One afternoon during the Christmas holiday, many people gathered at Lorenzo's residence.
These individuals were considered prominent figures throughout the Papal States. Most of them were officers from various existing units in the Papal States, including not only the original Field Army but also the City Defense Army, Border Army, Garrison Army, and other forces. Some were not military personnel but had intricate connections with these units, advocating for their relatives and friends.
Undoubtedly, the forces opposing military integration had already banded together. Although their reasons varied—some wanted to continue idling, some aimed to maintain their power and status, and some simply distrusted Duke, a foreigner—and their relationships were not always harmonious, this shared goal brought them together.
The largest and most dissatisfied group was the original Field Army. On one hand, they were already the most numerous; on the other hand, a force composed of Duke's new recruits and dozens of mercenaries dared to call themselves the Field Army. What did that make them? This was clearly a cuckoo usurping the magpie's nest.
Some of the visitors, whose stations were not in Rome, had traveled a long way back for this holiday. When it came to their vital interests, everyone was serious.
They sat down and deliberated, realizing that the combined influence of everyone present was far from enough. A joint petition, an act of insubordination, was unthinkable in the Papal States. Unless they genuinely led a rebellion, at most it would only cause the Pope some loss of face, having no substantial effect whatsoever.
Moreover, if the Pope held a grudge and remembered each one of them for a reckoning later, they would be helpless. No one present lacked a few charges against them.
A real rebellion would be even more absurd. Originally, they were not only officers but also nobles, enjoying high positions, generous salaries, and both fame and fortune. They were accustomed to a life of luxury. Why take such a risk for no reason?
Even if the military was integrated, it wouldn't fundamentally harm them; at most, they would endure some hardship, a decrease in status, and a loss of benefits. If a rebellion failed, they would be ruined, and their families would suffer.
Their subordinates could wave flags and shout to boost morale, but asking them to risk their lives would be difficult, as most had families. To be precise, these officers themselves were more afraid of death than the soldiers below them.
There was no chance of victory in a rebellion either. Even if they could coax all their subordinates into the fight, the battle couldn't be won. Their combined forces would at most be a few thousand, while the Pope had over twenty-five thousand troops stationed right outside Rome.
Although they were all new recruits, they were well-equipped. Their own men were not necessarily much stronger than the new recruits; they might not even win with equal numbers, let alone a five-fold numerical disadvantage.
Realizing their insufficient weight, and with the Christmas holiday at hand, everyone used the opportunity of visiting relatives and friends to try and drag them into the situation. Even if they couldn't be directly involved, they tried to ensure more people remained neutral to prevent them from becoming obstacles.
Some even leveraged their intricate network of relatives and friends to connect with officers of the new army, enthusiastically introducing the army as experienced veterans, while subtly including some personal agendas.
As the Military Minister, Lorenzo had long dealt with the military, had extensive connections within the army, and held a sufficiently high position. He naturally became the primary target for the officers opposing military integration, who arranged a time to visit him together.
Seeking help from others, and being generous individuals, gifts were naturally abundant: precious paintings, antique collections, imported teas, and local specialties from various regions, such as gold from Romagna, silver from Ancona, and gems from Ferrara. Anything could be a specialty if one wished to present it. If the items weren't grand enough, then quantity would lead to a qualitative change.
Lorenzo, deep down, certainly did not wish for integration. However, he had not explicitly opposed it to the Pope initially and had taken on the task of implementing conscription, keeping him incredibly busy. He had already given up on the idea of preventing military integration.
But the simultaneous visit of so many people made Lorenzo waver again. If he could continue to hold these forces in his hands, it would of course be better from all perspectives, but how easy was that?
"Lord Lorenzo, we heard that the Pope not only easily appointed two foreigners to command our Papal States' army but also intends to let them integrate us, completely handing over the Papal States' military power to two foreigners. What is your stance?" A military officer, who had grown as round as a ball, emitted a cunning glint from his eyes that was utterly inconsistent with his physique.
"His Holiness the Pope has his reasons for doing so. I do whatever the Pope tells me to do, and what he doesn't allow, I cannot do. The Pope entrusted me with the important task of implementing conscription; perhaps he just fears I'll be distracted," Lorenzo tried hard to state his position, but his words, once spoken, were not so firm.
"But we feel this is too unfair to you. You have dedicated yourself to the Papal States, yet you are unfairly suppressed and ostracized. There must be treacherous individuals at work around His Holiness the Pope," another young noble officer complained.
"Everything is for the Catholic Church. My personal grievances are nothing, as long as the Papal States can be greater!" Lorenzo declared passionately.
"Must the greatness of the Papal States necessarily be achieved by foreigners?" The fat officer said with dissatisfaction.
"Exactly! The future of the Papal States must be in our own hands, not handed over to two foreigners!"
"So, given the situation, what do you intend to do?" Lorenzo asked tentatively. What moved Lorenzo, of course, were not these grand reasons, but the uncontrollable greed in his heart.
"We must prevent the Pope from integrating the military and preserve a pure land for the Papal States' army!" After much circumlocution, the visitors finally got to the point.
"The Pope only mentioned military integration once before the conscription began, and has not brought it up again since. Could it be that he proposed it in a moment of impulse and, after weighing the pros and cons, no longer intends to integrate the military?"
"Let's hope so. Otherwise, we will certainly let him know our power! Without our support, he is nothing!" The young man said, waving his small fist.
"Silence! You are nothing! If you want to die, don't drag all of us down with you!" A middle-aged man quickly reprimanded, "The Pope is a man chosen by God. We are helping the Pope make the right decision."
"The first thing we need to do is to find out what the Pope is truly thinking now. If he no longer plans to integrate the military, that's for the best. If the Pope insists on going his own way, we'll know early and can prepare accordingly," another person analyzed calmly.
At these words, everyone immediately turned their gaze to Lorenzo.
"I can help you with finding out the Pope's thoughts, but this does not mean I will necessarily support your actions. All your actions are unrelated to me. As for what to do specifically, I will decide based on the circumstances. Do you all understand?" Before things even started, Lorenzo preemptively distanced himself. Who knew if any of the many people who came had already been bought by the Pope?