Although the Pope was willing to say a few words to Alfonso, he was an old man with little energy.

The conversation came to an end after he had praised Alfonso and Henry.

There was no rush on either side to negotiate terms, Alfonso would have to stay in Rome for several days, and the Papal States did not look like they were about to fall.

Over the next few days, Andrew took Alfonso to meet with many Roman dignitaries, including both bishops and large and small army and navy commanders and some city-state lords.

The Papal States is not a single centralized state, as a **** country, the power mainly comes from the church and from foreign support.

As a result, the native system was very backward, and the small papal states were filled with various semi-independent city-states and aristocratic domains.

Recently, however, many of these semi-independent city-states have disappeared, not because of the centralization of power, but because they have been occupied by Italy.

Most of the nobles who had lost their lands were now in Rome, probably in a hurry, and they attached great importance to any foreign power that might be of help, and the constant balls and salons made Alfonso feel their enthusiasm.

In addition to these eliminated nobles, it is worth paying attention to the commanders of the army.

The Papal States were not a military power, but as a country of the Catholic Church, it was never short of foreign volunteers who brought their own rations.

In addition to the famous Swiss Guard, the main armed force in the country is currently the Zuaf Legion, which numbers more than 10,000 people.

The volunteer army consisted mainly of young unmarried Catholics, mainly Dutch and French, but other members came from more than twenty countries, including Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Poland, South American countries, Britain, Prussia, and Canada.

In addition to the Zuaf Legion, there were the Noble Guard and the Palatine Guard, among others.

The total number of armed forces is close to 16,000, so don't ask how many divisions the Pope has, the Pope has one and a half divisions.

In addition to the army, the Papal States also bought several steamships from England and also had its own navy.

However, the army still has some combat strength relying on urban defense, and the navy should not hope for anything.

Alfonso met most of these army commanders, and they were popular with the people.

Many armies do not pay salaries at all, only pay a small amount of allowances, and rely on love to generate electricity; such an army is naturally more loose in military discipline, but when they have conviction in their hearts, their will to fight is relatively tenacious.

In addition, in the Battle of Mentana two years earlier, they had just defeated Italy with the French army.

How to be upright and confident to protect the Church of Rome.

In addition to the problem of the army, the industry of the Papal States was relatively improvised, and since the Pope was expelled from Rome in the Spring of 18.48 Nations, the idea of freedom in Rome has been spreading.

Under the influence of popular thought, the original reactionary policy of the Papal States gradually improved, and industry advanced steadily, although there was a lack of military industry, but light industry was not weak, and it should be able to afford military expenses to help them garrison.

This kind of seeing and hearing made Alfonso's attitude gradually change, and he felt that the Papal States were not so unbearable, and there was still value in helping.

Finally, in a conversation a week later, Alfonso set out his own conditions:

"In the future, if the Spanish army is needed to help defend the city, I hope that the Catholic Church will recognize my divine right over Spain and declare Carlos a rebel."

"Yes." Pius IX agreed, without even thinking about it: "The rightful heir to the Bourbon dynasty should be the King of Spain." ”

That being said, the Church was reluctant to participate in these political struggles in the past, and if such a statement was made, it would naturally offend a group of nobles who supported the Carlos faction, and the more they offended, the sanctity of the Church would be weakened.

And, in the event that the side declared a rebel wins, don't expect him to honor the church.

Alfonso nodded, there was no possibility of rejection of such a trivial matter, what he really wanted to talk about was another.

"The clergy are working so hard, and I hope to have them registered and given them stipends and mission bonuses." He said sincerely.

Just looking at his expression and words, I thought that he really wanted to give benefits to the priests.

"What!" The Pope was shocked and angry: "Impossible! ”

Born in a middle-class family, Pius IX was obviously not a fool, and immediately discovered Alfonso's intentions.

Registered with the state, the state pays allowances, isn't this an alternative civil servant? When the time came, did the clergy listen to the Spanish government or to the Roman church?

This was only the first step, and then gradually expanded to the nationalization of the church's revenues and the state's subsidies, and the Spanish church really had nothing to do with Rome.

Alfonso was not surprised to hear the Pope's refusal, and even secretly rejoiced.

Judging from the attitude of the Pope, there is a joke, even if he is angry, as long as he is not immediately expelled, it means that there is a possibility of accepting this condition.

It's just that the most critical moment has not yet come, and Rome is not willing to give up Spain.

He said respectfully: "I just understand the hard work of the priests, and if it doesn't work, forget it." ”

Seeing that Alfonso did not force it, the Pope's face softened slightly, but it was obviously impossible for the negotiations to continue, so he hurriedly ended the conversation with a few casual greetings.

Although ruthlessly refused, Alfonso had already made up his mind to protect the Papal States, and when it really came time to lose Rome completely, no matter what conditions were offered, the other party would agree.

It is naturally unrealistic to protect Rome with all the beards and tails, but as long as Spain makes a gesture and negotiates with France, it can intimidate Italy, and finally come to a result acceptable to all four parties.

Even a dichotomy of Rome is much better than the Vatican Pope.