Translated by Mara Sov
Revolutionary Period Proof of Faith.
One week later, the Archbishop arrived at the Marquisate with a considerable entourage and Knights.
Marquis Pierre De Lafayette welcos the esteed guests from the Holy Theocracy.
Thank you for coming such a long way, Archbishop Mateo. Its an honor to receive the faithful from the Holy Theocracy in this Marquisate.
This humble servant of God is honored to et the Marquis of Lafayette. Your faith and reputation have reached even our Holy Theocracy, so how could this old lamb refuse this journey?
The old Archbishop had a kind and devoted smile on his face. At first glance, everyone would assu this old priest was a sincere servant of god without any ulterior motive.
Noticing the Archbishop scanning his surroundings, I smiled and said.
Allow to escort you inside, Archbishop. These servants will guide your retinue to their quarters.
Then I will gladly accept
As I led the Archbishop inside the mansion we were greeted by Eris dressed in a completely white and ceremonial robe.
Standing beside her were Sir Gaston and Sir Beaumont.
Sir Beaumont, the old man who always preferred to be called Uncle Francois by Eris, now had shaved his beard and was clad in a proper Knight attire, exuding the presence of an ex-royal guard.
While the Archbishop looked at them with narrowed eyes, Eris introduced herself with flawless etiquette.
Its an honor to et the Archbishop of the Holy Theocracy. I am Eris, a simple girl under the grace of His Lordship the Marquis.
With a bow, Eriss long silver hair cascaded downwards, shimring under the light as her mystical purple eyes were curled into an eye smile.
Now on the cusp of adulthood, Eris was already beginning to show a more mature figure, and with the proper clothing, she had an almost divine feeling.
Oh
A gasp escaped from the Archbishops attendants, showcasing the success of our little play.
With this, Eriss standing in the eyes of the Holy Theocracy would shift from a naless girl with innate Divine Power, to a lady of noble lineage, or at the very least, soone masterfully molded by my hands.
Now that Ive successfully baited them, I had no intention of allowing the Theocracy to neglect Eris or underestimate her. And certainly, I wouldnt give them a chance to take her away under the excuse of training.
The Archbishop seed to have grasped my intentions as he looked at with narrowed eyes and a knowing smile.
Im sure that Eris is certainly struggling to hold back her laughter in front of him.
As am I.
You have traveled far, so you must be spent. We have taken great care to ensure that the Archbishops stay is comfortable, so allow to show you your quarters-
This humble lamb of God is touched by your hospitality, Your Excellency. However, I must follow Gods will first. Before I settle in, I wish to discuss your profound faith, which even managed to impress the Pope himself
Ah, I see it now.
Very well. Let my servants escort your entourage while I shall receive your teachings, venerable Archbishop.
He must be very eager to see my gift.
After instructing the servants to provide the Archbishops entourage their rooms, only the Archbishop and an Imposing Knight, who was likely acting as his bodyguard, remained.
Guiding them down the familiar path, I showed the Archbishop the gift I had prepared behind bars.
This is Halphas, a mber of Pride. I believe the Theocracy is already aware of its existence.
Ah, your faith and dedication are without equal. God must have guided your path well.
The Archbishop gazed towards Halphas with unconcealed greed, as the demon in question paled and trembled upon realizing just who was the one before him.
Gasp-. M-Marquis! T-This isnt what we agreed on!
Pardon? I have made no deals with you, demon.
Ah.C-Call for the Countess! T-The Countess said I-
I dont see the need to call for the Aquitaine Countess when we are in Lafayette. Now, Archbishop, I believe my faith has been sufficiently proven. Shall we discuss the specifics of our deal?
Hoho-. Of course, Your Excellency! With such a pious gift, even His Holiness will be overjoyed.
While Halphas continued to yell sothing in the background, I simply ignored it. Oh, whats that? Ah, it must be so annoying pigeon cooing while we were doing business.
You tricked ! You-!! Youre more despicable than a devil-!!!
Leaving the dungeon with the Archbishop, who seed to be in a very pleasant mood now, I closed the door behind us.
A reward is needed to congratulate your faith and dedication towards God, Marquis.
The Archbishop sat across from with a kind smile as he sipped his tea.
The test you desire will proceed without a hitch and shall occur as soon as possible.
Although this was the first ti Ive t this candidate, I can tell at first glance that Your Excellency has carefully ensured there will be no issues with the schedule.
