Chapter 28: Deep, Deep, Deep (Part 2)

"Does the Pope know of Mr. Sandru's existence? If he does, then Cloudius's return takes on a completely different meaning," Commander Roland asked with a furrowed brow. His complexion had been terrible for days. After all, anyone would feel the same if they discovered their former disciple had turned into a necromancer wreaking havoc and that even their later disciple had become an accomplice.

"I think... he probably does," Theodorus replied with a slight nod, a hint of enigmatic light flashing in his narrowed eyes. "Though I don't know exactly how much he knows... I'm sure it's at least as much as we do, if not more."

"Then you're saying he deliberately sent Cloudius back to die?"

"Not necessarily. Since he could tell that Jarvis was connected to Dehya Valley, he would also know that the valley would back him up. Perhaps he intended for Dehya Valley to become hostile toward Mr. Sandru. Isn't that exactly what happened with the marquis who showed up later?"

Roland asked, "But what exactly is Sandru's relationship with Dehya Valley? From what I've seen, necromancers seem wary of him, and the Marquis Inham's actions don't seem aligned with other necromancers either..."

"It's just a pity that Mr. Sandru didn't accept the invitation to come here. If he were present, many things would be clarified, and we wouldn't have to guess blindly," Elaine said expressionlessly.

Asa felt uneasy. He knew that an expressionless face was, in fact, an expression—a deeply meaningful one.

Theodorus shook his head slightly. "The principles of necromancers who truly embody Akibard's philosophy are beyond your imagination. Don't try to evaluate them through your or anyone else's values. They have truly transcended worldly concerns. Even if they must hide here, their spirits are always beside the Black Star atop Dehya Valley's peaks." He paused before continuing. "Actually, we don't need to analyze everything so meticulously. A general guess suffices to understand. The Pope merely threw the hot potato that was Jarvis to the capital. He himself wouldn't want the power-hungry necromancers gaining influence in Celeste. Letting that ambitious young man stir up conflict here allows him to watch the show from a distance in Glory Fortress. Whether Dehya Valley or we suffer losses, he'd likely be pleased to see it."

Elaine asked, "Even if it ultimately causes a complete break between the Empire and the Church, he doesn't care?"

"Einfast has never been under the Church's jurisdiction. He stands to gain nothing from it. I think he's willing to go all-in. If Jarvis succeeds, great. But even in failure, it benefits him. At the very least, it forces the Empire to declare its allegiance, allowing him to confront them directly."

"Confront them directly? Does Celeste really have the strength to handle that? After losing the war in Orford, Alrasia and the other nations are still recuperating. And you say he wants to deal with both Orford and Celeste together?"

Theodorus smiled at Elaine. "Don't underestimate Magnus just because he appears to be inactive. I assure you, what he's hiding runs deep."

Commander Roland said calmly, "I've already sent Jarvis back to Celeste, along with the Magic Academy's letter of intent to break away from Celeste's control. Let's see how this enigmatic Emperor Magnus responds."

Celeste, Glory Fortress.

A few days ago, Cardinal Jarvis, who had been sent to Einfast, finally returned. However, this once vibrant cardinal was carried back. His mind was muddled, and his muscles and nerves had been shattered by an unknown force, yet somehow still held together, keeping him alive. Strange energies lingered in his body, defying even the combined efforts of several cardinals using white magic to heal him.

The messengers from Einfast claimed that Jarvis's condition was due to an inexplicable illness and left behind a letter from the Emperor of Einfast to the Pope before quickly departing.

The Emperor's letter was concise and direct. It stated that the Magic Academy was now fully integrated with the Empire and would henceforth be managed by the Empire itself. Celeste need not concern itself with their affairs any longer. The situation was clear—Cardinal Jarvis's mission to Einfast had ended in utter failure.

In the Pope's chamber, the Pope had just finished reading the letter sent by the Magic Academy. The letter casually brushed over Jarvis's "sudden illness" and was written in a tone so dismissive it felt more like a note to an insignificant figure rather than a letter to the continent's Pope.

The Pope merely furrowed his brow slightly, but Bishop Adra, standing behind him, turned pale as a sheet, his hands trembling slightly.

"What's the matter? Are you surprised?" the Pope asked lightly, without even turning around.

Adra struggled to steady his voice. "Your Holiness, aren't you surprised? How could Cardinal Jarvis suddenly fall gravely ill like this?"

The Pope said calmly, "People do fall ill. There are many kinds of illnesses, some of which can strike suddenly and fatally. For example, an appetite that's too large—trying to devour more than one can handle... Young people always have insatiable appetites. I had thought he'd be more patient, standing firm and gaining strength before making his move."

"There must be more to this. Your Holiness, I urge you to investigate thoroughly and seek justice for Cardinal Jarvis," Adra said, trying to control his voice as his bloodshot eyes betrayed his anxiety. "Moreover, the tone of this letter utterly disrespects Your Holiness and mocks Celeste's authority."

The Pope smiled faintly. "This result was not entirely unexpected. After all, Einfast isn't a place one person can subdue alone. I sent Jarvis merely to test the waters and expose certain old players. And since Jarvis is Vadenina's student, Sandru wouldn't have been too harsh on him. At the very least, he'd spare his life. So, I wasn't too worried."

At this moment, a priest's voice came from outside the chamber: "Your Holiness, Inham Ernie, Marquis of Einfast, requests an audience."

"Oh?" The Pope raised an eyebrow, his ever-calm expression finally showing a trace of interest. "Bring him in at once. He's finally here."

"Inham... No... Marquis Ernie... He's here... How could he possibly come here..." Adra stammered, his voice and expression both betraying his shock.

The Pope turned to glance at the pale-faced Adra and smiled. "Where else could he go at a time like this? You didn't foresee his arrival?"

The Pope's smile was natural, peaceful, and as benevolent as any elderly man teasing his grandchildren on the street. But in Adra's eyes—after serving him for over a decade—this seemingly unremarkable old man appeared frightening for the first time.

Still wearing that calm and kindly demeanor, the Pope said serenely, "Don't look at me like that. Remember, this world doesn't solely belong to you young folks. Us old ones still carry some weight and have our methods. While the young may ride the waves, never forget that beneath the waves, the waters run deep..."