Chapter IX: A New Era Begins

Cesare's POV:

Well, something strange happened last night. Immediately after he made that declaration, he started undressing, and even though I tried to stop him, he eventually did it. Honestly, I didn't mind what I saw, and I'm glad I can finally enjoy this sight... It's like an uncultivated field, but maybe in the future, who knows? Surprises are everywhere, right? I guess I shouldn't be thinking such things, but he did say I'm his angel... He asked me not to leave him and to stay by his side... I think I'll stop him here, and I believe His Eminence needs a younger secretary. Hmm, maybe I'll talk to the Pope, and he'll agree to make Antonio the cardinal's secretary. That's exactly what I plan to do today, so I hope he accepts...

"Antonio, you know what I was thinking? Since it's Saturday today, how about we take a walk through the city, what do you say?"

"S-Sure... Just that I need to prepare myself physically and emotionally for that... I'll take a bath, and then we can go, okay?"

"Sure... Take all the time you need!"

Antonio's POV:

I don't know what happened yesterday. I don't know why I drank so much. I don't know why I had to remember my sad and strange beginnings. I want to trust Cesare, I do... But does he trust me, or is it just something carnal he feels? I want to learn more about this world, about this century, without the subjectivity of modern historians... I want to do something useful during this time...

After spending almost 30 minutes in the bath, I guess I should get out. We have to go to the city, right?

"Antonio, are you ready?" Cesare said, happy that I got out of the bath.

"I'm ready, but shouldn't we make a plan for the route, don't you think?"

"I don't think so... I know Rome very well, and I think it'll be okay to just start walking."

"O-Okay..."

It looks like it's going to be a long day with Cesare today. We started walking through Rome. Different people were walking hand in hand on the street, some even hugging. What's going on? Is it some kind of Valentine's Day, and I'm not aware of it?

Well, I guess it's still strange for two men to walk together amidst so many couples openly showing their affection. However, my first mission is to get used to this place, so I'll overlook it.

"Antonio, are you okay?" Cesare asked me.

"I think so... It's just that, don't you find it strange for two men to walk together among so many couples?"

"Are you perhaps jealous of them showing their love? Do you want us to do the same?"

"Well, for now, I think we should wait for that... You know, an angel shouldn't have impure thoughts, don't you think?"

"Hm, I guess you're right. I think... Then, let's go first and see the Colosseum, don't you think?"

"That would be wonderful... Let's go!"

I'm so excited to see the Colosseum as it looked in the 15th century... In our time, it's much more degraded. It seems we have arrived. The Colosseum, just as I imagined, looks much better than in our time. The columns and the entrances through which the gladiators entered and exited look magnificent. Moreover, the place where so many thousands of Christians died still retains its former grandeur.

"Antonio, are you okay?" Cesare asked me.

"Yes, I'm fine. It's just that it's the first time I see the Colosseum like this. I have always dreamed of the grandeur of this building, and now..."

"Now you can see it with me, right? It's quite romantic, don't you think?"

"Well, I guess it is, but let's not forget that so many people died here..."

"I know. Let's say a prayer, shall we?"

"You? Having such a thought? You surprise me more and more every day... However, I think that's what we should do!"

We began to meditate on the things that happened here over 1000 years ago... So much suffering took place within this structure. However, I believe it would be better to visit other places as well.

After that, we continued our stroll through Rome. Different squares, different cathedrals, and cultural monuments that we admired and respected.

As we walked, we encountered a person whom I didn't expect to meet on that wonderful day.

"Oh, Father Cesare! Father Antonio!"

You might not realize who it is, but it was the cardinal's secretary in person... This guy almost killed me, and now he behaves as if nothing happened. Without realizing it, I hid behind Cesare. I know that as long as I'm with him, I don't have to be afraid of anything, but still, I'm very afraid of this wicked man.

"Antonio, what's wrong?" Cesare asked me, surprised.

"Let's go, please... Let's leave..."

"Pardon? Father, aren't you happy about the meeting we have now? I think you shouldn't forget that you're—"

The cardinal's secretary began to share his false joy of seeing us. Well, I guess Cesare realized something and interrupted him.

"I think it's better if we leave, Your Excellency... We're taking a stroll through Rome and wouldn't want to disturb you. You know, maybe you have some things to attend to."

"Oh, I do... Honestly, since the cardinal's departure, I have to take care of his problems, while he—"

"Well then, good luck with that!"

How good that he finally left. I can't tell Cesare right now what happened that night... I think in the end, I will tell the cardinal himself about these things when he returns. However, the cardinal is the one who's in charge, right?

"Cesare, I'm a bit hungry!"

"Oh, I know a very good restaurant nearby... I think we could go there to eat if you want..."

"Sure... I could eat anywhere at this point."

"Let's go, then."

Just 100 meters away, Cesare points out a quite nice and very expensive restaurant. I don't know what to say about this. I guess in the end, I'll remain hungry until we get home.

"Cesare, it's too expensive. Let's go!"

"Do you think I don't have money? I couldn't let the son of a judge go hungry, or worse, take him somewhere cheap."

"You're right, but..."

I was referring to my life in the 21st century, not this one here. Well, I guess it's my mistake that I didn't specify that. Now he'll think I'm some kind of important person, just like those from my past.

