"His Holiness the Pope wanted to see me?" Claire asked.
Almost at the same time, Irene asked from beside him, "Why did His Holiness the Pope want to see Brother Claire?"
Shane shook his head. "How would I know? Could it be about the Adventurer's Guild?"
Claire's eyes narrowed slightly. No way. I just met King Norris yesterday, and the Pope came looking for me today? Has the Church's reach grown that far? Do they even know the King's whereabouts so clearly?
The thought made Claire somewhat anxious. She patted down her clothes and stood up.
"You two keep playing. I'll go over there."
"Claire, I'll come with you," Shane said, rising as well.
"No, stay here with Irene. He only wants to see me. Too many people would only make things worse." Claire waved him off.
That also extinguished Irene's intention to follow. After Claire left, only Shane and Irene remained in the room.
The two looked at each other. After a few seconds, Shane took out the Aeroplane Chess board Claire had prepared. "He's gone, so we can't play cards anymore. How about a thrilling game of Aeroplane Chess?"
"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Claire said as he pushed open the door.
The first thing he saw upon entering was a white-robed bishop strolling idly around the lounge. He was a thin, elderly man leaning on a platinum-white staff.
Upon hearing Claire's words, the white-robed bishop turned around and stepped forward. "I am Morgan, the Pope of this kingdom."
"Greetings, Your Holiness." Claire replied politely. "I am Claire, lord of Griffin Barony."
"I know you. I saw you at Duke Charlie's wedding banquet. You told a story then that left quite a deep impression on me."
"Really? There were too many people there. I failed to recognize