Interwords 3- The new pope

Ernesto's POV:

From my church window, I watch the carriage depart for the northern part of the city. It's funny how something so small in the distance can be carrying a hero.

- Sir... Was it really a good idea to lie to the fire hero like that?

The archbishop who had brought the fire hero stood behind me, looking uneasily out the window.

- Lie? I would never lie to Mr. Erick. Don't make unfounded assumptions, Archbishop.

- I'm truly sorry for what I said.

- Also... it's not polite to eavesdrop on other people's conversations.

- ...I'm truly sorry, sir. Even if I didn't want to hear it, I could hear everything from the confession room.

Archbishop Marshal bows pathetically as he apologizes.

- You don't need to bow so low. You look pathetic.

- I'm sorry, sir...

Reconciling his posture, the archbishop looks at me nervously. I can only sigh as I continue to stare out the window.

- Why do you think I lied to Mr. Erick?

- ...Because the hero of fire already made a great contribution by taking care of the shadow witch, there's no way he can be called a coward. Besides, you yourself had interceded for him, saying he was recovering from his wounds in battle.

- ...I really didn't expect you to be so informed, archbishop.

A shiver runs through Marshal's body, which makes him look even more pathetic. I know the pressure I'm exerting may be strong, but having him tremble like a puppy because of it is simply too much. I look away from the window again.

- ...I have no other choice. That sly dog ​​Liberio was the one who proposed the subjugation of the legendary witch of deception. He must be up to something.

- Was it Cardinal Liberio?

- ...Our vast church is led by His Holiness the Pope. However, the Pope is growing old and is beginning to search for a successor.

Below the Pope, there are three cardinals who can succeed him. Cardinal Liberio, Cardinal Pigerio, and myself. Each of the three cardinals is in charge of the religious affairs of two countries and their heroes at the same time. In my case, I have the hero of fire and lightning. Liberio has the hero of storm and water. And Pigerio has the hero of darkness and earth. Naturally, no cardinal has any connection to the hero of blood. It is at times like these that heroes are often used as a method of gaining power in the fight for succession.

- Although we were able to seize the initiative with the subjugation of the witch of shadows, Liberio has never been a patient man. He even included his favorite hero, the Hero of the Storm, in the bait group. There's no doubt he wants all the glory for killing the Witch of Deception. If I let Liberius gain too much of an advantage, he'll become the Pope's favorite and gain too much ground. We have to prevent him from gaining any more.

- Understood, sir. I'll go finish the preparations for the Hero of Fire's participation.

Marshal quietly leaves while I continue to stare out the window.

"Personally, I don't care if I end up as Pope or not... But I will never accept Liberius as the new Pope."

A chill runs down my spine just imagining what Liberius would do with the Pope's power.

- We can only hope things turn out well.