It was already cold in November, and the breath was white, and the figure standing at the door of the tall cathedral, blocking the sunlight behind him, looked unusually tall at this moment.

Tsusha stood still, telling herself that she had to stay calm even if she was excited, that there were too many people around, or that there were too many people who wanted to see something, and that she had to be reminded of her identity at all times.

She was Alexander's sister, not a wife, lover, or fiancée.

Jisha glanced at Barendi next to her with a little jealousy, she didn't need to hide anything, at this time she could rush over and throw herself into Alexander's arms without any scruples, or she could also show a cold look, no matter what she did, it wouldn't arouse the suspicion of others.

Because she was Alexander's rightful fiancée, and he had done something that looked like he had betrayed her, any slightly unusual reaction was normal.

But Barondi didn't do anything, she just looked at Alexander, who was standing in the doorway, gasping slightly, just like Josha, and saw that the hem of his cloak was dirty and covered with mud, and she couldn't help but wonder how he had come all the way.

"I said I would come to Rome to see you," Alexander said, walking towards the two women, his gaze slightly dazed, so that no one noticed who he was saying this to, "maybe a little late, but at least just in time for Mass." ”

As he spoke, Alexander nodded slightly to the two women in front of him, then passed between them, and then through the crowd, and knelt lightly in front of old Rovere, who was standing in front of the altar in black and white robes, under the gaze of the people.

"I have traveled far and wide to make the most sacred pilgrimage, and the dust of my travels is the anointing oil that I baptize, and this anointing oil is a testimony to my loyalty and reverence."

Hearing Alexander's whispered prayer, old Rovere, who was originally expressionless, tightened his fingers slightly on his wide sleeves.

He knew that this was the sentence that the three sages had used when they had made a pilgrimage to the Son, but he didn't expect Alexander to use it here.

Old Rovere stretched out his hand and gently stroked Alexander's head, and when he bowed his head in response, he whispered in a voice that only two people could hear: "Do you know how stupid you are, what do you want to prove when you come to Rome?" ”

Alexander looked up and smiled at old Rovere, he knew that this was not the time and place to explain, and judging from the fact that old Rovere was not surprised to see him, he should have known his whereabouts in advance.

Then Alexander VI should have known that he had arrived in Rome.

Alexander folded his hands and saluted slightly, then shook the hem of his cloak and stood up.

When he turned around again, his eyes were fixed on Alfonso, Duke of Billy Shelly.

Instantly, there was another faint gasping sound in the cathedral.

Is this a duel that has just finished currying favor with his fiancée and father-in-law, and is about to fight with his lover's fiancé?

Many people had excited eyes in their eyes, and they held their breath and stared at the scene in front of them, as if they were afraid that they would miss something if they were not careful.

Alfonso, Duke of Billy Shelly, was a young man, and most people his age were impulsive or reckless.

The same is true for Alfonso.

When he saw Alexander, although he didn't know him, he had already guessed who this person was from the eyes of the people next to him, and then Xia San's reminder let him know that it was this person who kidnapped his fiancée and even made her pregnant.

"There doesn't seem to be much to say between us," Alfonso habitually touched his belt, and then remembered that he had left his weapon outside before entering the cathedral, "Is it to go outside and solve the problem between us?" ”

Alfonso's words caused a low cry, this is a real challenge, without hesitation, a challenge for the dignity of men and their own power!

The people were excited, but their eyes were on old Rovere, after all, it was obviously rude to fight a public duel at such a solemn Mass, and it was in the Vatican, and it was even a violation of an unknown number of canons.

If old Rovere thinks that this is detrimental to his majesty, then he can declare such a challenge offensive to the Holy See and forbidden.

Old Rovere had been silently looking at Alexander's back, noticing the seemingly inquiring eyes that people were throwing at him, but in fact full of expectation, he raised his hand slightly, and then waved it downward.

There was immediately another whisper of exclamation in the crowd, and Barondi's face changed slightly.

She tried to move, but unexpectedly found that her sleeve was tugged on by Jisha.

"Why did you stop me, didn't you see that my father agreed to their duel?" Barondi whispered anxiously, "That Duke Billy Shelly is a good duener, and I have heard that he hunted a lot after arriving in Rome, and that Alexander was no match for him." ”

"But the cardinal has already allowed it." Jisha looked at the two men and said quietly, "Then let's watch a good duel, but I can understand your mood now, after all, my brother is dueling for other women, not you." ”

"God, how come I've never noticed you speak so harshly."

Barendi said angrily that she saw that the two men had already walked towards the door of the church, and she involuntarily followed.

"You're a bit mean, though I don't like that Alfonso either."

Joanna followed the crowd as she walked out, her face more excited than the others, after all, it was only good for her that either of them would win.

The corners of her mouth pursed secretly, and she looked back at Old Rovelle, who was indifferently dealing with the two fiercely spoken priestly assistants in front of her, and then walked with the crowd towards the outside of the church.

The open space outside the cathedral was already full of people who had heard the news and came to see the excitement.

In addition to the nobles who attended the Mass, there were more of their attendants, and some of the people who rushed to hear the news.

