Even at that, the Pope didn't change his expression in the slightest.
He just nodded in consent.
"I see. So, by using Cliff as a connection, you have come to request my cooperation. In other words you want me to join the Dragon God's camp, is that it..."
"No, it's different."
Somehow, talking with this Ojiichan, I already feel like I'm in negotiation mode.
Well that's fine.
Negotiations are necessary.
I guess I'll start.
"I am here to support my ally, Cliff."
"Hou. Supporting Cliff from behind, is that it?"
"No... certainly that was my intent at first, but Cliff said [I want to see how far I can climb with my own power.]
At least, until he is known as Cliff-dono here, I will not be participating."
The Pope's lips curled into a smile as I said that.
He had the face of a grandpa whose grandchild scored 100 on a test.
"Is that so, Cliff said such a thing..."
"Yes. So, today, Rudeus is here as a subordinate of the Dragon God."
He said it honestly.
The other side seems to be studying us.
We may have glazed over some information, but our responses were generally correct.
Well, he might think differently, I don't know yet.
We haven't told any lies.
An honest person may be a fool, but people don't hate honesty.
"I have two requests, your backing for my mercenary company, and permission to sell the Supard dolls."
As for the matter of the Latreia house, I'll leave that aside for the time being.
That's a personal matter, I'll show restraint, it should be possible to form a connection.
"Hmm."
The Pope watched me with a soft smile,
I guess that's his poker face.
Even if he's laughing, his expression won't change.
"I don't think the relationships between people are something easily broken."
The Pope said that as if stating a fact.
Perhaps that's a warning.
I don't plan to abandon Cliff.
I don't think Cliff would abandon me either.
"So, in deference to your ties with Cliff... I will support your mercenary company."
He said that readily.
I expected some kind of quid-pro-quo, but I guess not.
This is probably out of consideration for my friendship with Cliff.
At any rate if Cliff plays his part, it will bring great benefits to the Pope's faction.
For the Pope, this might be a downpayment.
"However, permission for the Supard dolls is difficult."
"Why?"
"I am in the pro-demon race faction, and the pope.
However, recently the anti-demon race faction has grown powerful within the church.
In the present situation, I do not have enough clout to permit the sale of the Supard dolls as an arbitrary decision.
The next pope, surely, will be selected from the anti-demon race faction... or?
The Pope said so, while watching me.
I wonder if he's trying to imply I should say something like [Then I will crush the anti-faction forthwith!]
I wonder.
I could move easily as the Pope's subordinate.
I've already cut ties with the Latreia house, and with the current flow they'll probably be openly hostile towards me.
If that's the case, it would be unfortunate if I had to crush Therese along with the rest of the anti-demon race faction.
But, that would probably count as helping Cliff.
It's a little ambiguous.
If Cliff were to take over as Pope, they would be his opponent.
I guess I'd be clearing his path if I crushed them.
No, in the first place, if I even cooperate with the religious organization, it's because of Cliff.
I wonder if that's OK.
Hmm...