A Guide to Becoming a God Starting from a Monastery

"You mean to say that the Knights unearthed some ancient treasure?"

"It could be a tomb!" Aubini said excitedly. "It looks like we'll find something quite good!"

The tomb of an ancient king? That's possible.

"So the Knights got this..." he said softly.

Ancient coins are still money, and with so much gold and silver... the Knights' tight finances should be greatly improved.

"Father, I think it's necessary to further signal goodwill to the Knights," said Aubigny. "And considering that little Balbo is also a member of the Knights, we have a natural advantage in this regard."

Things are changing rapidly in the Mediterranean right now.

The two most important things right now are: first, the conflict between the new Pope and the Knights Templar has become public, and second, the chaos on the island of Cyprus.

The Crescent Moon sect is working to further infiltrate the island of Cyprus.

This island is not a county like Rhodes; it's quite large. Although it was once occupied by the Crusaders and a kingdom was established, it was unfortunately weak from the beginning and had to compromise with the vast number of Crescent Moon believers.

However, with the entanglement of various forces, especially the issue of intermarriage, it eventually became a very chaotic situation.

Christians and Crescent Moon believers were mixed in, and the various forces maintained a situation of fighting but not breaking up, making Cyprus the eye of the typhoon in the vortex of this holy war between the two religions.

Despite being close to the main battlefield in the Holy Land, it surprisingly became a neutral party. All parties had a tacit understanding to only engage in cold war, hot war, and espionage warfare in Cyprus, but not in actual war.

Both sides have concerns.

The Crescent Moon Cult feared the Christians' naval superiority.

Christians are wary of the population advantage of the Cypriot Crescentians.

But now, the Crescent Moon Cult has launched another wave of infiltration, and a large part of the Vatican's attention has shifted to Cyprus.

"You're right..." Governor Balbo weighed the pros and cons in his mind. "The Turks have made peace with the Knights Templar and are temporarily withdrawing. This gives the Vatican ample resources to support the Holy Land. The Five Knights of Christ are a potential threat to any nation, making them hesitant to act rashly... Not to mention that Thomas once reinforced the Knights Templar with two artifacts..."

"Similarly, the Holy Land's army has been at a disadvantage for a long time and urgently needs a respite. The Byzantines have yet to recover from their previous defeat... The rift between the Pope and Grand Master Thomas has left the Knights of Rhodes Island unable to do anything else..."

With the insight of a politician, he saw that in the short term, both the Star-Crescent believers and the Christians would tend to maintain peace.

Even if there are religious fanatics within, the focus will be on Cyprus.

Chapter 384 Homecoming 1

Of course, this trend is short-lived and is bound to be broken.

Throughout history, the war between the Crescent Moon Cultists and the Christians was the mainstream, and the battle would not end until one side completely surrendered.

At the very least, the ownership of the holy land must be determined.

But wars are never fought from beginning to end, especially a war between one religion and another. Both sides have huge potential for war, and the outcome cannot be determined in a short time.

There would be intervals between wars for both sides to rest and recuperate. When the time was up and both sides had finished recuperating, the next round of war would begin.

But in concrete terms, this period of peace will probably not be too short.

One or two years shouldn't be a problem.

The probability of three to five years is extremely high... Not to mention three to five years, even ten to eight years is very likely.

Although Governor Balbo was certain that the war would break out again during his lifetime, this did not affect the brief peace at present.

"In that case, let's wait a little longer for intelligence from Rome! If I'm not mistaken, detailed intelligence from Rome will be available in the next few days. Go to the Governor's Palace and keep an eye on it for me. Send me any intelligence immediately." He paused. "Also, since you've met the Grand Commander this time... is there anything he wants you to bring back?"

"The Grand Master wishes to make further contact. He will send a special envoy with full powers to Venice... and little Balboa will also come back with him."

"You agreed?"

"I have no reason not to agree."

Governor Balbo smiled. Although his eldest son could not be said to be stupid, he was far from being skilled.

Thomas made a small calculation.

"You know, if Thomas's envoys enter Venice openly..." he said, "it would be tantamount to declaring the Pope's plan completely bankrupt."

The most satisfying thing is to eat the plaintiff and the defendant, and to have the best of both worlds. After Thomas did this, Venice's position was exposed.

It's like taking sides.

If the other three countries heard this news, they would probably completely abandon their war plans, which might not have existed in the first place.

Although Governor Balbo no longer believed that they would make an effort to attack the Knights, Thomas did use this method to trick the Venetians a little.

Otherwise, there is still a glimmer of hope on the Pope's side.

But once the Knights' envoys entered Venice...

Then this last glimmer of hope would be shattered.

It's like using the tiger's skin to scare people.

"Ah... Is that so... But... the impact shouldn't be that big, right?"

"My son, benefits and prestige are always accumulated bit by bit." Governor Balbo sighed.

"What if my brother comes back?"

"We need to organize a public welcoming ceremony!" Governor Balbo made up his mind. Since this was the case, he decided to proceed with it. "We need to let everyone in Venice know that our family now has a protector!"

For several years now, Governor Balbo has been accustomed to working from his own private estate.

But many things, especially news from various places, will be sent to the Governor's Mansion according to the old custom.

"Just go to the Governor's Mansion and wait for news from both sides."

The war of swords and horses is over, and now we need the war of paper, pen and messengers.

Governor Balbo's premonition was correct.