In fact, when Alexander had just entered the city, someone discovered his whereabouts, but his speed was too fast, and he had already heard that old Rovere was going to preside over today's Mass before entering the city, so he rushed directly to the cathedral.

However, the news that "the Count of Montina has arrived in Rome" still spread.

Alexander looked at Alfonso, who was packing up his equipment with the help of his entourage, and waved his hand back, before remembering that Ulius should be at sea at this time.

The absence of the Moors with his handy made Alexander feel a little awkward.

A hilt of a sword came from the side, and Alexander looked back at Josha with the blade of the sword, and he looked at Paolo Busako behind him, and saw the captain of the guard shrugging helplessly at him, and Alexander smiled.

It was clear that she was a very good sister, as evidenced by the fact that she went out of her way to help Alexander once she arrived in Rome.

Seeing the way she personally packed her brother's clothes and checked his weapons, many people couldn't help but secretly wonder in their hearts that if Gombray could not be unlucky because of this stupid trip this time, maybe he could make friends with this rising upstart by befriending his sister in the future.

The fact that siblings Alexandre Juliant Gombray and Jossa Cosenza are wealthy is already known to almost everyone, and more importantly, the siblings apparently have a way to make others rich, and that's what makes so many people pay more attention.

"If you can escape this time unharmed, I will force you to let me have a baby," said Josha through gritted teeth behind Alexander as she took off his cloak, "so that one day you will have a child with me when you die stupidly." ”

"I'll be able to meet your request tonight."

Alexander turned his head slightly, laughed back, and then drew his sword and strode towards Duke Billy Shelly, who seemed to want to say a few bold words.

Then he slashed at Alfonso's head with a fierce sword!

Alfonso was stunned and surprised!

Shouldn't it be the first time to reveal to the people why the duel is dueling?

Shouldn't we chant aloud hymns of praise to the beauties we admire?

Do you want to show respect to each other before fighting, but you have to take offense and express regret in order to defend your rights?

What about chivalry, what about aristocratic demeanor?

How can you do it without saying a word?!

Alfonso tried to say a few words as he struggled to resist, but Alexander was clearly not interested in it.

Sword after sword, each slash and stab was aimed at the Duke of Billy Shelly in front of him, and when the blade of his sword slashed over Alfonso's shoulder and brought up a string of blood, Alfonso finally couldn't help but shout: "Are you crazy!" Who do you think you're dueling against, I'm Duke Billy Shelly, your lord! ”

"And I'm the Count of Montina!"

Alexander took advantage of Alfonso's panic to slash his sword upwards, and while Alfonso was not on his feet, his gloved left fist slammed into Alfonso's chin.

Alfonso's head was raised, and he saw a row of cherubs on the top of the cathedral, flapping their fleshy wings, as if they were ready to fly towards him at any moment.

He also heard a familiar scream, it was Xia San's cry of panic, but it was only this one, because then his jaw was hit harder, and this time not only did it hurt more, but even Alfonso heard the crunch sound of "Gaba".

It was supposed to have been smashed by the hilt of the sword, and Alfonso saw the shadow of the blood-stained counterweight of the sword's handle dangling in front of him.

The duke's body fell backwards, and he felt that the man opposite him was getting farther and farther away from him, and when he fell to the ground, he happened to hear a panting voice that seemed to be shouting far away: "Stop, Count, Your Majesty wants to see you!" ”

Alfonso wanted to stand up and grab the guy by the collar and ask him loudly: Why did you come? Do you have to let me finish this beating before I speak?

But he no longer had the strength, and Alfonso, who fell to the ground, kept spitting blood out of his mouth.

In Xia San's panicked screaming, Alfonso couldn't stop coughing, and after spitting out a broken tooth, he rolled his eyes and fainted.

Shasan screamed hysterically, she stood up and tried to pounce on Alexander, but was stopped by someone next to her.

"Arrest him! He murdered Duke Billy Shelly! Xia Sang couldn't stop shouting at the people around him, and when he saw that no one responded, he shouted loudly, "Come on, come on!" ”

Alfonso's attendants had already crowded next to the duke at this time, and they were busy checking the duke's injuries, and when they heard Xia San's shout, several people stood up and reached out to touch their weapons, but immediately, with a burst of weapons unsheathed, the huntsmen led by Paul Busako had already drawn their sabers, and some simply pulled out their muskets, and for a while the swords and guns were dazzling, and they were all aimed at Alfonso's attendants.

Without a trace, Alexander took two steps back and stood behind the hunting guards.

He remembered that the duke still had a few bold men under him, and these people had even attacked Caesar, and this was not the time to be a hero, so it was better to be careful for safety.

"Arrest him, he tried to murder the Duke!" Xia San still shouted, she was not afraid of the soldiers in front of her, she had heard that most of them were Agri, that is to say they were Neapolitans, she did not believe that these mud-legged people dared to point their weapons at her, the daughter of the former king of Naples.

"This is a battle of honor," someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, "no murder, only a duel!" ”

"No murder, only duel!"

"Yes, a fair duel!"

