I kept the mask of a despaired and broken lady on while observing the Pope. His calm, calculating gaze betrayed none of his inner thoughts, but I knew he was weighing his options. He had sworn to fulfill any of my wishes in his name—cornering him like this was not something he could easily escape. Yet, his hesitation spoke volumes.
Now, Marvoni, show me what you've got. Let's see how far your deceit stretches.
After a prolonged silence, he sighed and finally spoke, each word deliberately chosen.
"I'm afraid, Saintess, but I cannot accept that request."
I gasped softly, lowering my gaze as if crestfallen. My hands trembled slightly in my lap, not out of true frustration, but as part of the performance. This man was even more shameless than I had anticipated.