"Antonio, I don't care who your parents are. It's just that I was surprised when I found out where your love for justice comes from and why you studied law..."

A quite friendly gentleman came to our table to take our order. It seems Cesare is a loyal customer because the waiter asked Cesare what he would like to eat, and he replied as usual...

Why do all the people in the city seem to love each other more today than ever? I guess it would be foolish to ask Cesare about that...

"Antonio, what's on your mind?" Cesare asks me as if he were my Facebook...

"Nothing, just that it seems strange to me that people around us are so in love, and we..."

Wait, what? I think I'm losing it since that night... He indeed saved me, but I don't know what to say... I guess I should have mentally and physically prepared myself for a relationship like this, but something has changed...

"Are you insinuating something?"

"No, just that... Is it a holiday today?"

"It's May 13th, so I think you know what today is, right?"

"Honestly, no... What is it?"

"It's Love's Day here in Rome. No wonder you've never had a relationship."

"Wait, what? Wasn't it in February? Or..."

"Why would it be in February? Today is a holiday approved by the Church, where all sorts of people have dates in the city center after attending the morning Liturgy together."

"I see... Wait, out of all the days... Why did you want to go to the city today?"

"Why? Because we are—"

"No... It's too early... I feel something for you, and maybe in the future... But right now, it's too soon."

"You have all the time in the world to think about it. Plus, you surely won't be going back anytime soon... I think this day is important for us to get to know each other better."

Finally, the food arrived. Some typical Italian food that I had eaten before in the world I come from. Well, during the meal, we talked and I was able to learn some things about the environment in 15th-century Rome.

"Antonio, you should know that Rome is not quite as you would imagine. Here in Rome, what matters are the connections you make. If you hadn't met me, you would probably be somewhere in the city looking for shelter... I don't want to disappoint you, but that's the truth. Plus, the Pope would never have received you if you didn't come with someone like me, don't you think?"

"You're right, and thank you... I don't know what I would have done without you..."

"When you're with me, don't try that humility of an angel or other strange gestures you're accustomed to, okay? You could be misunderstood by the people here if you do..."

Hmm, so I finally learn important things about this world. It seems that it's not so much about who you are, but who you know. Very interesting. I do wonder why a former student of the Pope would talk to me and get so close to me...

"What's the next destination, Cesare?"

"I don't know... I think we'll pay a visit to the Pope after lunch."

"Wait, what? I just went to see him a few days ago. Why would we go again now?"

"I don't know... Maybe he'll enjoy our company."

After paying the bill and thanking the waiter for his service, we set off for the Pope.

Why is everyone so in love? Why am I so jealous of them? Why do I feel so alone when I'm not with Cesare? Maybe I'm starting to have feelings for him?

We finally arrived at the Pope's residence. This time, the Pope was in the midst of a conversation in the grand hall of the papal palace, discussing with some cardinals. I think this visit was not meant to exist... This time, the Pope was not dressed simply but wore the papal tiara and that very long cape, seated on a golden throne adorned with precious stones. Finally, he looks like a Pope... I think he looks better this way than in simplicity...

When the Pope noticed us, he gestured for us to approach. Knowing that I couldn't kiss his ring or perform any such gestures, I timidly approached the throne of the most important man in the world during that period. However, I wanted to at least bow before him. The Pope stepped down from his seat and embraced me, to the confusion and astonishment of those present... Not even the King of France had received such a reception, let alone bishops and others.

"Welcome, Antonio! Please, take a seat next to me... We were just discussing with the cardinals about the intellectual need we have. So, have you thought about my offer?" the Pope said in a gentle tone.

"T-To be honest, yes... But I'm not sure until the arrival of the cardinal... So please have a little patience with me."

"No problem. Between us, how is Cesare treating you?"

"Very well, he saved my life, and I'm indebted to him."

"Antonio, I think you're exaggerating about that. I don't think the Holy Father needs to hear about such minor matters," Cesare said.

"Well, Antonio... I was just thinking it would be best for you not to return to Wallachia. What do you say?"

"Well—"

"Holy Father, may I have the honor of speaking with you privately?" Cesare interrupted me.

"Sure... Antonio, can you leave for a moment? And Your Eminences as well."

Honestly, I'm curious about why Cesare wants to speak with the Pope privately, but it doesn't matter. To my surprise, the cardinals kissed the Pope's ring and made a gesture of reverence almost touching the ground. Why am I not allowed to do that?

In the hallway of the papal palace, the cardinals were talking among themselves about me, especially about my relationship with the Pope. It seems envy has already taken hold of them...

"Greetings, young man... Antonio, right?" one of them asked me.

"Y-Yes, that's me... I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are..."

"I am Cardinal Sylvester, the prefect of a congregation here..."

"I'm pleased to meet you... I hope that during my time here, I can enjoy your support."

"You already have the Pope's support, you don't need ours... I have a question... How did you come to meet Cesa—"

Suddenly, the door opened and Cesare appeared. After bidding farewell to the Cardinals, we left for home together.

Once we arrived home, I asked him about his conversation with the Pope, but he didn't answer... I guess it's better that way, though. Finally, I'm glad I was able to get to know this world and Cesare better... Wait, what?