Thanks to spreading the estates wealth at the mansion, the bishops popularity was skyrocketing when Horamric arrived in the city.
Sir! Congratulations indeed! I always believed in your abilities.
Having heard the rumors on his way, Horamric incessantly praised Johans achievents. From Horamrics perspective, he felt he had grasped the right opportunity.
But why have you called ?
Ah, I wanted to introduce you to Sir Gareld, a council mber. He owns a fiefdom in the Ulcana Peninsula and will be of great help to you.
Such a noble for . . .? Thank you. Sir, youre the only one who thinks of .
Haha. Thats high praise. Co, this way.
Horamric and Gareld heartily boosted each others morale. Horamric praised Garelds bravery and loyalty, while Gareld lauded Horamrics noble character and lineage.
The conversation was possible because each was under a misconception about the other. Despite having nothing substantial left, both were highly satisfied. Gareld even teared up.
It was true that Johan had not lied.
If it werent for you, sir, I would still be deceived, doing nial tasks for others.
You recognized the value of a sir, didnt you?
Now, in the council, no one dares speak ill of the bishop. Everyone is cautious and watchful.
Johan nodded. Gareld had been steadily doing well in his role as a spy.
And. . .
?
As Gareld hesitated, Johan was puzzled.
The magistrate wants to see you quietly.
The magistrate?
In the republic, once elected, a magistrate remained in position until death. Although power was more dispersed, the position was no less significant than that of a feudal lord or king.
Having t once and being summoned again. What could it be?
I dont know. But, sir.
Gareld, holding Johans hand, spoke earnestly.
Whatever the magistrate says, you must not forget our friendship!
Gareld feared Johan might completely fall for the magistrate.
The elected magistrate, a council mber, ca from a historic noble family in the city and had strong connections with others. In comparison, Gareld, of Empire origin, was no match.
If such a magistrate tempted Johan with various rights and persuasive words, Gareld would be left hanging.
Arent you worrying too much?
No! You dont know how dirty the nobles tactics can be here. They bribe and draw people in as naturally as breathing.
Would I, of Empire origin, not know honor? You can trust .
However important socializing was, pacifying Horamric and Gareld was quite a hassle.
Before long, Johan found himself looking down on Gareld, who was oblivious to it. . .
Contrary to Garelds worries, the magistrates intention was not to separate them. Also, the magistrate had no particular intention of making Johan one of his own.
If it had been an ordinary knight, or an ordinary rcenary captain, he might have tried to grill them. After all, having many swords was never a bad thing.
But Johan was too outstanding.
At such a young age, having attained the honor of being a dukes equerry and hunting monsters, it was unlikely that he would be satisfied with the life of a city guard captain.
.
The magistrate called him for a secret agreent.
If you wish to reconcile with His Excellency the Bishop, you should speak with him, not . . .
No, no. Sir. Its not about Bishop Biagione. Of course, given the situation, we should reconcile with Bishop Biagione and not fight anymore, but I wouldnt have called you for that.
Just sending the appropriate amount of gold to the bishops family could have ended things amicably.
Do you know if the order has sent soone?
Did they?
Johan feigned ignorance. The magistrate nodded in satisfaction.
I heard through my connections. Do you know why they are coming?
Because Bishop His Excellency showed a miracle, so theyre coming to verify. . .?
Of course, thats the purpose. They will co and verify. But their main objective is you.
?!
Johan tensed up.
Had he been caught doing sothing suspicious?
Caught using a malevolent spirit, or using an assassins skills. . .
They plan to use your strength to attack the fiefdom of Cardirian in the south. Im almost certain of it.
. . .!
Johan was surprised by the unexpected statent.
In the current Catalian Peninsula, the northern and central parts were filled with city-states and the orders fiefdoms. But in the south, there were territories belonging to the Cardirian family and their vassals.
The Empire was not on good terms with the peninsula. It periodically claid rights over the territories of the peninsula, and several tis it had invaded directly.
In such a situation, the fiefdom in the far south served as a dagger thrust at their throat. It was natural for the order and city-states to consider it a thorn in their side.
But an attack?
?
Johan was deep in thought. The force Johan commanded was less than a thousand strong. Of course, if he had enough gold, he could hire rcenaries as many as he wanted, but Johan was not that kind of lord.
There must be dozens of rcenary captains like Johan on the peninsula.
. .
The order could not directly raise an army and attack. Inevitably, there had to be an interdiary, and this interdiary had to be trustworthy and capable, eting several criteria.
Firstly, they needed to be excellent in military strength and tactical skill.
And since they had to side with the order and not the Empire, soone from a major family of the Empire would not do. Such a person could betray and side with their family. It had to be soone from a humble and weak family, who could not betray.
Moreover, it couldnt be soone too brutal and barbaric. Supporting such a person could bring sha to the order.
. . . .
Johan suddenly realized how attractive he was to the religious order. His family was humble, but his reputation was high and he was faithful, making him a tantalizing prospect for the order.
The magistrate was puzzled by Johans silence. He didnt think that Johan had figured out what had happened in such a short ti.
Whats the matter?
No, I was thinking about how to attack Cardirians fiefdom. On what grounds could we do that?
Ha-ha. Thinking about that, were you? Its very simple. The order will pick one of the feudal lords there, make up a suitable excuse, and strip him of his title. Then, His Holiness the Pope will personally bestow the title upon you.
Of course, nothing had actually changed. Going there didnt an the feudal lord would just say, , and step aside.
Naturally, there would be fierce resistance, and in the end, the fiefdom would have to be taken by force.
But that pretext was important.
Who could deny the legitimacy of a title publicly proclaid and bestowed by the Pope of the order?
Wont Cardirian be angry?
That guy is too busy with Empire affairs to care. He wont even co down, hell just have to look from afar. Anyway. . . they say theyre going to bestow a title upon you, and theyll also provide various supports. At that ti, dont forget to ntion our na too. We definitely want to be involved in it.
The magistrate did not hide his desire-filled attitude.
In his pri, he had wielded iron power with the strength of his family. Now, it was ti to confront the enemies he had made then.
Once ford, the grudges did not disappear, and those who showed weakness once could not be safe.
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