Once the integration time was confirmed, the news spread quickly; even before the official notices reached the relevant personnel, those who should know and those who shouldn't already knew.
Of course, the Rome Newspaper wouldn't miss reporting on such a major event within the Papal States. Augustus was very supportive of this, providing a lot of key information through Faol and subtly guiding the narrative.
In addition to the information received directly from Augustus, Katerina also sent people to gather news through interviews and other methods to ensure the truthfulness of the reports, and the information obtained was largely consistent.
This was not surprising; even in front of their relatives and friends, these people might not speak their true thoughts, let alone when facing the news media, especially one clearly connected to the Pope.
Based on the acquired news material, combined with reasonable analysis and inference, supplemented by a small amount of commentary, and finally elevating the theme, a news report was quickly completed.
The names on that list, without exception, all appeared in the newspaper. They were represented by Lorenzo, transforming into the main figures jointly promoting the integration. Lorenzo, the Military Minister, finalizing the integration start time was especially emphasized and deeply analyzed. The news pointed out that this was a signal…
Katerina had a clear conscience about this news report, which she had written herself, having strived for objectivity and fairness based on the information collected.
Even if there were falsehoods, it was an issue with the source of information; if officials intentionally concealed things, it was beyond her control, otherwise, she should be doing intelligence work.
Clarifying the true thoughts of officials, even with the Pope's help, was impossible in a short time. Delaying would make the news lose its timeliness, rendering it worthless. Moreover, the current situation was clear: Augustus did not intend to dwell on this matter.
Katerina desired for more people to understand the facts and get closer to the truth. She also understood that the Pope's motives were not so simple, but only through cooperation could she maximize her own role. The Rome Newspaper, under her control, was developing in the direction she hoped for. Furthermore, up to now, Katerina did not feel that the Pope's goal was wrong; it was merely to build momentum for the integration.
As the Rome Newspaper published more and more news, many people who were originally skeptical increasingly felt that the Rome Newspaper was controlled by the Pope.
This was unexceptionable; Augustus was not the first and certainly not the last to do so. There was no rule stating that the Pope could not interfere with public opinion, and even if there were, Augustus could change it if he wished. It was not wise to discuss rules with the rule-maker.
However, it was still speculation; without evidence, one could talk freely. The Papal States were quite lenient in this regard, mainly because they couldn't control it. If one could truly produce evidence, then one would have to be more careful.
As soon as the news was released, the spectators were delighted, having new topics for discussion. There are always many people who enjoy discussing politics, regardless of the era or location. Entertainment activities were not as abundant back then, nor were they as high-risk, so everyone naturally spoke freely, and for a time, there were various opinions.
Some said that Lorenzo and his ilk were cowards, some said that the Pope and Lorenzo had reached a secret compromise, and others said that the real show was yet to come…
The spectators chatted animatedly after their meals, and everyone was happy. However, those whose names appeared in the newspaper could not be happy.
Seeing the content of the newspaper, their expressions were vivid, and their feelings were complex. They already knew that the integration time had been confirmed; Lorenzo had sent people to inform them.
But they never expected that they would become key figures jointly promoting the integration, which undoubtedly pushed them into the spotlight, and they were even represented by Lorenzo without knowing anything.
Lorenzo was even more depressed; although he had spoken a few words for them, how did he end up representing them? Lorenzo's first thought was: unscrupulous media, fabricating out of thin air. Then he remembered that this should be the Pope's intention. What exactly did the Pope want to do? Next, Lorenzo had to think about what he should do; he couldn't clear his name, and the more he tried, the worse it would look.
It wasn't just Lorenzo; those on the newspaper who were named as "jointly promoting the integration" were suspected by their other comrades of being outwardly rebellious but inwardly loyal. On the surface, everyone was together opposing the integration, but in reality, they had already secretly colluded with the Pope, and some even prepared to sell out their comrades for merit.
The people on the list were among those with higher status and position who opposed the integration. If they were all bribed by the Pope, then what was the point of those below them making a fuss? Many who were originally firm in their opposition to the integration joined the ranks of those watching and waiting.
And the leakage of the list greatly deepened the long-standing suspicions among them, and of course, some were directed at Lorenzo.
When these people sat together again, more than half of them were gone, and Lorenzo was not invited. Those who did not attend were doing so both for self-preservation and to avoid suspicion, knowing that an insider would certainly not miss any gathering. Some also felt there was no chance of winning and no longer wanted to play.
"What does the Pope mean by this! How dare he say that we are jointly promoting the integration!" a young man roared, flailing his arms.
"Bribery? Or threat? Or kidnapping? Does it matter?" an old man replied leisurely.
"Then we'll stand up and oppose him! We'll undermine him!" the young man said angrily.
"You are welcome to try."
The young man was about to say, "I'll try," but then held it back. No one here was embracing a suicidal mindset, including himself. The Pope had given him enough face; if he were to contradict the Pope and make him lose face, then the Pope would only…
To fight the Pope to the death, even if everyone here worked together, there would be no chance of winning, let alone when they were not even united.
The young man deflated, asking helplessly, "Then what do you say we do? If this continues, we have no chance of winning."
"Do you think we had a chance to begin with?"
"What do you mean? If there's no chance, then why are you here?" The young man's anger, which had just been doused by a bucket of cold water, reignited.
"Are you here to persuade us to mend our ways? There's no need for that," a middle-aged man sneered.
"It's all Lorenzo's fault, that traitor! We had a chance with him!" The young man still refused to give up.
"Don't say that; Lord Lorenzo also considered the bigger picture."
"What bigger picture? I think he's just a coward," the young man said, appearing very agitated.
"Fear of death is human nature. Moreover, Lord Lorenzo pushing the integration forward means Duke is not yet ready, which is advantageous for us. If we cannot succeed now, then it will be even more impossible later," the middle-aged man's temperament was much more stable.
"Those are just his excuses. Ultimately, he hasn't helped us at all; instead, he dragged us into promoting the Pope! Maybe he's the one who betrayed us!"
"Perhaps he also believes we have no chance of success. As long as we do something, he and many others will stand with us."
"Doesn't that just mean telling us that as long as we achieve victory, many allies will come to help us share the spoils? So the current situation is that we risk our lives, and he reaps the benefits?"
"Actually, I don't think integration is so bad," the middle-aged man said, shrugging.
Everyone fell silent. If they were willing to risk their lives, who would still care about integration? Dying on the battlefield was far more glorious than dying at the hands of their own people.
"To accomplish great things but cherish one's life, to see small gains and forget righteousness." This phrase couldn't be more fitting to describe this group of people.