The Youngest Prince Of The English Royalty House [EN]: Chapter 158

158. The Death of My Teacher

-Rome, Papal States-

‘I’m old now. I probably don’t have much time left in this world.’

Pius II felt his life coming to an end these days.

No one in this world is not afraid of death. Especially those with great power fear losing everything they have achieved through death.

That’s why so many nobles crave suspicious products like ‘mysterious medicines’ made by alchemists.

Shouldn’t the Pope, the successor of Peter, be afraid of death?

This is not an era where devout successors of Peter spend their days contemplating martyrdom for Jesus Christ. This is an era where the Pope enjoys the achievements of his predecessors, mediates in world affairs, and governs the Papal States.

Pope Pius II, who had long recognized that his body was failing, felt fear at the approaching death.

He had great pride in his life. He was already a capable young clergyman when the young Count Henry of Anjou brought him in under the pretext of representing the British Church, and he eventually became Pope.

In fact, it was difficult for a Pope from England to emerge. The Church of England was merely at the mercy of the Italian city-state factions and France.

However, Thomas [Becket] did it, and Pius II, the second English Pope after Hadrian IV, was crowned.

Even now, looking back, he rose to the papacy through diplomatic means, but wasn’t it his ability that made it possible?

But even though he had achieved everything, he still wanted to remain in the world longer.

Because there was something he had to resolve as Pope.

‘The Holy Mongol Empire.’

Because of the heresy that arose in the East.

The Pope is the father of all Western churches except the Orthodox Church. There was no need to concern himself with the Christianity of the Mongols, a type of Nestorianism [an early Christian sect deemed heretical by the Catholic Church], but the problem is that these Mongols have great power and are conquering other forces one by one.

In fact, as Pope, he could have remained silent on the Mongol issue and enjoyed power irresponsibly. He could have interpreted the word of ‘God’ as he pleased and simply enjoyed wealth and glory.

But he couldn’t. He is an English Pope, but as Peter’s successor, he must uphold the order of Christianity. Wasn’t that why he personally acknowledged ‘heresy’ like the Orthodox Church?

Pope Pius II used all his capabilities to investigate information about the Holy Mongol Empire.

Using as many people and funds as possible, using all means possible.

‘This… this can’t be.’

The power of the Holy Mongol Empire, which he had learned in this way, was terrifying. The old Huns seemed ridiculous in comparison.

He didn’t find out the exact extent of their power. Pius II, who was surprised by the information he gleaned even indirectly, became even more ill from that day on.

No matter how much the nearby Islamic forces, Eastern Europe, and the Eastern Roman Empire exist, he knows better than anyone that it is not easy to withstand the power of this antichrist-like Holy Mongol Empire.

If these Mongols defeat all denominations of Christianity, carry the banner of self-proclaimed Orthodox Christ, and wage a true religious war, how can we stop it?

The only conclusion that came to mind was that the Christian world would collapse.

So, even though he spoke of this terrifying future, other clergymen only offered polite sympathy and did not recognize the terror of the Mongols.

So, as a last chance, the Pope spoke to his former disciple John, who knew more about the East than anyone else, about the threat of the Mongols.

“Teacher, I know very well. Didn’t my aides and workers come from the East? Of course, the Mongols are a fearsome existence. They are a great enemy that threatens the order of the West. But I am not afraid. It is Europe’s mission to prevent the invasion of these heretics!”

He already knew the terror of the Holy Mongol Empire through the knight named ‘Akbulhoe’ [likely a transliteration of a Mongol name or title], and he himself is full of fear. But to the words of his disciple, who has not yet lost his initial ‘courage’.

Pope Pius II felt proud in his heart.

‘As expected, that child is my Safe Zone [reliable ally].’

* * *

I came thinking my teacher would be dying today or tomorrow. The topic wasn’t about the Catholic Church, but about my Mongol friends.

For goodness’ sake, the Mongols are invading Khwarazm [a historical region in Central Asia].

Originally, capable people have tremendous information networks commensurate with their power.

Well, aren’t there a few too many scenes in dramas and historical dramas where the villain and the protagonist say, ‘We know!’?

The problem is that my teacher’s complexion, as he tells me the information that Khwarazm is ‘soon to be destroyed,’ is not good. But thinking about it this way, it was strange.

‘Why are the other clergymen more relaxed, unlike my frightened teacher?’

Is it arrogance that the Mongol bastards can’t dare to come to the Vatican because it’s far away? No, have they completely forgotten that the Huns threatened Italy in the past?

I’m also scared. It’s not just the Mongols, it’s the Holy Mongol Empire using a Christian facade.

Even if I don’t look at world history, as a Korean (although a mixed-blood) descendant of the Goryeo [ancient Korean kingdom] people from my previous life, I know very well how terrifying the Mongols who invaded Goryeo were.

Perhaps the Mongols, who were originally satisfied with Eastern Europe in history, might this time conquer Western Europe and become the true Christian suzerain.

‘Whether it’s France or Rome, the greatest enemy is the Holy Mongol Empire. Moreover, they are even strong.’

Holding the reins in his left hand and the Bible in his right.

How terrifying would the Mongols who shout ‘Jesus or death!’ be? Just imagining it makes me shudder.

The alliance between Jamukha [a Mongol chieftain] and Temujin [later Genghis Khan] is strong. Moreover, after exploring information from Eastern slaves, there was no major civil war with ‘Ong Khan’ [another Mongol leader]. In other words, the Holy Mongol Empire was created by starting with a unified steppe in a complete state, absorbing the hidden Central Asian ‘gems’ of Nestorianism, and using the guise of Christianity.

