"I will go and ask His Holiness the Pope whether we should thoroughly investigate if Venice is involved in this matter. In any case, Francesco and their crimes have been confirmed, so send someone to raid their homes. It's very possible that we might find more useful clues, and then all problems might be solved," Enzo instructed, then set off again for the Papal Palace.
By the time he reached the Papal Palace, it was already late, and Enzo hadn't had dinner yet, his stomach rumbling uncooperatively. These past few days, Enzo had been incredibly busy, but he enjoyed it and didn't feel tired at all.
"What? His Holiness the Pope isn't here?" Enzo asked in surprise after receiving the news from Faol that the Pope was not in the Papal Palace. It was so late; where could the Pope be if he wasn't in the Papal Palace?
"Could you tell me where His Holiness the Pope went? I have an important matter to report," Enzo asked anxiously.
"That, I don't know. His Holiness the Pope didn't tell me either. He left in the afternoon and hasn't returned yet. Why don't you tell me the matter first, and I'll relay it to him when His Holiness the Pope returns?" Faol suggested.
Enzo was speechless. If he could have someone relay it, he could have just found someone to deliver a message casually. Why would he come all this way in person? It was precisely because the matter was significant and couldn't be explained in a few words. Besides reporting this matter, he also intended to sound out the Pope's attitude towards Venice.
"No, I need to report this matter to His Holiness the Pope in person. I'll wait here for a while."
Before he finished speaking, a team of people on horseback galloped to the entrance of the Papal Palace.
Enzo was wondering who had the privilege of riding horses at the Papal Palace entrance, and a few possible names flashed through his mind. Looking closely, the one leading them was actually the Pope. The Pope was dressed in casual clothes, one hand wielding a whip and the other holding the reins, completely different from his usual dignified appearance in papal robes. Enzo didn't recognize him at first glance.
Augustus dismounted skillfully, and while Enzo was still in a daze, he preemptively asked, "Oh, Enzo, why are you here? Is something wrong?"
"Your Holiness, there have been significant discoveries in the case investigation. I need to ask for your instructions on what to do next," Enzo replied truthfully.
"Didn't I say that you should handle all matters, big or small, yourself, and not ask me about everything?" Augustus complained, but seeing Enzo's solemn expression, he realized the matter might indeed be extraordinary and couldn't help but ask, "Is it really that important?"
"It's very important, a matter of great significance, and it's beyond my scope of duty," Enzo added.
"Alright, then come in and talk." With that, Augustus led Enzo to the reception room in the Papal Palace.
"Speak," Augustus said, dismissing those around them.
Enzo explained unhurriedly, "Your Holiness, it's like this: previously, we learned from Anastasio that the crossbows used by the attackers came from Venice. So, I had people prepare in advance to compare them as soon as the crossbows arrived.
The crossbows just confiscated were sent to me, and after comparison, this batch of crossbows indeed came from Venice. Furthermore, based on the quantity and craftsmanship of the crossbows, we initially determined that this batch of crossbows are military armaments from Venice."
"You mean, you suspect this matter is related to Venice?" Augustus immediately understood, then, on second thought, realized there was a problem. "But this batch of crossbows could also have been sold normally by the Venetian military. We can't confirm that Venice was aware of this matter, much less conclude that Venice is involved."
Enzo nodded and said, "Exactly. That's why I came to ask you whether we should thoroughly investigate this matter. Currently, we cannot determine if this matter is related to Venice, but if we don't investigate, we will never know if it is.
However, if it's not related to Venice, and we launch an investigation, it's very likely to be known by the Venetian side. To uncover the truth, we might even have to resort to some unconventional methods, which could very likely worsen our relations with Venice and cause a diplomatic incident."
"Worsen relations with Venice?" Augustus scoffed, "Relations between the Papal States and Venice are already like this; they won't worsen further over such a small matter, will they?
However, I certainly don't want them to know that we know this matter might be related to them; that would alert the enemy. Let me think..."
Soon, Augustus made up his mind: "Alright, keep the source of the weapons being Venice a secret for now; don't let it leak. Whether it's related to Venice can be investigated, but don't start from the Venetian side. Whatever you find, don't accuse Venice, and keep all the findings confidential.
The most important point of this investigation is secrecy. Whether or not you find real evidence, it must be kept secret. Don't use any of those unconventional methods you mentioned, and avoid all actions that might alert Venice. In this investigation concerning Venice, the truth is not important; whether it is or isn't, I want it to be. Just prepare the evidence for me; I will have great use for it later."
Enzo was greatly surprised. No wonder the Pope had been tolerating Venice's various provocative actions without retaliation; it turned out he was brewing a big plan.
Enzo, fearing he had misunderstood, confirmed again, "You intend to move against Venice?"
Augustus nodded slightly and said, "Do you want to know where I just went?"
"Naturally, I don't know. May I know?" Enzo showed a hint of curiosity.
"I just went to the National Defense Force to understand the situation."
"Your Holiness plans ahead; I am truly inferior."
For some reason, Augustus always felt that their flattery sounded sarcastic, and he said unhappily, "Don't say such useless things. Since I've told you my plan, tell me your thoughts."
Enzo pondered for a moment, then cautiously said, "I don't understand military matters, but since you asked me to speak, I'll offer a shallow opinion. I believe our army far surpasses Venice's, which goes without saying. However, Venice excels in naval power. What are your plans regarding that? If we cannot take Venice City, the conflict will drag on indefinitely.
Moreover, Venice has many potential allies. If we cannot end the battle quickly, giving Venice time to maneuver, I'm afraid our enemies will not be limited to Venice alone."
A conventional opinion, Augustus thought to himself, giving it such an evaluation. What he brought up were indeed the key issues, but there were no particularly unique insights.
"You're right, these are all key issues. Just wait and see," Augustus had no intention of revealing all his plans.
"Since you plan to move against Venice, I should also have our spy network in Venice prepare, so they can assist the army when the time comes," Enzo suggested.
"That would certainly be good, but there's still one most important point: secrecy. We don't want our spy network exposed before we even make a move."
"Naturally. Then I'll go back now to have them start fabricating evidence, and then I'll eat."
"You haven't had dinner yet? I haven't either. Stay and eat together, then leave after we've eaten," Augustus invited sincerely.