Bishop Verkis wore a somewhat troubled expression.
"Hasn't that matter already been settled? The church's persecution ended long ago, and as far as I know, the war between the families was resolved long ago."
Rockefeller's request was somewhat difficult for Bishop Verkis.
"In this situation, I don't think there's anything I can specifically do to help."
"Do you really think that matter is completely over?"
In response to Rockefeller's question, Bishop Verkis still wore an unpleasant expression.
"I'll be frank with you since it's you. Even if I were to rise to a higher position, that is something I cannot do."
Bishop Verkis knew very well that what Rockefeller wanted was realistically difficult.
"Do you know what kind of place the church is? It's a place with absolutely no mercy for heretical groups like that. There's nothing I can do for you just because you want it. It's a difficult task. No, it's absolutely impossible."
"Is it still absolutely impossible even if you were to become the Pope?"
"..."
He didn't expect that question.
"It still seems difficult..."
It didn't take long for him to change his mind about what he had said with uncertainty.
"Well, if I rise to that level, there would be nothing impossible to begin with."
Becoming the leader of the church meant receiving strong support from everyone in the church.
Since it meant having that many factions following him, it seemed like even the impossible could be easily pushed through.
Why?
Because the will of the Pope was the will of the church.
"Honestly, if I rise to that level, I'll have a considerable amount of support, so even if the church is stubborn, it won't be that difficult."
"So, if Your Excellency becomes the Pope, it would be entirely possible?"
"Well, for now, yes."
Even as he spoke, Bishop Verkis wore a reluctant expression.
"But isn't it not an easy task for me to become the Pope in the first place? From what I see, it seems more difficult for me to become the Pope than for Ismail to shed his heretical status."
"There's nothing impossible in this world."
Rockefeller asked again for confirmation.
"Then, let me ask you again, Your Excellency. If I can make Your Excellency the Pope, will you restore the Ismail family to its former position as I wish?"
Before answering, Bishop Verkis had another question.
'It doesn't seem like they have any connection.'
"Do you really need to save the Ismail family?"
Rockefeller didn't hesitate in his response.
"Of course. The revival of the Ismail family is absolutely necessary for me. First of all, only when the Ismail family is revived will the Second Prince, whom I support, be able to ascend to the throne without any hindrance from the church."
Bishop Verkis, who recalled his previous memories, wore a somewhat intrigued expression.
"Are you still planning to support the Second Prince?"
"Yes, my thoughts on that have not changed. Please think about it, Your Excellency. How much real benefit would we gain if either the First Prince or the Third Prince, who already have the strong support of Tepez and Sinclair, were to ascend to the throne?"
After briefly considering, Bishop Verkis nodded as if he agreed.
"I see. You have a point. But can the Second Prince, who has no support, really win the Crown War against the two powerful princes?"
At that question, Rockefeller sent a deep smile.
"Why wouldn't he have support? I, the head of the Lyon Guild, am here, and in the future, Your Excellency, who will rise to a high position, will also support the Second Prince like me, right?"
Taken by surprise by this completely unexpected idea, the bishop could only laugh.
"That's interesting. Me, supporting the Second Prince? And from an even higher position than now?"
"Yes, it is entirely possible. As you know, Pope Felis III is not in good health, Your Excellency."
Before Rockefeller could continue, Bishop Verkis interrupted with an unhappy expression.
"I know that, but I don't have any support within the church. No, it's more accurate to say I have none."
"You don't need to worry about support."
"How can I not worry about that? Are you planning to forcibly create support for me?"
At the joking question, Rockefeller replied quite seriously.
"Yes, of course. I intend to create support for Your Excellency within the church."
"How?"
"Don't worry too much about that, Your Excellency. All you need to do is keep your promise with me."
"Change the church's entire stance on Ismail? So that Ismail can revive as it was before."
"Yes, that's right. That way, the empire I want can be created."
"Hmm..."
After pondering for a short time, Bishop Verkis nodded and answered.
"Alright. If that's possible, I can't refuse. I'll swear an oath before the Lord with you. If you can bring me to that position, I will also use my power for you."
While the two were conversing, Rockefeller's secretary, who was quietly eavesdropping, had her own thoughts.
She never thought that someone unrelated to Ismail would work so hard for the revival of Ismail.
Of course, he had his own desires, but even apart from that, he was certainly the benefactor of Ismail sent by heaven.
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