Editing Robert II of France (section)

====Gerbert and Ascelin: two figures of disloyalty====
When his master Adalbero of Reims died, Gerbert of Aurillac was obliged to follow the intrigues of the new archbishop Arnoul, determined to deliver Reims to Charles of Lorraine. Although the documentation is very incomplete on this subject, it seems that the scholar subsequently changed his positions to become Charles's supporter:

{{blockquote|author=Gerbert of Aurillac, ''Letters'', 990.{{sfn|Theis|1999|p=65}}|"Lothair ''Augustus''{{'}}s brother, heir to the throne, was expelled from it. His competitors, [Hugh Capet and Robert II], many people think, received the interim of the reign. By what right has the legitimate heir been disinherited?."}}

A doubt in legitimacy was thus settled on the reign of both Hugh Capet and Robert II. However Gerbert, seeing the situation change to the detriment of Charles of Lorraine, changed sides during the year 991. Having become Archbishop of Reims by the grace of Robert II, he testified:

{{blockquote|author=Gerbert of Aurillac, ''Letters'', 991.{{sfn|Theis|1999|p=74}}|"With the consent of the two princes, Lord Hugh ''Augustus'' and the excellent King Robert [Hugh Capet and Robert II]."}}

As for Ascelin, Bishop of Laon, after having served the crown by betraying Charles and Arnoul, he soon turned against the Capetians. In the spring of 993, he allied with Count [[Odo I, Count of Blois|Odo I of Blois]] to plan the capture of Hugh Capet and Robert II, in agreement with Emperor Otto III. If they succeeded, [[Louis of Lower Lorraine|Louis]] (the son of Charles of Lorraine) would become King of the Franks, Odo I Duke of the Franks, and Ascelin Bishop of Reims. However, the plot was denounced and Ascelin was placed under house arrest.{{sfn|Theis|1999|p=76}}