CA - Chapter 237
Chapter 237
The Holy See represented the light, and its buildings were almost all a solemn white, holy and austere, inspiring an involuntary sense of piety.
Even the Inquisition shared this style, but anyone who knew of this place understood it had nothing to do with sanctity.
These exquisitely beautiful buildings were, in reality, dungeons, holding an unknown number of Church personnel.
Some were innocent, some were not. Given the nature of the Inquisition, they would never be associated with holiness, yet they were undeniably an organization of the Holy See. Sometimes, Audrey found the Church's doctrines laughable.
Were they guarding the glory of the Holy See?
No, they were merely guarding the “Pope’s” power.
The thousands of harsh and absurd rules were designed to make the “Pope’s” followers more obedient and easier to manipulate.
Light? Glory? What laughable concepts were those?
The room in the farthest corner of the dungeon was incredibly dim, its remote location preventing any sunlight from reaching it. A few wall sconces cast a faint, yellow glow, stretching Audrey’s shadow long against the wall behind her.
She wore the robes of the Head Inquisitor, her head bowed as she organized documents on her desk. The wide sleeves were casually rolled up, revealing the pale blue veins on her exposed wrists.
A large desk occupied two-thirds of the not-so-spacious room, with case files stacked neatly upon it like small mountains.
The closed door was suddenly pushed open with a creak. Audrey looked up, annoyed. When she saw it was Reese, she paused for a moment, then frowned. “What are you doing here?”
Reese walked in, glanced around, and picked up a file. “I have something to discuss with you,” she replied casually.
She flipped through a few pages, her expression turning a little strange. “...The Inquisition even has this?”
As she spoke, Reese’s eyes swept the room. She looked surprised by the number of files on the desk.
The file she was holding belonged to a serving bishop, and it contained a detailed record of all his information, including some violations.
Reese had always known the Inquisition’s spies were spread throughout the Holy See, but she hadn’t expected it to be to this extent.
“Just some waste paper,” Audrey said flatly, putting down the documents she was organizing and sitting down. “There’s never a chance to use them.”
Thousands of years had passed since the Holy See’s founding, and its factions were intricate and complex. Nearly every bishop had chosen a side, backed by either a Cardinal or the Holy Son. The Inquisition faced too many restrictions; without the Pope’s support, it was incredibly difficult for them to arrest anyone.
They were a sheathed sword, and these files were merely tools past Head Inquisitors had used in an attempt to sharpen the blade.
Reese picked up a few more files and flipped through them. “Is there a file on me here?” she asked with interest.
Audrey glanced at her and pointed to the “small mountain” at the very end of the desk. “Want to see your glorious accomplishments?” she mocked.
Reese’s file was placed in the farthest corner, along with several other stacks. Reese didn’t need to guess to know those belonged to the other Cardinals.
The only ones missing were the Holy Son and the Pope.
Reese looked at the “mountains” and let out a low chuckle. “I’m sure that’s just the superficial stuff. How could it be considered a glorious accomplishment?”
Investigating them, the Cardinals, was no easy task.
Audrey didn’t speak. She leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed heavily on Reese.
Reese met her gaze for a moment, a slight curve on her red lips. “I’m here to help you, Audrey.”
“Oh?” Audrey raised an eyebrow, but there was no mirth in her expression. “Help me with what?” she sneered.
“You’ve already got the Pope under control, right? So, who will be the new Pope?” Audrey’s tone was cold, her smile not reaching her eyes. “You or the Saintess?”
“Don’t tell me it’s Grace?” Audrey tossed a file across the desk, her face impassive. “A Cardinal with unclear ties to werewolves.”
Reese picked up the file and flipped through it casually. “She sealed the Blood Demon. That alone is enough for her to become Pope.”
“So what if she has ties to werewolves?” Reese shrugged. “Even if she were a werewolf, what does that have to do with her becoming Pope?”
Audrey’s brow furrowed deeply, but she remained silent.
In truth, it didn’t matter to her who became Pope. Her words weren’t aimed at Grace.
She was just… unwilling to accept it. Her fate had been decided from the very beginning.
From the day she entered the Holy See, she was assigned to the Inquisition. She diligently studied light magic and worked hard to climb the ranks. She was excellent, fulfilling her duties flawlessly, but this was as far as she could go.
Because that was the nature of the Inquisition. Within the Holy See that represented light, they were destined to remain in the shadows.
Once the new Pope ascended, she… would probably be trapped in this dungeon forever, just like the Church personnel imprisoned here.
Who would want to use an old blade? Audrey laughed at herself. If it were her, she would also choose someone she trusted.
“Actually, Grace might not necessarily want to kill you,” Reese said, knowing Tang Qiu’s character. “She even asked me to bring you to watch a show.”
“Reese, speak properly,” Audrey said, displeased. Reese always had a flippant way of talking, but at a time like this, Audrey was in no mood to decipher her meaning.