More and more people shouted, most of them were young people, some were young women, and the interesting thing was that even when they shouted, the older people around them did not stop them, but just watched silently.

Xia Sang looked around in amazement, she didn't understand why people suddenly supported this Cambrai, wasn't he just an illegitimate son from Sicily, and then relied on his uncle to get a trivial territory?

Even if he is now the Count of Montina, why should people support him?

"It's a fair duel." Joanna walked over, she looked at Alfonso, who had been helped up by his entourage to bandage his wounds, and looked at Xia San with a slightly warning look, "We all saw it, so don't be blinded by anger." ”

Xia San looked at Joanna in amazement, although she knew that Joanna and Alexander had a close relationship, but she never imagined that at such a time, Joanna would openly support the enemy, not her own family.

"Send Alfonso back, he needs rest and treatment," Joanna leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice as she said, "Can't you see that there is no one here to support you, for the sake of our family's honor, try to calm down." ”

Xia San's body trembled slightly, she knew that she had never been considered a member of the Borgia family, but now she was even more surprised to find that the Romans would rather support this Cambrai than support her.

However, what worried Xia San the most was Alexander VI's attitude, she did not know what the Pope wanted to see Alexander, but it did not seem like he was going to punish him immediately.

This made Xia Sang feel even more uneasy.

The Pope had sent a handsome young squire, which made Alexander look at Caderon, and he was a little suspicious of the old man's orientation.

After entering Rome, Nomelo was nowhere to be seen, and Alexander knew that he should have gone to see the Pope, so he was not surprised to see the secretary who had been waiting for a long time outside the Pope's room.

Looking at Alexander as he walked into the room, the Pope's back was slightly bent upward.

"How is Lucrezia," the Pope asked as he looked at Alexander coldly, and when Alexander was about to speak, he waved his hand again, "No, you don't have to tell me, you're sure she's happy and happy now, and then you'll keep telling me about her pregnancy, so you can impress me, right?" ”

Alexander looked at the Pope silently, and he was actually very curious about what a person like Alexander VI regarded family affection for.

"Lucrezia is fine now," Alexander whispered, "but Caesar is not so good. ”

Alexander's words made the look on the face of the originally calm Pope sink instantly, and a deep mark appeared on his slightly fat head.

"What do you want?" The Pope asked coldly, "Don't try to make any conditions, you should understand that even if I promise you now, it doesn't mean anything." ”

Alexander looked at the Pope in surprise, he didn't expect the old man to tell him so unabashedly that he would regret it.

"Don't look at me like that, you know very well that you are the same person as I am," said Alexander VI impatiently, "tell me how you will release Caesar, and where you will send him, I don't believe you will be so comfortable leaving him in Livorno, but it will not be Pisa, you are not so stupid." ”

Alexander was secretly frightened, and he had to admit that facing an old fox like Alexander VI was a great test, and this kind of person was the kind of person who knew how to speculate and how to use people's hearts in any era.

Continue to go around in circles with this old fox?

The thought was tossed aside by Alexander in a flash, and it was better to be more direct, he told himself.

"Your Majesty, I think you are already aware of the conditions I have put forward, and now I would like you to make a statement on the battle of Livorno, declaring that this matter is purely the result of the unauthorized actions of Caesar's mercenaries, and that there is no enmity between me and Caesar."

"Oh, what else? I've heard that you want me to compensate you for your losses, and I've heard that you have a very good subordinate because of this? ”

The corners of Alexander's lips twitched imperceptibly, and he secretly clenched his fists before slowly letting go.

"Your Majesty, this indemnity must be paid by Caesar, at least in his name, and this is the price he should pay for his inability to restrain his army."

Alexander VI's eyes narrowed, he didn't understand why Alexander was so obsessed with fighting Caesar.

Recalling it carefully, the Pope even found that it seemed that this inexplicable hostility had been between the two men from the very beginning.

"Do you know what that meant to Caesar?" The Pope muttered in a low voice, "You don't know Caesar, you are forming an indissoluble hatred with him, even if you may become Lucrezia's husband in the future, but this personal feud between you and Caesar today cannot be resolved." ”

Alexander just nodded silently, of course he knew what the Pope said, but he also knew better, as Alexander VI himself said, that the grudge between him and Caesar could not be resolved.

Romagna is too small to accommodate two masters.

"I suppose you must have something else, or you wouldn't have come to Rome for this adventure," said the Pope quietly, "now tell me what you really want to see me for." ”

Alexander sighed, and did not hesitate to use Caesar as a hostage to risk his purpose to Rome, and only then could he really confide in.

"Your Majesty, I think you already know what happened in Pisa and Florence."

Alexander's first words caught the attention of the Pope.

What happened in Pisa and Florence?

It was a plunder of wealth that many people were envious of, and a miracle that seemed to have been truly realized if you were willing to bend down and pick up a piece of gold.

"You...... What to say? Alexander VI tried to make himself look calmer, but he knew his heart was beating violently.

"Your Majesty, I can make the miracle of Pisa happen in Rome, and you will be one of the greatest beneficiaries of it, and I need your help."