Merchant Noble is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Rebellion of Three Faiths vs Warden Household (3): Secret Meeting
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The battle between the Warden Household army and the Church army was at a stalemate, and it was not progressing.
The Church army was unable to break through even the first stronghold, which Hal was leading, and as a result, daily casualties were only increasing. The majority of the Church army was made up of amateur soldiers composed of believers, and there were no commanders available who were capable of skillfully maneuvering the troops for effective attacks. The soldiers simply climbed the slope to charge and then fell back down the slope as corpses. This cycle continued repeatedly.
“We couldn’t break through again today.” (??)
“Only the number of dead keeps increasing. Can’t the Holy Knights do something?” (Zenon)
“The Holy Knights are strong in battles on the plains, but in a siege where horses cannot be used, they can only display average strength.” (??)
“I understand. Fall back.” (Zenon)
Zenon, the chief priest stationed in a room in the church that served as headquarters in a nearby village, responded to the reports from the holy knights while suppressing his irritation.
“What a hassle. Putting aside the amateur Church army, it is unexpected that even The Holy Knights would be of no use.” (Zenon)
Zenon clicked his tongue as he drank wine like a thirsty man. There was a doctrine that forbid clergymen from drinking, so it was rare to have a drink in the royal capital’s church. Therefore, when he came on expeditions to the countryside like now, he felt he must drink as much as possible, or it would be a waste.
As Zenon was enjoying his long-awaited drink, the door to the room suddenly opened.
“Chief Priest.” (??)
“Hmm? What is it?” (Zenon)
Perhaps there was something his subordinate forgot to mention. When Zenon turned around, a young man was standing at the entrance to the room, and he bowed politely.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Arc Warden, the lord of Mikanda.” (Arc)
Lord of Mikanda? Where is that? Has a nearby noble come to curry favor with the Church? How impressive. The more pawns there are, the better. Huh? Warden…!
Zenon’s intoxication instantly evaporated. However, he spoke as if he had not noticed anything on the surface.
“I didn’t hear you well. Could you say your name again?” (Zenon)
“Yes. I am Arc Warden.” (Arc)
There was no mistake. This person definitely said he was from the Warden household. He was the very man they were currently fighting against.
“Ah, Baron Warden. It is a pleasure to have you here.” (Zenon)
Contrary to his inner thoughts, Zenon remained very composed and seated Arc.
“Would you care for some wine?” (Zenon)
“No, please do not mind.” (Arc)
Although his thoughts had momentarily halted due to the suddenness of the situation, Zenon’s mind was quickly turning at full speed.
He never expected the enemy’s supreme commander to come here, but he must not show shock. If he were to be astonished, he would quickly lose the initiative. Surely, the baron has come to propose some sort of deal.
What exactly would he want from me?
“Nevertheless, it is fortunate for you, Baron Warden. If it were not me, High Priest Zenon, who is here, but rather His Excellency High Priest Cyan, you would have already been killed by now.” (Zenon)
To show that he meant no hostility, Zenon sank deeply into the sofa while wearing a gentle expression as he entertained Arc.
“No, no. It is because High Priest Zenon is here that I have come. You are someone who can calculate gains and losses just like a merchant, correct?” (Arc)
Arc replied with a calm face.
Although it was unclear where he had obtained his information, Arc seemed to have a good understanding of Zenon’s personality. He also knew that Zenon was the commander of this expedition, and that Zenon was alone in this room in the church of a village close to the battlefield.
Truly, an alarming ability to gather information.
“So, what is your business?” (Zenon)
“Well, I have been waiting in the First Town. However, the Church army is not crossing the mountains, so I came to see what was going on.” (Arc)
Zenon’s cheek twitched slightly. He was seriously waiting to see what kind of deal Arc would propose, but he never imagined he would be subjected to such a simplistic provocation.
“Baron, please be careful with your words. I am a man who stands at the pinnacle of the kingdom’s clergy. With a single command, I can turn a million people into soldiers.” (Zenon)
“Oh? Are you suggesting that since it seems you cannot win against the Warden Household, you will recruit additional soldiers? I would not recommend that, as it would undermine the Church’s authority.” (Arc)
Did he come here specifically to bicker?
“…Let us return to the topic, and I will ask again. What is your business?” (Zenon)
Get to the point quickly.
Zenon conveyed his irritation through his gaze.
“Shall we not come to a settlement soon? It would be beneficial for both parties.” (Arc)
“Haha. What is this about? Have you come to propose a truce?” (Zenon)
So, it is as I expected. He came all this way to beg for a truce. However, there is no benefit for the Church to retreat.
