Chapter 316 - 234: The Powerful Uncle Odo

He looked incredibly pleased with himself, as if showing off his astounding achievements.

Robert then held out a fist and bumped it with Arno’s. Clearly, he was enjoying himself, relishing Arno’s "compliment."

"You have far-sighted counsel, and I have ears that are good at listening. What is there that we cannot solve?

I can’t imagine how much fun the Royal Court would lose without you. I pray that God always keeps you by my side.

My dedicated Municipal Official, my just Sheriff, my dear cousin, Arno."

Robert let out a shout, tossed his cloak aside, and slung an arm around Arno, breaking into song.

"Come, girls! Come, maids!

Let’s toast to sin!

Let’s cheer for the Devil, and let evil deeds prevail!

We’ll dance on the tables, we’ll piss on the walls,

In the company of scoundrels and vulgar shouts..."

Then Belem joined their group, singing along.

They looked like three idiots.

This did, however, bring Eric a sense of relief. It seemed Robert wasn’t particularly concerned about the "Kingmaker" rumors. Or perhaps, he wasn’t concerned about anything at all.

Robert then grabbed a piece of bread from the table and started gnawing on it.

"So, what do you plan to discuss at the Royal Court meeting tonight?" Eric asked.

"Like, what’s for dinner? I’m thinking some honey cake. That godforsaken place Scotland has nothing. I do like redheads, though," Robert said with a frown, feigning seriousness.

"And we’ll call for all the prostitutes in Gloucester! Oh yeah! We’ll fuck our brains out! I can go all night long!" Arno shadowboxed, as if he was already prepared for battle.

"Didn’t Belem tell you about the Holy See’s decision?" Eric asked, picking up the cloak and draping it over the head of the troublemaking Arno.

"I know, I know. I knew before Belem even got back. The Emperor submitted to the Pope and promised to launch a Holy War against the Heretics in the East to reclaim the Holy City of Jerusalem. News travels fast. After the Emperor returned to Aachen, he used the Holy War as a pretext to make peace with the Saxons and began mobilizing for war.

The Nobility and the priests mostly know already. Some have already left England for the East.

The common folk don’t know much yet. I’m deliberately controlling the spread of information.

England has already endured too many wars. The situation isn’t good anywhere, and the north is half-empty. The kingdom needs to rest.

The King of Scotland and I have an agreement to head to the East together when the time is right.

You don’t think I’ve just been playing around while you were away, do you?" Robert said, looking at Eric with a smile.

"Alright, my apologies. However, the Holy See also agrees that while the Nobility should participate in the war, those with no combat experience should stay behind to pray for the crusaders, or pay taxes and make donations," Eric said with a shrug.

"Indeed. That’s why I’m waiting for the funds being raised by the Holy See. He should be more than happy to set aside the most generous portion for me. Of course, there’s another reason I’m controlling the flow of information, besides England needing to rest." Robert sat down in a chair.

"The Kingdom will have an heir. God has answered the Queen’s prayers. This is cause for celebration. It will ensure Rufus never ascends to the throne," Arno said.

"My congratulations, Your Majesty," Eric said.

Eric then gestured to Belem, signaling for him to get Arno out of the room.

"Ah, Arno, I have something I need to talk to you about." Belem immediately slung an arm around Arno and began pushing him toward the door.

"Hey, I’m not even dressed yet!"

"Just think of it as a way of showing off."

"But I’m cold, you bastard!"

Once Eric confirmed the two had left, he looked at Robert and brought up the matter of his lands in the Cornwall Region. They had been donated to the Church by the King’s uncle, Robert, the Earl of Cornwall, and the Church was refusing to return them.

"That is indeed a troublesome matter. We just made a show of goodwill to the Holy See, and besides, that land actually belonged to the Church in the first place. My uncle took it by force.

The Church in Cornwall must feel like what was theirs has simply been returned." Robert spread his hands.