Chapter 35: Revolution Era - The Proof of Faith
A week later, the Archbishop arrived at the Duchy with a considerable
entourage of attendants and knights.
“I, Pierre de Lafayette, the Duke of Lafayette, welcome the esteemed guests
from the Holy Church. Thank you for coming such a long way, Archbishop Matteo.
It is a joy for the Duchy to host the faithful servants of the Holy Church.”
“Ah, the humble servant of God, Matteo, greets you, Duke Lafayette. Your
devoutness and esteemed reputation have reached even the Holy Church. How
could this old man refuse such a journey?”
The Archbishop, with his full head of white hair, bore a genuinely pious and
benevolent smile. At first glance, he looked like a venerable priest without a
hint of personal desire.
Noticing Archbishop Matteo’s subtle survey of the surroundings, I spoke up
with a sly smile.
“First, let us go inside, Archbishop. Our servants will guide your attendants
to their accommodations.”
“Then I shall gladly follow....”
Upon guiding the Archbishop into the mansion, we encountered Eris, clad in a
completely white, antiquely stylish robe.
Guarding her side were Gaston and Sir Beaumont.
Sir Beaumont, often called ‘Uncle Frank’ by Eris and known for his unkempt
beard, now cleanly shaven and properly dressed in knight’s attire, exuded the
dignity of a former royal guard.
As the Archbishop narrowed his eyes, Eris, with impeccable manners, greeted
him.
“It is an honor to meet the Archbishop of the Holy Church. I am Eris, under
the patronage of His Excellency the Duke Lafayette.”
With Eris’ courteous movements, her long, silver hair shimmered under the
light, and her mysterious, purple eyes naturally curled into a smile.
Eris, on the cusp of adulthood, began to show a mature demeanor. Dressed up
and composed, her enigmatic beauty combined with her serene aura gave off a
truly saint-like presence.
“Ah....”
A subdued sigh burst among the archbishop’s entourage, evidently, my
deliberate staging seemed to have its intended effect.
This should elevate the Holy Church’s perception of Eris from just a girl who
was fortuitously born with divine power, of unknown origins, to possibly
someone of unexpected status, or at the very least, a masterpiece carefully
crafted by my hands.
Having successfully drawn them into my sphere of influence, I have no
intention of letting the Church neglect Eris out of ignorance. Nor do I plan
to give them any excuse, such as being unprepared, to take her back to the
Church.
The archbishop seemed to have roughly guessed my intentions, responding with a
round, thin smile.
“Matteo, a humble servant of God, is honored to meet the candidate for
sainthood. They say the human appearance and behavior are windows to the soul.
I’ve heard about it, but seeing it firsthand, I now understand the source of
the candidate’s powerful divine energy.”
...I can guarantee that Eris, who is smiling with utmost grace in front of the
archbishop, is probably holding back a burst of laughter.
As am I.
“You’ve traveled far, so you must be weary. I’ve taken special care to ensure
that the Archbishop’s stay is comfortable, so let me show you to-”
“Oh, I am deeply grateful for your warm hospitality, Duke. However, this old
man is but a humble servant of God, and what matters most is following His
will. Before settling in, I’d rather discuss your profound faith that even the
Pope admires....”
I understood exactly what he meant.
“I see. Then let’s first escort the entourage to their lodgings, and I shall
receive your teachings, Archbishop.”
You must be quite looking forward to this, aren’t you?
Servants under my command guided the archbishop’s entourage, with only what
seemed like the highest-ranking knight following the archbishop and me.
I led the way down a now all-too-familiar path underground, to show the
archbishop my ‘gift’ restrained inside a cell.
“This is Harphas from the ‘Pride’. I’ve heard the Church already knows of this
demon.”
“Ah, the sincerity and devotion of the Duke have surely moved God to assist as
well.”
The Archbishop stared at Harphas with an unhidden greed on his face, and
Harphas looked pale and tired when he saw the archbishop dressed in clothes
that made anyone look like they were from the church.
“Wow, what a twist Duke! This is quite a different story, isn’t it?”
“Different Story? What different story? I haven’t told you any story, demon.”
“Oh, call for Countess Aquitaine! Countess Aquitaine—”
“Why you seek her in the Land of Lafayette, I do not know. So, Archbishop, now
that my faith has been somewhat proven, shall we discuss the specifics?”
“Oh, certainly, Duke. Since you have prepared such a precious gift, His
Holiness the Pope will surely be delighted.”
Though Harphas was loudly protesting in the background, the sound of chirping
birds was much more pleasant than the constant cooing of stubborn pigeons.
“I have been deceived! You, you bastards worse than the demon—!”
With a joyous expression, I left the underground chamber with the Archbishop
and closed the door behind us.
***
“Duke, your faithfulness and dedication deserve corresponding rewards.”
The Archbishop wore a benevolent smile as he sat across from me, leisurely
sipping his tea.
