Chapter 65

The Mapleleaf Holy Empire.

It is well known that the emperor, who represents the country, is educated as one who carries the blood of the gods.

Long ago, in the place where the current capital is located, there was a religious group called the Mapleleaf Holy Church and a settlement centered around that religion. A certain merchant guild came to visit and settled there.

The saint, who carried the blood of the gods, had been living quietly, only helping those who relied on him. The merchants deeply lamented this.

Why don’t you spread the wonderful teachings of the Mapleleaf Holy Church more widely? Why don’t you try to save more people?

In response to these words, the saint began to spread the teachings of the Mapleleaf Holy Church and declared the establishment of a country to protect the followers.

This is the history of the birth of the Mapleleaf Holy Empire.

From this history, Mapleleaf has focused on the study of healing magic, and people from all over have gathered, making it a major nation in one fell swoop.

When the surrounding small countries were absorbed, the saint began to call himself the emperor.

Was it because the merchants, who realized the power of religion, had an abnormally high sense of business? Or was it because the founder of the religion at that time had such a charismatic influence?

In any case, the Mapleleaf Holy Empire, which prospered and grew into a major nation during the reign of the first emperor, successfully demonstrated its presence.

At that time, major nobles who formed the core of the country were also born, and the position of chancellor, the second highest position in the Holy Empire, was always held by a descendant of the original merchants.

"…Is it because merchants manage the internal affairs that the class system in Mapleleaf is so entrenched?"

When I muttered this, Strass frowned and looked at me.

"…Think about where you are speaking. We are already inside the royal castle."

He said this with a reproachful look.

The place we are now. A spacious room of about twenty tatami mats. Beautiful patterns are painted on the walls and ceiling, and furnishings are arranged at regular intervals along the walls. There are ten comfortable single-seater sofas, each with a small round table attached.

At the only entrance, two silver-armored knights stand motionless, holding their spears like walking sticks. There are two windows, but they are fitted with bars like a prison and cannot be opened.

In this luxurious but slightly suffocating room, Strass, Eliza, and I are sitting side by side, while Colette and Shenli are sitting on the sofa opposite us. Meanwhile, Ail and the others are either looking out the window at the scenery outside or wandering around the room.

I shake my head at Strass’s words.

"As long as it is a system established by the country, it is strange to get angry just because it is pointed out. As a major nation, it should have the magnanimity to explain its own system with confidence."

"O, okay. I understand, so please be quiet."

In response, Strass hurriedly covered my mouth with his hand. I observed his unusually anxious appearance, and he noticed and pulled back.

"A… I’m sorry."

Eliza also looked at the flustered Strass with interest. Indeed, the two knights standing at the entrance are glaring sharply at us, and the atmosphere is not good.

Still, for Strass to be so flustered, Mapleleaf must be a very dangerous country.

Incidentally, the class system I mentioned is a kind of ranking system for citizens within the Mapleleaf Holy Empire.

Perhaps because all the original followers of the Mapleleaf Holy Church were human, sub-humans tend to have lower ranks. However, those who convert to the Mapleleaf Holy Church rise one rank, and those who work as magicians or in government-related jobs rise another rank.

The highest-ranking citizens are human, possess magical talent, and are followers of the Mapleleaf Holy Church involved in the public affairs of the Holy Empire. Conversely, the lowest-ranking citizens are sub-humans, lack magical talent, and are apprentices in general jobs or followers of other religions.

The class system not only affects the way of life and the right to attend educational institutions but also influences the severity of punishments when crimes are committed.

Although there is no slavery, the lowest-ranking citizens in the Mapleleaf Holy Empire are treated almost like slaves. In other words, it is a country where there are always convenient citizens who can be used up with minimal labor costs.

What is terrifying is that the most zealous followers blindly obey, so the highest-ranking citizens can also be conveniently used by the Holy Empire.

In a sense, it could be said that the most efficient country has been created, but I do not like this method.

As I recall and critique the establishment of the Mapleleaf Holy Empire in my mind, the door to the room opens from the outside.

"…Ladies and gentlemen. It is now possible to meet with His Majesty Emperor Diazio of the Mapleleaf Holy Empire. Please, this way."