Holy See.

Pope Benedict 17 is a man of old age, but he has an awe-inspiring and inviolable posture and sits proudly on the throne.

He did not wear the full crown of formal occasions, but only a small hat, and wore an ordinary friar's robe, with only the pattern of the collar and belt marking his status as pope.

Cardinal Clement stood respectfully at his head and listened to the teachings.

"Clement, you are arrogant. ”

"Yes, Holy See, I made a mistake. ”

"You have made a mistake in the trough of your enemies, and you have overestimated your own abilities," said Benedict 17 slowly, "and it is your fault that the relics of my Lord remain in the hands of the heretics for a little longer." ”

"Holy See, please give me another chance, and I will definitely bring the holy relics back to the Holy See, at any cost. ”

Benedict 17's voice was gentle, "Well, what are you going to do if I give you another chance." ”

"I listen to your instructions, Holy See. ”

Benedict 17 was satisfied with his statement, and his voice was softer, but the sense of power in it did not diminish a little: "My body is no longer good, and after recovering the holy relics, I may learn from my predecessor, Benedict 16, and abdicate early." And you, dear Clement, are one of my most favored successors. Don't let this be a stain on your resume, you know?"

"Thank you for the kindness of the Holy See," said Clement cautiously, "and rest in peace and do not give up easily." What instructions do you have on this?"

Benedict 17 was about to open his mouth when he suddenly coughed violently. The attendant next to him hurriedly came over to help him, helped him beat his back, and handed him hot water.

"Everything is God's will, but we think we have a choice. Let's put aside our arrogance and listen carefully," Benedict 17 took a few breaths after taking a sip of hot water, and his breathing gradually adjusted: "You go and talk to Schroeder about this." I'll get Schroeder to fully cooperate with you. ”

Clement perked up.

The Vatican's outward armed forces are the more than 100 Swiss Guards and the Vatican Gendarmerie, but the Holy See, with its 1.1 billion followers, cannot really have such a small force.

In addition to the semi-public Knights Templar, there was also a hidden Order of Knights, responsible only to the Pope, and the rest, including cardinals and cardinals, had no right to mobilize, let alone any secular power to command them.

This order of knights is called the "Knights of the Shepherds", and only the rank of cardinal and above knows about its existence, but it is not known in detail, only that its leader is named Schroeder, and is deeply favored by the Pope.

It is rumored that there are not many members of this order, only a few dozen or hundred, but each member has a special power beyond ordinary people, which is proof that they are favored by God.

Clement bent deeply, kissed the ring of Benedict 17, and slowly retreated.

In the evening, in his own mansion, Clement welcomed a special guest.

The man was wearing a trench coat and hood, and his entire face was hidden in the shadow of the hood, and his face could not be seen clearly, except for a deep scar on his right cheek.

"Master Clement. Contemptible Schroeder. The visitor saluted Clement, respectfully, but with a sense of arrogance.

Clement didn't mind. He made a gesture of please and ushered Schroeder into his study.

After the guest sat down, Schroeder still did not take off his hood, maintaining a mysterious temperament, which made Clement a little uncomfortable. But Clement quickly suppressed his emotions, praised the holy name in his heart, and said kindly: "Lord Schroeder, thank you for coming to the Humble House. ”

"The Holy See has asked me to be at your disposal," Schroeder's face was hidden in the shadows, but his voice was not, his voice was low, like a two-handed sword without a blade, blunt but full of power, "Please remember that I am only temporarily cooperating with you by the orders of the Holy See, and does not mean that you have the right to command the Knights of the Shepherds." ”

"I understand. Clement's heart was like a mirror. It seems that the Pope's health has indeed deteriorated to a certain extent, which is why the command will be delegated. But these arrogant generals obviously won't really obey anyone other than the Pope, so they can only suggest and plan, and can't directly order these people to do this and that.

"Well, then, please tell me everything you need me to know. ”

Clement hesitated for a moment, but decided to give it all up: "Last month, someone auctioned a holy relic at a private auction, a piece of thorn from the crown of thorns that my lord wore when he was martyred. ”

Schroeder hurriedly drew a cross on his chest.

"At the auction site, there was a faithful believer of our Lord, who recognized the holy relic and wanted to auction it, but the funds he could raise were not enough, and finally the relic was bought by a heretic, a Chinese. ”

Schroeder's voice was a little angry: "Damn heretic! How dare you desecrate my lord's holy relics!"

Clement continued: "After that, I investigated the information of that Chinese. His name is Luo Nan, and he belongs to the sudden rise, and somehow suddenly has a large amount of money. I think he's just an upstart, but I've been reminded that he's probably a 'capable person'. ”

"After buying the relic, this Lonan traveled all over Europe, and I mobilized people to prepare to recapture the relic, but I didn't do it because the preparation was not sufficient. Immediately after this Luo Nan returned to China, I borrowed the power of the world to contact a mercenary group called 'Red Wolf', and asked them to infiltrate China and wait for an opportunity to act. ”

"I've heard of 'Red Wolf' and it's pretty good in their circles. Schroeder nodded, acknowledging Clement's actions.

"But the red wolf failed. According to those who escaped by chance, this Ronan has the ability to mind control, is likely to be mind-reading, and is likely to be able to create illusions," Clement admitted, "The 'Red Wolves' sent their most elite men to China, but three people, including their captain, died in the mission. ”

"I see, Master Clement," Schroeder said, "how are you going to plan this operation?"

"The specific operation still needs to be commanded by you, Lord Schroeder," Clement did not try to seize power, he had heard that the people of the Shepherd Knights were all above the top, and they only listened to the direct leadership of the Pope, and it was impossible to accept the command of others, "I will provide detailed information about Lonan and send you to China." How many people do you think will be needed to carry out this action?"

"I'll just bring three or five elite knights, but I'm just a capable person," Schroeder said proudly, "and now the relationship between the Holy See and China is very stiff, and if we go there as a member of the Holy See, we will definitely be closely monitored." ”

"I will arrange for the worldly forces to send you into China," Clement whispered, "and all glory be to my lord." ”

"All glory be to my Lord. Schroeder drew a cross on his chest.