Chapter 23

【Levstein's Perspective】

"Is there anyone who wishes to discuss anything further?"

Thus spoke the Duke of Levstein, casting his gaze around the table at the assembled lords. They were the lords who held territories in the Hailhord region and were also the foster children of the Duke of Levstein.

Rubarwal Levstein.

The current head of the Levstein ducal family, he was a middle-aged man approaching forty. With ash-blonde hair and deep green eyes, his well-trained physique was evident even through his clothing, and his sharp gaze made it easy to imagine that he was a warrior. The deep wrinkles on his chiseled face made him appear somewhat older than his actual age, but this also lent him a commanding presence that could intimidate others. People who did not know him well would tremble before him, though he had no such intention.

The lords of the Hailhord region had a somewhat special relationship. Over fifty years ago, during the war with the neighboring Grunow Empire, their fathers or grandfathers had fought together as part of the Levstein Margrave's army. The Levstein duchy, which was previously a margraviate, had been supported by a loyal retinue throughout the long and arduous fifty-year war. These were the lords of the Hailhord region.

The path from margrave to duke and the granting of titles to the retainers was not without its twists and turns. At one point, the then-margrave of Levstein found himself in a precarious position. However, due to the efforts of the current King of Ektrem, who was then a prince of twenty, they were granted viscount and baron titles.

Ordinarily, it would be unthinkable to grant titles to the retainers of a single noble family en masse. If there were suspicions of disloyalty or fears of future rebellion, such a thing would never be allowed. Whether the prince who secured this was a man of great righteousness or a thoughtless fool was a matter of debate, and it had sparked significant controversy among the nobility at the time.

"If there is nothing else, this meeting will conclude here. As mentioned, this year has been unusually hot, leading to fires in various regions. It should cool down soon, but ensure that all relevant parties are properly informed."

The Duke of Levstein addressed the gathered lords, emphasizing the need for vigilance. The abnormal heat had caused fires not only in the Hailhord region but throughout the kingdom. Forest fires, factory fires, and residential fires had prompted the king to issue a directive to be on high alert and prepared for any eventuality. Many of these fires were not due to negligence but to unexpected causes, and as a result, the king had instructed that severe penalties be avoided unless there was clear malfeasance or intent. The focus was on recovery and reconstruction rather than punishment.

"There are also reports of unusual movements in the Grunow Empire. While I don't expect immediate trouble, keep an eye on it. It has been over fifty years since the war, but peace has not been absolute. Skirmishes have occurred frequently, and they could escalate into a larger conflict at any time."

The lords nodded in agreement with the Duke's words. As he stood, the lords around the table also rose.

"We are the shield of Ektrem!"

"We are the shield of Ektrem!!!"

"Steel and blood are our honor!"

"Steel and blood are our honor!!!"

"Glory to the Levstein Knights!"

"Glory to the Levstein Knights!!!"

These were the war cries of the "Fifty Years' War" era, used to boost morale before battles. The Levstein Knights no longer existed as an organization, but the lords of the Hailhord region still maintained a strong bond as part of the Levstein Knights.

With the Duke's command to dismiss, the lords saluted and left the room. Normally, a lord's meeting would be followed by a luncheon or an overnight stay, but the current fire situation kept the lords busy. They all wanted to return to their territories as soon as possible. As the Duke escorted them to the entrance, only the Baron of Rimpler remained, waiting for the Duke.

"Is something the matter, Baron Rimpler? Do you need to discuss something?"

It was common for lords to seek individual consultations after meetings. The Duke led the Baron to his office, where knights on either side of the door saluted as they entered. The office was furnished with tasteful decor, reflecting the owner's preference for quality and practicality over appearance.

"Would you like something to drink?"

The Duke offered a bottle of distilled liquor, but the Baron declined, knowing the Duke was aware of his limited tolerance for alcohol. They sat on the sofa, and the Baron seemed hesitant to speak.

"What's the matter, Yoran? There's no need for formality between us, is there?"

Rubarwal spoke in a friendly tone. Despite the formal difference in their positions, the lords of the Hailhord region called each other by their first names in private. Before they were lords, they were comrades in the Levstein Knights. Yoran, being older than Rubarwal, had succeeded to his barony earlier and was one of the few lords skilled in administrative work. Rubarwal had relied on him significantly when he succeeded to his own duchy.

"Actually... I have a bit of a problem and would like your advice, Lord Rubarwal."

Yoran explained the situation.

It seemed that a child with magical potential had appeared in the Rimpler barony, which was a welcome development. Such children were rare, and the Rimpler barony had seen very few in the past.

The child had not met the standard in the magic measurement at age seven, but a few months later, it was discovered that the child could perform the "Miracle of the Gods." This led to suspicions of "academy evasion." The child was suspected of having hidden their true magical potential or of having cheated the measurement.

