TRCR 147

Desracino’s silhouette swayed behind the curtain.

Watching him lift his head with dignity, Zeppelin spoke.

“But tampering with the Pope’s wife is something that cannot be overlooked.”

“That may be true… but are you certain there’s evidence?”

“Even with evidence, attacking him won’t be easy. If this surfaces, Your Holiness could face scandal. You wouldn’t want that.”

“Hm, hm…”

He didn’t openly agree, but a troubled groan escaped from behind the curtain.

Zeppelin smiled meaningfully.

“Don’t worry. I have a good plan.”

“A good plan?”

“We take the alchemy tower from his hands.”

“The alchemy tower…?”

“Of what he possesses, the only independent powers free from temple influence are his shadow army and the alchemy tower. Especially the tower—it provides him enormous wealth.”

“As you say, the alchemy tower is Duke Yulian’s personal property. How would we seize it?”

“The method is…”

Bates tapped Zeppelin’s shoulder just as he was…