The Pope's Bargain
The voice, too, ages with the passing years. It seemed even that bastard couldn't escape the march of time. “It's been a while.”
The interrogation room was dim. Well, they called it an investigation room, but anyone could see it was a torture chamber. By now, the place felt almost nostalgic. Watching my juniors scramble to pry something out of me, I wondered if they were trying to play house. Their clumsy efforts were entertaining enough that I let them continue.
I had already said everything worth saying. They're still so green. These are all tricks I used to pull back in the day. Did they really think psychological pressure would work on me?
Some of them were even using interrogation methods I had personally developed and tested. The sheer absurdity made it hard not to laugh.
While I was treating the whole affair like a comedy show, a new figure entered the room.
“Well, look who it is.”
It wasn't a situation or a person worth welcoming, yet I spoke with genuine delight. “What brings such an honored guest to this humble little room? What must the Pope think of me to come all this way?”
“…I heard you had been taken in and rushed over in surprise. You haven't changed at all.”
“I'm the same as ever. Straight and unchanging, like a tree.”
What is that scheming bastard thinking, showing up here? Thanks to my disciple's suggestion, I had thought I could avoid the worst-case scenario of having to ask this man for help. I never expected him to come running the moment he heard the news. The word “demon” must have caught his attention. More precisely, not interest—fear.
“You've changed quite a bit.”
“After all this time, change is only natural.”
Is he implying that the one who hasn't changed is the strange one?
“You didn't come here to save me, so what exactly are you curious about?”
This was work he could have delegated, yet he had come in person. That meant he had ordered the inquisitors to ask the questions he wanted answered.
“Was my being held for several days your order? Are you trying to get something out of me?”
I could endure simple questioning, but if this was happening because of his command, I refused to tolerate it.
The Pope avoided my gaze. “It is standard procedure. It has nothing to do with me.”
“Sure. Let's go with that.”
I debated whether to let the obvious lie pass. Sensing my thoughts, he continued.
“I thought you were keeping quiet, but you suddenly got involved in something unexpected. Why step forward now?”
Because of my disciple, obviously. But letting this man know I cared for Priest Arthur would only bring trouble. Even if I was safe, Arthur could end up dancing to this bastard's tune.
“You summoned me for questioning, yet this feels more like an interrogation.”
“Simple questions. How did you learn about the demon?”
These were the same questions the inquisitors had already asked. I had given proper answers, yet they kept pressing. Clearly, my responses had not satisfied them.
“I thought you were ignoring all talk of demons, but seeing you personally intervene tells me otherwise.”
They said he had changed, yet the core of him remained exactly the same. No matter how much a person transforms, their essence never truly shifts.
“Are you certain a demon has taken root in Prince Loras's body?”
“And if I am?”
“We must kill him.”
The firm declaration made me laugh. “I thought you'd changed completely, but some of the old you is still there. You're just as cowardly as ever.”
That cowardice was precisely why he had become Pope. Those without fear had either died young or retired in disillusionment, like me. Among us, the weakest and most timid had climbed highest and now looked down upon everyone else.
A large part of how he reached the papal throne was by claiming credit for the deeds we had risked our lives to accomplish.
More accurately, everyone else died, so there was no one left to claim it.
He had merely done what benefited himself. Even if our comrades had survived, the bitter truth was that he never could have become Pope on the merits we had earned. Still, the fact that he had stolen our achievements without lifting a finger made it impossible to like him.
“You're speaking of old times.”
“This isn't old times. I know you're still terrified of the word 'demon' and came running the moment you heard.”
“If you're merely playing word games, you should be prepared for the consequences.”
“Haha! That prince is definitely possessed. Do you honestly think some greenhorn could have severed my arm? Retired or not, the idea is absurd.”
His insides must have been burning. If it truly was a demon, a holy war would be necessary—an outcome this peace-loving coward would dread.
“If the Labyrinth had not opened, I would have dismissed your words as the ramblings of a senile old man.”
