The Fox of France

The matter of homosexuality, theoretically, is considered a grave sin in the Catholic Church. If confirmed, it would warrant excommunication. However, in reality, homosexuality is quite prevalent among the upper echelons of nobility and clergy, often semi-public. Almost no one truly takes it seriously. Therefore, when the Pope suddenly dispatched investigators, it raised intriguing questions.

Because if someone had malicious intentions to frame others, accusing them of homosexuality would be a common and effective charge. For instance, in the past, King Philip IV of France, in order to get rid of his creditors and amass wealth, utilized Pope Clement V, residing in Avignon, to declare the Knights Templar as heretics, accusing them of engaging in collective homosexuality. Subsequently, the members of the Templar Order were bound to the stakes and turned into barbecues. Since then, accusing someone of being a "deviant" became a frequently used means of defamation, especially among the French, almost a traditional skill.

Immediately, Austria reacted. Emperor Francis promptly issued a statement, claiming these were shameless slanders and an insult to Austria. Emperor Francis asserted his belief that the Pope must have been deceived by the scheming individuals around him to make such absurd decisions. In order to prove his innocence, for the sake of God and justice, he decided to...

Immediate military action against the Pope was not feasible, at least not now. Although directly launching an attack against the Pope was a traditional skill of the Holy Roman Emperor, presently they were separated from the Papal States by the Italian army under French command. Moreover, some nobles at home seemed unstable, indicating a potential opportunity for them to cause trouble. Therefore, Emperor Francis II could only dispatch Archduke John as an envoy to meet the Pope and plead with him to retract the decision.

According to historical records, Archduke John and the Pope had an unpleasant exchange, and the Pope, facing somewhat insufficient "evidence," hastily declared Emperor Francis II a traitor.

Of course, this is the most reliable account according to history books. There are some less reliable rumors that describe the event differently.

According to certain conscientious historical inventors, after the ceremonial greetings, the Pope voluntarily dismissed his attendants, leaving only Archduke John and himself in the room. Archduke John began, "Your Holiness, 'The Sun Gazette' is truly a despicable tabloid, utterly shameless and unprecedented. Our Emperor, devout and noble, is like the sun in the sky. How could Your Holiness believe..."

Before he could finish, the Pope, with closed eyes and tears in his eyes, sighed, "Your Highness, there's no need for more words. I am aware of what 'The Sun Gazette' alleges, but I cannot take it seriously. Investigating this matter was not my intention... The Curia is in a difficult situation, otherwise, why would it come to this? However, Your Highness, do not worry too much for the Emperor. The decision to vindicate him will come sooner than you think. And the Emperor will surely witness that day."

Archduke John, seeing the Pope's pitiable state, understood that the Pope did not initiate this matter. After receiving Metternich's letters, they knew it was a French conspiracy. In this situation, he had no words and could only sigh, "Your Holiness, when will the results of this investigation be revealed?"

Archduke John knew that the Pope had limited influence in this matter, as no one could challenge the French. The truth always rested in the hands of the powerful.

Since the Pope couldn't do much in this matter, it was unnecessary to ask about the investigation's outcome. At this point, all they could do was try to slow down the process.

"Ah, Your Highness, given the current situation of the Curia, I won't hide anything from you. They have already prepared the conclusions of the investigation and the decisions on punishment; only the date is yet to be filled in. However, I've heard that the French are planning a truly blasphemous event, and the investigation results and punishment decisions will be announced when that event is completed. But, Your Majesty, do not worry too much. The decision to vindicate the Emperor will come shortly after that event. The interval will not exceed one month."

At this point, the Pope had shown his sincerity to the fullest. With no other options, Archduke John could only sigh in this situation.

As for the grand event the French were preparing, Duke John knew what it was. Napoleon was ambitious and world-renowned. Recently, he proposed a new plan: to restore the ancient tradition of the Olympic Games to promote world peace. He intended to revive this tradition, interrupted for over fourteen centuries.

The ancient Olympic Games were closely tied to the religious traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. They were part of the ritual honoring Zeus, the king of all gods. Therefore, when Emperor Theodosius I declared Christianity the state religion in AD 393, the Olympics were considered pagan activities and were abolished.

Now, the French openly declared their intention to revive this pagan activity. If this wasn't heresy, what would be?

However, surprisingly, it wasn't heresy. Who would dare to call it heresy? The devout and truth-persuading people of France would undoubtedly convince others with the truth of democracy and freedom.

So, even the Curia had to acknowledge that the French idea was excellent, especially the Olympic truce. Stopping all wars during the Games reflected God's love for humanity, an expression of God's love. Therefore, if you asked the Pope whether he supported it or not, how could the Pope not support it? Did the Pope find Avignon's scenery more beautiful?

Therefore, not only would the Pope support it, but when the Games opened, the Pope himself would personally bless the event on behalf of God.

Of course, considering the extensive preparations required for the Games, it was estimated to take at least two years. Therefore, Emperor Francis II had enough time to make the necessary preparations.

After the brief yet frank exchange with the Pope, Duke John didn't even stay in Rome for an extra second. He left the Vatican Palace and immediately boarded a carriage to return to Austria overnight.

Following this, Metternich began frenzied activities in France. In the short time that followed, France and Austria consecutively reached a series of cooperation agreements.

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