Talented children who attend the magic academy often show significant growth, but this child had apparently developed their magic independently in a short time, which was highly unusual. The ability to perform the "Miracle of the Gods" suggested that someone had taught the child, and the village chief reported that the village priest was advocating for leniency.

However, the situation became complicated when the church intervened. The bishop of the diocese declared that the child was not evading the academy and threatened to place the child in a monastery if the lord punished them.

By law, children with sufficient magical potential must attend the magic academy at age ten, with a few exceptions, one of which is the monastery. The monastery is a place for those who live according to the teachings of the gods, and the state does not force them to leave. However, if the church were to monopolize children with magical potential by placing them in monasteries, the state would not stand idly by.

The church declared it would protect the child, even if the lord ruled otherwise. Rubarwal, listening silently, frowned deeply.

"Another troublesome matter..."

Rubarwal felt a sense of frustration with the church's interference in the lord's judgment.

The child, being seven, would first attend the magic academy in the duchy. The obligation to attend the national magic academy at age ten is a legal requirement, and the local magic academy at age eight is a ducal requirement. Violating this obligation would warrant punishment, but...

"Have you checked the records?"

"Yes. According to the records I kept, the child did not meet the standard. I also confirmed the records kept in the duchy before the meeting, and they were the same."

Rubarwal leaned back on the sofa, folding his arms. Magic measurements were conducted annually, but the equipment was expensive and only available in the Levstein duchy. Each year, officials from the duchy traveled to the territories to measure and report the results to the local representatives. The same records were kept by the local lords and the duchy. The child not meeting the standard and then exceeding it in a few months, to the point of performing the "Miracle of the Gods," seemed highly unlikely.

"Is such a thing possible?"

Rubarwal understood Yoran's dilemma. Once a lord's judgment was made, it could not be overturned, especially under pressure.

"Have you already made a judgment, Yoran? Have you given any instructions to the officials?"

"No, not yet. After receiving the report from the village chief, I was immediately contacted by the bishop, who wanted to discuss the matter urgently."

"So, you haven't given any instructions to anyone yet?"

"No."

Rubarwal sighed. The church's pressure was concerning, but the records showed the child did not meet the standard. While there was a possibility of cheating, there was also a chance of a measurement error. Rapid growth in a short time was unlikely but not impossible. This case was almost certainly a violation, but with some gray areas.

"Almost a violation, but with some gray areas... very close to a violation."

Rubarwal stood and walked to the cabinet, pouring a finger of distilled liquor into a glass and drinking it in one gulp. The burning heat in his throat settled in his chest, and he exhaled deeply.

"I will lodge a formal protest with the archbishop. Interfering with a lord's judgment is unacceptable. I will make it clear to the archbishop that the church is disrupting the governance of the barony. ...I will speak to the new archbishop, Wagner, who was assigned to the duchy this year."

Even if the child was innocent, the church's interference alone was problematic for governance. The church understood this and usually did not interfere, suggesting there was a reason for this exception.

"The archbishop is quite sharp. He could easily become a cardinal if he wanted. He's a political animal, more suited to the royal court or administrative offices."

"Really?"

"Who knows why he chose to be a priest, but he's firmly on our side."

Despite his clerical appearance, the archbishop was a political figure. He would be more at home in the royal court or high administrative positions.

"I will speak to him, and he can relay the message to the bishop. For now, let's settle this matter."

Yoran nodded, relieved. The church's interference had caused significant stress, and while it was unacceptable, it could not be ignored. The Church of the Light was the state religion, and its influence was significant, with nearly 100% of the population being believers.

"I will re-measure the child's magic potential. Can I borrow the measurement crystal?"

"Of course. Confirm the results and report back to me. If it's not up to standard, we'll need to inform the academy."

Yoran nodded. He would need to visit the office and arrange for the measurement equipment and officials before returning to his barony, a journey that would take over a day due to the forest separating the duchy and the barony.

"If the child meets the standard, show them special favor. Instead of sending them to a facility, make it clear that you are showing them exceptional leniency."

"Of course. What about the person who taught the child the 'Miracle of the Gods'?"

"Do you have any suspects?"

"No. They claim the child learned it independently."

Unlikely, but if they were lying, they could have come up with a better story.

"This time, we'll let it slide. Thanks to their actions, we didn't miss a valuable magic user. We'll overlook it this time."

Yoran stood, thanked Rubarwal, and left the office. He would need to return to his barony as quickly as possible.

Rubarwal moved to his desk and rang the table bell. A butler arrived promptly.

"Send messengers to the academy and the office. I need two of them."

"Understood."

