Common Sense of a Duke's Daughter Chapter 68

Duke’s Daughter 68: Backstage

“Please do not surprise like that again. You truly had worried for a mont there.” (Ralph)

“Oh my. Did you think I was that unreliable?” (Iris)

One week had passed since the eting. This past week, many priests and Church officials were purged from the Church. They were not excommunicated as I had been, but being purged from the Church as a priest is a punishnt that rivals excommunication. The investigation of the Church’s funds was also underway. When the culprit is found, the Kingdom will deliver punishnt under the federal law.

“That was not what I ant; it was because you said such a thing that I was surprised. I guess even a cornered cat will attack a lion.” (Ralph)

“Please, you jest. If I had said that anywhere else, it would not have had any effect. The allegation I brought to the attention of the nobility will surely instill hesitation to donate or even a desire cut off contact with the Pope, which would make it more difficult for him to erase any evidence.” (Iris)

The connections that the Pope had built collapsed when I brought up the allegations of embezzlent, since contacting the Pope would place you under suspicion of being complicit in his sches. No one will co to his defense or aid during this period.

“But, even so, if soone does try to contact him, it will make your job easier. As you have seen, many people did try and you caught them all with ease.” (Iris)

“Yes. It is as you have said.” (Ralph)

Priest Ralph heaved a sigh.

“Well then. Were you satisfied with the results of my inquiry?” (Iris)

“Yes. Thank you. We are now able to pursue the Pope while dealing with the corruption that has taken root within the Church.” (Ralph)

During the trial, Priest Ralph and I had been accomplices. Although we pretended to be in different camps, we had already agreed upon the actions we would take during that eting. The only reason I was able to gain his cooperation was due to Dean’s assistance.

I had to find a person who had influence and power within the Church but was also in the faction opposed to the Pope. Priest Ralph was such an individual, but, since I had been excommunicated, it made it difficult to contact him.

It was thanks to Dean that I was able to gain Priest Ralph, who leads the faction opposed to the Pope, as an ally. Dean is truly a talented person who I want on my side.

“Will you now form the Church into your ideal?” (Iris)

Priest Ralph... Even though he is soone who sits among the higher echelons of the Church, he was still unable to beco a cardinal or anyone with an influential title. I heard it had been because so people in his faction defected to the Pope’s side.

“Yes. It is shaful how pervasive the corruption throughout the Church is. We were on the verge of losing everything we originally stood for. Priests are not supposed to mimic nobility. They had, for the sake of pleasure and greed, embezzled funds from the Church. Sooner or later, people would have revolted against the Church and reduced the organization to rubble. The Church has been the recipient of many donations of late, and the people in charge sapped those funds, leaving our organization with nearly nothing. However, now, with this purge, we can beco a proper Church that serves the people.” (Ralph)

The Church is a place ant for prayer and was supposed to be an oasis where the poor could receive dical treatnt, be fed, and where orphans could be taken care of. All of these services were supposed to be funded by donations.

So, even though the Baron’s daughter, Yuri Noire, had been donating to help with said activities, all that money, in reality, was being funneled back to the higher-ups of the Church. Furthermore, the donation and charity parties were being held to fund Church higher-ups as well.

However, as more of the Kingdom’s budget was being allocated to fund the Church, the Church officials’ desire and greed grew.

The Church, in its current state, just provides relief and solace to those giving donations or who have the power to contribute funds.

“I expect great things of you, Priest Ralph.” (Iris)

“I will do my best to et your expectations.” (Ralph)

Priest Ralph smiled.

“Was... I able to et your expectations?” (Iris)

Priest Ralph made a huge gamble by placing his trust in and providing with the Church account book.

Although I do not have it with now and will dispose of it later, there is still evidence of our cooperation via the letter he sent to with his seal on it.

This was proof of the trust and expectations he had for and his way of solidifying our alliance and roles as accomplices. He put himself and his career in danger by placing his trust in .

“You have exceeded my expectations. It is now my turn to exceed yours.” (Ralph)

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart. In the future, should you run into any trouble, the Duke of Arlia will spare no expense to assist you. Conversely, I hope you will extend your hand in the future as well.” (Iris)

I said what my father wanted to tell him.

“Will you be leaving now?” (Ralph)

“Yes. My company just released a new product, so we are quite busy at the mont.” (Iris)

I received a formal apology from the Church and they withdrew my excommunication.

This seed like an excellent ti to put our new products on the market: dandelion coffee was one of them. rida experinted with various things and made it for . We also put out new varieties of sweets and a few other products as well.

All of the new products were a huge hit, thanks to my mother. Now, our sales have reached new heights. We also introduced another delicious sweet made with chocolate.

All the things I just ntioned were developed and produced exclusively in our fief. Therefore, all the employees that Edward filched from my company were unable to replicate these new products.

To sum it up: All of the custors have returned to my side, and all the employees who joined Edward’s company also want to return... There is no way I’d let that happen, though.

It is not just the employees that want to return; our previous trading partners and major buyers are all coming back. I predict that his company will soon go bankrupt... What poor managent. Why did I even like him in the first place?

“Then, Priest Ralph, I will take my leave. I bid you good day.” (Iris)