Chapter IX: A New Period Begins

Well, something strange happened last night. Right after he made that statement, he started undressing, and even though I tried to stop him, eventually he did it. Honestly, I didn't mind what I saw, and I'm glad I can finally enjoy this sight... It resembles an uncultivated field, but perhaps in the future, who knows? Surprises are everywhere, right? I guess I shouldn't think such things, but he did say I'm his angel... He begged me not to leave him and to be with him... I think I'll stop him here eventually, and I think His Eminence needs a younger secretary. Hm, maybe I'll talk to the Pope and see if he agrees to make Antonio the cardinal's secretary. That's what I plan to do today, so I hope he agrees...

"Antonio, you know what I was thinking? Since it's Saturday today, how about we go for a walk in the city, would you like that?"

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

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

Antonio 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 beginnings, so sad and strange. I want to trust Cesare, I really do... But does he trust me, or is it just something carnal he feels? I really want to learn more about this world, about this century, without the subjectivity of modern historians... I really wish I could do something to be useful during this time...

After spending almost 30 minutes in the bath, I think I'd better get out. We need to leave for the city, right?

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

"I'm ready, just that we should make a plan for the route, don't you think?"

"I don't think so... I know Rome very well, and I think it's okay to start."

"O-Okay..."

It seems like it's going to be a long day with Cesare today. We started walking through Rome. Different people were walking down the street holding hands, some even holding each other in their arms. What's with that? Is it Valentine's Day or something and I don't know?

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

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

"I think so... Just that, don't you think it's weird for two men to walk together among so many couples?"

"Are you somehow jealous that they show their love? Do you want us to do the same?" Cesare asked with his lecherous look.

"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 guess... So, 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 fifteenth century... In our time, it looks much more degraded. It seems we've arrived. The Colosseum, as I thought, looks much better than it did in our time. The columns and the places where the gladiators entered and exited look magnificent. Also, 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've 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 said, dampening Cesare's mood.

"I know. Shall we pray, then?"

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

We started meditating on the things that happened here over a thousand years ago... How much suffering took place in this construction. However, I think it would be better to visit other places as well.

After that, we continued our walk through Rome. Different squares, different cathedrals, and cultural monuments that we looked at with admiration and respect.

As we walked, we encountered a person I wouldn't have thought to meet on that wonderful day.

"Oh, Father Cesare! Father Antonio!"

I don't think you realized who it was, but it was the cardinal's secretary in person... This guy almost killed me, and now he acts as if nothing happened. I instinctively hid behind Cesare. I know that as long as I'm with him, I shouldn't be afraid of anything, but still, I'm very afraid of this malevolent man.

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

"Let's go, please..."

"Excuse me? Father, aren't you happy about the meeting we're having now? I think you shouldn't forget that you're-"

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

"I think we should leave, Your Excellency... We're taking a walk through Rome, and we wouldn't want to disturb you. You know, maybe you have some things to take care of."

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

"Well then, good luck with your work!"

How good it is that he finally left. I can't tell Cesare right now what happened that night... I think I'll eventually tell the cardinal when he comes about these things. However, the cardinal is the one who's his boss, right?

"Cesare, I'm a little 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 right now."

"Let's go then."

Within 100 meters, Cesare showed me a pretty nice and, of course, very expensive restaurant. I really don't know what to say about this. I think I'll end up hungry until we get home.

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

"Do you really think I don't have money? I don't think I could 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 to this one here. Well, I guess it's my mistake for not specifying that. Now he'll think I'm some kind of important person, 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 rather nice gentleman came to our table to take our order. It seems Cesare is a loyal customer because the waiter asked Cesare what he wanted to eat, and he replied as usual...

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

"Antonio, what are you thinking about?" Cesare asked me, as if he were my Facebook page...

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

Wait, what? I think I'm starting to lose it from that night... It's true he saved me, but I don't know what to say... I think I should mentally and physically prepare myself for such a relationship, but I think something has changed...

"Are you insinuating something?"

"No, just that... Is it some kind of holiday today?"

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

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

"It's Valentine'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, after attending Mass together in the morning, have dates in the city center."

"I see... Out of all days... Why did you want us to go into town today?"

"Why? Because we're-"

"No... It's too soon... I feel some things for you, and maybe in the future... But, now it's too soon..." I interrupted Cesare.

"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 getting to know each other better."

Finally, the food arrived. Some typical Italian food that I've eaten before in the world I come from. Well, during the meal, we talked and I learned some things about the environment in Rome in the 15th century.

"Antonio, you should know that Rome isn't quite what you might think. Here in Rome, it's the connections you make that matter. If you hadn't met me, you'd probably be somewhere in the square 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 hadn't come with someone like me, don't you think?"

"You're right, and thank you... I really 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 used to, okay? You might be misunderstood by the people here if you do..."

Hm, so I'm finally learning important things about this world. It seems it doesn't really matter who you are, but who you know. Very interesting. I really 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? We just went a few days ago. Why would we go again now?"

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

After paying for the meal and thanking the waiter for his service, we headed towards 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 chambers. This time, the pope was in the midst of a conversation in the grand hall of the papal palace, discussing with some cardinals. I guess this visit wasn't meant to be... This time, the pope wasn't dressed simply anymore, but he had the papal tiara and that very long mantle, seated on a golden throne adorned with precious stones. Finally, he looks like a pope... I think he looks better this way than simply dressed...

When the pope noticed us, he gestured for us to approach. Knowing that I wasn't allowed to kiss his ring or any such gestures, I timidly approached the throne of the most important man in the world at that time. However, I wanted to at least bow before him. The pope got down from his chair and embraced me, to the bewilderment and amazement of those present... Not even the king of France had received such a welcome, let alone bishops and others.

"Welcome, Antonio! Please, have a seat beside 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-Truly, yes... But I'm not sure until the cardinal arrives... So, please be patient with me," I replied timidly.

"No problem. Just between us, how does Cesare treat you?"

"Very well, he even 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 that it would be good for you not to return to Wallachia, what do you say?"

"W-Well-"

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

"Of course... Antonio, could you leave for a moment? As well as Your Eminence."

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 to the ground. Why am I not allowed to do that?

In the corridor of the imperial palace, the cardinals were talking among themselves about me and, especially, about my relationship with the pope. It seems envy has already taken hold of them...

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

"Y-Yes, I am... I apologize, but I don't know who you are..."

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

"I'm glad to meet you... I hope to enjoy your support during my time here."

"You already have the pope's support, you don't need ours... But, 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 with Cesare.

Once home, I asked him about his discussion with the pope, but he didn't answer me... I guess it's for the best, though. Finally, I'm glad I got to know this world and Cesare better... Wait, what?