Of course, unscrupulous English guys might think that ‘domination of Western Europe’ is our English mission.

But I am different. Although I plan to make France disappear, the remaining countries will still unite as fellow Franks (Europeans) and fight the Mongols.

“John.”

“Yes, Teacher.”

“Thank you. To be honest, I came to this position thanks to you.”

“Thanks to me?”

I think I heard a similar story when I visited last time? But the follow-up was very different from then.

“So I did a lot for you.”

I know.

If the Vatican hadn’t protected me, I would have become just another nobleman with limited power, unlike now.

Of course, I didn’t just think about receiving help from my teacher, but I helped my teacher as much as I could. For example, I mediated the invisible battle between Venice and the Papal States and guaranteed my teacher a lot of economic power.

But there’s a reason for that.

One of the reasons why our England is doing well is that Pope Pius II has been a shield to protect us.

Blood is thicker than water, how many things has Pius II, as an English clergyman, helped us with?

“I have not forgotten the grace that my teacher has bestowed upon me for a long time. So even if I am afraid of the Mongols, I must overcome them.”

“Thank you. But I’m worried about the future.”

Both my teacher and I were thinking about the war that would break out in the near future.

‘The Fourth Crusade might change from attacking the Eastern Roman Empire to defending it.’

“Now there is nothing I can ask of you or receive from you. But thank you! For growing up so well. At least creating a disciple like you. It may be the success of my life. Just as Elijah prepared Elisha [biblical prophets].”

“You want me to be a prophet, it’s a difficult thing to hear.”

“I met your father, the young Count of Anjou, and I was really greedy for my ambition. I didn’t commit murder in the process of taking over the church, but perhaps I lived a life that I should have prepared for hell. Now that I think about it, I only regret it.”

“You don’t have to bear all the weight of that era, Teacher.”

I already knew from hearing it.

To take over Britain, the chaotic era that filmed the English version of the Warring States period [referencing a period of intense conflict in Chinese history].

I heard what decisions my teacher, who was a young priest at the time, made as a political priest, but considering the corrupt pastors in my previous life, I could understand that much.

“Leave the aftermath to us, Teacher. Don’t suffer anymore.”

“John, there’s something I want to tell you.”

And my teacher whispered advice in my ear.

“Lothaire, that friend is now your colleague, not your subordinate. If you know that, you can get help from the Roman Catholic Church.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

To my words, my teacher Thomas Becket said for the last time.

“Prince John, as the prophet Nathan said to David, the temple is….”

Without finishing his words. The old Pope slowly closed his eyes.

That was my teacher’s last moment.

Tears didn’t come out, but my heart ached. I felt like the people I knew were leaving, and my eyes started to turn red.

I didn’t shed tears, but.

“The Pope has passed away.”

“Your Holiness….”

“Why are you abandoning us?”

After the funeral mass, where the people of the Papal States shed tears of sincerity, was over.

I met Cardinal Lothaire after a long time.

Of course, unlike before, I treated him a little more formally and said.

“I look forward to working with you in the future, Cardinal Lothaire. Now you are not my vassal, but my helper.”

“I too will regard the Duke of Normandy as a valuable helper.”

‘Lothaire, that friend is now your colleague, not your subordinate. If you know that, you can get help from the Roman Catholic Church.’

I remembered what my teacher said.

So I. I said to Cardinal Lothaire.

“Now our history is at another crossroads. I believe the Cardinal knows my words well.”

“I know it well. Unlike the stupid guys, I also recognized the threat from the East.”

After talking with Lothaire for a while, I left the Papal States.

* * *

-England, Mortain-

After finishing my teacher’s funeral mass, I returned to Aquitaine. Today, returning to my territory, I had a lot of thoughts.

Returning to Mortain, I called Godfrey, one of the people I trust.

“Lord Godfrey.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What do you think would happen if a religious war beyond the Crusades broke out?”

Unlike the original history, our Christian victory, but the Crusades between Islam and Christianity, which took place from the 1st to 3rd, were hegemonic struggles like ‘disasters’ for each other.

But even at the thought that there would be an even greater religious war than that, Godfrey answered indifferently.

“Are you talking about the Holy Mongol Empire?”

“That’s right.”

Godfrey answered my words.

“Your Highness, the development of personal firearms will be completed soon.”

“I have high expectations.”

A few days later, I, who saw the technicians composed of various races, said happily.

“Welcome, blacksmiths.”

Not only Chinese, but also Asians, Persians, and some Eastern Romans.

They are the best technicians of this era, recognized by themselves and others.

I was lucky enough to buy enslaved technicians fairly cheaply and made them my workers.

I was able to produce gunpowder weapons and new battleships using them.

But that wasn’t enough. I had already ‘ordered’ personal firearms in the past.

And today, after several complicated processes, I finished the ‘firing’ [testing] operation.

-Bang.

“Akbulhoe, who is the technician who devised this?”

“It’s Iza.”

He was old and worn out, but somehow he reminded me of my hometown in my previous life.

“Akbulhui, where did that guy come from?”

“He came from Goryeo.”

If a prisoner came from Goryeo. Already?

“Is Goryeo already ruined?”

“No. Goryeo has not yet been destroyed.”

“What is your name.”

When I asked the technician, he said in awkward Angevin [a dialect of French spoken in England at the time].

“I am called Lee Yang-moo.”