Eris usually behaves like a curious bard, but she did grow up in the palace.
The foundations for her etiquette were already there, so I didnt have too much trouble instructing her, but they must be convinced that I have carefully molded Eris to my whim and are being cautious about it.
Of course, if her qualities and abilities are found sufficient, then her recognition as a Saint will be certain. The Theocracy also wishes to reward the Marquis dedication to finding another Shepherd for the Lord.
Pausing for a mont, the Archbishop humd as he continued.
Despite the rumors that have reached our ears, I understand that the Marquis is an honorable Knight.
My eyes narrowed at his words. Why would he ntion my qualities as a Knight now?
Should the Marquis agree, I would like to bestow upon you the honor of becoming an Honorary Crusader.
Ah, would you look at that?
The Crusaders. They were the Theocracys strongest force, composed of Knights who had proven their faith and commitnt to their cause.
Although it was only an honorary position, for a devout to beco a mber of the Crusaders is sothing worthy of bragging about for generations to co, and once part of their order, one would receive treatnt equal to that of a high-ranking clergy.
Im flattered by this honor. However, it is with great regret that I must refuse. As a noble of Francia, I cannot allow myself to receive such an esteed position without having the ans to serve the Theocracy directly.
Those guys have set their eyes on as well.
I know they want to use Eris, but now they are trying to rope in to further increase the Theocracys influence and settle the matter of Halphas by giving an honorary title.
Ahem-. We wanted to bestow upon you a fitting reward for your faith since you gave the Theocracy such a valuable gift and even found a Saint candidate. But it seems that our eager offer was overwhelming for you.
Hah, at least this Archbishop had the decency of looking embarrassed.
Trying to snag because of my exemplary faith now eh?
As you know Marquis, the Theocracy is always searching for lost lambs of the Lord. Your gift has even pleased His Holiness the Pope, but since its an unofficial trade, we cannot reward you with mundane wealth. Of course, since the Marquis is a pious man, you wouldnt covet such things
I gave him a polite smile.
Theres simply no chance that the Theocracy is lacking in funds, especially when they are busy extorting everyone in the guise of faith.
Even Christines bullets, imported from the Theocracy cost about half of the Marquisates revenue.
But since they want to keep this matter a secret, they cant move a large amount of money right away.
Indeed. As a devout believer, I do not need such things. Instead, I have a favor to ask.
Please, speak your mind.
My ally, the Countess of Aquitaine, runs a trading company. I presu you are already aware of this.
Hoho-. But of course, the Aquitaine trading company is a cherished business partner of the Theocracy.
I see, then I would ask you to exempt them from tax and assure the free trading of the Aquitaine Company.
Theres no need to give money. After all, with this, Christine would gladly reward with all the money I need.
The Archbishops smile cracked a bit.
One simply doesnt get to his position just by having a lot of faith. No, you must know how to play the ga, so he must have grasped what I was after.
The profits lost by exempting the tax for a company the size of Aquitaine cant be covered by a simple monetary reward. But its not like Theocracy would have to spend any of their wealth by granting this, so it would be awkward for them to refuse this favor.
Above all, they want Halphas more than they would want their taxation rights.
The Archbishop remained silent for a while before he spoke.
This one is aware that the Marquis and even the Countess are in negotiations with thisRepublic.
That is correct, Your Eminence.
Those Republicans have forsaken the Only God, hard the clergy and our churches.
I am aware, Your Eminence.
Mateo huffed.
The Theocracy has declared trade sanctions against the Republic, but since every single nation in this continent is already doing the sa, one more sanction against the Republic wouldnt matter at this point
But if the Aquitaine is guaranteed free trade, then even if we joined the Republic, the Theocracy would continue their business with Aquitaine.
In other words, the Republic would beco dependent on the monopoly of international trade of Aquitaine and Christine would make a fortune from it. My personal funds, entrusted to her, would also inflate significantly.
Mateo seed to hesitate for a mont before he opened his mouth.
I cannot decide on this matter by myself. I need to reach out to His Holiness. anwhile, I would like to ask sothing of you, Marquis.
Please, speak, Your Eminence.
Its quite regrettable that a faithful man like you would join hands with those faithless Republicans. That a Saint candidate would do so as well is deeply troubling. Therefore, it might be for the best if you demonstrate your faith, perhaps then the Theocracy would feel more at ease to discuss your reward?
