Salute To The General

Shortly after, Nathan and the others were brought to the square in front of the Curia's headquarters by Daveth. The square was extremely spacious, capable of accommodating more than a hundred thousand people.

The Curia used that place for its ceremonies and celebrations with the believers as well as for major announcements.

At that very moment, fifty thousand people thronged the square, consisting of five formations of ten thousand men.

They were the Holy Army formed by the Holy Knights of the Curia, and the sight of them standing ramrod straight was awe-inspiring. There were also many cardinals waiting for Nathan's arrival.

Moreover, there were countless citizens crowding the streets surrounding the square.

Under everyone's curious stares, Nathan ambled into the square.

"Ha!"

"Ha!"

"Ha!"

The moment Nathan appeared, the armored Holy Knights slammed their knightly swords against their shields in unison.

It was majestic, but no one knew whether it was a gesture of welcome or an assertion of dominance.

Daveth sneaked a glance at Nathan, only to notice that the latter seemed unruffled. He found it hard to believe that the other man could remain nonchalant despite seeing the terror-inducing Holy Knights before him.

failed to consider was that Nathan, as the Commander-In-Chief of the North Army, was already

military parade was a common thing

if Nathan were to be awed by a mere fifty thousand

head of the cardinals, Milo, led his subordinates over to

of a cross in front of his chest before whispering amen. Then, he politely said to Nathan, "It is my pleasure to have you visit the Curia, Mr. Cross. I am Milo, the head of the cardinals here. The pope has asked

impassive voice, Nathan said,

to lead him

troubled look appeared on his face, and he parted his

that, Nathan asked, "Cardinal Milo,

"Indeed.

Mr. Cross, if you're visiting the Curia as the future Holy Maiden's father, then we will surely welcome you into the Curia's headquarters in the most respectful manner. In contrast, if you're visiting the Curia as a head

and asked, "What

Curia was trying

Eugene IV in a private capacity. One could even say he was there to hold the latter accountable for his announcement-to force him to retract his statement and choose someone else as the next Holy Maiden. Needless to say,

it sound like he was contemplating which way to welcome Nathan, but the truth was that he was giving him

Maiden, then we will treat you with civility during your stay here. However, we will show you no mercy if you do not accept that." Alas, since Nathan had dared to come all the way to Salinsburgh, he would not be

Milo's expression darkened.

ruckus here and forcing the pope

he spoke again, there