“The trial for the Saintess, as you desired, will proceed smoothly within the
shortest possible time. Although I met the Saintess candidate for the first
time, it was evident at a glance that you had made special preparations to
ensure her schedule remained unburdened.”
Eris, despite her usual freedom of spirit, had spent her childhood in the
royal palace. Her foundation was already well established, but they would
undoubtedly be cautious, thinking I had invested greatly in her.
“Of course, if the Saintess candidate possesses the qualities and abilities
required, she should rightfully earn recognition as a Saintess, and there
should also be a reward from the church for your dedication, Duke.”
The Archbishop, smiling warmly for a moment, slowly continued, “There were
baseless rumors circulating in the past, but I understand that you, Duke, are
a highly esteemed knight.”
I had been eagerly waiting for this moment and subtly opened my eyes a bit
wider. Why was he bringing up knights now?
“If it pleases you, Duke, I would like to offer you the title of Honorary
Knight of the Holy Church.”
Oh, these people, really?
The Holy Knights. It is the strongest force of the Holy Church, comprised of
only the best knights who have proven both strength and faithfulness.
While it is an honorary position, for those with deep faith, being a member of
the Holy Knights is an honor that they will not be surprised to brag about for
generations to come, and once a member of the Holy Knights is treated as a
high-ranking priest by the church or state.
“That is indeed a very honorable proposal. Unfortunately, I am a noble of
Francia, and I cannot directly serve the church. It would trouble my heart to
receive excessive honors without being able to personally serve the church.”
What are they trying to achieve here? Using Eris and even me to cleverly
expand the church’s authority and gain empty honors?
In a country where the republic had already stripped away the privileges of
the clergy, what good would it do to receive respect from the priests?
“Hmm, it seems I may have burdened you too much with the excessive offer in
appreciation for your dedication, Duke.”
The Archbishop seemed slightly puzzled.
So, since I seem to be quite faithful now, he tried to use faith to lure me
in, as the church’s weapon, is that it?”
“As you know, the Holy Church is primarily a sanctuary for faithful
individuals. Your gift, Duke, is more than enough to please His Holiness the
Pope. However, since it is an unofficial item, it is difficult for us to
prepare a substantial monetary reward. Of course, we do not assume that you,
Duke, would covet such things...”
I chuckled softly.
There was no shortage of money in the church, which never stopped using faith
as a means to extract funds.
The price of a single holy bullet that Christine used, for instance, was
insane enough to eat up half a month’s revenue in the Lafayette territory.
However, revealing that they had captured a high-ranking demon was out of the
question, so they weren’t keen on offering a large sum of money immediately.
“I, too, do not covet such wealth as a believer. Instead, I have another
request.”
“What other request?”
“My ally, the Countess of Aquitaine, runs a trading company. I’m sure you are
already aware.”
“Oh, yes, I am aware. Aquitaine’s business is a deep-rooted trading partner of
the church.”
“I would like to request tax exemptions for Aquitaine’s business and the
assurance of free trade.”
They didn’t need to give me money directly. Christine would gladly
provide ample compensation for the rights they would grant her.
A sly smile crossed the Archbishop’s face.
Someone like the Archbishop didn’t rise to his position solely based on deep
faith. Political maneuvering was a necessity, and he likely understood my
intentions quite well.
While the tax exemption for a business the size of Aquitaine’s might not
translate into profits substantial enough to cover any big costs, it was not
easy to outright refuse the church’s request either.
More importantly, they were surely interested in securing Harphas. However,
what was even more crucial was the guarantee of free trade.
Archbishop Matteo finally broke his silence.
“I understand that Duke Lafayette and Coutess Aquitaine are currently
negotiating with the republic.”
“That is correct, Archbishop.”
“Those people from the republic are ruthlessly harming the clergy, stripping
them of their wealth.”
“I am aware, Archbishop.”
Matteo let out a faint, agonized sound.
Of course, the Holy Church had already declared trade sanctions against the
Francia Republic. Since the republic was already under continent-wide trade
sanctions, one more from the Holy Church probably wouldn’t bother them...
But the assurance of free trade for Aquitaine’s business meant that even if we
joined the republic, the Holy Church would continue to engage in trade with
Aquitaine’s business.
In other words, the Francia Republic would become increasingly dependent on
Aquitaine’s business for revenue, and Christine would profit from it. My
personal funds entrusted to her for management would also likely swell in
tandem.
Matteo hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“I cannot make a unilateral decision on this matter; it may require
communication with our homeland. Though it seems rather unusual, I would like
to make a request of you, Duke.”
“Please, go ahead, Archbishop.”
“...It is somewhat regrettable from the perspective of the church that Duke is
considering aligning with the unbelievers of the republic. Moreover, if the
Saintess candidate is also involved, it is even more so. So, I believe Duke
should show at least some minimal actions to prove your faith, so that we can
discuss appropriate privileges for you within the church.”
I chuckled naturally. Well, that was within the acceptable range.
