"Faol, I hope you will take on the role of Pope's Chamberlain. Are you willing?"
"Thank you for your high regard! I will certainly do my utmost!" Hearing that the Pope intended for him to serve as Pope's Chamberlain, Faol was overjoyed and agreed without hesitation, as if afraid the Pope would go back on his word.
Europeans do not like the custom of feigning humility and declining an offer multiple times. If one were to pretend to be humble and say something like, "I am of shallow talenel
.t and learning, and fear I cannot be equal to the task," it would be taken as a genuine refusal and an excuse. The other party would likely choose someone else directly, which would truly be like a cooked duck flying away.
Seeing Faol agree so readily, Augustus felt even more at ease.
"Then quickly pack up and move in as soon as possible. I still have some questions to ask you shortly."
Faol dared not delay. After responding, he immediately went to move. Seeing Faol transform from being apprehensive upon entering to now being full of ambition, Augustus couldn't help but recall a line of poetry: Laughing heartily, I stride out the door; how can we be mere commoners?
Knowing that the Pope still had questions for him, Faol naturally moved as quickly as possible; the moving process was completed in almost a single round trip.
Although the Pope's Chamberlain's residence was far less grand and luxurious than the Pope's apartment, it was equally well-equipped, spacious, and bright, lacking only some decorations and furnishings.
Looking at everything before him as if in a dream, and recalling all his past experiences, Faol felt a sense of being in another world.
He had no prominent family background, nor was he exceptionally gifted. He could only start as the most ordinary cleric, climbing step by step through unremitting effort, dedicating the best years of his life to the monastery, finally managing to secure a bishop's position with great difficulty.
However, in this society that valued background, no matter how hard he tried, he had made no progress in the years since becoming a bishop. In terms of ability, Faol believed he was no less capable than most Cardinals, but what did that matter? Ability, only when demonstrated, is ability. Taken to the grave, it will only be lost in the long river of history.
Now everything was different. Looking at everything before him, Faol instantly felt that all his previous efforts had been worthwhile! This new Pope initially befriended him because he valued his abilities, and he himself was also investing. Now it seemed, this time he had truly hit the jackpot.
The Pope was much younger than him. As long as he made no mistakes, the term of Pope's Chamberlain was virtually for life. What could be more exhilarating than that?
Because of the Pope's high regard, he was able to display his talents and shine while still relatively young. A scholar dies for his confidant. Faol had no way to repay him but to diligently fulfill his duties, both to repay the Pope's kindness and to achieve his lifelong ambition.
After settling into his residence, and considering various factors, the Pope's Chamberlain's residence was very close to the Pope's apartment. With a stirred heart, Faol once again arrived at the entrance of the Pope's apartment. The door was open. Seeing the Pope reading, Faol ritualistically knocked on the door.
"Your Holiness, I am Faol. May I come in?"
"Come in, Faol." Putting down the book in his hand, Augustus rose and went forward to greet him, "From now on, don't be so reserved in front of me. We are superior and subordinate, but also partners, aren't we?"
"Of course, but I believe necessary etiquette should still be observed. You mentioned earlier that you had questions for me. I rushed over as soon as I settled into my residence. Please ask whatever you wish; I will certainly tell you everything I know without reservation." Faol answered impeccably and tried to change the subject.
Augustus, feeling helpless, could only indulge him. Speaking of etiquette, this was precisely Augustus's problem. A Pope who was completely unaware of the etiquette concerning his own identity would surely encounter problems.
Previously, among the many Cardinals, he could barely muddle through and get by. Now as the unique Pope, it would not be so easy.
"Very well, I won't beat around the bush. I hope you can explain all the etiquette to me from beginning to end."
"Your Holiness, you're not joking, are you?!" These words looked too much like a joke. Faol thought that his attempt to change the subject had been seen through, and the Pope was teasing him.
"Of course not. Our identities are no longer what they once were, and our self-requirements for our words and actions must naturally be stricter. Virtue not matching one's position inevitably leads to disaster. Do you understand what I mean?
I am the Pope, and you are the Pope's Chamberlain. To a certain extent, you are my representative. We rise and fall together. I need to ensure that neither your actions nor mine have any flaws.
Etiquette is a very important part of this, so I hope you can explain it all from beginning to end, including yours and mine."
Augustus spoke nonsense with a straight face, even feigning profound meaning, almost convincing himself.
After hearing the Pope's words, Faol was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. The Pope had appointed him to such an important position as Pope's Chamberlain, and valued him so much, considering him and himself as one. He even considered the possibility of Faol making mistakes. How could he not be moved to tears of gratitude?
But this problem, in fact, would absolutely not occur, never! Having been elevated by the Pope to the position of Pope's Chamberlain, failing to share the Pope's worries would already be an unforgivable sin, so how could he possibly allow himself to become a burden to the Pope?
Faol secretly swore to always follow the Pope's lead throughout his life, proving to the Pope through his actions that his choice was not wrong, and that he was capable!
After dinner, Faol began to introduce the various forms of etiquette for both the Pope and himself. Considering that the Pope had previously disliked superficial formalities and generally preferred to omit them whenever possible, Faol was also very thoughtful in explaining which ones could be omitted and which were indispensable.
Augustus listened attentively to his introduction. Since these were all superficial things, remembering them was not too difficult. When he encountered something he didn't understand, Augustus immediately asked.
Faol also answered patiently one by one, not feeling overly surprised. After all, no one had been Pope before, and the new Pope was so young; it was reasonable that he wouldn't fully understand some things.
Regarding some seemingly foolish questions the Pope asked, Faol merely took them as small tests for himself. He answered seriously, not taking them to heart at all, and even felt a little smug. Little did he know, this Pope truly didn't know.
After listening to Faol explain all the etiquette, Augustus felt greatly enlightened. Faol explained it in great detail and specificity, and any areas that were not clear enough were clarified when Augustus asked. With what he had explained, Augustus would essentially make no more mistakes in his daily conduct.
After discussing etiquette, there was still plenty of time. Augustus and Faol began to chat about Faol's past. The Pope caring about him was clearly a good thing. Faol spoke at great length, and Augustus listened with keen interest, occasionally fabricating a story or two to share with him.
After a night of in-depth conversation, Faol's favorable impression of the Pope increased significantly.