Mazzini hiding in Rome was the very definition of darkness beneath the lamp. After all, in Franz's memory, Mazzini should have been tangled up with the British.
Normally, the Austrian Empire's intelligence agencies would not come to Rome, that bastion of conservatism, to search for Italian nationalists.
Besides, Rome was far too unusual a place. No one wanted to stir up trouble there.
Even though Franz had nominal authority to administer Rome, he would not truly interfere too much in its affairs. Especially not Vatican affairs. Franz did not fear the Holy See, but that did not mean he had to provoke it.
Mazzini's identity as a Church priest spared him a great deal of trouble. If he wanted to live in seclusion peacefully, the Austrian Empire's government would likely never discover him in his lifetime.
After suffering such a crushing defeat in 1848, the Italian nationalists had been badly weakened. At a time like this, he should have continued lying low.
Yet Mazzini had his own judgment. He believed that although Italian nationalism had indeed suffered a major setback, a tide that would sweep across Europe was about to arrive, just like the French Revolution of old.
Thus, the Italians had to prepare early. Only by accumulating sufficient strength could they claim a share of the coming great tide.
With this judgment in mind, Mazzini began his "missionary" work.
Before long, the Austrian Empire's intelligence agencies discovered that nearly all of the newly emerged Italian nationalists had been to Rome.
The source of those pamphlets also pointed toward Rome. By then, it had become impossible for Austrian intelligence agents to ignore this location any longer.
Rome, Saint Ina Church.
Father Matt preached and cleaned the sanctuary as usual.
Suddenly, a group of unwelcome visitors entered the church. The moment