Vitto, a towering figure clad in gleaming ceremonial armor, knelt before the pontiff.
"Your Holiness," he said, his voice deep and unwavering, "I await your command."
Allegro III gestured for him to rise.
"Commander, the Pamir Emperor has been declared a heretic. You and your knights shall lead the expedition to deliver divine justice."
Vitto's face remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise.
"It will be done, Your Holiness. Do you have any specific instructions?"
The pontiff leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"You are to retrieve any artifacts or texts related to the emperor's longevity. Spare no effort. Bring them to me, and ensure they remain intact. This mission is as much about enlightenment as it is about justice."
Vitto nodded solemnly.
"As you command."
Allegro III's lips curled into a smile.