I smiled. This was sowhat expected.
Im sure you understand that we cannot change the Republics position soon. But should our negotiations with the Republic proceed smoothly, you have my word that well do everything possible to cease the Republics persecution against the faith of the True God.
The Archbishop sighed, but his face remained composed as he clasped his hands in prayer.
Your faith is remarkable. Now let us discuss how this old man can reciprocate such devotion.
It is my duty and honor to serve the Theocracy.
The negotiation without a single hint of faith proceeded smoothly.
In a small room surrounded by marble walls,
Each crevice in the walls was adorned with magical stones emitting a faint glow, ensuring the brightness of this place.
In the center of this room stood a spring, filled with holy water.
Eris, dressed in white garnts was subrged in the water, brimming with Divine Power.
Her hair reflected the light from the magical stones, shimring under the water as it swayed, creating an alluring visage.
However, as soon as the quasi-divine figure opened her mouthAll the sanctity of this place was shattered.
Ah, this sucks..My skin is going to beco all wrinkly.
I cast a dry gaze towards Eris as she began to thrash about in the spring.
Soooo-Bor-ing!
The holy water splashed around the small room adorned with marble and magical stones imported directly from the Theocracy.
Using my mana, I managed to shield myself from the water to avoid looking like a wet dog.
After throwing her fit, Eris hugged her knees, with only her eyes and nose above the water as she glared at .
Just endure it a little longer. Theres only one day left.
Eris got up from the spring as she grumbled.
Haaa-. If you could just sell the materials used in this sacred spring, you could feed a thousand people for a long ti! Ill never understand how this waste of money is supposed to purify a persons body and spirit.
A bitter smile sprouted on my face.
Its because you still have a conscience to say things like that and the discretion to keep quiet in front of the clergy, that you are fit to be a saint.
Im not a saint.
Eris continued to grumble, as I spoke to her a little more formally.
Thats why you are the right choice to sit on the throne, Your Highness the Princess.
Eris looked at , her eyes containing a glint of mischief as she opened her mouth.
Well after all of this, you wont be able to get rid of , my dear deceptive patron.
I may have hidden the truth sotis, but I have never lied to you. Perhaps it would be better to call a trickster then, Your Highness?
Just then, soone knocked on the door behind us, making Eris and I exchange a look before chuckling.
Well, its almost over, so hang in there.
Ill try~
Opening the door, I could hear Eris snort as I faced the kneeling Knight before .
Sir Gaston? What is the matter?
We have an unannounced guest, and it seems imperative that you, My Lord, et him personally.
Well, who is it?
Count Millbeau.
Count Millbeau?
Isnt that the guy I turned into mice-at alongside Duke Bretagne?No that cant be right.
If its the current Count of Millbeau then he would be Damien De Millbeau, the second son of Millbeau.
Weve only t three tis.
The first one, when I lured his forces with the Aquitaine caravan; the Second, when I returned with Eris to the Marquisate; and the third was during the battle in the south where I killed his father and elder brother.
Now that I think about itDidnt my actions help him a lot?
I may have smacked him a couple of tis, even Christine helped sotis, but stillHe beca the Count thanks to , right?
Ah, I may have spent a little too much ti playing the Devil.
Next to the parlor entrance, my Knights stood guard as two disard and anxious Knights looked at .
They must be the Knights Damien De Millbeau had with him.
I Cant rember their nas
Regardless, I entered the parlor and looked at Damien for the first ti in a while.
Either hes very bold or hes an idiot to co directly to his enemys stronghold.
Its a pleasure to et you after a long ti, Count Millbeau. Or should I congratulate you on your ascension first?
As soon as I said this, Damiens expression twisted, revealing his complicated thoughts.
I wonder just what things he must be thinking about now.
As I wondered, the doors were closed behind and Damien did sothing I could have never imagined.
He knelt before and shouted.
I have recognized your greatness from the first ti we t, Marquis!
What is this crazy bastard saying? Didnt he challenge , thinking I was a disgraced noble?
While I stood there without understanding what was happening, Damien started crying.
Ill give you everything you want My title, My lands Everything! Just spare my life, please-!
TL Note:
Damien just cant catch a break can he?
Bruh has the legendary E-Rank Luck.
/genesisforsaken
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