The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (4/4 chapters)
Negotiating with the Archbishop of the Church
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“I never dreamed that the Saintess and Prince Harold would come to visit.” (Reginald)
With a cheerful expression, he placed his hand on his chest and bowed.
He is Reginald Sankroft, the head of the Dehaubalz branch of the Baltians Church located in the royal capital. In other words, he is Lloyd’s father.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with us.” (Harold)
I extended my right hand and shook hands with Archbishop Sankroft.
Wow… I thought that as a clergy member, he would have more delicate and beautiful hands, but surprisingly, his hands are thick and rough. Just from that, I can tell he is not just any Archbishop.
“Now, please follow me.” (Reginald)
We followed Archbishop Sankroft and walked through the church.
By the way, I chose to bring Christia with me today instead of Sandra or Monica because what I am about to ask the Archbishop involves her as well.
“So… what brings you here today?” (Reginald)
As soon as we were shown to the reception room and sat on the sofa, Archbishop Sankroft asked.
His demeanor is gentle, but he goes straight to the point. Those rough hands are not just for show.
“Yes. Actually…” (Harold)
I proposed what I had been thinking about for the past week since the day I went to the casino.
“…Free medical treatment for the residents?” (Reginald)
“Yes.” (Harold)
In this world, the Baltians Church is responsible for treating injuries and illnesses. For this reason, one of the conditions to become a clergy member is whether or not one can use healing magic. In fact, the holy knight Carla possesses healing skills, despite her appearance.
“While we generally conduct treatments for the residents as a charitable endeavor, at the same time, the treatment fees are one of the church’s major sources of income. It cannot be simply stopped.” (Reginald)
“Right.” (Harold)
I mean, I knew that, right? As Archbishop Sankroft said, it is also a source of income, but it’s one of the reasons why the Baltians Church has a huge influence with followers all over the world.
“I’m sorry, but Your Highness Harold, there is nothing I can do about this. Moreover, if we were to make it free, the residents would flood the church even for minor injuries or illnesses that don’t really require treatment, and those who truly need care would be left unattended.” (Christia)
“Right.” (Harold)
No, no, I completely agree with what Christia said. As she pointed out, it’s not just a matter of making it free. I think the Holy Kingdom and the Church are managing that balance quite well. However…
“Still, it is a fact that people who could be saved with treatment are dying because they cannot receive care at the church.” (Harold)
“That is true, but…” (Reginald)
To be honest, I don’t want to say this to Christia or Archbishop Sankroft. It should be the responsibility of the Holy Kingdom and the Church to save those people, not the kingdom. After all, right? The kingdom should assist those who cannot afford treatment costs, or at least set up a free clinic limited to about once a week. There should be plenty of ways to do it.
Yet, the Dehaubalz Kingdom… no, almost all countries do not do such things and leave the treatment entirely to the Holy Kingdom and the Church.
“So, for example…” (Harold)
I leaned in closer to both of them and whispered softly.
“…Then, at least it should be possible at this Church.” (Harold)
“Of course, I also believe that doing this elsewhere is impossible, and the fundamental issue is that our kingdom… no, the current king cannot manage it. Let’s hope for the next king.” (Reginald)
“Hehe, you say that quite clearly.” (Christia)
“There’s no point in sugarcoating it.” (Harold)
Christia laughed cheerfully, and I shrugged my shoulders playfully.
Really, the next king (but not me) needs to do their best.
“Well then, since we have come to an agreement, I will prepare it right away.” (Reginald)
“Yes. When that time comes…” (Harold)
I stood up and shook hands with Archbishop Sankroft for the second time.
—
“I’m glad it went well.” (Christia)
After leaving the church, Christia smiled.
“Yeah. It’s all thanks to you being here.” (Harold)
“Hehe, it’s not like that.” (Christia)
Though she humbly denies it, if I had negotiated by myself, he definitely would not have accepted the proposal. It’s because… once Archbishop Sankroft learns of the existence of the Saint Water Jug Aquarius, he would surely try to obtain it by his own means.
In the main scenario of Engage Hazard, titled “Save the Slums!”, Archbishop Sankroft plots various schemes to obtain the “Holy Water Bottle Aquarius” as one of the event bosses. If such a thing exists, it could undermine the dignity of the Baltian Church. Thus, he would seek to steal it using priests and believers from the original owner of the Saint Water Jug Aquarius.
“Christia, I will definitely make it up to you for this.” (Harold)
“Hehe, I’m looking forward to it.” (Christia)
Saying that, Christia showed a joyful smile of the Saintess.
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