“I think you will understand, Archbishop, that there is no guarantee that the
Republic’s position will be reversed immediately. However, if we succeed in
aligning with the republic, I will do my best to push for an agenda in their
legislature that stops the persecution of the church.”
The Archbishop, though with a somewhat disappointed expression, clasped his
hands together in a prayer-like manner with an amiable face.
“Your deep faith, Duke, will be considered, and we will discuss how to offer
corresponding rewards for your dedication.”
“I am pleased to have the honor of serving God and the church.”
Indeed, faithfulness played no significant role in the negotiation, but the
conversation went relatively smoothly.
***
A small space enclosed by walls made of marble on all sides.
In each compartment of the walls, decorated magic stones emitted a soft light,
keeping the enclosed area well-illuminated, even without sunlight.
In the center of that small room was a spring, filled with holy water,
resembling a bath.
Eris, clad in white, immersed herself in the water, radiating a full aura of
sanctity.
Her silver hair, glistening under the light of the magic stones, flowed
gracefully in the water, swaying gently, creating an aura of otherworldly
mystique.
However, with just one word from the mouth of this mysterious girl, all the
sanctity imbued in this place seemed to vanish into thin air.
“Ah, it’s so stuffy; I feel like I’m going to suffocate.”
I sent her a very disheartened look, and suddenly, Eris began to wriggle in
the water.
“Bor-ing!”
In this small room, adorned with marble and magic stones, that had been
transported all the way from the Holy Church, expensive holy waters splashed
around chaotically in response to Eris’s floundering.
I quietly used magic to protect myself, avoiding the fate of a drowning rat.
Eris, who had been struggling for a while and splashing holy water, made a
silent protest by diving into the spring, where the water level had slightly
decreased, hugging her knees and exposing only her eyes and nose.
“Just a little longer. Only one more day to go.”
Eris made a “pfft” sound, then floated up to the surface of the water,
grumbling.
“Hmph, if we just sold the materials used to make this ‘sacred spring,’ we
could feed a thousand poor people. I wonder if all this money fuss makes one’s
body and mind cleaner.”
I let out a bitter smile.
“You still have the sense of responsibility and discretion not to say such
things in front of the church’s officials, Eris. So you have the
qualifications to be a sain.”
“Even if I’m not a saint.”
In response to Eris’s grumbling, I spoke with a bit more formality.
“That’s why I believe you have the qualification to sit on the throne of
Francia, Your Highness.”
Eris glanced at me and smiled subtly, then teasingly said, “After coming this
far, you can’t just abandon me later, trickster sponsor.”
“I may have hidden the truth at times, but I’ve never deceived anyone with
lies. Could I be considered a conscientious sponsor rather than a trickster,
Your Highness?”
At that moment, a knocking sound came from behind. Eris and I exchanged a
knowing glance.
“Well, just hold on a little longer.”
“Yes, I’ll try my best~”
Listening to Eris’s casual response, I opened the door and stepped outside,
closing it behind me. I looked at the knight who had bowed before me.
“Sir Gaston? What’s going on?”
“The one who has urgently come without prior notice seems to be someone you
should meet in person, my lord.”
“Who is it?”
“...It’s Count Mirbo.”
Count Mirbo?
The man turned into minced meat by artillery fire? ... That’s absurd.
I headed to the reception room with Gaston.
If it’s the current Count Mirbo, then he’s Damien de Mirbo, the son of former
Count Mirbo.
I’ve only met him three times.
The first was when I lured him to instigate an invasion of the Aquitaine's
trading procession, the second when I found Eris and returning home, and the
last during the Southern Army battle where I killed Count Mirbo and his eldest
son.
Come to think of it, could I unexpectedly be Damien de Mirbo’s benefactor?
I robbed him three times, and left the fourth time to Christine, but in the
end, he became Count Mirbo thanks to me, right?
...Thinking that I might be turning into a devilish character myself as I toy
with demons, a faint sense of self-reproach crept over me.
At the entrance to the reception room while my knights stood on guard, the two
disarmed and nervous-looking knights looked at me.
These two are probably the knights who used to accompany Damien de Mirbo,
right?
I can’t remember what his name was...
Anyway, I entered the reception room and came face to face with Damien de
Mirbo after a long time.
To come here in person without any prior communication, it’s quite audacious.
Or is it just foolish?
“It’s nice to see you again, Count Mirbo. No, should I congratulate you on
becoming the Count before anything else?”
Upon hearing my words, Damien de Mirbo’s expression became extremely complex,
revealing his inner turmoil.
What kind of expression is that? What could he possibly be thinking?
As I pondered briefly, the door to the reception room closed, and Damien de
Mirbo did something unexpected.
Damien knelt before me, and before I could say anything, he exclaimed
suddenly.
“From the very first time we met, I recognized your greatness, Duke!”
Oh, come on! What is he saying? Did he underestimate and rashly attack
thinking I'm a disgrace to the nobility?
As I was taken aback, Damien, with tears welling up in his eyes, cried out.
“I’ll give you my titles, my lands, everything! Just spare my life!”
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