“Prince Loras changed after entering the Labyrinth. So you've figured that much out.”
Was he always this sharp?
“…Vague answers will not suffice. Tell me the truth about the incident in which you abducted Prince Loras.”
“I've already told the truth. Whether you believe it or not is your problem, not mine.”
“…Do you know how to kill a demon?”
“Do everything in your power to keep Prince Loras from the throne. If he ascends, the Deltrack Empire falls into the Evil God's grasp. Hundreds of thousands will die.”
“Senior, please kill Prince Loras.”
Only when he needed something did he call me “Senior.” Cunning as ever.
I had already tried once and lost an arm. I never expected him to ask again.
“Why should I? For whose sake? You don't seriously think I'd do it for you, do you?”
“Your words say otherwise, yet you went after Prince Loras without anyone asking. I believe you'll do it.”
“Not punching you in the face is simply a sign of age. Be grateful I'm still showing restraint. Besides, I already lost one arm to that bastard. I have no confidence I'd win a second time. Order your capable juniors instead. I'm going to grow old and die peacefully.”
My disciple had scolded me endlessly for losing that arm. I would gladly lose another for Arthur's sake, but never for this man's benefit.
“I am merely asking you to finish what you already began. I will assist you in every way possible to eliminate Prince Loras. And if you resolve this matter, I will grant you a fitting position.”
“A fitting position?”
“How would you like to become a Cardinal?”
“Cardinal~? My, you've certainly grown. Offering your senior a seat among the Cardinals.”
“It is a sincere offer. Please consider it carefully.”
I wanted to spit in his face. The idea that I would fight a demon just to gain a Cardinal's seat was laughable.
“Your real wish is for both of us to die, yet you lie so smoothly. I have nothing more to say. Get out. I'll continue with whatever this is—investigation or interrogation.”
“If I wanted you dead, why offer the Cardinal position? You misunderstand.”
“Maybe. But if it happened, you'd be delighted. Like finally pulling a stubborn wisdom tooth. Isn't that right?”
“……”
Even if I refused, the interrogation would continue, but I didn't care. Staying here wasn't unpleasant.
“I hold only goodwill toward you, Senior.”
“Of course you do. You stepped on me to reach that seat. I'm the one with regrets. So stop the nonsense and leave.”
“Are you uncomfortable here?”
“Not at all. Meals arrive on time, the bed is decent. I could stay as long as I like.”
As long as I'm fed, anywhere is fine.
“Is there anything left to investigate?”
“No. We have finished.”
“Release him. And if Senior changes your mind, come find me anytime.”
“As if I'd ever seek you out. Don't hold your breath. Ah, and if you're scared, you'd better accept the proposal I sent the children. A coward like you might at least prepare for what's coming.”
Though staying here wasn't particularly inconvenient, there was no reason to remain once they offered release. I stood and brushed myself off. Disliking the insolent look in my junior's eyes, I gave one final warning.
“Educate your subordinates properly. In our day, things were different. These youngsters these days are…”
The heresy inquisitors of our prime had never been like this—neither in skill nor in presence. These days they seemed weak and incompetent.
“Even if times have changed, this level is pathetic. Spineless, the lot of them. Tsk!”
Having said my piece, I left without waiting for a reply. Outwardly calm, the Pope must have been seething inside. Some might call provoking him dangerous, but Knowing exactly who I am, would he dare touch me? Besides, he's still a coward at heart.
I had thought becoming Pope would make him fearless, yet that wasn't true. His long tenure was possible precisely because he remained terrified.
What is my disciple doing right now?
I wanted to rush to Arthur immediately, but I couldn't. I needed a clear answer on whether the Church would accept my disciple's proposal. The fact that this coward had come running the moment he heard the news told me the word “demon” had shaken him deeply.
I know him as well as he knows me.
So I was certain my disciple's proposal would soon receive a favorable response. And indeed, an inquisitor soon arrived at my lodging to inform me that the investigation had concluded with a sentence of light community service—and that the Church had accepted the proposal to support Princess Reciel.