"They are more like the shadow of the Light Church. Even though His Holiness holds the highest authority in the Light Church, he doesn't have the power to do as he wishes like any King." Cardinal Smith answered solemnly.
"So, the Light Church is also in a mess, huh," Charles commented.
Meanwhile, a forced smile appeared on Cardinal Smith's face.
He was well aware of the politics and schemes run in the Holy See and felt bitterness. Although he wanted to tell more about the Light Church's corruption, he decided not to reveal too much information.
Little did he know that he revealed too much confidential information due to the influence of the curse spell!
'Moreover, I know nothing about the outside world. But I can't trust this otherworldly person fully. But I can ask His Holiness about this. As long as I enter the secret chamber, I might get some clue about how to travel to other planes. If I get my hands on that Nightmare Creature's artifacts, I can use that as a bargaining chip and leave this place. But will His Holiness allow me to enter the secret chamber and study about the otherworldly artifacts? He will oppose my decision for sure.'
A grim look appeared on his face.
Finally, he heaved a heavy sigh and responded.
"No. Even if I find a way, it's almost impossible for me to leave this plane without His Holiness's approval. There is a high chance that he might imprison me in the name of Heresy and throw me in the Ender Maze."
"Ender Maze?" Charles asked in curiosity.
"It's a mysterious place of no return, My Lord. I heard that this place is located in the northern end of this continent, but no one knew of its real location." Irzoch explained.
"Oh? Then, it is indeed a troublesome matter." Charles frowned deeply and then went silent.
In the meantime, Melody suddenly thought of something and proposed an absurd idea while pointing her finger at Cardinal Smith.
"Your Highness, why shouldn't we replace Gabriel and make him the new Pope? By doing so, I also don't need to hide my true identity and roam wherever I want."
Cardinal's eyes flickered in anger as he heard those words.
"Atrocious! His Holiness is the true believer of Light, and he has all the qualifications to remain Pope for the rest of his life. He cares for the people and could even sacrifice his life to save everyone-"
Before he could even finish his words, Irzoch gave a disdainful look and interrupted him.
"Humph, don't try to act like your guys are like some saint. I have seen the dark side of your church members!"
At that moment, Charles also waved his hand and spoke thoughtfully.
"What she said is indeed right, Mr. Smith. From what I have read from all the books, I can tell that the Light Church is corrupted to the core everywhere. Pope Gabriel may be a good person, but he is not a saint."
Irzoch also nodded her head and added.
"Indeed, the Light Church's only aim is to unify the kingdoms and recreates the Fallen Empire to fulfill their Goddess's Oracle. They won't give a damn about citizens' well-being or poor people's life."
Upon hearing those words, Cardinal Smith went silent. Then, he looked at Charles and shook his head.
"It's impossible for me to become the next Pope. Even if His Holiness dies due to some unfortunate circumstances, there are more than three more Cardinals and two Head Deacons to replace his position. I may be powerful, but I'm not the only Awaken in the Light Church." He paused for a moment and then added.
"If there is nothing else, I will go back to the Holy See and submit a detailed report about the Crown Prince's demise and his misdeeds. If not, they might think something terrible had happened here and dispatch the Shadow Angels."
Meanwhile, Charles also showed an understanding look on his face and acted accordingly.
"It seems you've already made up your mind." He paused for a moment and then asked.
"But before that, I want to ask you another question. Do you know if there are any unique books that Goddess Zaqiel wrote before she left? If I use my prophecy skill on those items, I might find more clues about her. If luck is on our side, there is a high chance that we might get the right coordinate of her current location."
Upon hearing those words, Cardinal Smith's eyes lit up, and he nodded his head in a hurry.
"Although it is impossible to get the original copy, I can get the duplicates for you."
"I'm counting on you then." Charles nodded and then secretly erased the [Curse of the Overlord] spell from his dark space.
Alas, not a slight change in emotion appeared on Cardinal Smith's face.
He then turned around, walked towards the hall's entrance, and left the throne hall.
As Melody watched Cardinal leaving the Throne Hall, she couldn't help but mutter in a displeased tone.
"I don't trust that guy, Your Highness,"
On the other hand, Irzoch also nodded her head in agreement and added.
"I have a feeling that he might invite more trouble."
"You are wrong. From now on, Cardinal will be the key player in my game." Charles said with a cunning smile on his face.
"Key player? But didn't he reject our deal?" Melody tilted her head in confusion and asked.
Meanwhile, Charles smiled lightly, took out the fire cube from his space ring, and asked.
"What would happen if we release the sealed 'Nightmare' creature in the Holy See?"
Upon hearing his words, both Melody and Irzoch took a step back and stared at the silver Crown hidden inside the fire cube in shock.
"I-Is that what I think it is, Your Highness?" Melody asked in a startled tone.
"No. I don't think this Crown is the sealed 'Nightmare.' But I have a vague feeling that this Silver Crown is the key material to find that sealed 'Nightmare' box. Once we get that thing, we can release the 'Nightmare Creature' inside the Holy See and see if it could kill Pope Gabriel. Then, we can take things slowly and make Cardinal Smith the next Pope of the Light Church. But before that, we need to do some preparations." Charles paused for a moment and soon fell into deep thoughts.
'If what Cardinal Smith said is true, we can safely assume that the 'Nightmare Creature' was once an Angel and came here to protect the humans. But many secrets are revolving around that Nightmare Creature. For example, why did Bryson invade the Holy See and steal the sealed box? Why did a Druid help him steal the box? Also, who is the mysterious person who stole that Sealed 'Nightmare' Box from Bryson? If I don't find answers to these questions sooner, my whole plan might fail. Hmm, Its better to think of a backup plan to enter the Secret Chamber if this one fails.' He sighed heavily.
