Chapter 63 Raise your hands and prepare for the French military salute
When Giovanni hurried from Florence to Monteriggioni Manor, Mario and Lu Xiao both stood in front of the book pages in the study, in a daze.
Following the reminder in Mario's letter, Giovanni immediately turned on Eagle Vision, and the originally ordinary pages of the book immediately underwent huge changes.
A complete world map appeared in front of Giovanni, with many places marked by assassins, including the Asian continent where China is located.
There were also a large number of eye-catching light spots left on this hidden map, and Giovanni immediately thought of what these light spots represented.
"Each dot represents an ancient relic?"
Giovanni stretched out his hand and touched the Apennine Peninsula where Italy is located: "Rome? No wonder Rodrigo tried every means to become the pope."
Mario pondered and nodded: "It is also mentioned in the handbook that two 'keys' are needed to open the secret room. One of them is the Golden Apple of Eden, and the other..."
Giovanni gritted his teeth: "Pope's staff, then everything makes sense. There is indeed something fishy about Sixtus IV's sudden illness."
"What?"
Lu Xiao asked unexpectedly: "The Pope fell ill? When did it happen? Who is in power in the Holy See now?"
Mario explained: "Shortly after you and Ezio set off, at the end of last year."
"Sixtus IV suddenly became seriously ill without any warning. The Vatican searched all the famous doctors but could not cure him."
"The Holy See has announced in advance that it will select the next pope. Now the cardinals are each responsible for a district and jointly hold power in Rome. It is expected that the best one will be selected based on their respective performance."
Lu Xiao narrowed his eyes and asked, "Could it be that Rodrigo is the one who has the upper hand now?"
"you guessed right."
Mario solemnly said: "With the financial resources and strong personal connections provided by the Knights Templar, Rodrigo has won over many wavering regional bishops. He has a high chance of winning in the end and becoming the new pope.
"
Giovanni added: "The selection results are expected to be announced around June this year, and Rodrigo will officially ascend the papal throne in July at the latest."
"Although the golden apple in Cyprus fell into our hands, as far as I know, there is more than just this one. If the Templars find another golden apple to open the secret chamber... God knows what will be buried there.
"
Lu Xiao nodded thoughtfully: "In other words, we must seize the Pope's staff and open the secret room before Rodrigo does? Do you have any relevant plans?"
Giovanni smiled bitterly and shook his head: "How could it be so fast? It was only after Sixtus IV fell ill at the end of last year that the members of the Brotherhood in Rome started to take action."
"But the Templars in this Eternal City are very powerful. It is almost impossible to completely overwhelm them and seize the Pope's staff, at least before June next year."
Lu Xiao bared his teeth: "In other words, we can only find the right opportunity to launch a precise raid? When is the best time?"
Mario and Giovanni exchanged glances, and Mario speculated: "The only chance can only occur when Rodrigo Gordon becomes emperor. The place of enthronement will definitely be in the Sistine Chapel, and the secret room should also be here."
Somewhere inside the church.”
The Sistine Chapel is the private chapel of the Pope of Rome and the place where the Pope’s election ceremony is held. Most Catholic religious ceremonies are held in the Sistine Chapel.
"Then it's settled."
Lu Xiao retrieved the golden apple from the pedestal in the study, held it in his hand and said to Mario and Giovanni: "The golden apple will be temporarily kept in the Austore underground church. I plan to go to France to find Yi
Holy Sword of Dian.”
"I will report my real-time location to you through the local brotherhood channels at any time. After Rodrigo determines the specific time of ascending to the throne, you will immediately send someone to notify me and I will rush back as soon as possible."
When Mario took the golden apple, he provided Lu Xiao with information: "Speaking of the Holy Sword of Eden, there is good news recently from the Paris Brotherhood."
"The group of pirates who robbed the Holy Sword arranged for some members to enter the greater Paris area. They contacted buyers everywhere and prepared to sell this valuable ancient cultural relic."
"The Paris Brotherhood is trying to steal the Holy Sword from the pirates, but due to the interference of the Templars who also know the whereabouts of the Holy Sword, neither party can easily obtain the Holy Sword."
Lu Xiao smiled and nodded: "It is indeed good news. At least it has locked a target for me, and it will be more convenient for you to contact me."
As early as after learning that the Holy Sword might be left in France, Lu Xiao began to study French intermittently.
Fortunately, French and Italian both belong to the Latin language family, so Lu Xiao, who is proficient in Italian, is not slow to learn.
Although I am not very proficient in using the complex grammar of French, I have no problem with basic daily communication.
Giovanni and Mario had long known that Lu Xiao had the intention to go to France, and were not surprised that Lu Xiao left at this time.
"Bon voyage, Lu, I hope you can help the Paris Brotherhood successfully obtain the Holy Sword."
…
It was February 1478 when Lu Xiao returned to Monteriggioni, less than half a year before Rodrigo Gordon, so there should be plenty of time.
Mario gave the best horse in Monteriggioni to Lu Xiao. After saying goodbye to the Auditore brothers, Lu Xiao stopped staying and headed non-stop to northern Italy.
While passing through the Romagna region, Lu Xiao used the underground passage of the assassin's tomb to sneak into Levadino Rock Castle and met Caterina who had just given birth.
When he married Catalina, Lu Xiao still did not have Isu blood. His son, who had just been born less than a month ago, was of course just an ordinary person and did not have any supernatural abilities left over from the first civilization.
Lu Xiao has nothing to regret about this. He just hopes that this child can live his life peacefully as an ordinary nobleman.
"What's the child's name?"
"Rousseau."
Catalina's face was full of maternal glory. She gently stroked the sleeping Rousseau's face: "You don't mind if your name is a homophone, right? If it doesn't work, just call him little Rousseau.
It’s the great Rousseau.”
"of course not."
Lu Xiao didn't care much about this, and quietly watched Rousseau, who had chubby cheeks, breathing evenly in his sleep.
Speaking of this matter, this was the first time Lu Xiao knew that her name could be pronounced as Rousseau in Italian.
With Catherine, a mother who was very capable in governing, to teach her personally, Rousseau's future would definitely be taken care of properly.
As the life of Sixtus IV enters the countdown, the curse on Romagna is about to be released.
Soon Catalina will be able to legitimately turn to the emerging forces led by Florence, and gain the full support of the Assassin organization and powerful allies.
After leaving Rousseau in the care of the maid, Caterina and Lu Xiao spent the whole day loving each other without being disturbed.
Before leaving, Lu Xiao made a suggestion to Catalina.
"Based on the current fragmented situation in Italy, it can be speculated that once France ends the war with the Holy Roman Empire, it will be difficult for Romagna to stop the French army moving south."
"Don't be stubborn about guarding this barren territory. If nothing can be done, immediately flee to Florence with Rousseau. The Auditore and the Medici family will not treat you badly."
Catalina hugged Lu Xiao tightly and was silent for a while before gently nodding in his arms: "I know, I'm not the type to die for the city. If I really can't stop the French, I will
We will evacuate with Rousseau as soon as possible."