Leaving behind the carriages, supplies, the main army, and the even more cumbersome prisoners, a dozen or so individuals took a shortcut on horseback, significantly increasing their speed. It only took them half a day, and they arrived back in Rome at dawn the next day.
Having already endured a long journey and a battle, followed by a night of fast travel, Augustus and his group were exhausted.
Upon reaching Janiculum Hill outside Rome, Augustus raised his hand as a signal, and the group stopped.
From the high vantage point, the entire city of Rome was visible, undoubtedly an excellent viewing spot, but Augustus was clearly not there for the scenery.
Although it was still early, diligent people, or rather, people forced to be diligent by life, had already begun their day's labor. The city gates were wide open, with people moving in and out, and soldiers guarded both the gates and the city walls.
Everything seemed as usual, with no apparent differences, even evoking a sense of familiarity in Augustus. However, Augustus dared not lower his guard, still meticulously surveying every inch of land.
Dracula was not idle either, also carefully searching every corner of Rome, attempting to find any trace of unusual activity.
After a long while, both men still found nothing. Dracula then spoke, "Pope, Rome seems to be as usual. What should we do now? Should we go in directly? That seems too dangerous. Should I take some men in first to scout the situation? Inform Faol and ensure everything is ready before having someone welcome you."
Augustus was asking himself the same questions. Although the situation was special, he felt like a startled bird, waiting outside his own territory and sending people in first. It seemed undignified. Calling people out to welcome him also felt very strange.
Moreover, Dracula and the guard soldiers were dressed in a way that was too conspicuous. To say they were scouting was essentially sending them into danger while he hid in the dark. If something really went wrong, would he really abandon them and run away? This was certainly not an option; Augustus would rather take a risk than have such a thing happen.
Augustus recognized some of the guards at the city gate, but only vaguely. And Augustus seemed to recognize almost everyone, having never exchanged more than a few words with them, so trust was out of the question.
Trust? This word lingered in Augustus's mind. Thinking carefully, in the year since he became Pope, who could he truly trust?
Dracula beside him could be counted as one; he was truly willing to lay down his life and protect him. As for the most trusted, that would naturally be Faol. If there were no accidents, Faol would also be in charge of the Papal States' affairs.
Now, everything would be clear as soon as he met Faol. However, if something had indeed gone wrong, once he appeared at the city gate, it was unlikely he would leave alive.
Turning false into true, and true into false, performing a trick of mixing the genuine with the fake, and distinguishing the true from the false—Augustus had seen many such operations and did not want to be the next victim.
Who else? Suddenly, a thought struck Augustus. That's right! Karl and Duke! He had given them everything, and they depended on him for everything. How could he have forgotten them? They were also outside the city, perfect.
Given the intensity of his military reforms and the degree of his control, even if something happened within the Papal States in his absence, it would be difficult for anyone to do anything to them or quickly gain control of the army in a short time. Only three or four days had passed since Faol last wrote to him. To completely deal with them and their subordinates in such a short time was simply a fantasy.
As long as he found one of them, asked about the situation, and found a reason to have him bring some men back with him, wouldn't all problems be solved?
"No, we'll go see Karl," Augustus remembered Karl was closer to here. "I haven't seen him in a long time, and I miss him a bit. Besides, I have some matters to entrust to him soon, so I'll bring him back with me."
Dracula was first surprised, then understood. "Good idea!"
"Pope, you're here! Welcome, Pope, for your inspection!" The camp guard on duty today had seen the Pope a few times and had a deep impression, recognizing him from afar.
"Good! Where is your general? Take me to him." Seeing a familiar face and getting this reaction, Augustus felt relieved. Karl's side was definitely fine.
"Alright, the general is in his tent. I'll take you there now."
Augustus personally pushed aside the tent flap and saw Karl directly opposite him.
"Karl, long time no see!"
"Pope!" Seeing Augustus, Karl was also exceptionally surprised. "When did you return? You didn't say anything, I would have come to welcome you."
"I just returned. I came to see you on the way. I also have important matters to discuss, so I'll have to trouble you to come back with me."
Augustus said directly.
"No trouble at all. I'll just pack a few things and return with you," Karl replied.
Augustus glanced at the maps covered in scribbles on Karl's table and asked curiously, "What were you doing just now?"
"Oh, there's been further development in the war on the Hungary front. The ongoing war is very valuable for our reference. I was studying it and made some new discoveries. Whatever your final decision, we should make the necessary preparations," Karl explained.
Augustus nodded in approval. What Karl said was true, but Augustus also knew that Karl's preoccupation with that battlefield was also genuine.
"By the way, have there been any unusual activities in Rome recently?"
"What?" Karl felt a bit confused. "Unusual activities? No, everything is as usual. I haven't noticed anything. Why do you ask? Did something happen?"
"I was ambushed on my way back. I suspect the mastermind is someone from within our ranks, and I was worried their plan went further than that. It seems I was overthinking it."
"What? Ambush?" Karl's eyes widened in surprise. "Who would be so audacious?"
Augustus waved his hand. "A bunch of desperate individuals who value money over their lives. We still don't know who the mastermind is, and we need to investigate as soon as possible. That's also why we left the carriages and the main force to rush back."
"Alright, then let's not delay. We should head back quickly. Is there anything else I need to bring?"
Augustus thought for a moment, then asked, "The Rome city guards are part of your National Defense Force's structure. How is their integration going? Can they be relied upon?"
"No problem at all, absolutely reliable. The defense of the capital is of utmost importance, and I have entrusted it to the most dependable people."
"Good. Then, just bring one more regiment; that regiment will remain in the capital for the foreseeable future. Better safe than sorry. It will also help us respond in time if anyone acts desperately."
"I'll go gather a regiment now and send someone to Rome to inform Faol, so he can prepare. What do you think?"
"Good, let's do that. That way, it will be foolproof and reasonable," Augustus agreed.