The Revenge of House Benevolencia

A Holy Allegiance

"Please stand up, Pope. Bathala (Supreme God) is giving us a chance to save our empire. And that's by removing those corrupt nobles from their positions."

"Yes, Your Highness, I assure you that the Grand Temple and the Holy City will be on The Benevolencia's side."

"While we're at it, could you please approve the dissolution of my engagement with Alfonso Adinerado? I'll provide evidence of his cheating and disloyalty. Please use Bathala's commandments in the Holy Scroll to decide on the appropriate punishment for him and the woman he's having an affair with."

"And what punishment would you suggest, Your Majesty?"

"I believe the Adinerados should pay a hefty amount, but Lady Isabella's family may not comply. They sought their daughter to be the Crown Princess for financial reasons. Even though we are like puppets of the four ducal houses, we are still affluent."

"So, it was Lady Isabella. This is unexpected."

"Yes, and I'm deeply disappointed, Pope. Do you think we can send her and Priest Sinag to the Lost City? There's a temple and a convent there that need revival."

Pope Alon seems shocked.

"The Lost City is a death sentence."

I just smiled back.

"Pope Alon, do you think Isabella's family is useful to us? I don't think they're that remarkable."

"Lady Isabella and her parents are greedy, but her older brother isn't. He's not treated well in the Mansion because he's sickly, yet he is very intelligent. Perhaps you can use him as your aide?"

"That's a great suggestion. Also, the Lost City is not a death sentence for them. I will cast a revival spell on them so that they'll keep reviving after being consumed by the lobos (wolves)."

Pope Alon was silent. He knew that only those with Bathala's blood could use a revival spell. He might have realized how serious this cleanup is going to be.

"We're at your service, Your Highness. But if I may make a request: could you please show the visions to the high priests and priests-in-training in the temple?"

"I need to be cautious before showing them the vision. Who knows, there might be spies here?"

"Please don't worry about that. We'll have them sign a chain contract before showing your visions. A chain contract will silence them if they disclose what they see."

"Not bad, Pope Alon, not bad."

"When will you conduct the trial, Your Highness?"

"Tomorrow. You better be there, Pope."