However, no one made the first move. Even though the dishes had already been laid out on the table, no one picked up their chopsticks first.
All four of them remained silent. On the first day... not a word was spoken. It was not until midnight that the four of them hastily finished dinner and each returned to their own rooms.
The same thing happened on the second day.
It was not until the morning of the third day that the three bishops finally recovered some of their spirits.
Early in the morning, all four of them sat in their respective seats.
"Are you all... awake now?"
The Pope sat in his seat, his aged voice echoing through the empty Papal Chamber as he narrowed his eyes at the other three.
The three of them each glanced up at the Pope, then looked at one another... Remaining silent, they nodded.
"Mm... Then let us begin. Regarding this miracle, we..."
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Suddenly, just as the Pope was about to continue, a knock came from outside. The Pope's voice faltered, and he was somewhat surprised. Normally,
with the Pope and the three bishops holding a meeting at this hour, how could anyone be knocking on the door?
Had he not instructed them beforehand not to disturb them? What was going on?
The Pope frowned slightly and cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Come in."
His aged voice reached the door. The next moment, the great door was pushed open.
"Creak~"
"Your Excellency the Pope, the three bishops..."
The person who entered was dressed entirely in a black priest's robe. His eyes were so cold that no one dared look directly at them. He merely pushed the door open,
then stood in the shadow beside it. His entire presence blended completely into the