Just as Augustus was hesitating on how to answer, Ferdinand, with the dignity of an elder, smoothed things over, saying, "Rivlin, you're really drunk, what nonsense are you spouting? If the Pope were truly as you say, would we still be gathered here for a banquet? Would you still be able to stand here so brazenly questioning him?
Furthermore, our Pope Augustus, since his election, has never harmed a single innocent heathen. These are all plain for all to see. Is that not enough proof?"
As soon as these words were spoken, some people in the hall nodded slightly, some scoffed, while others showed expressions of deep disappointment. However, pressured by the host's authority, not a single person, including Rivlin who was feigning drunkenness, dared to raise an objection.
Observing his surroundings, Augustus thought to himself, "This is what they call 'outward respect but inward defiance,' isn't it?"
Based on the situation, Augustus quickly made a judgment: Hiding behind Ferdinand at this moment was definitely not a good decision. Ferdinand had, in essence, expressed his stance for him. It was perfectly fine for Ferdinand to say these words, but if they were misinterpreted as his own attitude and spread, it could stir up a huge uproar.
Augustus cleared his throat and instantly became the focus of all the guests' eyes, which made Augustus, who was accustomed to grand occasions, feel a hint of nervousness.
"As Pope, God's representative on earth, I shall surely follow God's will." After bringing God into the discussion, Augustus felt much more at ease. Even if not everyone present believed in God, in a place where Catholic held an absolute advantage in numbers and power, no one would speak disrespectfully of God.
"The Lord loves the world; no one is absolutely lost. To treat sinners with mercy is the way of God; God will never allow anyone to fall behind. God does not endorse the so-called 'discarding culture' of certain ill-intentioned individuals; this culture has nothing to do with God. God does not abandon anyone; God loves all people, seeking all people…."
After a long, heartfelt, yet empty, passionate recitation, most of the people in the hall were already distracted or even drowsy.
Even Dracula, who was beside Augustus, looked bewildered. In Dracula's impression, the Pope had never spoken like this before.
"Alright, the goal has been achieved, that's enough." Augustus thought to himself.
Not a single word of what Augustus said was original; it was all something he had memorized before and then temporarily pieced together. As for what specific attitude it conveyed, Augustus himself wasn't sure. If he had to say there was one, it was that anything was possible.
For others, a thousand people could have a thousand interpretations; it could be understood by hardliners as wanting to "purify" the entire world, or by moderates and heathens as wanting to be inclusive and guide the entire world.
Wait, what if it's the opposite? It shouldn't be, and even if it is, it doesn't matter. No one can stop others from misinterpreting their meaning.
Augustus's voice abruptly ceased, and only the beautiful classical music echoed in the hall. After a long while, people realized that Augustus had finally finished speaking, and sparse applause broke out in the hall.
Ferdinand I cast an approving gaze at Augustus from afar, while Rivlin, the Jewish man who had asked the question earlier, was already sound asleep at his seat.
During the banquet, cups clinked and hosts and guests alike enjoyed themselves, and no one came to bother Augustus again.
Soon, the banquet ended, and guests departed one after another.
Augustus glanced at Dracula's slightly bulging stomach and his put-down knife and fork, estimating that Dracula had also eaten and drunk his fill. The two exchanged glances, and just as they were about to leave, a house servant approached and bowed very formally.
"Your Holiness, the Archduke hopes you can stay after the banquet; he has an important matter he wishes to discuss with you."
Augustus's lips curved slightly upward. "Is it finally time to discuss serious matters?" He thought. It made sense; he had been here for so many days, and the family banquet was over. If they didn't discuss it soon, he would have to leave. Discussing matters after the family banquet was a well-chosen time.
"Alright, Dracula, let's sit for a while longer." After instructing Dracula, Augustus turned to the house servant and said, "Tell the Archduke to attend to his affairs at ease. I will wait for him here; he can come find me when he's finished. I am not in a hurry."
…
Time passed minute by minute, and finally, all the guests had left.
"Augustus, I apologize for keeping you waiting."
Augustus looked up and saw Ferdinand I walking towards him, so he also stood up: "It's alright, Uncle. What important matter do you wish to discuss with me? Shall we talk here, or move to another place?"
Ferdinand glanced at the house servants cleaning the hall out of the corner of his eye, then replied, "Let's move to another place. We'll talk in the backyard; the environment there is better."
Augustus nodded. Seeing Ferdinand so cautious, he became even more convinced that the matter to be discussed was extraordinary.
"Your Holiness, I will also excuse myself and wait for you here." In private, he called him Augustus, but when outsiders were present, Dracula would still respectfully address him as Your Holiness.
Following Ferdinand to the backyard, where no one was around, Ferdinand began, "Your Holiness, what do you think of the Spanish Empire?"
Augustus was somewhat surprised by the sudden change in address. In front of others, he claimed to be an elder, but in private, he used a respectful address towards him instead?
After careful consideration, Augustus answered with some reservation: "The Spanish Empire is currently the strongest Catholic nation, an important pillar of the Holy See. The influence of the Holy See and the flourishing development of Catholic cannot be separated from Spain's support."
Ferdinand seemed displeased that he hadn't heard the answer he wanted, pouting slightly, then continued to ask in a dissatisfied tone, "But don't you think Spain is too powerful? And Spain's sphere of influence is still continuously expanding.
If this continues, it will be hard to say whether it's Catholic's Spain or Spain's Catholic. Surely you wouldn't want to go from being the Pope of Catholic to being the Pope of the Spanish people, would you?"
"Oh, that matter? I'm not worried at all. Others might not know how many more years Spain can swagger around, but I certainly do. There's no need for me to cause it trouble; Spain is just like this," Augustus thought to himself, but he certainly couldn't say that out loud.
Augustus put on a worried expression, pretending to be deeply concerned as he said, "To be frank, I am not entirely unconcerned about this matter, but what can I do? I am the Pope, and Spain is the right-hand man of Catholic. I can't very well destroy my own Great Wall, can I?"
"It seems our Pope is still too young," Ferdinand I sighed to himself. "Although he is already very outstanding compared to his peers, his diplomatic indirectness is still a bit too naive. Between nations, how could it be as simple as being either a friend or an enemy?"