The Holy See's Interests

Pius VI gripped the armrest of his chair, forcibly suppressing his anger as he said, "Have they already fired their bullets at the Holy See, and I can only let it pass?"

Chiaramonti lowered his head. "Your Holiness, Austria is extremely important to the Holy See... Besides, we have yet to confirm that the assassin was sent by the Holy Roman Emperor."

"Who else could it have been?" Pius VI gritted his teeth. "Other than him, who would dare? And just after I refused his demand to publicly clarify the matter of the Crusaders, an assassin appeared! How could there be such a coincidence in this world?"

Chiaramonti weighed his words before continuing, "Your Holiness, falling out with Austria would bring a great deal of trouble. It might even lead to a split within the Holy See."

At those words, more than half the fury in Pius VI's eyes instantly faded.

He knew very well that Muzarelli wielded considerable influence within the Holy See. Not only did he control one-third of its finances, but nearly thirty Cardinals belonged to his faction—while the Roman Curia had only seventy Cardinals in total.

Now that Muzarelli had gained Austria's support, his prestige was soaring like the midday sun.

If he came into conflict with Austria, Franz II would very likely support Muzarelli in splitting the Holy See!

Yes, Austria truly possessed that kind of strength. Among Europe's Catholic countries, France had already largely broken away from the Holy See. Spain remained loyal, but could barely manage its own affairs. Liège, Cologne, and even newly allied Poland were all far too weak.

Thus, Austria's influence over the Roman Curia was absolutely not to be underestimated.

Pius VI drew a deep breath and looked at Chiaramonti. "Then what is your opinion?"

"This incident is actually