Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World-Chapter 431: The Attitude of Gabella

TL: Etude Translations

“If there’s nothing else, let’s call it a day.” After a morning-long meeting, everyone was hungry, and Pope Harrington II decided to conclude the gathering.

“Your Holiness, I must bring a matter to your attention,” someone burst in just as he was about to rise.

It was Bishop Walsh, responsible for the capital’s public order, in addition to his ecclesiastical duties. His close relationship with Pope Harrington II and familiarity with the servants and guards allowed him unannounced entry. He was also a scheduled participant in the meeting but had been delayed.

“What’s happened that has you so worked up?” Pope Harrington II was curious, noting that Walsh’s demeanor was more like a gladiator than a venerable bishop.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for my late arrival. But Your Holiness, you must take action against those heretical lunatics of the Arcane Society,” Walsh announced, standing beside the table, clearly infuriated.

Walsh’s anger was palpable, and he banged the table as he spoke. Under normal circumstances, such disrespect could have led to immediate arrest by the guards, but his familiarity with those present spared him.

“Calm down, take it slow,” urged Pope Harrington II, ordering tea for Bishop Walsh, who then sat and recounted the previous day’s events.

“Eventually, a Gabella envoy had to intervene, which was utterly humiliating,” Walsh lamented. “If this continues, the sacred City of Light will be seen as a barbarian hub by foreigners.”

He glanced at the head of the religious tribunal, Tulus, who sensed the criticism directed at him. Tulus knew he had limited options, as the Pope had always tried to maintain an open-minded image, tolerating differing views as long as they didn’t directly contradict the Holy Scripture of Light.

Pope Harrington II then cautioned Walsh, “Be careful with the term ‘heretic.’ I don’t want the Holy City to descend into chaos like the Horn Bay.”

“But do you still think the current state of the Holy City is orderly…?”

“Cough cough… Of course, but letting them continue their reckless behavior is not an option. Tulus!”

“Yes, Your Holiness,” the head of the religious tribunal stood up.

“Find time to talk with a few leaders of the Arcane Society. Warn them that while reasoned debate is acceptable, physical aggression and conflict are beyond our tolerance.”

“Yes, Your Holiness.”

Pope Harrington II then addressed Walsh, “Regarding those who caused trouble yesterday, arrest and sentence them as necessary, but treat it as a regular public order case.”

“Yes, Your Holiness,” Walsh responded, somewhat disheartened.

“By the way, you mentioned an envoy from which country?”

Walsh answered, “Gabella, specifically an attendant of a Gabella envoy.”

“Gabella, huh,” Pope Harrington II mused, narrowing his eyes. “David Aldridge, the great scholar of the Academy of Sta, my meeting with him is scheduled for this afternoon.”

…

Leaning on his cane, Aldridge walked slowly into the audience hall, followed by a nervous Mond and Kevin.

As he crossed the threshold, the host, already dressed in ceremonial attire, awaited him.

Pope Harrington II sat with dignity on the principal seat, flanked by the important members of the College of Cardinals.

“Welcome, distant guest, Master Aldridge of the Scholar’s Tower.”

Aldridge bowed in greeting.

“It is a great honor, I—David Aldridge—am here to represent the Emperor of Gabella and millions of believers to meet with you, the highest representative of the Heavenly Father on earth, the most loyal servant—His Holiness Harrington II.”

The Pope, with a smile, extended his right hand in a gesture of invitation.

“Please, take a seat, Master. I hope you’ve brought what I desire.”

Aldridge sat, with Mond and Kevin standing behind him. Carefully, he produced a letter from his pocket, “This is from His Majesty, the Emperor of my nation, personally entrusted to me for you. Everything you wish to know is in here.”

A servant hurried over to receive the letter, delivering it to Pope Harrington II.

The Pope carefully opened the envelope and perused the letter, scrutinizing each word as if pondering the intent behind them.

Kevin, standing behind Aldridge, observed the Pope, who, despite his white hair and some wrinkles, maintained a well-groomed appearance with a long white beard. His eyes, though cloudy like those of an elderly man, exuded an indescribable kindness, instilling trust in those who met his gaze.

“This is the Pope of the Church of Light, a legendary figure, now right before me,” Kevin thought, his heart pounding despite his mental preparations.

The Pope’s initially furrowed brow relaxed as he read the letter, indicating his satisfaction with its contents.

“I am deeply grateful for the Emperor’s support,” the Pope said, looking at Aldridge.

Aldridge nodded with a smile, “Gabella has always been a steadfast supporter of the Holy See, without a doubt.”

“Then, Master Aldridge,” the Pope carefully put away the letter, “if your country has no objections, I plan to announce the contents of this letter to the neighboring nations. What do you think?”

“Of course,” Aldridge replied without hesitation, “since we’ve made our stance clear, there’s no need for secrecy.”

The Pope laughed heartily, “Well said. I’ll be frank with you, King Rodney of the Kingdom of Ordo also expressed his support for the Holy See.”

Aldridge nodded, “Everyone recognizes that the Holy See under your leadership is the authoritative Church of Light. Those heretics who pop up out of nowhere are not a concern.”

The Pope didn’t continue on the topic but instead said, “Master Aldridge, we have prepared a lavish dinner for you at the Golden Dome Temple. Please, do stay.”

“It would be my honor!”

Aldridge stood up to express his gratitude.

During the dinner, Pope Harrington II suddenly asked Aldridge, “Forgive my boldness, but has the Emperor decided on his successor?”

The scholar frowned slightly, finding the question abrupt.

After a moment, he replied carefully, “His Majesty is in his prime and not in a hurry to arrange his affairs for the future. He has plenty of time to observe his children.”

“Ah, the luxury of youth, unlike my old age,” the Pope stroked his white beard, sounding nostalgic.

Aldridge quickly said, “Your spirit is something the body cannot match… Uh, who is this? May I be introduced?”

He inquired about a young man beside the Pope.

“Antony, our youngest cardinal priest,” the Pope introduced with a smile.

Antony immediately stood to greet Aldridge.

“Antony?” Aldridge smiled, “Young man, your name gives me a sense of familiarity.”

“Cardinal Priest Antony has just returned from a mission to Horn Bay,” added Bishop Blum, with a hint of pride.

“Such a significant role as the Holy See’s envoy at your young age, you have a promising future,” Aldridge remarked with growing warmth, “So, young man, have you seen the current state of Horn Bay? Tell me, how do you see the situation there?”

“Respected Master Aldridge,” Antony answered with a smile, “there are no issues. Even if there are some who overestimate their strength, I must tell you—everything is under our control.”

The clergy present laughed, believing that once the Holy See intervened and showed its strength, both sides in Horn Bay would bow down. Their previous diplomatic stance seemed to have led to some misunderstandings.

“Everything under control, huh? Ha ha.”

Aldridge raised his glass of juice, “Let us pray for Horn Bay to quickly restore order with the help of the Holy See! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

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