Rover looked at her state and understood perfectly.
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he first handed her a glass of warm water, then had someone invite Coletta and Cantarella over.
Soon, Coletta and Cantarella arrived one after another.
Seeing the pale-faced Phoebe, Coletta recalled the misunderstanding on the ship. A trace of complex emotion flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by composed steadiness.
Cantarella, on the other hand, maintained her usual languid, show-watching demeanor, though a bit more calculation hid in the depths of her eyes.
Rover had Phoebe sit down. He stood before her, his golden eyes calm yet carrying an unquestionable power.
"Phoebe," his voice was deep and steady, as if it could anchor her chaotic mind. "Look at yourself right now, and then look at the state of those fighting for power and position."
"Do you think the Convent and the believers of Laguna would rather see a Supreme Priest like you, who cries in worry over being unable to fulfill her duties, or do they want to be led by someone who only has eyes for power, or a mind full of schemes?"
Hearing Rover's question, Phoebe froze for a moment, forgetting to cry.
"What you need to do is never to become a tactician or a politician," Rover continued. "What you need to do is become a symbol... a symbol of the Convent's repentance, a symbol of the original intention of service, and a symbol of breaking away from the darkness of the past."
"You don't need to scheme. You just need to stand there. Your existence itself is the greatest power."
Coletta stepped forward at the right moment, her tone pragmatic and clear: "Phoebe, you won't be alone. The Provisional Council, the Mortari family, and the Fesale family will all be your most solid backing."
"We will establish an Office of the Supreme Priest, staffed by experienced people to assist you with all affairs. You just need to maintain your true heart. When you need to make a judgment, remember Rover's expectations of you, and remember what true 'goodness' is for the people of Laguna."
Cantarella let out a soft chuckle, her voice carrying its unique magnetism: "Hehe, little Phoebe, this is a rare opportunity."
"Think about it. You can personally change the Convent that disappointed you, and sweep all those filthy things you despise straight into the trash can..."
"Of course, the prerequisite is that you first have to sit in the position where you can sweep the trash, no? We will help you hold the broom."
The words of the three people, like three different forces, poured into Phoebe's panicked heart.
Rover gave her faith and direction, Coletta gave her practical guarantees and solutions, and Cantarella used her own unique way to ignite the spark deep within her to rebel against the darkness.
She looked at the three most powerful and influential people in Laguna before her. The affirmation and support in their eyes were real.
Especially Rover—his gaze seemed to hold the power of an anchoring stone for her.
Phoebe took a deep breath and vigorously wiped away her tears.
Although her body was still trembling slightly, her eyes had changed.
She looked at Rover. Her voice was still choked with sobs, but it now held a touch of resolve: "I... I understand. If... if this is my duty, if this can truly help the Convent become better, I... I am willing to try. I will work hard... and not let down your expectations..."
Her acceptance was not out of a thirst for power, but out of absolute trust in Rover and an almost martyr-like sense of responsibility.
The news quickly spread back to the Convent.
While Antonio, Alex, and the others were still trying to network and organize a resistance, Rover personally appeared at the Convent headquarters.
He didn't say much. He merely walked calmly through the corridors, his golden eyes sweeping lightly over those priests harboring sinister designs.
He didn't release any power, but the oppressive aura belonging to the "Crown," along with the absolute might of the Mortari-Fesale alliance he represented behind him, sent chills down the spines of all opponents. It was as if they were being stared down by a slumbering dragon, completely unable to utter a single sound.
Ultimately, under absolute deterrence of strength and masterful political maneuvering, all waves of opposition were forcefully smoothed over.
At the Provisional Council meeting, the Mortari and Fesale families, along with the nominated Breno himself, cast their votes in favor. The proposal passed with an absolute majority of nine votes.
The appointments of Priest Breno and Cleric Phoebe were smoothly approved by the council in an atmosphere that was calm on the surface but surging with undercurrents beneath.
The supreme authority of Laguna thus completed its transition in an unexpected manner.
The atmosphere in the Firmament of Mercury Cathedral today was exceptionally solemn and bizarre.
Sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting colorful pillars of light, yet it could not illuminate the gloom or calculations in everyone's hearts.
A ceremony concerning the future of the Hidden Sea Convent, and even the power structure of Laguna, was about to be held here.
The choir's singing was ethereal as ever. The children's voices continued their past devotion, serving as a necessary background sound to kick off the inauguration ceremony of the new Prelate and Supreme Priest.
In the pews of the cathedral, the representatives of various factions were clearly divided.
Members of the Mortari and Fesale families sat in the very front row of the audience, their expressions solemn, carrying the posture of overseers.
The priests of the Convent had complex expressions; some were expressionless, some had flickering eyes, and some could not hide their resentment.
Priest Antonio sat among the crowd, his hands tightly gripping his robes until his knuckles turned white.
He squeezed words through his teeth to Priest Marco beside him, whose face was equally ugly: "Just watch, Marco... this farce definitely won't last long!"
"Letting a wet-behind-the-ears little girl ride on our heads? Mortari and Fesale are simply pushing people too far!"
Priest Marco nodded stiffly, his voice dry: "But right now... they hold the power. And they have the 'Crown' backing them..."
"Hmph! The 'Crown' can't stay in Laguna forever! We just have to endure for now," Antonio said resentfully.
On the other side, Priest Alex (the former Supreme Priest, who remained a Grand Priest after being dismissed by the council's resolution) appeared much calmer, even wearing a faint sneer on his lips.
A trusted aide beside him asked in a low voice, "My Lord, are we just going to let this go?"
Alex unhurriedly adjusted his cuffs, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible: "Let it go? What's the rush? Supreme Priest... Hehe, the higher the position, the harder the fall."
"That bunch of idiots led by Antonio delivered that pure, blank-slate little girl right to the 'Crown,' and as a result, he pushed her into this seat."
"In the future, won't that just be perfect... she'll become our 'rubber stamp.' Wait until she makes a mistake... Hmph, when that time comes, the situation might be even more advantageous to us."
A calculating, shrewd glint flashed through his eyes.
_____
+50 advanced chapters monthly on my patreon, join now and read...
Patreon.com/IndifferentVillain
Ur support keeps me motivated thanks in advance.
Chapter 290 is out on my patreon!!!!!
________