Zenon presented the answer he had prepared.
“I refuse. We can supply soldiers indefinitely. Even if the soldiers we have now are completely annihilated, we can bring in clergymen from elsewhere. No matter the difference in quality, we will overwhelm them with sheer numbers.” (Zenon)
“That is quite a predicament, isn’t it? However, we Warden can also continuously send weapons to the soldiers on the front lines. In the Third Town, craftsmen from all over the country have gathered, but after the heretic exclusion decree was enacted, craftsmen who believe in the Nature Faith have been fleeing to Mikanda one after another. We are capable of supplying enough weapons to repel tens of thousands of enemies.” (Arc)
Although he said he was troubled, Arc spoke with a relaxed smile, appearing not at all worried.
Despite seeking a truce, Arc’s composure irritated Zenon. Zenon decided to show his trump card.
“If I excommunicate the Warden Household, you will be finished as lords. I can indeed excommunicate you.” (Zenon)
“My territory also has many believers of the Sheeb Order and the Nature Faith. Besides, even among the clergy, the majority are merchants and adventurers with little faith. The impact would be limited.” (Arc)
Even when Arc heard the word excommunication, which made even King Louis nearly cry, he did not even flinch. He responded with the same air of confidence as before.
Zenon was a little confused because the word excommunication was so ineffective.
“Hmm…” (Zenon)
“If this conflict does not come to an end, isn’t it you, Chief Priest, who will be in trouble?” (Arc)
Then, taking advantage of the moment, Arc launched a counterattack. He scrutinized Zenon’s expression without missing any changes.
“I have heard that Count Shinri is leading believers of the Nature Faith in a rebellion in the eastern part of the kingdom. If you do not address it quickly, it will continue to spread.” (Arc)
It was merely a warning, but for Zenon, who had been shown the high intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Warden household, it did not feel like just a warning. The Baron Warden might be supporting Count Shinri in secret. If that were the case, Arc’s words were not a warning but rather a threat.
In response to Zenon, who was becoming increasingly paranoid, Arc suddenly displayed a gentle expression again.
“I understand your feelings well, Chief Priest, since you cannot simply withdraw empty-handed after declaring the elimination of heretics to the believers. Therefore, let us bow our heads. ‘The Warden Household apologizes to the Church. The Warden Household will strive to eliminate heretics within their territory’. How does these two conditions?” (Arc)
“An ‘apology,’ huh? As expected of the merchant nobility. To be able to so easily perform the act of ‘bowing one’s head’, which ordinary nobles hate more than death. There is not a shred of noble pride to be found, for better or worse.” (Zenon)
“You will strive to eliminate heretics, but you will not actually do it. I will strive. Yes. I will strive.” (Arc)
Arc repeated “I will strive” with a smile like a child who had been caught mischief.
“How disingenuous. Here’s an additional condition. ‘Arc Warden will transfer the title of Baron to his successor’. If you go this far, the public will be satisfied.” (Zenon)
“Understood.” (Arc)
“…Is that alright?” (Zenon)
Zenon was taken aback by Arc’s immediate response. To be so willing to abandon his noble status was unexpected. Just like before, he showed no attachment to his noble title.
“The Warden Household is made up of four siblings. Whether the title of Baron is held by me, my sister, or my brother, it does not matter much.” (Arc)
Arc emphasized the strong bond among the siblings. Indeed, if they were running the household as a family they could trust, it might not matter who became the head. If it would not damage the Baron Warden Household, it would be futile to force them to relinquish the title. Moreover, if the chief priest unilaterally tampered with the noble title, there was no telling what would be said to Casablanca. Furthermore, procedurally, it would be troublesome to report to King Louis.
“After all, the last condition is fine. ‘The Warden household will apologize to the Church’. ‘The Warden household will strive to eliminate heretics within their territory’. Please issue this as a written statement. Once it is announced, the Church army will retreat, having accomplished its objectives.” (Zenon)
“As expected of the Chief Priest. You are a person who understands the situation well. Even if you were born a merchant, you would have been successful.” (Arc)
Arc extended his hand. Zenon responded, and the two of them shook hands firmly.
“Baron. Be careful on your way back. Make sure not to be found by the Holy Knights.” (Zenon)
“Yes. You need not worry. I have excellent guards with me.” (Arc)
When Zenon opened the door to send Arc off, a woman stood upright at the entrance. It seemed she had been keeping watch during the meeting with Arc.
“Well then, Chief Priest. Farewell.” (Arc)
Arc said cheerfully, and he vanished into the darkness along with the woman.
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