flstandardbreds Chapter 361 Lobbying
Chapter 361 Lobbying
John's convoy was on the road to the holy city. The air around them seemed to be frozen. Except for the sound of horse hooves and the low roar of wheels rolling over the ground, everything else seemed exceptionally quiet.
As the Midlan army and the Yoda army were fighting fiercely on the front line, John ordered the convoy to take a road away from the border and head south before setting off.
As the convoy advanced, the outline of the Holy City gradually began to emerge, with magnificent city walls and Gothic buildings rising into the clouds. The towering city walls were like an insurmountable barrier, containing endless history and glory.
Soon after, the convoy arrived at the city gate. Soldiers were conducting strict inspections. After paying the soldiers the entrance fee, John's convoy entered the Holy City. Following Simon's instructions and asking passers-by, the convoy soon arrived at the headquarters of the Simon Chamber of Commerce in the Holy City. The president of the Chamber of Commerce had already known about John's arrival and had prepared accommodation for the convoy.
The next morning, John set out from the Chamber of Commerce early and took a carriage straight to the French King's Palace. His carriage drove past the outer wall of the palace and soon arrived at the main entrance of the palace's outer wall.
After telling the guards his name and the reason for meeting the King of France, the captain in charge of the palace's outer wall was cold to him and immediately called a centurion. The centurion glanced at John, his expression did not change, and he just said indifferently:
"You can't just meet with His Majesty the King of France casually. You need to report in advance to meet with His Majesty the King of France. Please come back tomorrow."
Although John was unhappy, he also understood the centurion's intention. He quickly adjusted his mentality, took out a shiny purse from his robe, and gently handed it to the centurion. The centurion opened the purse and saw the golden coins. His eyes lit up slightly, then he put the purse away and walked towards the palace.
During the stalemate, John quietly looked at every brick and tile of the palace, silently reciting his goal in his heart. After a while, the centurion came back jogging and said in a respectful and hurried tone:
"Lord John, I am sorry to have kept you waiting. Now please follow me into the palace."
Following the winding corridor, John was led to a gate guarded by guards. The centurion stopped at the door, opened it, knelt on one knee, and reported respectfully:
"Master John has been brought here."
A low and steady voice came from inside the door:
"come in."
After receiving the reply from inside, the centurion immediately stood up and gestured to John to come in. John then stepped into the room.
The room was not large, but it exuded a warm atmosphere, and the elegant decoration made people feel close. The King of France sat on a chair inlaid with gems, his eyes were like torches, revealing an indescribable majesty and affinity. John walked forward and saluted respectfully about ten meters away from the King of France.
"Welcome, Earl John."
The King of France spoke in a low voice, sounding gentle and kind. He then stretched out his hand towards the chair next to him and said:
"Please take a seat."
John nodded slightly, walked slowly forward and sat on the chair next to the King of France, then said respectfully:
"Your Majesty, I am honored to meet you."
The King of France smiled, with a hint of admiration in his eyes:
"I have heard about the recent achievements of the Knights of the Crusade. They have been able to eliminate so many heretics in just a few years. This is really worth celebrating."
"This is all the result of the knights' heroic struggle."
John's heart gradually calmed down, and the conversation with the King of France seemed to become easy.
"So, John, what brings you here?"
The Pope asked with a hint of curiosity.
John had a hidden meaning in his heart and said seriously:
"Your Majesty, I would like to ask if you would consider making Pros the commander of the upcoming crusade against Kusha."
The King nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes: "I am indeed considering this candidate, and I am asking someone to draft the appointment document."
John saw this and realized that if he did not give his opinion to the King of France at this time, his cousin might really be exiled, so he quickly seized the opportunity and advised with a worried tone:
"But your majesty, Pros has been ill recently and I'm afraid he needs to rest for a while and cannot take on this important position."
"Is he seriously ill?"
The King of France immediately asked with concern, a hint of worry in his eyes.
John shook his head slightly, pretending to be calm:
"He is receiving medical treatment, and his physical condition is not able to withstand long-distance travel and acclimatization."
The King of France frowned slightly, obviously doubting what he said, but then he hesitated for a moment and nodded in agreement:
"Then let's change the commander."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," John said, feeling relieved.
The next morning, the King of France convened the cardinals of the Holy City and some powerful dignitaries in the palace. The conference hall was splendidly decorated. The sunlight poured in through the towering windows, giving people a solemn and sacred atmosphere.
The King of France sat at the head of the long table. He glanced at everyone, cleared his throat, and said:
"Everyone, I have called you all here to discuss the upcoming holy war. I recently received news that Bishop Pros needs to rest due to illness, so we need to choose another suitable commander."
As soon as the words fell, everyone immediately began to discuss in low voices, and for a while the hall was filled with noise.
"Bishop Pros is ill? This is so unfortunate."
one cardinal said in shock.
Another nobleman interrupted and said:
"I heard that General Coren has first-rate command abilities. He's a good choice."
"Then there is Lord Sikel from the Kingdom of Nice. He is very devout to the Lord."
The situation got out of control, and everyone expressed their opinions. The names of various candidates were crisscrossed in the air, making the already complicated choice even more complicated. The King of France gradually frowned. He tried to calm the noise, but to no avail.
At this moment, the gorgeously dressed Fidelicao stood up, saluted respectfully, and said in a clear and loud voice:
"Your Majesty, I have something to ask you. Yesterday you learned from Earl John that Bishop Pross was seriously ill. So, Earl John should be in the Holy City now, right?"
"Yes." The King of France nodded in agreement.
Fidelicao smiled slightly and continued:
"I think since Earl John brought this news personally, he may be the best candidate for this position. Earl John is not only very devout in his belief in the God of Light. He has also demonstrated outstanding leadership in past battles."
For a moment, the people in the hall fell silent, thinking about what Fidelicao had said. His words sparked a heated discussion among the crowd, and many dignitaries of Fidelicao's faction immediately echoed his words in agreement.
“I think it’s a really good idea.”
A noble dressed in gorgeous clothes responded almost immediately, his tone firm.
"Earl John's military talent can ensure the smooth progress of the holy war."
"That's right. At the same time, Earl John's army is also very elite. I heard that Earl John cares for his soldiers very much, so during the expedition, having Earl John around can also boost their morale."
Another noble echoed, and voices of approval rose one after another.
The King of France quietly observed all this from behind the long table, pondering in his heart. After repeated thinking, he turned his gaze to Fidelicio:
"What you said makes sense. I have decided to summon Earl John to discuss this matter at another time. At the same time, I will also send envoys to summon the kings and dukes to discuss the issue of sending troops for the holy war."