"The Papal States are truly fortunate to have such loyal subjects. Lorenzo, may I know their names?" Augustus looked at Lorenzo with anticipation.
Lorenzo replied with some difficulty, "Of course. It's just that there were many people there at the time, and I don't remember exactly who all of them were. In fact, there are many more people who selflessly dedicate themselves to the Papal States, far more than just those individuals. There's no need to treat them specially."
Whether the Pope genuinely wanted to reward them or was preparing to guard against them based on the list, telling the Pope all their names would be embarrassing for him. The people who opposed the integration would find themselves inexplicably becoming the Pope's most loyal supporters, and one day in the future, the Pope would discover that his so-called supporters were actually engaging in covert actions.
"Your Holiness, I have noted down all their names. Before coming, I even compiled a list with their names and positions. Please take a look." With that, Enzo handed over a densely written list.
Augustus took the list and examined it carefully. Lorenzo was fuming inwardly, but in such a situation, he couldn't say anything. He glared fiercely at Enzo. He wondered what had gotten into Enzo today, making him intentionally difficult. This was clearly something he had prepared in advance.
Enzo pretended not to see anything, feeling a surge of secret satisfaction.
Augustus quickly scanned the list, nodded with satisfaction, then handed the list to Faol, drawing a circle in the air with his hand, and said, "Pass it around."
Most people just pretended to look at it, while a few others looked exceptionally carefully, making Lorenzo's expression even more strained.
"Lorenzo, did you all discuss any good plans that day? Let's bring them out and study them together," Augustus said in a sincere tone.
"Unfortunately, no," Lorenzo said, spreading his hands helplessly.
One lie requires a thousand lies to cover it up, and the more one speaks, the more flaws appear. Lorenzo could only hope that the Pope would stop there, or that someone would change the subject.
"Then when do they think it's most appropriate to begin integrating the troops?" Augustus continued to press, refusing to give up.
"They will follow all your arrangements. No matter when the integration begins, they will unconditionally support and cooperate."
Facing the Pope's relentless pressure and the attitudes of the other ministers, Lorenzo made up his mind. The path of openly opposing the integration had long been blocked for him, and covert actions now seemed unfeasible as well.
He had not anticipated at all that Enzo would take such a firm stand against him this time. In that case, he would have to be extremely careful when meeting with the officers who opposed the integration later. If possible, it would be best not to meet at all during the integration period.
Among the other ministers, Romeo did not support him on this matter, observing from the sidelines throughout, his attitude already very clear. As for the other two, not saying anything now did not mean they wouldn't kick him when he was down; it was just that there wasn't a suitable opportunity yet. No one wished for his downfall more than them.
He would outwardly curry favor with the Pope, but secretly do nothing. As for how the people who opposed the integration would stir up trouble, he would let them be. This was the safest and most secure method. If they genuinely succeeded, that would be good, and he would certainly be one of the beneficiaries. Even if they failed, they would suffer the consequences, and the fire wouldn't burn him. Perhaps the Pope, in his delight, might even recognize and heavily rely on him.
"Then what's your opinion?"
"What?" Lorenzo looked bewildered.
"When do you think it's most appropriate to begin integrating the army? I want to hear your opinion," Augustus said very naturally.
"That's not appropriate, is it? Duke has always been in charge of this matter, and he knows the specific situation much better than I do. Duke has more say," Lorenzo said, uncertain of the Pope's intention for a moment, pushing back uneasily.
"Why are you so nervous? I just think that having served as Military Minister for many years, you must have some unique insights. I just want to hear your opinion; I didn't say I would necessarily follow what you said. Just say what you think, why are you pushing back?"
A hint of impatience showed on Augustus's face, partly for Lorenzo to see, but not entirely feigned. Augustus genuinely felt that Lorenzo was talking a bit too much.
Seeing the Pope's change in expression, Lorenzo quickly replied, "I believe that the integration should begin sooner rather than later. The world situation is constantly changing, and we should prepare as early as possible. If possible, I suggest that the integration begin immediately upon the soldiers' return from this holiday."
This answer was not something Lorenzo thought of on the spot but was the result of thinking for a long time.
This was not the best plan, but it was the best answer. The Pope would not give up on integrating the troops; that was beyond doubt. In this situation, actively showing a desire for the integration to start as soon as possible could demonstrate his support for the Pope.
Furthermore, deep down, he did not want the integration to happen. He had previously learned that Duke was not fully prepared. If the integration started now, they would not be able to stop it. Then, when Duke was ready, it would be even harder for them to organize against the integration.
More importantly, because Duke was not yet ready, his suggestion would not be adopted, at most only moving the integration time forward a bit. There were many influencing factors. As long as the integration time was not set by him, others could not definitively claim that he was the one pushing for the integration. This way, he would still have room to maneuver within the forces opposing the integration and could maintain a neutral position to maximize his interests in all situations.
"That makes sense. It's decided!" Augustus quickly pondered for a moment, then slapped the table and made his decision.
Lorenzo was stunned: "Didn't you say you wouldn't necessarily do what I said?"
"I didn't say I definitely wouldn't either. I think what you said makes a lot of sense," Augustus said earnestly.
"But isn't Duke not ready yet? Wouldn't it be a bit problematic to rush it?" Lorenzo looked at Duke with a puzzled expression.
"I have no problem, Your Holiness, please rest assured. Although I am not fully prepared at the moment, isn't there still a few days' time? There's enough time. With the help of Minister Lorenzo, the integration will surely go very smoothly." In fact, Duke didn't feel there was anything to prepare at all; not being ready was just an excuse to put off Lorenzo.
Lorenzo panicked. If the integration time was set by him, facing the opposing side, he would be unable to clear his name, no matter how much he explained. They would all think he was a two-faced villain, even if that was indeed the truth. He might even become their first target.
Lorenzo was about to speak again but was interrupted by David with a playful smile: "Lorenzo, what's wrong with you? You're contradicting your own suggestion here. Do you want the integration or not?"
At these words, almost everyone found it somewhat amusing, except for those who couldn't bring themselves to laugh.
"Hey, David, don't talk nonsense. Lorenzo is, of course, still thinking for the Papal States, considering everything as thoroughly as possible, and that's very good," Augustus said, laughing and smoothing things over.
Lorenzo couldn't find any other excuse and was speechless, just wanting to curse inwardly.