The First Vampire

Chapter 547: 545 Reversal_1
 

Standing on the steps in front of the Holy Light Cathedral, Emperor Reinhardt seemed to be in a daze.

The afternoon sun was so piercing that the earthly emperor couldn’t help squinting his eyes.

Pope Gregory’s words still echoed in his ears. Though he knew well these were intended to sow discord, a thorn had been planted in Emperor Reinhardt’s heart.

It sank deep into his bloodstream and with every beat of his heart, it inflicted a burst of pain.

At first, it seemed insignificant, but as time passed, the pain became increasingly unbearable for Emperor Reinhardt.

Suspicion, a characteristic that no one in power who was deeply controlling could escape.

The splendid horse-drawn carriage slowly started, leaving the Holy Mountain, and returned to Phoenix Palace soon after.

Emperor Reinhardt, deep in his thoughts, trudged forward, and when he regained his senses, he found that he had unconsciously arrived at the Queen’s resting quarters.

After hesitating briefly at the door, Emperor Reinhardt decided to step inside.

“…Please, mother!”

Upon stepping inside, Emperor Reinhardt saw that Princess Judy was snuggling cosily against Queen Midela. Sitting on the side chair was Prince Harrison.

Seeing Emperor Reinhardt walk in, Prince Harrison quickly stood up and greeted, “Father!”

Princess Judy pouted, looking at Emperor Reinhardt with a beseeching expression, seemingly seeking his assistance.

Emperor Reinhardt responded with a slight smile, and asked his daughter, “Judy, what it is that you desire?”

Princess Judy immediately replied, “Father, we’ve heard about cousin Vera’s plight and we wish to visit her in Winterfell City!”

The smile on Emperor Reinhardt’s face vanished abruptly and with a furrowed brow, he said, “You’ve just returned, and now you can’t wait to rush off to the North Territory? Is the Phoenix Palace truly incomparable to Lion Roar Castle?”

Queen Midela gave her husband a surprised look, as if she was hearing something new in his tone.

Seeing that her father was not on her side, Princess Judy was on the verge of crying.

But it seemed that Emperor Reinhardt did not plan to compromise on this matter. He directed sternly, “Judy, Harrison, please leave. Your mother and I have something to discuss.”

“Yes,” Prince Harrison obediently nodded, pulled his sister’s hand, and led her out.

Princess Judy also picked up on her father’s bad mood, and without a word, she stuck out her tongue, packed away her pitiful facade, and quietly left.

Queen Midela adjusted her posture, her perfectly tailored court ceremonial dress expertly drawing attention to every curve of her form. Those deep, ocean-blue eyes of hers locked onto Emperor Reinhardt, seemingly able to see straight into his thoughts. Her soft, red lips curved into an elegant smile as she asked,

“So? You’ve seen Pope Gregory?”

Emperor Reinhardt turned his head slightly, seemingly trying to avoid his wife’s intense gaze, and replied, “Yes.”

“What did he say to you?”

Emperor Reinhardt recounted the conversation he had with the Pope, and then added,

“I think there’s truth in his words. Even if the North and East Territories are targeting Gregory this time, they have dared to challenge the spokesperson of the Supreme Lord. Next time, they might dare to challenge the authority of the Royal Family!

Therefore, such conduct should not be tolerated, let alone be encouraged.”

Queen Midela listened quietly to her husband’s narrative and after a moment of silence, she asked, “So, you plan to unite with the Pope to pressure the North Territory?”

“Yes. Although I also wish to take this opportunity to weaken the power of the Church, what Gregory said is also true. The actions of the North and East Territories are extremely dangerous. I absolutely cannot let them experience the sweetness of successfully challenging the current order, otherwise, the loyalty of the citizens of the Empire will be in chaos!”

“Have you considered that if you stand with the Pope this time, it amounts to a betrayal of the noble class of the Empire! From now on, will the Lorenzo Family continue to be regarded as the leaders of the nobility?”

Emperor Reinhardt was taken aback, his face undergoing a rapid change. After struggling for a while, he asked again, “Then what do you think I should do?”

“You are the Emperor of the Empire and also the leader of the nobility. At such a critical moment, you must make your position clear and not be fooled by Gregory’s smooth talk!”

“But…”

“No buts! If you truly don’t want the Lorenzo family to completely lose the support of the nobles, then at such a critical moment, you must not betray them!

Granted, I also understand your concerns. This event will indeed give the lords of the North and East Territories rebellious ideas.

But this is not difficult to solve.”

“How to solve?” Emperor Reinhardt’s eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked.

Queen Midela gave a faint smile and said, “You can definitely go with the flow, publicly express your support for the North Territory’s actions, and demand an explanation from the Pope regarding the Duke St. Hilde’s assassination.”

“Is this your solution?” Emperor Reinhardt was clearly unable to understand his wife’s suggestions, his eyes filled with doubt.

Queen Midela calmly explained, “Think about it. In this way, the actions of the North and East Territories will no longer be rebellious, but in accordance to your command, a righteous move against false believers within the Church!

Once this is realized, all the merits and honors will belong to you, not the St. Hilde family.

Your prestige and authority will reach unprecedented heights. At that time, will you still fear that the Lords will become rebellious?”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“That’s right!” Emperor Reinhardt, with excitement struck his palm, exclaiming, “Such a simple fact, and I was almost deceived by that old fox, Gregory!”

Queen Midela gave a gentle smile and said, “Your Majesty, if you do not want to be misled by some people with ulterior motives, you must be clear about who are your enemies and who are your friends.”

Emperor Reinhardt nodded heavily, leaned forward, and lightly kissed his wife’s smooth forehead, laughing, “My love, I have figured it out! St. Hilde is indeed my most loyal friend! And the damned Church is indeed my biggest enemy!

‘Secular to the nobles, faith to the Church’!

I’ve tolerated these guys for too long! The current order of the Empire should not remain like this!

This time, let’s together, completely banish the influence of the Church from the secular domain!”

Afterwards, he hurriedly walked towards the exit, excitedly declaring, “I am going to arrange a public speech now. I want to reveal Gregory’s true face to the citizens of the Empire and call on all noble lords to maintain the glory of our Lord, by jointly cleaning up the current corrupt Church!”

Watching the retreating figure of Emperor Reinhardt, Queen Midela’s smile became more radiant. However, lurking in her eyes was an unmistakable gesture of contempt.