“She’s going to deal with Gabriel and asked me to bring you along.” Reese paused, then shook her head. “Don’t ask me why. I don’t know what she’s planning either.”
Audrey lowered her gaze. “I understand. I’ll be there,” she said flatly. She started organizing the files again, but after a moment, she noticed Reese hadn’t left. She couldn’t help but look up and ask with a frown, “Is there something else?”
Reese stared at her for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “Audrey, do you want to be a Cardinal?”
Audrey froze.
“With the new Pope’s ascension, it’s time for the Inquisition’s blade to be unsheathed.” Reese leaned forward slightly, suggesting with a smile, “Let’s switch. I’ll be the blade. How about it?”
Audrey never expected Reese to say such a thing. For the first time, her expression changed, her hand clutching the file tightening unconsciously.
She looked up and met Reese’s eyes, her gaze probing. Reese remained perfectly still, letting her scrutinize her, a faint smile still playing on her lips.
Audrey slowly withdrew her gaze from Reese’s face and looked down, lost in thought.
Although Reese had intentionally suppressed the news of Tang Qiu’s return to the Holy See, a secret that big couldn’t be kept forever. Especially after the battle in the Shas Principality, Tang Qiu had become a raging fire. News about her quickly spread across the Statu Continent. Some people were ecstatic, while others… began to feel uneasy.
Gabriel belonged to the latter group.
Gabriel had never been in a worse situation in his entire life. He hadn’t slept for three days and three nights, devising countless plans, yet he couldn’t find a single path to survival.
He didn’t know Tang Qiu, but he knew Reese.
With Reese’s personality, even if Gabriel showed weakness, surrendered, and chose to return to the Holy See, she wouldn’t spare his life.
Tang Qiu appeared gentle and harmless, but Gabriel could never forget the image of Cambecus’s corpse, corroded down to bare bones.
Could someone who had reached this point so quietly be a soft-hearted person?
Gabriel wearily rubbed his brow. His usually neat robes were now a wrinkled mess, and a bluish stubble covered his chin. If anyone familiar with him saw his disheveled state, they would surely be shocked.
A gust of wind suddenly blew open the heavy curtains, and the closed window creaked open a crack. Gabriel, whose nerves were already on edge, jumped in fright. He shot his head up, his bloodshot eyes staring intently at the half-open window. After a moment of silence, he slowly let out a breath.
Gabriel shook his head, about to mock himself for being too tense, when his peripheral vision caught sight of a figure standing by the bookshelf. His heart leaped in shock. He turned his head to look, his face turning a ghastly shade of purple and green.
The person standing by the bookshelf was dressed in a white priest’s uniform, her long golden hair falling smoothly down her back. She took a book from the shelf. The dim light didn’t dampen her interest. She opened the book, glanced at it, then turned her head towards Gabriel and smiled softly. “So, Archbishop Gabriel also enjoys reading the poetry of the bard Verdun. His verses eulogizing death are written with great artistic conception.”
Verdun’s poetry… Gabriel’s frayed nerves had dulled his mind. It took him a moment to understand what Tang Qiu was saying. He managed a strained smile and replied, “This isn’t my manor, so of course, that book isn’t mine.”
He paused, then added, “As a member of the Holy See, how could I possibly be interested in death, which represents darkness?”
“Is that so?” Tang Qiu smiled faintly. She closed the book and placed it back on the shelf.
Gabriel kept his eyes fixed on Tang Qiu’s movements until a cold hand pressed against his neck, making him whip his head around in alarm. His hand instinctively reached for his staff.
A golden light descended, binding his arm. The vampire behind him sneered, her crimson eyes flashing with a greedy light. Lola’s hand sank into Gabriel’s skin. Watching the crimson blood gush out, she licked her lips and chuckled. “It’s been a while since I’ve tasted the blood of a Cardinal.”
All the protective gear on his hands and neck had lost its effect. Gabriel couldn’t move. He could only bluster at Tang Qiu, “Grace, what are you doing?”
“Do you have any idea what the crime is for killing a Cardinal?” Gabriel endured the pain and fear, speaking rapidly. “If you kill me, do you still want to secure your position as Pope?”
“My men are nearby. I’ve already given them orders. If I die, the blame will fall on you.”
“Are you going to kill them all? Grace,” Gabriel laughed maniacally. “Do you think you can shut them up?”
“Do you think you can shut the mouths of everyone on the Statu Continent?”
If Tang Qiu did this, it would be a stain on her entire life. A Pope who followed the Light Goddess’s oracle and spread light across the Statu Continent was a bloodthirsty and ruthless person. Gabriel sneered. He was certain Tang Qiu wouldn’t dare to kill him just like that.
Tang Qiu watched him quietly, patiently waiting for him to finish, then smiled sweetly. “Based on what you and Cambecus did in Eden, wouldn’t dying a hundred times not be enough for you?”
“I do deserve to die, but you are not qualified to dispose of me.”
