Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Saintess Marie
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Louis looks at Zenon with a face that suggested disbelief. Only a few days have passed since the last meeting where the decree to eliminate heretics was announced.
“Chief Priest. What did you just say?” (Louis)
“Yes. I came to report that I would like to recognize Marie-sama as a ‘Saintess’.” (Zenon)
Having succeeded in getting the heretic elimination decree approved, Zenon was completely emboldened. He quickly moved to take the next step in increasing the power of the church. It was Marie’s recognition as a ‘Saintess’.
Even though ‘Saintess’ did not imply performing miracles or using magic, it was merely a symbol for the church and its believers. However, for Zenon, having a member of the royal family become a symbol of the church held great significance.
“What’s your motive?” (Casablanca)
Casablanca immediately snapped back, but Zenon responded calmly.
“Calling it a motive is misleading. Right now, Laplace needs ‘hope’. The people of the entire kingdom are weary from prolonged warfare. We need a figure to lead these unfortunate masses and become a star of hope.” (Zenon)
At this point, Zenon dramatically gestured toward Marie and continues passionately.
“And that person is Her Highness Marie. It has long been known that Her Highness is a devout individual, and it is common knowledge that she possesses a kind and beautiful heart filled with compassion. Having her become the Saintess and serve as the standard to save the people would greatly encourage the masses.” (Zenon)
“Hmmm.” (Louis)
Louis replied somewhat hesitantly.
For him, this wasn’t a disadvantageous situation. Whether Ma Marie ry becomes a Saintess or not, it didn’t threaten his claim to the throne. He was genuinely concerned for her well-being as a brother.
“What does Marie think? Becoming a Saintess will change your life significantly. Are you prepared for that?” (Louis)
The eyes of all attendees turned to Marie at once. The previous Marie was shy and averse to being the center of attention, but recently, she seemed different. She answered confidently without averting her gaze.
“Yes. If my actions can alleviate even a little of the suffering of the people, I am willing to dedicate myself to God.” (Marie)
Seeing Marie answer Louis with such resolve, the nobles expressed their admiration. From the perspective of the nobles, who were consumed by power struggles, Marie’s pure sense of justice appeared incredibly noble and beautiful.
“Well, if my sister wishes for it, as the king, I have no objections.” (Louis)
As Louis prepared to endorse Marie’s recognition as a ‘Saintess’, a voice interrupts from the side.
“Politics and religion are becoming increasingly intertwined.” (Casablanca)
Zenon reacted slightly, knowing without confirmation that it was Casablanca’s voice.
Only Casablanca had noticed Zenon’s intentions. Interference by the church in politics. With the heretic elimination decree, the objective had been achieved. The next step was to approach politics. By making the royal family member, Marie as the Saintess, he aimed to forge a closer relationship between the church and politics. Ultimately, the goal was to take over political power through the church.
She is indeed a woman to be wary of.
Zenon clicked his tongue inwardly while providing the prepared response just in case.
“Indeed, it may result in a closer relationship between politics and religion. However, we are currently facing a crisis unprecedented since the founding of the kingdom. No faction can afford to be consumed by power struggles. Rather, we need to cooperate to revive this kingdom. Marie-sama, as both a princess and a saint, will serve as a symbol of national unity.” (Zenon)
There could not be a more perfect response.
In reality, if Zenon’s ambition of taking over politics didn’t exist, the merging of politics and the church would not be a bad thing. It was also reasonable to use Marie to pacify the people’s discontent. On the surface, it appeared that Zenon and Marie were thinking of the country, while Casablanca was merely throwing a tantrum about not wanting to relinquish power.
“Chief Priest, that was just a musing. You needn’t respond to every little thing.” (Casablanca)
In response to Zenon’s well-prepared facade, Casablanca managed to retort with sarcasm.
At this point, Zenon presses on.
“Then, I would like to proceed with Marie-sama’s recognition ceremony right away. Everyone, let us go to the church.” (Zenon)
“Eh? We’re doing it today?” (Louis)
Louis and the nobles were taken aback.
Isn’t this a bit too rushed?
However, Zenon couldn’t afford to wait idly. He knew well that the nobility would drag their feet when it came to anything that didn’t benefit them. Therefore, he must act immediately once a decision has been made. He has already discussed this with Marie and the church officials. He assured them that he would convince the king and bring him along, so preparations should be made.
“Yes. The dissatisfaction of the people toward the kingdom is on the brink of exploding. The sooner we act, the better.” (Zenon)
With Zenon pushing them forward, the king and nobles began to head toward the church in a line. The weather was gloomy, as if it was not welcoming the impending departure. However, the royal palace and the church were not far apart, so there was no need for concern.
At the church, preparations had already been made. The church windows were adorned with splendid stained glass, and the entire floor was covered with a deep red carpet. Golden chalices and pure silver plates known as sacred vessels are lined up, and holy knights in luxurious armor stand guard.
At the center of the church, the high priest Cyan waits with a sullen expression.
“Oh, High Priest. It’s been a while.” (Louis)
Louis greets him warmly, but Cyan ignored him.
The high priest had maintained this attitude toward members of the royal family for decades. Louis had been treated like this since he was a child, so he only gave a wry smile and backed down. For the high priest, who came from a wealthy background, those from the royal family indulging in worldly pleasures were the most contemptible people. It was surprising that this high priest recognized Marie’s dedication, but it was due to her earnestness and Zenon’s persuasive skills.
Zenon proceeds with the recognition ceremony.
“Now, let us hold the ceremony for the recognition of the Saintess. I understand that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Viceroy, as well as everyone else, are busy. It will be over quickly.” (Zenon)
Dressed in an unusually sparkly ceremonial outfit, Cyan made Marie, who was clad in a plain black habit, kneeled. He, then, recited the words of the oath.
“Marie, do you pledge to dedicate yourself to God?” (Cyan)
“Yes. I pledge.” (Marie)
“Do you pledge to live for God?” (Cyan)
“Yes. I pledge.” (Marie)
“Do you pledge to guide the people to God?” (Cyan)
“Yes. I pledge.” (Marie)
“Do you pledge to save the lost as a member of the church?” (Cyan)
“Yes. I pledge.” (Marie)
Then, Cyan pours water into the golden chalice and hands it to Marie.
“Drink this holy water.” (Cyan)
The holy water had been prayed over all day by the sisters from the church’s underground water. Although it is something that the chief priest Zenon shouldn’t mention, it was essentially just water. However, religiously, it was called holy water, one of the most sacred items. The rationale was that by incorporating this sacred water into her body, Marie could become a holy person.
Marie drank the holy water in one go. Then, she returned the chalice to Cyan.
After receiving the chalice, Cyan showed a look of satisfaction that even Zenon hadn’t seen in years and placed his right hand on the kneeling Marie’s head.
“A new Saintess has been born here. Saintess Marie, may you save the people as guided by God.” (Cyan)
At that moment, sunlight streamed in through the stained glass. The church glows with a multitude of colors reflecting the glass. Zenon had not prepared such a setup. The sunlight breaking through the clouds at this timing was a terrifying coincidence.
Breathless at the church’s breathtaking and authentic atmosphere, even Zenon, who lacked strong faith, was taken aback. The holy knights and sisters waiting around were in tears of emotion.
“Yes. As a Saintess, I dedicate myself to my beloved God.” (Marie)
Having become a Saintess, Marie turned to Louis, Casablanca, and the others present, bowed respectfully, and declares with strong determination.
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