April 1, Holy Seat City.
"How is Grandiva? Still in the Falan Royal Capital?" The weak voice of the old pope echoed in the opulently adorned golden room.
"I heard he's met a new lover. He's in the middle of a passionate affair and is unwilling to leave."
"Scoundrel! Unrestrained devil of lust! Libertine!" The pope gasped for breath as he cursed.
Xie Li stood silently by the side, saying nothing.
"Is there any more wine?"
Seemingly exhausted from cursing, Johnny VIII's eyelids drooped repeatedly, and his voice sounded like he was talking in his sleep.
Xie Li shook his head: "The last barrel of wine has been finished; it doesn't keep for long.
The situation in the Thousand River Valley being what it is, the next batch of new wine will probably have to wait until winter."
Blinking forcefully, Johnny VIII shook off his drowsiness: "Very well, then bring over the wine from the Blood and Flesh Royal Court."
Xie Li stood up straight, not immediately executing Johnny VIII's order.
