Chapter 1. Hypocrisy (2)
“They turn their heads, so I can’t see their faces… but that towering stature and hair color are unmistakable, even from afar.”
“…So what? He’s just a holy knight.”
“Even his profile is striking. He seems the type to be expressionless. Even his back looks cold. I like that kind—when they crumble before pleasure, the satisfaction is all the greater.”
Ignoring Grand Duke Canis’s sneer, Hakan continued to voice his admiration. Thanks to his chatter, the long and tedious memorial service finally ended. Grand Duke Canis and Hakan waited patiently until everyone had left, then encountered the Pope at the foot of the stairs.
“Oh! Duke Harun and Duke Estania—it’s been so long…”
The Pope, who had greeted them warmly, couldn’t finish his sentence before coughing violently. He covered his mouth with a handkerchief, but the coughing didn’t stop. This had happened repeatedly throughout the mass.
“Your Holiness, it’s been a while. But are you not overworking yourself? You seem thinner than when we last met.”
The Pope shook his head, denying any illness, but his face was clearly sallow. Grand Duke Canis, referred to as Duke Harun, spoke up.
“Your Holiness must live long. You’ve achieved what you desired—it would be a shame to leave before you can enjoy it.”
“Ah, of course. I intend to live a long, long time. No need to worry.”
The Pope finally stopped coughing and smiled. The three men strolled leisurely around the cathedral, exchanging words.
“If I die, Cardinal Severus is likely to take the papal throne. That would sadden you, Duke Harun. Unlike me, he has no connection to your territory.”
“Ah, I’ve heard. He’s gaining much support, isn’t he?”
“A man who refuses to listen, yet he’s somehow gathered many allies. Strange, isn’t it?”
“Perhaps it’s because of his deep faith?”
“If Cardinal Clemens heard that, he’d be offended. No one surpasses him in devotion. His piety is so rigid it makes others uncomfortable. Everything must be in moderation.”
“Ah, I see. I recall hearing that he’s been devout since childhood. My grandfather worried he might ascend to heaven too soon.”
“Oh! Now that I think of it, Cardinal Clemens is from Estania!”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I see. If Cardinal Clemens succeeded me, it would benefit both of you. The Estania family is known for its integrity and strong convictions.”
The Pope and Hakan continued their conversation while Grand Duke Canis listened silently. He finally spoke up.
“Your Holiness, you’re not the type to hand over your hard-earned achievements to someone else. This conversation is meaningless.”
“Indeed. I have no intention of giving credit to outsiders. I must live long.”
The Pope nodded, gazing into the distance.
“It was a long war. The resistance was stronger than expected. But in the end, we triumphed—surely this is God’s will.”
As if hearing God’s voice, the Pope fell silent for a moment before continuing.
“Speaking of which, Harun, you’ll be sending ships from your territory, won’t you? Your workload will increase.”
Hakan answered before Grand Duke Canis could.
“I’m already overwhelmed. There aren’t enough ships to carry all that gold and those jewels. I’m simply envious.”
The Pope chuckled at Hakan’s words, as if savoring the thought.
“Doesn’t Estania also send ships? I hear it’s closer than Harun’s territory. Is there anything to envy?”
“Our ports and ships are smaller compared to Harun’s.”
“Tsk, tsk. Don’t you know greed invites disaster? The Lord said, ‘Extortion turns a wise man into a fool.’” (Ecclesiastes 7:7)
“Thank you for the wisdom, Your Holiness. With God’s blessing, the Keshet Empire will prosper. What greater joy than spreading the one true faith to that rich desert kingdom?”
“Indeed. You’re right. Nothing brings us greater joy. Yes, absolutely.”
As the two men conversed, Grand Duke Canis suddenly sensed a presence and looked up. The Pope’s eyes widened as he spotted someone.
“Oh! Our proud warriors! Dukes Estania and Harun, you must have heard of them. This is Sir Eckart, who made great contributions in this war. He will soon be granted a title.”
The knight named Eckart merely bowed lightly. Up close, he was imposing, like a finely honed sword—sharp and intimidating. His sun-darkened skin and jet-black hair gave him an exotic appearance, but his striking blue eyes, like a masterfully cut sapphire, hinted at noble blood.
Hakan’s interest was piqued by the rare black hair and those pure, piercing blue eyes. The Pope, pleased, patted Eckart’s shoulder before noticing another knight beside him.
“And this is…”
The Pope trailed off, looking at the knight questioningly. The knight quickly understood and introduced himself.
“Greetings, Your Holiness. I am Ardwino, formerly of the Second Knight Order. My heart is always ready to serve you with my sword.”
“Ah, I see. A young man of great faith. Though not one of my knights, may God’s blessing always be with you.”
“Thank you.”
Hakan’s eyes gleamed as he watched Ardwino receive the Pope’s blessing. Only Grand Duke Canis, who knew him well, noticed the spark. Hakan, delighted by the Pope’s suggestion to exchange greetings, quickly introduced himself.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Hakan de Estania. And this is…”
“Nadan de Canis.”
A brief silence followed Grand Duke Canis’s introduction. Hakan quickly smoothed things over.
“The Grand Duke of Canis and Duke Harun. Well, since we’ve met, let’s exchange greetings freely in the future.”
Ardwino, though confused, quickly nodded. “It’s an honor.” His personality seemed to match Hakan’s taste perfectly.
Since their destinations differed, the knights soon took their leave. Hakan watched Ardwino’s retreating figure, whispering softly to Grand Duke Canis.
“He’s my type.”
“I don’t care.”
“For a knight, his waist is surprisingly slender. And he’s not very tall, yet he wields a sword—how charming. And his face! Even after a long war, his skin is still fair. What must his hidden skin look like…”
“I don’t care at all.”
“Did you see his smile? It was cute. If he smiled at me like that, my heart would flutter. He seems easy to talk to…”
Grand Duke Canis cut him off with a sigh and pushed Hakan away. He was about to excuse himself to the Pope when Hakan beat him to it.
“I heard you brought back a prince from the defeated kingdom.”
“Ah, yes. He hasn’t been assigned lodging yet, so he’s staying at the Papal Court. I was just about to visit. Would you like to join me?”
“Would that be all right?”
“Of course. He must be anxious in a foreign land. Your company would be a comfort. What about you, Duke Harun?”
“I’m fine.”
“Come with us, my friend.”
“No, go alone.”
Grand Duke Canis’s repeated refusal prompted Hakan to whisper again.
“Aren’t you curious? A foreign prince… maybe one of his attendants is your type…”
“I’ll take my leave, Your Holiness.”
“Very well. Until next time.”
Without giving him a chance to respond, Grand Duke Canis left the cathedral alone and quickly boarded his carriage, not looking back.
***
As time passed, the excitement grew even more intense. Representatives from all territories gathered, and the empire’s citizens celebrated as if it were a festival for everyone—nobles and commoners alike. People filled the streets, drinking, singing, and reveling. The darker alleys were already crowded with couples tangled in passion. Business was booming, and scantily clad women openly lured customers.
In this city of pleasure, the only difference was the increased number of buyers and sellers. Even children took it in stride.
A carriage stopped in such a place. The door opened, and two strikingly handsome, tall men stepped out. Women immediately flocked to them.
“Ah, being here lifts my spirits! This is how life should be!”
Hakan laughed, embracing the women who pressed against him, as if he had returned home. Meanwhile, Grand Duke Canis scowled, using his handkerchief like a shield to block the women’s advances.
“Are we staying here? Let’s go inside.”
“Ah, fine. I’ll have to say goodbye to the ladies for now.”
Grand Duke Canis led the way into their intended destination.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
