The Pope was an individual whose status was placed at the same level as the Class families. The Pope's family history was said to go back to the times when humans were first facing destruction; apparently, he was a descendant of a man who helped the first Class user and would preach about the benevolence of the God, Azik. Due to the help that man provided, he was given high status, as were his descendants.
The Pope was a man of considerable influence; that was why Leonard needed his "help." This was where Ariana came in—the Pope's daughter. If news were to get out regarding Leonard and Ariana's affair, it would not be good for the Pope.
Adding to the fact that Leonard was the younger one in their relationship—being seventeen while Ariana was twenty—only added to his advantage. Having a sexual relationship with a minor was a taboo that applied to both men and women. If the affair were to get out, Leonard would likely receive zero punishment, while Ariana might receive harsh consequences from both the Pope and the community. If Melissa or Leonard were to apply pressure, the Pope himself would be severely punished for his household's failure.
It was a carefully planned move. With this affair, Leonard could control the Pope to some extent. With the Pope's status behind him, Leonard would be in a much better position. The main advantage was that he could avoid the Feather Selection.
It also served the ultimate goal shared by both Caesar and Leonard: to stand above all. In short, to be the new King—one with better power and control compared to the current King, Arthur. Leonard, unbeknownst to him, had a grin on his face.
***
Close to the Pope was a woman in a long black dress. Her steps were elegant and refined. She was probably in her forties, with subtle wrinkles on her face; her black hair also had some white strands in it.
'Lady Victoria.'
The lady was the Pope's wife. Behind her were three other people—two men and one woman. The woman was Ariana. Ariana took a quick glance at where Leonard was seated.
'I'm sorry for what I'm about to do to you.'
Leonard thought this as he looked into Ariana's eyes, not avoiding her gaze. Leonard didn't enjoy taking advantage of people, nor did Caesar; they both felt guilty about what they would do to her, but they had no choice. It had to be done.
"Thank you for attending the service today," the Pope said. As soon as he finished talking, applause rang through the room.
****
After the service, Leonard remained seated. Melissa had left on her own, leaving Leonard behind. Leonard waited and waited until the Pope finally noticed him and walked in his direction.
"Lord Caesar, how has your morning been?" the Pope asked. His gaze felt gentle.
"Sir, to be honest, I have something to tell you that has been bothering me for a while now," Leonard said. He avoided the Pope's gaze, which made him look genuinely guilty.
"What might that be, if you don't mind me asking?" the Pope asked, sensing the tension in Leonard's eyes.
"Could we discuss it in private?" Leonard asked, his voice shaky.
Seeing his strange behavior, the Pope's heart softened. "Okay. Follow me," the Pope said, leading the way to a separate room.
Leonard followed behind. He could see Ariana a distance away; she was staring at them, wondering what was happening. Leonard was brought into an adequately spacious room with two sets of furniture.
"Take a seat," the Pope said, pointing at the closest couch.
Leonard nodded and sat down. The couch was comfortable, made of a soft fabric. The Pope also sat down on another couch near Leonard.
"What is it you wanted to say?" the Pope asked, looking into Leonard's golden eyes.
Leonard seemed hesitant to look the Pope in the eye, but he eventually mustered the courage and spoke. "Sir... I have wronged you."
Hearing this, the Pope's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "How so?" he asked, his voice steady and calm.
Leonard looked around the room, then at the floor, and said softly, "I've been sleeping with Lady Ariana."
The Pope's eyes widened. He shifted from where he was seated and looked at Leonard intensely.
"You... what?" he asked. His voice was now shaky, filled with the shock of what he had just heard.
"I've been sleeping with Lady Ariana," Leonard repeated.
Hearing him say the same words a second time, the Pope's mind began to race. His facial expressions shifted rapidly, but one thing was clear: he was utterly devastated. Managing to slightly calm himself, he asked Leonard a question.
"How long?" His voice was as unsteady as it could get—a mix of shock, denial, and disappointment.
"For about two months now," Leonard replied, still looking at the floor.
"Dear Lord," the Pope muttered to himself. His hand was over his mouth, deep in thought. His gaze landed on Leonard again. "How many times have you... slept together?"
Leonard was quiet for a while, but then he opened his mouth. "About eleven times."
The Pope sank deeper into despair. Before he could speak, Leonard continued.
"I'm to blame for this, to be honest with you. Lady Ariana is quite attractive, and with me having to abstain from intimate actions with my fiancée, Melissa, I somehow ended up seducing Lady Ariana." He then added, "Lady Ariana was hesitant, but I convinced her. I'm to blame, not her."
For some reason, this sank the Pope's heart even further.