A Crusader with System in the Middle Ages

"You know him?"

"I suppose so. He once studied the Seven Liberal Arts at the Roman Divinity School. I happened to be there at the time and substituted for a class or two. I’m not sure if he remembers me, but he certainly left a deep impression, even though we didn’t meet often.

His interpretations of the Bible were quite insightful, and his understanding of ancient philosophy was even more outstanding. He seemed to have read a great many ancient books."

"I don’t remember him." Gregory had been a professor of law at the Divinity School at the time.

"That’s because you were in Aachen at the time, trying to persuade Empress Agnes to support Pope Alexander. Besides, he was only at the Roman Divinity School for two years. In just those two years, he completed the first four of the Liberal Arts."

"Sounds like he should have become a Bishop."

"And then become corrupt and depraved. Sometimes I think being a Bishop might not be such a good position. It’s a bit like a Demon’s whisper. Rather than a Bishop, he should have become a scholar, since he has the talent."

"Is that so? Then why, Hilbrand, are you not merely a scholar yourself?" Otto asked with a smile.

This was a rather pointed question.

Gregory looked at Otto.

Coming from anyone other than Otto, the question would have taken on a different nature.

"I hope that one day, I can be merely a scholar."

Gregory picked up the Rosary from the table and stood before the Holy Image.

"Is that so," Otto murmured softly.

He then walked to the door, opened it, and called out to the attendant outside, "The Holy See’s evening prayer is over. Let the Earl of Gloucester in."

After that, he closed the door, returned to the room, pulled open another small door, and stepped inside, gently closing it behind him.

About three minutes later, Eric walked in.

His long journey from Normandy had been primarily to address matters concerning the Holy See.

Robert had just ascended the throne of England, and maintaining a good relationship with the Holy See was of the utmost importance.

Moreover, he had come to Canossa not for himself, but as a representative of King Robert of England; it was only natural that he should first pay his respects to the Holy See.

Besides, concerning his betrothal to Matilda, he was obligated to seek an audience first—doubly so if Belem had not been exaggerating matters.

Upon seeing Gregory standing before the Holy Image, Eric bowed and said:

"Your Holiness, Pope Gregory:

With the utmost reverence and humility, I, Eric, the Earl of Gloucester from England, on behalf of my lord, King Robert of England, kneel before Your sacred presence. You are God’s representative on earth; Your wisdom and sanctity guide the entire Catholic World.

Today, I have come bearing the respects and greetings of my lord, the King of England. I wish to express His Majesty the King’s endless loyalty and reverence for you, and to implore Your forgiveness and guidance. I carry His Majesty’s requests and wishes, eager to hear Your teachings and draw from Your wisdom, so that I may better serve the cause of God and the Church.

May Almighty God bless Your Holy See, and may Your reign bring peace and prosperity."

"Count Eric:

I thank you for coming to this audience with such reverence and humility, and I thank you for bringing the greetings and loyalty of His Majesty the King of England. As God’s representative on earth, in these trying times for the Holy See, I am deeply honored to receive the support and respect of His Majesty the King of England.

As I have always believed, the England Kingdom and the Normandy Duchy hold significant status and play a crucial role within the Church. I will pray for you, that Almighty God may grant you wisdom and Power to continue upholding the faith and defending justice.

Your requests have reached my heart. I will, with the greatest sincerity and wisdom, consider your needs and wishes, and provide corresponding guidance and help.

May God’s grace always be with the King of England and his subjects, that you may continually advance on the path of faith and achieve even greater accomplishments.

May the peace of the Lord be with you."

Gregory turned around, kindly helped Eric to his feet, and responded with standard etiquette.

"The Lord of Heaven’s will," Eric said.

"The Lord of Heaven’s will," Gregory said as well, nodding.

He then looked Eric up and down. Eric was still dressed in a Monk’s Robe.

There was not a single trace of luxury about him.

This pleased Gregory greatly.

He looked at the Holy Image before him, fingering the Rosary in his hand.

It was a statue of the Virgin Mary.

The Holy Mother wore an elusive smile, her abdomen bulged slightly, and she was dressed in a beautiful gauze veil, cradling the Holy Infant in her arms.

"The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Believers must know: trust in Yahweh and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. However, those well-read in the Bible pay lip service to this but rarely practice it. They devote their energy to pleasure and enjoyment, allowing their souls to fall into depravity. Yet those who do practice it become outsiders, out of place in the Catholic World, abandoned by the ignorant masses," Gregory said, his fingers moving over his Rosary.

"Humility, Devotion, and frugality—these are all virtues. One need not fear being abandoned by the world, for this same world once abandoned Christ, did it not?" Eric said softly.

Hearing Eric’s response, Gregory laughed. "An excellent answer. You truly are different. I am more and more convinced that my decision was the right one. Matilda will be pleased with you as a husband.

What woman in the Monte Cristo World would refuse such a young and erudite Count?"

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