing.
"W-What? Ah, yes...I think I'm just tired. I'll rest today, and I'll feel better."