Mercy in the heart was often the root of disaster! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Pamilian parted her crimson lips, her voice carrying a distinctive resonance. "Bishop Derek has a point. A host of dragons without a head is indeed a grave danger. But we must also weigh the choice of an acting Pope carefully. Only someone who can unite all factions and command respect through their abilities can shoulder this responsibility."

Her words seemed neutral, but they implied that Derek was not the only candidate. She had powerful backing of her own, and several Bishops beside her, along with a female Holy Knight commander, wore expressions of approval.

On the other side of the round table, an old man with white hair and beard, a kindly face, and profound eyes slowly shook his head. He was Cardinal Augustine.

He was a veteran of the Holy See, with an exceptionally long record of service.

He rested his folded hands before him, his tone measured but carrying unquestionable weight. "An acting Pope? That is easier said than done. His Holiness is merely missing, not dead. If we hastily appoint an acting Pope and His Holiness returns someday, how are we to resolve the situation?

"If the Holy See splits then, who can bear that responsibility? In my view, our most important task now is to devote all the Holy See's strength to finding His Holiness! Alive, we must see him; dead, we must see his body!

"Until then, everything should remain as it is, with major matters decided jointly by us Cardinals. That is the prudent course."

His supporters were mostly older, conservative Bishops and ascetics, and they nodded at his words.

Derek retorted without courtesy. "Keep everything as it is? Bishop Augustine, you are being hidebound! Joint decisions? With such inefficiency and endless wrangling, how are we to handle any crisis that might arise?"

Pamilian