Giovanni was speechless for a moment. After the man answered him, he, like everyone else around, became absorbed in the revelry. Giovanni did not disturb him further and quietly left.
Upon his first arrival in the Papal States, witnessing the downfall of a minister, Giovanni felt a bit uneasy, fearing that one day he might also end up like him, dying a humiliating death amidst the cheers of the populace.
But then he thought, since he had already made up his mind to come to the Papal States, why would he back out now? Spain wasn't a place he could just return to whenever he wanted.
Recalling his time in Tuscany, the Pope had spoken earnestly, conversed happily with him, and held high expectations for him. He was also the Pope's uncle, so it would certainly not come to that point. This reassured Giovanni a great deal.
While Francesco was being executed, the remaining accomplices, those who were to be killed and those who were to be exiled, were also gradually being dealt with.
As for the mercenaries and bandits who carried out the attack, Augustus did not want his reputation to be tarnished by these insignificant people, so he honored his agreement and spared their lives, arranging for them to be stuffed onto slave ships bound for Crimea, leaving them to their own devices.
Regarding Francesco's family, Augustus also kept his word, merely sentencing them to exile from the Papal States. However, what Augustus did not know was that Enzo had no intention of letting them leave the Papal States alive and had already secretly arranged an 'accident' for them.
Back in the Papal Palace, as soon as Augustus sat down, a servant came to report from outside the door: "Your Holiness, there is a man outside claiming to be Don Giovanni de Medici who wishes to see you. Will you see him or not?"
"Of course, I will see him. Please invite him in quickly." Augustus was overjoyed.
Giovanni knew that since he had decided to take root in the Papal States, he could no longer always presume upon his status as the Pope's uncle. Thinking that protocol must be observed, Giovanni was about to bow when Augustus held him up.
"Uncle Giovanni, no need for formalities. I have been looking forward to your arrival day and night, and today you are finally here, which is wonderful. Come, please sit."
With that, Giovanni was half-coaxed and half-supported by Augustus to sit down face-to-face.
"I was delayed for some days in Spain, bidding farewell to King Philip and handling handover matters, which made you wait." Giovanni also exchanged pleasantries.
"I understand, I understand." Augustus responded repeatedly, "Now that you are here, let's get down to business and talk about the future."
"Good." Giovanni was delighted, but also feared the Pope might change his mind, as he had already committed himself with no turning back. So he tentatively asked, "You previously said you hoped I would come to the Papal States to serve as Admiral of the Navy. Do you still remember? Has there been any change?"
Realizing Giovanni's doubts, Augustus candidly reassured him: "Of course I remember. The position of Admiral of the Navy for the Papal States has always been reserved for you; how could there be any change? And I clearly remember I promised that this is just the beginning; even greater responsibilities will be entrusted to you later."
Giovanni secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He was about to ask when he could take office, but after thinking it over, he felt it might be a bit awkward to ask.
Augustus saw through Giovanni's thoughts and continued: "I can see you are already eager, which is very good. At tomorrow's Papal States Council, I will publicly announce your appointment as Admiral of the Navy for the Papal States. You will attend directly, as the position of Admiral of the Navy should naturally be present at the Papal States Council. How does that sound to you?"
Another position at the Papal States Council would belong to his confidant, and he would represent the Papal States' Navy, which was undoubtedly good for Augustus. It must be said that nepotism has its advantages; when abilities are equal or unknown, any ruler would prefer to choose those with high loyalty.
"Thank you, Your Holiness, that would be perfect." Giovanni was very pleased. He hadn't expected the Pope to be so straightforward, so he really had nothing to worry about.
"Could you tell me about the current situation of the Papal States Navy? Although I tried to gather some information before coming, I haven't truly been in contact with it, so my understanding of the real situation is limited." Giovanni eagerly inquired.
Augustus nodded and said, "Of course. The Papal States' Navy is constantly on standby, and occasionally engages in skirmishes with the Ottoman Empire, with wins and losses. After I took office, I carried out some reorganization and adjustments, and also increased financial investment. The maintenance of ships and the training of sailors should not be too bad.
It's just that we have always suffered from a lack of good, reliable Admirals of the Navy. Historically, when confronting other nations, we always had to form a joint fleet with other countries, and then the Admiral of the Navy from another country would serve as the Commander of the joint fleet.
Although the naval power of the Papal States is not weak, it has always been in a very passive position at sea. Therefore, we are eager to cultivate our own excellent Admirals of the Navy. And all of this is about to proceed under your leadership.
My knowledge is also limited, as I am not a professional. For more specific details, you will have to find out for yourself. Anyway, tomorrow you will be the Admiral of the Navy for the Papal States. At that time, whatever you want your subordinates to report, or whatever documents you want to consult, will be within your purview."
"I understand. Although I come from the army, I have received some basic naval education. I am confident in my learning ability, and I ask you to trust me; I will surely manage the Papal States' Navy well!" Giovanni promised, patting his chest.
"Oh, there's one more thing. The Papal States may soon take action, and the navy will be needed then. You need to prepare as soon as possible." Augustus almost forgot this most important matter.
Giovanni was first stunned, then asked with irrepressible excitement mixed with a bit of apprehension: "Who is the opponent? Is it the Ottoman Empire?"
Augustus pondered for a moment and decided to tell Giovanni the truth.
"It's Venice. Remember, this must not be leaked." Augustus said in a low voice.
Hearing this answer, Giovanni was somewhat surprised, somewhat disappointed, and also somewhat nervous. If the opponent were the Ottoman Empire, then if he won, he could achieve great success in one battle. If the opponent were Venice, the impact would be much smaller, but to be honest, he really wasn't confident about taking down Venice.
"Only us?" Giovanni asked in a low voice.
"Of course not, but I'm not sure who else yet; you'll know when the time comes. Just be prepared."
Giovanni nodded.
"After Venice, then comes the Ottoman." Augustus slowly uttered.
Giovanni nearly had a nosebleed. Seeing that Augustus didn't seem to be joking, he cautiously asked, "Your Holiness, what exactly are you plotting?"
"I can't explain it clearly now; you'll know when the time comes." Augustus said with a smile.