“Who do you want to dispose of you?” Tang Qiu touched her chin, thought for a moment, and said with a smile, “The Pope? But he probably wants you dead more than I do.”
“Or perhaps… the Inquisition?”
Gabriel’s eyes flickered, as if he had grasped a life-saving straw. “Yes, yes, the Inquisition! I have made a mistake. You can hand me over to the Inquisition.”
A hint of pleading entered Gabriel’s voice as he said with utmost sincerity, “Grace, I can use my influence to support you as the new Pope.”
“We were never enemies to begin with. What Cambecus did had nothing to do with me.”
Tang Qiu nodded. “You’re right. I can hand you over to the Inquisition.”
Gabriel’s eyes widened slightly. Before he could rejoice, a sharp pain erupted in his chest. He looked down in disbelief. Lola’s fair hand had pierced through his chest.
“You- you lied to me…” Gabriel glared at Tang Qiu with hatred, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth as he snarled through gritted teeth.
Tang Qiu watched his eyes gradually lose focus and shook her head with a light laugh. “I never said you’d enter the Inquisition alive.”
Lola had been waiting impatiently for her meal. Upon receiving Tang Qiu’s signal, she finished Gabriel off directly, then lowered her head and bit into his neck. His body wasn’t completely dead yet; if she was quick, it would be enough for a small meal.
Tang Qiu had no interest in watching a vampire feed. She walked to the door, opened it, and went out. Reese and Audrey were standing in the courtyard. Hearing the noise, they turned to look.
“Is he dead?” Reese asked, glancing at the half-open door.
Tang Qiu nodded.
“How did you know he was hiding here?” Reese asked curiously. Gabriel valued his life greatly. He had left his retinue of bishops and priests in the city and hidden himself away alone.
Reese had sent people to look for him but had found nothing.
“Someone told me.” Tang Qiu turned to look at the manor’s gate. A tall, thin man emerged from around the corner and gave the three of them a distant greeting.
Reese narrowed her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. “Isn’t this the ever-loyal Bishop Abel?”
Audrey crossed her arms, her gaze shifting between Tang Qiu, Abel, and the room where Gabriel was. Then she lowered her eyes.
Facing Reese’s sarcasm, Abel nodded without a change in expression. “Long time no see, Archbishop Reese.”
Reese sneered.
“Bishop Abel has evidence of Gabriel’s collusion with the Tzimisce clan.” Tang Qiu looked at Audrey and said with a smile, “This matter will have to be handled by Head Inquisitor Audrey.”
Audrey looked at her with a complicated expression. “...I’m to handle it?”
“The Pope is unconscious. For a crime as great as colluding with vampires, shouldn’t it be judged by the Inquisition?”
Colluding with vampires… Audrey glanced at the half-open door, her eyes flickering. Although she didn’t know what was happening inside, she had seen a vampire go in with Tang Qiu.
Audrey’s silence prompted Reese to glance at her a few times before speaking up. “Or I could handle it…”
Before she could finish, Audrey interrupted her. She took a deep breath and said flatly, “I understand. I will handle it properly.”
Abel looked at her and walked over. “Head Inquisitor Audrey, may we have a word in private?”
Audrey nodded and turned to leave the manor with him.
Reese watched their backs, frowning. “You can’t trust a man like Abel.”
“What did you promise him to make him betray Gabriel?”
“I promised him Gabriel’s position as Cardinal.” In response to Reese’s concern, Tang Qiu explained patiently, “He is indeed untrustworthy, but he can be used.”
Abel had worked under Gabriel for many years, making him the best choice to consolidate Gabriel’s forces.
Abel had attached himself to Gabriel for power. Now that someone offered him greater power, he naturally betrayed Gabriel. After all, his true loyalty had never been to Gabriel in the first place.
Tang Qiu knew this, which was why she had approached Abel directly.
Although the man was ambitious, he was still clear-headed. Tang Qiu wasn’t worried he would cause any trouble.
The Holy See needed to rest and recuperate. Nipping the source of internal conflict in the bud like this was the right decision. As for purging dissidents… such things were never done out in the open.
Abel stayed at the Inquisition for a whole night before leaving in a hurry, taking a squad of people with him when he left.
The Saintess was quickly informed of his and the Inquisition’s movements. She was puzzled at first, but after some thought, she roughly guessed what was happening.
She clutched the Church affairs document she was halfway through reading and stared blankly for a while. Then she looked up at the attendant priest beside her and said in a low voice, “Have Grace and Reese returned?”
The attendant priest nodded. “They have returned to the manor.”
The Saintess lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, “Notify the Cardinals and bishops to gather at Light Square.”
“I have the Pope’s last decree to announce.”
The attendant priest was startled. He glanced up at the Saintess, saw the coldness and hint of killing intent in her expression, and quickly lowered his head again. “Yes, Your Highness the Saintess,” he said respectfully.
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