Salute To The General
Chapter 3081

The news that Nathan was about to pay a visit to the Curia in a purely private capacity soon reached Eugene IV's ears, and only then did the gravity of the situation dawn on him.

I thought he was only joking! It never crossed my mind that he would actually come to see me and even declare that he'll get me to take back what I said in front of everyone! The expression on Eugene IV's face was grim.

After all, he felt that for many believers, any woman would be honored to get chosen by the Curia to be the Holy Maiden.

Yet, Nathan, after having his daughter selected as the Holy Maiden, protested against it repeatedly and requested that the Curia choose someone else.

That in itself had already put the Curia in a tight spot, and in order to safeguard their best interests, Eugene IV had not wanted to offend Nathan, which was why he had held back from responding to the latter's protests.

I thought the matter would end there, or he'd eventually be forced to accept the fact that his daughter is the next Holy Maiden. However, I underestimated him. The last thing I expected was for him to come to the Curia to look for me and seek justice. Now, I have no choice but to take this matter seriously. How is it that the grand title of the Holy Maiden would make someone feel so uneasy that they would stop at nothing to get rid of it? If things get out of hand, it may severely impact our reputation.

After learning of Nathan's imminent arrival, Eugene IV wasted no time in convening an emergency meeting with the key members of the Curia to discuss their strategy.

The Ten Elders from the Curia's Council of Elders, five War Gods of the Light, ten Holy Guardians, dozens of eminent cardinals, and Hepburn-the Holy Maiden-attended the meeting.

Sitting on the throne, Eugene IV swept his gaze across them before saying calmly, "I'm sure you're all aware of the recent events. Mr. Cross isn't pleased that the Curia named his daughter the next Holy Maiden and insists that I seek out a new candidate. He's also planning to come to the Čuria to meet with me. What are your thoughts on this?"

The others started voicing their opinions all at once. It was utter chaos.

Eugene IV furrowed his brows and said in a deep voice, "That's enough." Everyone fell silent immediately.

Then, Eugene IV turned to Hepburn. "As the current Holy Maiden, you're the most qualified to give your opinion. Is it not an honor to become our Holy Maiden? Is it that shameful to the point that one would be so repulsed by the idea of it?" Hepburn's expression shifted slightly at his question.

She rose to her feet at once and replied respectfully, "Getting chosen as the Holy Maiden is something every female believer dreams of, and it's a great honor. How could it be shameful? I've never felt that way before. On the contrary, I'm proud that I can become an ambassador for our god."

Eugene IV's expression relaxed after he heard her reply. What she said also reflected the general opinion of the members of the Curia.

"Since being chosen as the Holy Maiden is a high honor, why is Mr. Cross so against it that he refuses to let his daughter take on the role and wants to come here and kick up a fuss?" he asked.

Hepburn answered cautiously, "Like I said, getting chosen to be the Holy Maiden is a great honor for all believers. The problem is that Mr. Cross isn't a believer in our faith. That's why what we view as a privilege may not appear so to him." Hearing that, Eugene IV frowned.

Nonetheless, he could not deny that she had a point.

Nathan had saved Hepburn's life, so she was grateful to him.

When the Curia had insisted on unilaterally announcing that Queenie would be the next Holy Maiden, Hepburn had opposed it.

At the time, however, Eugene IV was intent on binding Nathan to the Curia and thus paid no heed to her objection.

Hepburn noticed the pensive look on the pope's face.

She quickly seized the opportunity to say, "Since Mr. Cross disapproves of his daughter becoming the next Holy Maiden, let's not persist any further. Instead, let's respect his wishes and select someone else. He may be uninterested in letting his daughter assume the position, but there are countless women among our many believers who'd be eager for the honor."

Eugene IV's expression clouded over instantly when he heard her suggestion.