The Lich of Glory Knight Spirit: Moving towards Krimasha!
Chapter 171 - 06: A Turbulent Night

Chapter 171: Chapter 06: A Turbulent Night

"If you give me a few votes, I can win the election. Of course, I will also satisfy some of your demands," said the red-robed cardinal, who had white hair, a square face, and a long beard. As he spoke, his brows furrowed tightly, and his half-closed, cloudy eyes seemed very wary of Gray.

Gray sat quietly across from him, staring at him.

About half an hour ago, a carriage had stopped at the back door of the mansion where Gray was temporarily staying. Upon entering, the cardinal had wrapped himself tightly in a cloak, making it impossible to tell he was a cardinal.

Darren IV.

Gray had seen this man before, and not just once. When the Pope visited Isaac, Darren IV was among the entourage. He had also seen him at the Vatican but had never spoken a word to Gray.

Gesturing with his hands, he continued, "I know you can influence the decisions of Anthony III and the others, and most of the southern bishops also listen to you. All you need to do is to send them a letter. I only need a few votes, not many. Of course, this matter has to be done quietly, or my support rate will be affected. Do you understand what I mean?"

Gray sat quietly, staring at Darren IV.

*"My goodness, they hate the Lich so much, but the Pope’s position can make them cooperate with the Lich?" the Black Cat mocked speechlessly, "Does this mean they don’t actually hate the Lich, or that the Pope’s position is too tempting?"*

*"I read in a book that hatred can blind people’s eyes," Vivian said softly, "The two sides often just want to defeat each other and forget their original intentions."*

Gray sat quietly, looking at him.

Perhaps Gray had been silent for too long, and Darren IV thought he was hesitating, so he continued, "Most people support revealing your identity. You know that this would be very unfavorable to you. But if I am elected as the new Pope, I will prevent such things from happening, just like before. All you need to do is cast your vote for me. This can hardly be called a cost. If you don’t vote for me, will you vote for those who are ready to expose you?"

"So, why do you want to expose my identity?"

Being asked this question, Darren IV was momentarily stunned, "Isn’t it obvious? No one will accept a Lich. Just like the risk of revealing your identity. Remember the Battle of White City? Why was Baird VI deposed? Because he invaded the Duchy of Beishier? No, it was because he colluded with the Blood Clan. The evidence was solid. If collusion is intolerable, do you think people will accept you as a Lich?"

"That’s it?"

"Of course, there are other reasons. Some of your actions do not meet the needs of the Vatican. For example, the most fatal is the tax reduction. You have reduced the Vatican’s income in the south, which makes almost all clergy hostile to you."

"But tax reduction can improve public sentiment towards the Vatican and help with indoctrination."

"Then?" Darren IV looked at Gray in bewilderment, gesturing with his hands as he asked, "Then what? These countries have already made us the state religion. The increase in indoctrination has not led to an increase in church taxes but rather a decrease. What do you think the clergy will think? Do you think they will support it?"

After saying this, Darren IV probably felt something was wrong and quickly corrected himself, "I know that those with true faith should not care about money. In fact, no cardinal cares about money. No one on Azlan Mountain lacks money. But the pyramid cannot stand on just its tip. The pyramid is grand because it has a wide base. I know you’ll talk about the people, but think about it, who do you think the ’humble’ people will believe more, a ragged preacher or a well-dressed preacher?"

"I think it doesn’t need to be well-dressed, just neat."

"That’s just what you think. Have you tried throwing a copper coin and a gold coin on the street to see the difference? If believing in the Holy Spirit doesn’t lead to a better life, why would anyone want to become clergy? We should be idealistic but not detached from reality!" Darren IV was somewhat impatient, but still patiently said, "We can discuss these issues later. Maybe it will take us a year or two to finish. We don’t have that time now. The voting is happening soon. I need your answer immediately. Will you support me?"

The wind gently blew through the window, the candlelight flickered, illuminating Darren IV’s face and those cloudy eyes.

Gray stared quietly at Darren IV.

The mansion was filled with vigilant Silver Moon Knights, with Jones and Dora even climbing to the rooftop, keeping a wary eye on any suspicious activity around.

After that long debate, both Vivian and the Black Cat were silent, not because the other party’s arguments were unassailable, but because their viewpoints were completely opposite, leaving them at a loss for where to start the rebuttal, speechless.

If the other party were anyone other than a cardinal, Gray would probably have already flipped the table and prepared for a duel.

After a while, Gray finally said softly, "So, if I give you my vote, you will not expose my identity and will continue to support what I am doing?"