As the butler bowed and left, Rubarwal added, "Tell Magnus to join me later. Bring a few of the more capable ones."

The butler bowed again and left. Rubarwal picked up a pen and began writing the order to the academy.

■■■■■■

【Wagner's Perspective】

In the grand cathedral of the Levstein duchy, the archbishop's office was furnished with lavish decor, more suitable for a noble than a cleric. The current occupant, while feeling uncomfortable with the opulence, decided to keep the furnishings to avoid unnecessary expenses. The church's budget, after all, came from the donations of the faithful.

In the office, Archbishop Wagner and Chief Priest Caralevas were joined by the Duke of Levstein and four of his subordinates.

"Your Excellency, I will certainly issue a stern warning."

Wagner bowed calmly. Dressed in a clean, dignified bishop's robe, his dark brown hair was neatly slicked back, and his sharp blue eyes gave him a predatory aura, even when seated quietly.

Wagner listened attentively to the Duke's protest, which concerned an incident in a neighboring diocese. While the primary responsibility for supervising the bishops lay with the cardinal, the archbishop also had a duty to oversee the neighboring dioceses.

"The king's piety has granted us the utmost consideration, but if this leads to overreach, we must reconsider our position. ...Do you understand?"

"Of course, Your Excellency. We are all grateful for the king's special consideration. I was as surprised as you by this incident, and your anger is justified."

Leaning forward in his seat, the Duke glared at Wagner, who met his gaze head-on. The Duke's imposing figure and the four knights standing behind him added to the pressure. Caralevas, standing behind Wagner, was visibly shaken.

(Perhaps it was a mistake to have him here as a learning experience.)

Caralevas, the closest to becoming a bishop among the priests, would eventually face similar situations. However, this might have been too intense for him.

The Duke's dramatic entrance with his subordinates was intended to emphasize the seriousness of the matter. While Wagner found it somewhat overdone, it had a significant impact on Caralevas.

(One of the knights behind the Duke is Magnus, I believe. He was a general in the lord's army. The others are likely chosen for their imposing presence.)

Wagner smiled at the Duke's obvious theatrics. Such displays were useful for clear communication, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

"What do you intend to do, Your Excellency? This is all because the bishop overstepped his bounds."

Wagner stood and moved to his desk. Caralevas, still supporting himself with his hands on the back of the sofa, seemed on the verge of collapsing.

"There's no need to do anything. The Duke's concerns are valid, and the bishop did overstep. He understands this, so there's no need for a warning."

Wagner opened a drawer and took out two letters. One was from the bishop of the Rimpler barony, and the other from Ladi.

The bishop's letter detailed the incident and reported the overstepping. The bishop understood the gravity of the situation and had written to Wagner, anticipating potential complications. The letter from Ladi provided more context, describing how a young boy used the "Miracle of the Gods" to save people during a fire, leading to the "academy evasion" controversy.

Ladi's letter, filled with excessive praise for the gods and the boy's abilities, took considerable time to read. Despite the over-the-top language, it revealed that the incident occurred in the village of Rish.

(There's Kifurod in that village.)

Ladi's request alone wouldn't have prompted the bishop to act, let alone overstep. But with Kifurod involved, it made sense.

Kifurod, now a village priest, was once the chief priest in the second-largest city in the kingdom. Many, including Wagner, had learned from and been mentored by Kifurod. Despite being demoted due to a political trap, Kifurod's integrity was widely respected. Many still felt a debt of gratitude to him.

Several of Kifurod's former mentees now held high positions in the church and had tried to restore his status, but Kifurod had declined, preferring a quiet life in Rish.

(With Kifurod involved, the pieces fit. It's almost a relief that it was just the bishop.)

Kifurod's influence could have swayed even cardinals. Considering this, the incident was relatively minor.

"Let's hope he is well."

Wagner thought of Kifurod and Ladi, whom he hadn't seen in years. Recalling his time as a priest in Cottontesse, he felt a sense of nostalgia.

However, there was a concerning part in Ladi's letter.

(A child using the 'Miracle of the Gods' without being taught... Is that even possible?)

It was hard to believe. Ladi described it as a sign of divine favor, but the first question was whether it was truly the "Miracle of the Gods."

(Who else in the village can perform the 'Miracle of the Gods'? The first suspect would be her, but...)

It was unlikely. Wagner was certain Ladi would not break her vow with the gods.

(There's not enough information to draw a conclusion. I need more details.)

Wagner reread Ladi's letter, ensuring he hadn't missed anything, then filed it with the bishop's letter.

(If Kifurod is involved, things will likely turn out well. For now, I'll leave it to him.)

If necessary, Kifurod would reach out. Wagner and Caralevas headed to the chapel.