" Unfortunately, we didn't manage to get this but we will deliver it to you after you bring the head of Magnus to us."
The man replied with a calm tone, trying to hide the fact they weren't on good terms. These words made Henry get angry since he was acting like he was his leader.
" Don't try to fool me. Do you want to ignite a war in a peaceful north after a long term of peace? How many people did we lose during the holy war and how many people were left alone in those cold mountains, buried under the snow? Let northerners fight among themselves. The paladins won't move unless they receive orders from the pope. Our sword carries the will of the lord, not the emperor."
Henry refused to accept this argument anymore as he got up from his seat to leave the room. The golden sign of the cross shone on his chest, reminding him who he truly was and what he had to do. He was sick of being a machine for the nobles who massacred common folks.
" Lord! What should we do now?"
A servant bowed to the masked man with anxiety in his tone, not knowing what to do now since Henry refused their call.
" That isles bastard refused to move, so we have to use Pope and discard him after he gives us what we want."
He cursed out Henry for being spineless in this situation, knowing North was the biggest treasure trove after the failure of the Southern expedition.
The new king of Persia who declared himself as the sword of Allah, sent messengers to the emperor, demanding the old city of Constantinople for themselves.
" If we manage to bring wealth from the north to ourselves, we can deflect those heretics from the south and bring Isles to our cause, but the Pope isn't budging a bit."
The masked man mumbled under his breath, thinking of a way to resolve this situation since the empire wasn't ready for another war after battling against the Franks. The Civil War of the empire was already troublesome enough for them, so adding one was the end of the rule of their empire.
" Capture the saintess and imprison her in the black tower before the Pope finds out. We will use her as a bargaining chip against them and send Henry to the north to pacify them. Unlike Bjorn who is shrewd, Magnus is too much of a leader. Even nomads might be tempted to join his alliance. Hence, we must prevent that with all costs, even if it means killing the saintess and the lion."
This ruthless decision was solely based on the interest of the nobles and empire, thus sacrificing a few hundred for themselves wasn't that bad choice for him.
The northern region was rich in minerals and they were close to the ocean, making them ideal places for trading and fishing.
" As you wish my lord. I will personally deliver it to His Majesty."
The servant retreated to his quarter, leaving the masked man alone in the setting sun. His murky eyes looked in the direction of the sun as he clicked his tongue with annoyance.
" First those Frank bastards and now these barbarians. The empire is getting too lenient on themselves just because they have men, but that will soon change. We will soon rule the continent again and go back to our glorious days."
His eyes turned back to the map of the continent, looking at the vast ocean and sea. Especially, his eyes were focused on two great cities of the south.
Meanwhile in the church.
A young woman prayed upon God, looking at the cross with a calm face. She who believed in God and Mary, thought she would achieve sainthood like those before her.
" Saintess, it is time for dinner."
The nun bowed her head with a soft voice, indicating it was already dinner time. The saint got up from her seat, glancing back at the cross once again as she felt something ominous.
She saw the red light of the sun, reaching down the cross and creating the illusion of a reverted cross.
" Oh Father above, guide this lonely lamb to the righteous direction for my belief and intent are pure."
She prayed once again.