The scorching midday sun hung high, illuminating all things, like the eyes of a god scrutinizing everything in the mortal realm.
After Augustus concluded his passionate praises, this unprecedentedly grand military parade had come to an end.
At this moment, the naval and land officers, who had been busy and on edge all morning, could finally relax and return to their temporary camps on the coast to enjoy a lunch that was exceptionally sumptuous compared to usual.
Fiumicino is about 30 kilometers from Rome, and to attend this grand event, Augustus and his entourage set off before dawn, traveling by carriage for more than two hours.
If they were to return to Rome for lunch at this time, it would have been well past mealtime, which was naturally unsuitable. Therefore, it was only natural for Augustus and his party to stay in the military camp and dine with Karl and Duke.
In fact, this was merely a ruse, as Augustus had another, more important, unknown purpose for this trip.
The military parade required some core members of the Papal States to attend, but not all of them needed to be present; selecting a few of them would not arouse any suspicion. The temporary military camp, far from Rome, had a very low degree of infiltration by various forces, making the possibility of leaks extremely small.
Such an environment was far superior to directly summoning several ministers by name in the Papal Palace, making it a heaven-sent opportunity for secret plotting.
Outside an inconspicuous military tent, all the guarding soldiers were replaced by Augustus's accompanying Papal Guard, and they maintained a certain distance from the tent. Dracula did not know why this arrangement was made, but since the Pope requested it, he did not ask further and simply complied.
Inside the military tent, gathered around a square table, Augustus sat steadily at the head seat facing the tent entrance. To his right were Faol, Enzo, and Dracula, and to his left were Karl, Duke, and Giovanni. Stirile and Katerina sat opposite them.
These eight people were not all involved in the upcoming plan, but they were all trusted by Augustus. Augustus could discuss his upcoming plans without reservation, without worrying about information leaks.
Except for Enzo, everyone was more or less surprised that Stirile was sitting there. Some even didn't know who he was, but vaguely felt that his identity was not simple.
Karl, who arranged the luncheon, was the first to stand up and raise his glass: "Your Holiness, everyone, the food in the military camp is rough, not as refined as in the city. Please bear with us."
In fact, the ingredients for this banquet could certainly be described as sumptuous, and the variety was no less than what Augustus usually had, but the cooking was indeed inferior to that of the Papal Palace chefs, which was perfectly normal.
"Nonsense. You are busy with the training of the National Defense Force, and together with Duke and Giovanni, you have contributed this magnificent military parade to all of us today. You also took the trouble to arrange this luncheon. You have truly worked hard.
While the food in the Papal Palace is refined, it lacks a natural simplicity. The food in this military camp, unadorned and naturally made, has a unique flavor in my opinion. Let us raise the first toast of this luncheon to our host today, General Karl."
Augustus then stood up, and as he spoke, he raised the wine glass in his hand towards Karl, then drained it.
Although Karl did not know beforehand what Augustus would say at the banquet, he knew there would be something to say. It was possible that someone at the banquet had a very low alcohol tolerance, and it would certainly not be good to get them drunk after two or three glasses. Therefore, the wine provided at the banquet was a fruit wine with a very low alcohol content, basically the kind that wouldn't get you drunk even if you drank it like water.
"To General Karl!" Everyone followed suit.
"It's no trouble, no trouble, this is what I should do." Karl laughed heartily, toasted everyone back, and then drained the wine in his glass, leaving not a single drop.
Augustus smiled, pleased with the harmonious scene among everyone, refilled his glass, and then raised it again.
"Everyone saw today's military parade; it was quite excellent. We owe this wonderful military parade to Generals Karl, Duke, and Giovanni. In such a short time, our Papal States army has shown such astonishing improvement, and these three have made immense contributions. For the second toast, let us toast the three generals!"
Overall, this military parade was very successful, and as for a few minor incidents, everyone automatically overlooked them.
"To the three generals!" The other five said in unison.
"This is our duty! The three of us will swear to defend the dignity of the Papal States to the death and remove all obstacles in the Papal States' path forward! The army is about to set out; after this battle, the navy and army of the Papal States will surely become famous throughout the world!"
Duke raised his wine glass and declared loudly with great passion, then drank the wine in his glass along with Karl and Giovanni.
Augustus nodded slightly and said solemnly, "For the third toast, let us toast Faol.
Under Faol's flexible operation, within just one year, the large military factories within the Papal States have all come under the Papal States' ownership. We have direct internal Docking, allowing the military factories to coordinate resources most efficiently, prioritizing the needs of various departments for all types of weapons and equipment, enabling all soldiers to train without distractions and maximize their training results.
Faol can be said to be the greatest contributor to army building outside the military system. Everyone, do you think Faol deserves a toast?"
Everyone paused slightly at first, then suddenly realized that Faol's contributions were indispensable.
"He deserves it!" The seven people said in unison.
"It's a small matter, not worth mentioning. Thanks to Your Holiness's kindness and everyone's trust, living up to expectations is already a blessing from God, a duty, and I dare not claim credit." Faol was humble and carried a charming smile.
Thanks to his fondness for wandering around, he often left Faol in charge of Rome, which gave Faol ample training. Now, Faol is capable of handling matters independently.
Faol relied on Augustus, and Augustus similarly relied on Faol. Faol even served as the link through which Augustus controlled the economy and public opinion. Everyone saw this. Coupled with Faol's usual humble and benevolent treatment of others, although he was of humble origin, everyone held Faol in high regard.
After another drink, Karl slowly spoke: "We have already toasted three times, but we haven't toasted the person who deserves it most. Who do you think that person is?"
Everyone immediately understood: "Your Holiness!"
"Exactly!" Karl's expression suddenly turned solemn, "Your Holiness has shown me and Duke the grace of a discerning patron. If it weren't for Your Holiness's insistence on employing us, despite all opposition, Duke and I would still be struggling to get by somewhere.
It is precisely with Your Holiness's strong support, bearing the pressure from all sides, that we have been able to work unreservedly and dedicate ourselves to building the Papal States' army. This toast, let us offer it to Your Holiness!"
"To His Holiness!" Everyone sincerely echoed.
"All for the Papal States! With everyone working together, the Papal States can move faster and further! This toast, let us also wish the Papal States a splendid future!" With that, Augustus tilted his head slightly and poured the wine into his mouth.
Augustus's gaze swept over everyone, and after a brief thought, he spoke again: "Everyone traveled through the night and stood under the sun all morning; I imagine you must be hungry by now. So, let's eat first, and after we've had our fill, I have something important to say. Be mindful of moderation when drinking, don't get greedy and get drunk."
"Don't worry, Your Holiness, this wine is very light, it won't get you drunk. If anyone can get drunk on this wine, we can mock him for ten years."
Karl's teasing remark drew a burst of laughter in the military tent.