The Earl of Gloucester died just like that.
John, clad in a black linen robe, stood in the church with his hands clasped together, praying for the soul of the Earl of Gloucester. The nobles who attended the memorial service had been reveling at John's feast just the day before. Now, sorrow was etched on everyone's faces, though no one knew what each other was truly thinking.
The most mournful of all were perhaps Mabel and Isabella. As for John, his professional demeanor kept him from bursting into laughter.
"May God have mercy on old William, now that his soul has departed for heaven..." The priest recited some prayers, causing John's head to spin. But with a crowd standing behind him, he couldn't suddenly find an excuse to leave.
"His life was eventful, and may he find peace in heaven..."
John pondered how much longer this would go on; he truly couldn't stand another second. Just as he thought this, an unexpected guest arrived at the church door. The nobles attending the memorial were about to voice their complaints when they saw the garment draped over the unexpected guest.
It was a royal envoy.
The tactful nobles and knights made way for the envoy, clearing a path for him.
"Your Highness," Roches pushed aside two nobles and walked directly behind John.
John turned to look at Roches. "What is it, Mr. Roches?"
Roches was not one for pleasantries. He pulled John away from the church without ceremony and, on the way out, said to him, "His Majesty the King is a bit concerned about the situation here at Gloucester. Can you handle it?"
"Of course," John replied, intrigued. "So, my father sent you just to tell me this?"
At this point, Roches stopped in his tracks. He glanced around and, seeing no nosy nobles nearby, leaned in close to John's ear. "His Majesty hopes you can stabilize the situation with the old Earl's second daughter."
Upon hearing this, John fell into a moment of speechlessness. Perhaps Henry II had underestimated Mabel's intelligence, but John felt it wouldn't be so easy to manipulate her.
"And one more thing," Roches resumed his normal stance. "His Majesty says once you're done here, you should return to Oxford quickly to discuss state affairs with him."
The second piece of news was clearly more useful and important than the first.
In John's impression, Henry II wasn't one to heed advice; he tended to act unilaterally. Once he made a decision, no one could stop him, not even the Pope in Rome. So, the fact that Henry II wanted John to come and discuss state affairs with him could mean one of two things: either Henry II was preparing to pick a fight with John and get rid of him, or he truly valued John.
In the case of the former, even if you think with your butt, you know it's impossible. So the latter is much better.
John nodded slightly, keeping a poker face. "I understand His Majesty's meaning. You go settle down in the castle, I might need a day or two to handle things here."
Roche nodded, with nothing else to do, he had to go back to rest. After John dismissed Roche, he hid in a corner and began to calculate.
"The king asked me to go to Oxford... deal with Mabel... This is all good news."
Thinking that his life was about to take off, John became even happier. The old count farted, and the old king appreciated him, and that was all good news.
Just as John was calculating, a powerful hand patted John's shoulder, and John jumped in surprise.
"Your Highness, what are you doing here?" A young voice came from behind John. "Aren't you going to attend the funeral of the Earl of Gloucester?"
John turned around and saw a young man with flowing long hair, golden hair, angular features, and a lively face, who was simply a dream lover for countless girls.
Unfortunately, John had no interest in men at all.
"You are... William de Roche, young Roche, right?" John looked at the young man's face, trying to remember details about him.
The Roche who came to find John just now was the father of the young Roche in front of him. They moved from Anjou a few years ago and entered Henry II's court to serve.
John wasn't quite sure what exactly he was favored for, but it seemed he was in good standing.
Young Roche nodded. "Yes, Your Highness, I am William de Roche. So, are you really not going to the Earl of Gloucester's funeral?"
This question stumped John. If he said he would go, then he would likely have to go. If he said he wouldn't go, he might end up with a label of rebellion.
However, upon further reflection, John remembered that the original owner of this body seemed to have a notorious reputation already. Perhaps doing something in line with that persona wouldn't hurt.
"Yeah, not going," John said lightly, stunning young Roche. He took two steps back and said in an incredulous tone, "The Earl of Gloucester was your father-in-law, and you're treating him like this?"
"Of course," John replied as if it were obvious. "The dead can't come back to life. The Earl of Gloucester has already gone to heaven to rest. Those of us who are still living on earth naturally need to secure our own futures."
Young Roche was still in shock when John patted his shoulder. "You'll understand someday. Go and help me get all the knights out of the church."
Before young Roche could react, John kicked him away and left him alone.
Handling Mabel wasn't a difficult problem. The challenge was with the Earl of Bedford; John didn't know how to handle that.
Although Henry II was formidable, pushing too hard could be problematic.
Medieval monarchs, especially England's historical monarchs, valued martial prowess. For example, Henry II eliminated his cousin and became the only heir to the English throne. For example, John's elder brother, Richard, from England to Syria, swept all sides undefeated.
Therefore, their conspiracies also valued grandiosity. For example, Henry II instructed his subordinates to directly behead Archbishop Becket. For example, Richard directly ordered the Earl of Bedford to send someone to besiege John.
Philip II, the French king next door, was not like this. His nickname was "Fox," and he played his conspiracies very finely. If the historical line is followed, in a few decades, half of the Kingdom of England will be taken down by this little fox.
Therefore, John is ready to step up the intensity for the English nobility.
At the very least, in terms of conspiracy, he wouldn't let them be as innocent as little lambs.