Within a few days, the news that the Knights Templar's envoys were coming to Venice had spread.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that the alliance organized by the Pope was completely destroyed.

It can be said that it collapsed without being attacked.

Outside the city of Venice in the morning, next to the Doge's estate.

Flags were waving and gongs and drums were beating.

No matter whether they were high-ranking officials or common people, everyone in the city rushed out of the city to see the bravest warrior in Venice.

That’s right, little Balbo was once called “the bravest warrior of Venice”, and that was definitely a private name.

But now, this name seems to have become justified.

Although in theory, Balboa returned to Venice this time as the "envoy's guard".

But in fact, he is the real protagonist this time.

Those who attended the welcoming ceremony did not come to see an insignificant diplomatic envoy, but wanted to see what a protector of the country looked like.

Outside the Governor's private estate, civilians gathered, creating a massive crowd. Countless eyes were fixed on little Balbo, who was riding a steed and wearing ornate ceremonial armor.

Although little Balboa was a Venetian, he often accompanied his father, participated in more than one ceremony and ritual, and faced the gaze of countless people.

But this is the first time I’ve played the leading role.

Little Balbo did not feel embarrassed. On the contrary, immersed in the gazes of the crowd, he felt light and airy.

Yes, little Balbo is not the kind of person who would feel shy or embarrassed when being the center of attention.

On the contrary, like the vast majority of hopeless, vulgar, and vain people, he will feel joy from the bottom of his heart by swallowing the praise of those who admire him, digesting the jealousy of those who are incompetent, and enjoying the gaze of thousands of people.

In the past, he was constantly aggressive and aggressive, challenging others, partly because of his desire to become stronger, and partly because he wanted to enjoy the attention of everyone.

He was born into the highest nobility, rich, living in the finest house, eating the finest food, wearing the most expensive clothes, and receiving the best education. But this wasn't enough. Only when he was truly superior to others, standing in the arena as an undeniable victor, feeling the gazes from all sides, could he feel fulfilled.

Little Balbo not only did not feel uncomfortable, but his body felt light because his vulgar and vain dream was satisfied.

His father, mother, brothers and sisters, all dressed in their most gorgeous clothes, welcomed his return at the gate of the manor, along with a group of dignitaries in the city.

If the eyes of the common people were filled with curiosity, joy and amazement, and the faces of his parents and brothers were filled with pride and pride, then one could sense a hint of malice on the faces of these nobles.

In other words, when little Balbo dismounted at the manor gate and walked all the way into the house, the undisguised malice was like a flock of peeping crows, nailing him tightly.

The nobles in the city are all very clear about what will happen if little Balbo becomes the Protector of the National Assembly... Too many people do not want to see this happen.

This means that the family's position in Venice will be greatly consolidated.

The next generation, or the next generation, or even the next generation, has a great chance of vying for the most glorious throne of the Republic.

Fortunately, little Balbo joined the Knights Templar and became a monk.

As long as he doesn't come back...that's fine.

However, little Balbo had long been accustomed to this kind of look.

Whenever he defeated an opponent with an undeniable attitude, he could always see this kind of glaring look from the surrounding onlookers. The owner of this look was usually accompanied by timid and dodging movements, reminiscent of a mouse.

Now it seems that the rats in the noble mansions are no different from the rats in the streets.

Chapter 385 Homecoming 2

According to the customs and etiquette among the nobles.

The first day is definitely not to sit in the conference room to start negotiations, but to have a dinner, a dance, or even a hunting party.

Of course, this is the treatment for official envoys.

The envoy's entourage and guards usually do not have this qualification.

Little Balbo was of course very familiar with the situation on his estate - he had been away from here for just over a year.

A year or so was too short a time for his family to change. Even his own room remained unchanged, just as it had been when he left.

The servants in the house would clean the house every day, as if the young master was just going on a long journey.

Little Balbo returned to his room naturally and lay down comfortably on the bed.

The feeling of being the center of attention and having countless eyes focused on me is still there.

It was a wonderful feeling that made one feel lighter.

When you are looked at like this by others, you will understand that all your past efforts are worth it!

He has never been the center of attention, after all, he often accompanies his father to participate in large-scale events.

When everyone looks at his father, they will naturally pay some attention to him.

But in that kind of gaze, there was less envy and admiration, but more contempt and disdain. There was even quite a bit of pity!

Pity him for having been born into a good family, yet his fate was to be a playboy! Pity the Governor for giving birth to such a son who was destined to be a hindrance and cause trouble.

No one thinks highly of him.

He certainly wouldn't say it, but the look in his eyes couldn't hide it from anyone.

It was different from the way he looked around at the eyes that were amazed at his martial arts after he won the battle.

But today is completely different.

Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside, and before little Balbo could react, the door was pushed open.

The person outside the door was none other than his father.

Came here alone.

"Father!" Little Balbo sat up and faced his father.

The governor had a strange look in his eyes. He looked up and down, left and right, carefully at his son who had been away from home for more than a year.

Little Balbo was stunned by his father's strange expression and didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Have you become the Protector of the Nation?" After a long time, the Governor finally spoke.

Although he had heard this story from countless people, he still wanted to confirm it from his son.

"Yeah." Little Balbo nodded.

"Did you find an opportunity for a breakthrough on the battlefield?" the governor asked again.

"Yes." Little Balbo answered.

He had indeed found an opportunity for a breakthrough on the battlefield—although he ultimately chose not that path, but a safer and faster one. But this statement itself was true, not a lie.